Currently Loving - August

I cannot believe how far we are through August already, it's flying by. I've been working hard the last few weeks in my little office on the set up of Three Little Búhos Stationery ready for the approaching launch- more about that next week- and I've found that there have been a few things that I have just been loving.

What do we have here then?:

Ohh Deer Black Cacti A4ish Notebook:
How pretty is this notebook?! I got it as part of my monthly Papergang subscription a few months back and have been saving it for something special. It turns out that the something special would be the start up of my little business. It hasn't really left my side since I started planning nearly a month ago. The pages are grid pattern so I've been able to use them for jotting out sums clearly as well as filling with mind maps, plans and stock ideas. You can pick one up for £4.95 *here*.

Staedtler Triplus Fineliners 36 Pack:
These are actually on offer in the back to school section of Asda at the moment for £9 which is a total bargain. I've always liked to write in fineliner and as a leftie with bad pen grip, these are perfect with their triangular barrel. I'm using these daily at the moment and colour coordinating different types of stock with different pens (I'm a sucker for a pretty page!) and the fact that the packet also contains 6 neon pens is just an exciting bonus.

Dream and Explore Pen:
Hands up, I snaffled this from my stock when it arrived because its so pretty. It's just a simple black ink gel pen but it writes beautifully. I also love the purple twilight colours and stars. Its hard to see from this photo but it also says "dream and explore". It's pen love. These will be available shortly from Three Little Búhos Stationery.

Ohh Deer Mini Bird Scissors:
These are another Papergang subscription item, they may have even come in the same box as the cacti notebook, but these little scissors are great for my planner as they can just be slipped in to one of the pockets, they are the right size for cutting washi tape and just really cute. They aren't on the Ohh Deer website at the moment but I saw on Instagram that they will be soon.

Heidi Swapp Glittered Hole Reinforcement Stickers:
I get through so many of these! If you follow me on Instagram *here* then you'll have noticed that I reinforce all of my holes with these. They're so pretty and also nice and thick meaning I won't be able to accidentally rip my pages from the rings. I picked them up from one of my favourite stationery shops; Bonbons Kawaii *here* for £2.20 in the sale. I think I have like five packets of them stashed away now haha!

Small Town Washi Tape:
This is another item that I am going to be stocking when I open Three Little Búhos Stationery. I had a roll that was a slight second so I wrote it off and I've been finding lots of uses for it. It's just so cute! I ordered it because I fell in love with the sleepy little star lit town and it's just as beautiful in reality.

Tesco Free From Choc Bar:
Not stationery but definitely planner fuel! I've recently had to cut out gluten, soya and hugely reduce dairy from my diet due to being under investigation for endometriosis and that's pretty tough on a chocolate lover! The Tesco free from chocolate is my favourite alternative that I've found so far. It actually tastes like the real deal!

Phew, this has turned into a really long post. If you made it this far then well done :) What have you been loving in August?

Annie x

June Favourites 2014

So, I'm currently propped up in bed ill, with not enough energy to really allow me to do much more than watch Netflix and browse Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/lampysplace/ if you're interested in beauty, home decor and recipes). At least Lolly the Grumpy Kitty is enjoying having some company.

I've been a bit naughty lately and treated myself to new products from some of the limited edition MAC collections as well as a Hugo Boss Deep Red perfume, however, I'm trying not to feel too guilty because they have all become instant favourites, alongside several golden oldies that I have been loving lately.

I've mentioned the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid foundation (review *here*) many times before and it is a foundation that I still keep returning too when I want a nice even coverage that looks natural yet hides a multitude of sins. I went back to using this lately after the madness I had with the Seventeen Miracle Matte Foundation (review *here*) and have fallen right back in love with it.
The first of my little MAC purchases was from the Disney Maleficent collection in the form of the sculpting powder in shade Sculpt which is a tan matte powder perfect for contouring along cheek bones for a defined look. Whilst it is now out of stock, the closest MAC bronzer I can find is *here*.
Its unfortunate but just an accepted fact that I sometimes have trouble with spot prone skin. I don't know why because I eat healthily, take care of my face and don't have excessively oily skin but I guess it's just one of those things. Nothing works as well for me as the Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel (review *here*)which has been getting a lot of use during the last month as my skin grumps about the hot weather.
When the weather is warm I tend to avoid too much eye makeup because I find that it tend to smudge a little and just end up looking less pristine than I would like. This summer, instead, I have been sweeping on a couple of coats of the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara* (review *here*) which never fails to impress me with its results. It coats and lifts eyelashes instantly mking them look fuller and longer and the result lasts all day without smudging or clumping. Its a firm favourite.
My other naughty MAC purchase was the Mineralise Skinfinish Duo in Jolly Good (review in the next couple of days) from the Kelly Osbourne collection which is still in stock in a lot of stores so you can grab it if you're quick! This soft bronze powder is perfect for fair skinned girls like me who want to add a touch of warmth but nothing too dark. I either use it lightly all over for a glowing look or pair with the Maleficent powder to contour my cheek bones.
Finally, a perfume that I wanted for a long long time and finally bought myself a few weeks ago. Deep Red is a really warm, yet soft and sensual smell which is womanly without being overly sweet. Right now I can't get enough of it!

What have been your favourites recently? Have you tried any of these products? What were your thoughts?

Annie xx

February Favourites 2014!

February has felt like a month of recovering from winter and getting excited about spring this year and I've found myself reaching for spring ready makeup more and more in the last couple of weeks and I think this months favourite products really reflect that.

I love a nice flawless base and I find that the lovely fresh weather we've been having lately suits the Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation perfectly. It is a good coverage for building up a medium level of coverage with the smallest amount and where the formula has been whipped into a light mousse it still lets skin breath. I've been pairing it with a beautiful coral pink baked blush from Accessorize for a glowing, light flush of colour. The small amount of shimmer hits the light and gives a sheen that enhances cheekbones.
I've also been focusing on bold eye makeup lately, giving some less tried out products a trial so lips have been kept nice and simple. I've found myself reaching regularly for my Brave lipstick from MAC which was actually the first MAC lipstick I ever owned. It is a pinky nude shade that is barely there but gives lips a beautiful definition and lasts for hours. On drier lip days I've been whipping out a little piece of Lush history in the form of the Snow Fairy Lip Tint which combines the benefits of a lip balm with a slight wash of colour. It also tastes just like their Bubblegum Lip Scrub. I'd say that whilst this is no longer available to buy it is very comparable to the Maybelline Baby Lips products.
To complete my spring ready vibe I've been dousing myself in my all time favourite perfume; Moschino Funny which has been my signature summer scent for years now. Its full of beautifully bold fruity notes and to me just sums up so many happy years.
Finally, because no matter how much I try to deny it, it is still kind of winter out there and so my skin is still annoyingly dry I've been treating it to a daily helping of the rich and deeply moisturising Ambre Vanille Souffle Body Cream. I cannot get enogh of this stuff! It works wonders on my skin and smells completely out of this world. It's such a sophisticated, sensual smell- nothing like your average vanilla scent.

What products have you been loving during February? Have you tried any of these before? What did you think?
Annie xx