Lil Miss Happy: 100 things no. 4 +

I'm back again with more things that make me happy. Click here to see the others. 

Christmas time. It's such a magical time <3 People generally seem happier too...

India, where I am originally from - it's so beautiful <3 I can't wait to visit it again.

Home decor. I've recently taken a keen interest in shabby chic furniture.

Pancakes - I mean, who doesn't love pancakes?

Ian Harding. This is the reason why I watch Pretty Little Liars.

Old people. I love talking to them - we have a lot to learn from them...

Helping people - nothing brings me more joy than this :)

Although I have never been on one, I 've always wanted to. They look so fascinating :)

Cocktails, mocktails - I just love them.

Being smiled by a random person - or even smiling at someone and making their day :) 

Source 

Lil Miss Greasy: Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry!

I was recently sent this gorgeous dry shampoo from Batiste - in a Cherry scent! I have to admit - this is my favourite packaging! It's so vintage - and looks GORGEOUS on my dresser!

The low down:

''Indulge in the beauty of yesteryear with the new Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo with an unmistakeable fruity fragrance and cute design inspired by our latest love of vintage glamour. Batiste Cherry refreshes the parts other dry shampoos can't reach, leaving your hair revived and fruity when you have far better things to do than wash your hair.''

What does it smell like?  

Pure cherry! I love the smell of cherry...

How do you use it?

Just like the other Batiste Dry Shampoos, shake vigorously before use. Keeping nozzle about 30cm from hair, spray into roots. Massage through with fingertips. Brush and style. I also recommend you use it at night time to prevent any white marks in the morning!

 

What do you think of it?

I've used this product a few times (I tend to wash my hair every 2 days, and apply dry shampoo on the second night before my hair wash). The lovely cherry smell lingered on, and the residue was easily brushed out the next morning.

How much does it cost?

£2.99 for a 200ml bottle

Where can I buy it from?

Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Wilkinsons, Savers and Lloyds pharmacists

P.S - I was sent this product for consideration for a review. Honest opinion - as always!

Lil Miss Loveable: Happy Valentines Day! +

Quick post just to say Happy Valentines Day to all my readers! I love you all :) Thank you for the wonderful comments, tweets, emails etc. etc.!

Hope you've had a fun filled day! I know that you should love each other everyday, but Valentines day gives us an obvious reminder :) 

I spoke to an elderly lady, who said to me 'When you're older, you won't care so much for materialistic items. In fact, you will cherish your friends and family more.'' This conversation definitely made me wiser - and I've learnt to love and appreciate my loved ones even more <3

The jewellery box at the back is what my father bought for my mother on V day! My mother gave it to me though because it looks better in my room lol.

I received this today - a cute selection of Yankee candle goodies (although it was actually for my birthday, not for V day)

My manager gave me a heart shaped chocolate lollipop! He gave it to all the females at work. SO SWEET!!!

What did you get up to today?

Lil Miss Happy: Project Perfect +

I read Flaws and All's post regarding body image recently, and decided to take part in Project Perfect. It involves looking at your image in a positive way.

I think it's a great idea because I always put myself down about my looks - I constantly scrutinise every aspect of my body or face, and constantly try to fit into this ideal image. I have to admit though, I have started being much more confident recently - maybe it's a part of growing up?

To participate, all you have to do is:

1. Post a photo that you like of yourself and say in a couple of sentences why you like it.

2. State some things that you DON'T like yourself but say why others may love to be like that.

3. State 3 things that you DO like about yourself.

 

 

 1) My favourite photo of myself:

 I like this photo of myself because I feel that I look more elegant in Indian clothes. I always feel more comfortable when I am covered up. Also, I managed to do my makeup in 10 minutes - so I was pretty proud of myself ha ha :)

Three things that I don't like about myself, but turned into positives:

1) My hair. It's never looks so sleek and styled as other people. On the other hand, a lot of people have told me that they would love to have my hair as it's so thick and long.

2) My stomach. I have a typical 'apple' body shape, which means that my weight ends up in my stomach. This means - no bikinis (unless I workout pretty hard). Conversely, my arms and legs are slimmer - so at least there's a positive!

3) My cheeks. I have massive cheeks in comparison to my face. They make me look chubby when I smile - which is why I hardly smile in photos. On the other hand, I've been told I have a lovely smile and that my cheeks make me look younger. I do smile a lot in real life though he he.

Three things I like about myself:

1) My figure. Barring my stomach, I really do like my figure. I managed to lose nearly 2 stone, and I did it without giving up my favourite foods. Growing up, I was bullied about my weight, but I'm so glad I managed to do something about it. I take pride in eating healthily and working out - and it's made me a happier and stronger person.

2) My skin colour. I like that it's slightly golden - which means I don't have to tan ;)

3) My legs. I am lucky that my legs have always been quite slim (even when I was overweight!).

I really hope you all do this post :)

Lil Miss Charitable: Avon Empowerment Necklace +

 In celebration of International Women's Day (which is on 8th March), Alesha Dixon, Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador for Avon is launching its new Empowerment necklace and the ‘Pass it On’ initiative.

Shockingly one in four women in the UK experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime, Alesha is calling on people to wear and share the new Avon Empowerment Necklace, which aims to drive support and solidarity for the domestic violence cause. 

Funding for these women’s charities has been cut by 31% and sadly last year on an average day 230 women were turned away from refuges because there was not enough space for them.

The necklace retails at £3.50 and will be available through the Avon website and all proceeds go towards Avon’s domestic violence charity partners Refuge and Women’s Aid.

By wearing and sharing the necklace, we can all help to fund vital support services, so that women can live free from violence.  

The necklace will also look make a beautiful addition as part of your jewellery collection.

The necklace will be available in March 2012, from the Avon website.

Lil Miss Hearty: Healthy lifestyle Part 2 %

I am back again with another healthy eating post. I have avidly been snapping away at the healthy treats that I have been consuming! For me, eating healthily isn't just about losing weight, it's also about my well being. Trust me, you will notice a difference once you start changing your eating habits!

Click here for part one. 

Here's what I have been eating/ doing in order to feel good:

Flaxseed

Flaxseed contains Omega 3 - which is an essential fatty acid that is used by the body and can also help to maintain a healthy heart as well as improving your memory. Even though Omega 3 is a fatty acid, it does not mean it's bad for you! You need it, it's called 'essential fatty acid' for a reason! Flaxseed also contains protein, dietary fibre, lignans (these are high in antioxidants), iron (important for oxygen transport) and zinc (important for immune system function). I purchased this from Holland and Barrett, but you can also find it in major super markets. I add flaxseed to my cereals, smoothies, sandwiches and even curries (two dessert spoons daily). Since I have been consuming flaxseed I have noticed an increase in my energy levels! I am also starting to eat better because I know I will add flaxseed to it!

Dancing:

 On a different note, I received these two babies for Christmas. Just Dance 3 and Zumba Fitness 2 are dance games - and they are so addictive! The Just Dance 3 is very fun, whilst the Zumba one is more of a workout! If you don't like going to the gym, or using typical workout DVD, I suggest these! These make exercise so much more fun! 30 minutes of each DVD and I've accomplished something ;)

Almonds:

 I love snacking on almonds. I tend to have about ten a day! Almonds are a great source of manganese, vitamin E and magnesium (apparently, magnesium can make you feel happier). Almonds are great for your heart, brain as well as boosting your energy levels. Next time you're having a snack attack, eat almonds :) I suggest you buy them from an ethnic store - they are way cheaper!

Apple Cider Vinegar: 

I add a tiny amount and drink this with warm water and lemon. Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, some of which include: weight loss (it helps to break down fat), good for hair and nails (due to its' potassium content), helps regulate blood pressure and if applied to your hair, it can help prevent dandruff.

Pineapple chunks:

 When I eat out for lunch sometimes, I used to have a piece of cake or a cheesecake. Now I tend to replace naughty sweet treats with fruits. I love pineapple (although I do not care so much for canned ones). Pineapples are a great source of vitamin C and manganese. They are good for: your digestion, immune protection, helpful for throat infections and good for oral health.

Granola

If you have a sweet tooth, I would highly suggest granola! Granola is made up of raw nuts, fruit and rolled oats. I tend to eat mine with milk and blueberries. I also love eating it with Greek yoghurt (delicious!) granola will keep you fuller for longer due to the oats. I also recommend avoiding granola with added sugar - you want it to be as healthy as possible. Speaking of blueberries....

Blueberries:

Blueberries are a great source of vitamin K, manganese and vitamin C. Blueberries also contain antioxidants, which we all need. Blueberries help with: boosting your immune system, reducing your risk of cancer as well as aid digestion. I love blueberries - they're so sweet and convenient to eat! I tend to eat the whole box in one go. You can also add them to cereals and smoothies.

Hope you found this post inspiring and useful! I can't tell you how good I feel, just by making small changes to my diet.

Next time you're eating something, think whether the food will benefit your body. Cakes, chocolates and fizzy drinks may taste good, but your body doesn't actually need them. They don't do any good for your body - so only eat them as treats.

Remember, you've only got one body, so make the most of it ;)

 Watch out for part 3....

Lil Miss Luxurious: Wild Body Care Review +

As a beauty blogger, I love experimenting with new products. A few weeks ago, a company called 'Wild' contacted me, and asked whether I would like to try their products. I jumped at the chance because the products had no nasty chemicals and were of Fair Trade produce.

I received a 'Romantic Soap with Shea and Marula'

The Low Down:

WILD soap is made from a unique blend of oils from Africa. With added coconut to help create a high lathering bar and pure essential oils that bring a soft fragrance to complement the body butter, our Romantic Soap will leave you enveloped in a heady mix of delicate and exotic flowers, ready for sweet nothings and words of love.

What is Marula?
Marula fruit is derived from the Marula tree (which is linked to romance, love and fertility). Marula is one of Africa's largest treasures. It is rich in minerals and vitamins; the oil is rich in antioxidants and oleic acid, which is an essential component for the maintenance of healthy skin.

Ingredients:

Cocos Nuciferam, Helianthus, Citrullus, Adonsonia Digitata, Sclerocarya birrea, Calodendrum Capense, Butyrospermum Parkii, Canaga Odorato, Lavemdula Augustifolia, Pogostemon Cablin, Citrus Dulcis, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

Price:

£5.25 for a 200g bar. Available from here

 What did you think?

Initially, I found the soap quite drying (soaps tends to be quite drying anyway), but after a few uses it felt very moisturising. I love how the soap does not have any parabens, SLS or other nasties. The smell of the soap is not what I usually go for (I usually go for sickly sweet scents), BUT it has essential oils such as lavender and Ylang Ylang which are great for your skin as well as your well being.

I also received a gorgeous body butter to match the soap!

The Romantic Body Butter with Shea and Marula

 

What did you think?

This is probably the best body butter I have tried. I have to admit, I love moisturising my skin! I go through tubs of body butter every month. The Wild body butter is very thick and rich. I only use a tiny amount to moisturise my body. This product is packed with essential oils, and the scent of lavender seems to stick out the most. I also LOVE the packaging - so pretty! It looks gorgeous on my dresser.

Can you see a heart in this picture? :P

 Ingredients:

 Aqua, Butyrospermum Parkii, Sclerocarya Birrea, Cocos Nucifera, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Glyceril Stearate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate(Vit E), Canaga Odorato, Lavendula Angustifolia, Pogostemon Cablin, Citrus Dulcis, Phenoxyethanol, Caprlyl Glycol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

Price:

£14.50 for 170ml of product. The product is pricey, BUT it is very moisturising so a little goes a long way. The fact that the product is free from nasties AND is of Fair Trade produce justify the price. Available from here.

These products are perfect for Valentines day, especially with the addition of Ylang Ylang, which is known for its' aphrodisiac qualities ;)

 When you buy the products from the website, you will receive in a gorgeous bag made from African fabric.

 If you want to find out more about Wild products, click here :)

 Note: Even though the products were sent to me for a consideration of a review, my opinion is super honest (as always!)