Tag: Lush

What I Got For My 25th Birthday!

2 Comments

I asked over on Twitter (@chlometzger, if you’re not already following) if anyone would like to see what I received for my birthday this year and 90% said yes, so lucky you. This year I had a truly wonderful time and felt so loved, so much so it knocked me for six. If any of you reading were a part of it, thank you so much.

So, let’s get into the gifts.

This was a huge surprise but SO exciting, I absolutely love Loungefly bags. I didn’t expect my Mum to find one so it was a big surprise when I opened the box it came in! An R2-D2 Loungefly bag!!

I also got the Lego Knight bus, within 24 hours of recieving it I’d finished building it and now I’m eyeing up the castle set again…my bank account does not agree with this decision. I also got a super cute balloon.

Now let’s get around to the books! From my friend Charissa I received Two Can Keep A Secret & The Confessions of Frannie Langton both of which I’ve been waiting to read for ages. My friend Sarah got me Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, an LGBT graphic novel I’ve heard a LOT about.

Next up are two books I bought with a gift card from a special rabbit (yes, you read that right) so I picked up the graphic novel of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and the City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab.

My parents got me A Very Large Expanse of Sea, another book I’ve been meaning to get to for a while. I also received a copy of Archie 1941 from my friend Joe because he knows I’ve been waiting for it to come out as a trade rather than single issues. He also got me a Saga pin for my jacket and another that says Birthday Stud…I proudly wore it around London.

Ali did good this year, I’ve been thinking about getting some better headphones for a while now and he found me these and they are a dreeeeeam. Also got them in my favourite colour – he’s going to be a good husband.

Next up my grandparents got me this beautiful shirt with animals all over, so damn cute. They also got me a Lush set which is perfect because as the weather gets colder I want to have ALL OF THE BATHS. It also included one of my all time favourites, Sex Bomb.

My lovely Lucy and godkids got me Coda, I don’t know much about it but I’m looking forward to a new graphic novel. She also painted a picture of me and Ali which she’s still finishing up – it’s incredible and I’ll be sharing it on my Instagram (@chloemetz_) when it’s ready!

I was also lucky enough to get a new Pandora charm from my Mother-in-Law because she’s bloody adorable.

Next up some more gifts from friends Abbie, Ben & Sarah. I got some new fox socks, some new kick ass badges for my jacket. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate my friends love for my butt. Loving it.

I also got 2 new notebooks and a pack of yummy fudge! And I also got a handmade jumper (my friends Mum is secretly Mrs Weasley) it is so warm and snuggly. This is my second jumper like this and again, it’s in my favourite colour.

I’ve finally reached the age where my family will buy me chocolate and alcohol for my birthday hallelujah. 4 different type of Hotel Chocolate that I haven’t tried before and some Chocolate Gin? HELL TO THE YES. Also, so far, so delicious.

My sister came through too with new make-up. Another amazing Naked palette which is amazing and looks so good. She also got me some more brushes which she’ll teach me to use and some new lipstick to try.

What more needs to be said? My grandparents know. Also, look at this cute Fox they also go me! He’s called Basil.

I have wanted some of these cupcakes from this specific lady for a few years and as a surprise my Mum got these made for me. They didn’t last long but tasted so, so good.

Also there were some great Harry Potter gifts. My friend Corrie went and found me a new list pad and some badges as well as some lovely chocolaty goodies too.

My Mum also found these ADORABLE little Harry Potter plushies and aren’t they so cute? I love them.

She also found me a personal size Gryffindor cake. Currently, it’s survived all the eating but I’m sure it will disappear soon…

I was also lucky enough to receive money, although obviously there’s no need for pictures of that!

So there it is! The wonderful gifts I received for my 25th birthday! Are there any you like the look of? Let me know in the comments below!

How I Unwind After A Long Day

How I Unwind After A Long Day

1 Comment

The only thing I want to do after a long day, particularly one in the city, is relax. I’m not the best person at relaxing…I’m actually quite terrible but there are some things I can do to help myself out.

Lush Bath

I love a good Lush bath to unwind. I’m always a big fan of something sweet as well as colourful, oh and glitter. I’m not afraid of glitter. Luxury Lush Pud below!

Lush Bath

Comfy Clothes

On with the pyjama bottoms and a baggy t-shirt. If I’ve had a long day, it normally means I’m quite achy too

My home is my space and I want to be as comfortable as possible, you’ll also find that my make up is scrubbed off my face at home.

Slipper Socks or Fluffy Socks

I’m a huge fan of fluffy socks or slipper socks, even better if they have woodland creatures on them (I have two fox pairs as I write this).

I’m always cold and not a big fan of regular slippers so these are a dream. Buy yourself a pair and you will never look back.

A Cup Of Tea

I have a mug that is almost as big as my face because I love tea that much. Getting a good cuppa and curling up is a very British way to chill out but it’s one of my favourite ways to do so. If you’re wondering, it’s milk and two sugars.

Mug and Socks

A Good Book

I’ll read at any time but it’s one of the very few ways I can really relax and switch off from real life. I get invested in the story, which is why I’m also not afraid to discard a book if I’m not interested!

It sounds cliché but I really can get lost in a good book. Everything else disappears and it’s just me and the story.

Sleep

An early night does the world of good, and sometimes that’s all you need.

What helps you relax? I’d love to know below!

February Favourites!

2 Comments

It’s come around again it’s time for my monthly favourites!

Books: 

This month I’ve read a fair amount (although maybe not as much as I’d like) and three books have stood out to me. The first was sent to me by Diamond Press, it’s called March and is a graphic novel written by John Lewis, a key figure in the Civil Rights movement, this is the first in a three-part series and I can’t wait to read the rest. Secondly is Here We Are, I reviewed this (catch it here) and raved about it because it is an incredible book, full of inclusion, intelligence as well as being fun! And finally, although I haven’t finished reading it, I am in love with Giovanna Fletchers newest book about being a mother. It’s not something I personally know anything about, being a mother, but I love the way Gi writes (I found her on her Youtube channel)  and it makes me feel better about the prospect of being a mother in the future.

Music: 

This month was very Busted orientated, earlier this month Abbie and I went to see Busted live (again) on their Midnight Driver tour. I’ve listened to the album a lot this month it’s got an 80s vibe to it and a lot of great and upbeat tracks. Ed Sheeran also dropped a few songs this month which I’ve been obsessively listening to (while getting ready to go see him on tour later in the year). Last but not least two bands I’ve been listening to are Lower Than Atlantis and their new album Safe in Sound, I’ve also been listening to a band called Broadside thanks to my lovely boyfriend Ali.

Shop: 

images

After the move it’s been a quite quiet month in terms of any spending. Instead, I’ve been doing a lot of window shopping, particularly in Oasis’s where I’ve fallen in love with their latest pieces!

Watching:

Yep, my viewing has been a little dark and very Netflix orientated this month. I wanted to start a new series and had heard great things about How To Get Away With Murder, so I started to watch. I also noticed that The People vs O J Simpson had been added, which I loved when it aired last year. Hopefully next months viewing will be little lighter!

General: 

I’ve really embraced Lush baths to ease the pain of my back which has produced some beautiful colours! I also received some lovely gifts after coming home including a swear word colouring book and flowers! On the subject of food I’ve been loving Tetley Boost teas and getting into my own baking! I’m also loving the new Powerpuff Girls range that Primark are embracing at the moment, I LOVED the Powerpuff Girls growing up so my Mum treated me to these. And finally my first gym session post injection, I was so proud of myself- read about it here.

What have your favourite things been this month? Any recommendations? Let me know in the comments below!

Going Cruelty Free – Makeup

2 Comments

pexels-photo-129896-large

I love animals. From the moment I was brought home from the hospital I have been around animals. There have been cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, birds and fish in my family home alone. I’ve been shopping in Lush for years, since we first got a store in Basingstoke, but while I wanted to be kinder to animals as a cash strapped teenager almost 10 years ago (man I feel old) there wasn’t a lot of affordable stuff on the market. A few weeks ago I learnt the horrifying truth about how fur clothing was made, I’d always know it was horrific but I’d never found out how much so. While I’ve never worn fur, I thought a lot about animal cruelty and decided that I wanted to try and help, by not giving money to companies who test on animals, so that meant new make up.

Now, I don’t wear much make up, I’ve never been a huge fan but this was important to me. I want to clear some things up though, when talking about this change I was challenged over the fact that I eat meat and dairy. I am not a vegan, nor am I a vegetarian and that is my choice and partly for medical reasons. I am helping in a way that I can. So, here are a few of my starter purchases. Also, this isn’t me becoming a beauty blogger, my 15 year old sister teaches me to do my make up and gives me brands to try.

img_0874

Barry M Lipsticks 

I love a good Lipstick and while my favourite is MAC (see a statement about them later) so I also wanted some great new lipsticks and Barry M are cruelty free, which surprised me. While these do need care when applying and possibly a lip liner they have good colour.

img_0876

Lottie Loves London Nail Varnish 

Again, something I was concerned about, nail varnish. I’ve been pleasantly surprised gorgeous colours and it holds really well (which I need because I chip my nails all the time).

img_0879

Bare Minerals Set 

My skin is prone to break-outs, something I have been self concious about in the past. My Mum and sister use this so I found a set in TK Maxx and gave it a go. For the first time ever I’ve found something that doesn’t hurt my skin and it’s easy to apply, which for someone who didn’t start using make up often until she was at university is helpful.

img_0878

Barry M Lash Vegas Mascara and MUA Intense Glitter Pencil 

I’ll admit I got the glitter pencil by accident BUT it’s better than almost all of the eyeliners I’ve tried. Also have no complaints about the new Mascara, looks good and doesn’t sting my eyes. Always a plus.

About MAC 

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I have a love affair with MAC, which left me with a dilemma. Did they test, didn’t they test? I found this statement online to inform you all of their stance on Animal Testing.

screen-shot-2016-10-05-at-20-22-36

Now I’ve been getting into some more research I have a list of brands I want to try next, let me know in the comments if there are any you’ve tried or any more I should add!

Elf

Urban Decay

Kat Von D

Red Apple Lipstick

B.

theBalm

Burt’s Bees

Inkia

Paul Mitchell Hair Range

Sunday Seven: Lush Halloween and Christmas Haul!

Leave a comment

As I mentioned in last weeks Sunday Seven, one of my favourite things about Autumn is the new Lush products that come in every year. So what better way to celebrate them than share them with you!! After shopping with my fellow Lush addict Abbie I picked out a few to share with you! For the most part I’ve tried to include new bath ballistics (I wanted to pick up all the shower stuff too but, you know girls gotta eat), whether they are new to store or just new to me. Just to note, this post is NOT sponsored in any way.

img_0851

Pumpkin

This is a hot contender for one of my favourite bath products EVER, I don’t remember seeing this one last year but I am in LOVE with it and so glad I bought two. It smells like refreshers and makes the bath a beautiful shade of orange. They’re only in store until Halloween though, so get moving!

img_0847

Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bar

So. Much. Glitter. This is one that’s been around for a while but it just screams Halloween to me. On the other hand my boyfriend hates it because he always ends up with glitter all over him. Sorry not sorry.

img_0860

Northern Lights 

Both Abbie and I are SO excited about using this, because of what we’ve seen on Lush’s Instagram. The colours and magic that are in this are incredible. It also smells delicious.

img_0855

Lord of Misrule

I used the shower gel constantly so I’m in love with the smell but I’ve been told by the brilliant Lush staff that there is a surprise, it looks green but you’ll end up with a beautiful red bath!

img_0870

Shoot for the Stars 

I’ll be honest I went for this one because of the colour and the glitter, it smells pretty good too.

img_0863

Never Mind The Ballistics 

Not only does this smell scrummy, it’s also got a nice smooth, and slightly strange, texture on the top. Oh and it’s named with a punk theme, Lush are just incredible human beings.

img_0857

Star Dust

This is for a much more chilled out bath. While it smells lovely (although I can’t quite make out what it is) it’s very relaxing and Abbie and I have suspicion that it also has some beautiful colourful surprises that await.

img_0864

Candy Mountain

Now I know this is Sunday Seven buuuuut I’ve snuck in one of my all time favourites. This beautifully sweet bubble bar is one of my favourite christmas scents. Mmm, mmm, mm.

What are some of your Lush favourites? Are there any more I should try? Let me know in the comments below!

Sunday Seven: Best Things About Autumn

1 Comment

sunday-seven-autumn-favourites

This week welcomed the first day of Autumn, which I was stupidly excited about. I absolutely love Autumn, it’s my favourite season of the year, because the sun can still be shining but it’s also great to snuggle up with blankets, books and tea. To honor the amazing season finally coming around this weeks Sunday Seven is dedicated to the great things to look forward to in Autumn.

Going back to Jumpers, Scarfs and Hats! Come at me! 

img_5221

Although I am prone to losing a hat or a scarf sometimes I absolutely love getting snuggled up and I can wear chunky jumpers to work with some tights and a nice skirt, SO much easier to be comfortable and look good in the Autumn.

Lush’s Halloween and Christmas Ranges Are Out! 

img_0769

I’m a HUGE Lush fan, Autumn is my favourite time of year for their products with two new lots of seasonal items. After popping in to get some Pumpkin Bath Bombs yesterday, Abbie and I will be heading back next weekend when their Christmas range hits the shop! I’m also planning a trip to their Oxford Street shop to pick up some exclusives! To see the whole range (which is going to take most of my bank account) go to their website.

Hot Chocolate, Lots and Lots of Hot Chocolate

img_0677

Mmmm, mmm, mmm.

Morning Sunshine 

img_6213

Crisp air and August Sunshine makes getting up that little bit easier.

Comfort Food 

img_0520

Pies, Stews, Cakes, ALL THE FOOD.

Onesie and Fluffy Pyjama Life 

img_5990

I’m a huge onesie fan. I have more than I’m going to admit and there’s nothing better than a good pair of Primark chunky PJs on a cold night.

Bonfire Night (UK only) and Halloween  

pexels-photo-93000-large

In the UK we have Bonfire Night. It’s a night full of Fireworks, Bonfires and Sparklers. I have so many fond memories of being wrapped up in layers and heading to the local War Memorial Park with my family to watch the town fireworks, sadly it’s been cancelled this year due to costs. That said Autumn also brings Halloween! Although this year it’s on a Monday, which means I will be eating sweets and waiting for Trick or Treaters!

What are your favourite things about Autumn? Let me know in the comments below!