Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Kabuki Brush

Real Technique make-up brushes have transformed how I use make-up, I've repurchased the Core Collection a number of times as it's such a great set for the basics - foundation, blusher, eye/ lip / brow detail.  I've got a fair few of the other Real Technique brushes, the Expert Face Brush and the Start Set I've already reviewed in this blog but I'm sure the others will all be popping up on here at some point - let me know in the comments below if you would like see more on my full collection.

We are no way near the stage where we should be buying ornaments or soft furnishings for our new house, but I can't go into TK Maxx without coming out without at least a few bits and pieces - it's an Aladdin's cave of loveliness for the home, and more!

When we popped in the TK Maxx Home Store, HomeSense, looking for a larger piece or furniture all thoughts of a coffee table or chair went out of the window when I spotted the glass trinket boxes for only £7.99 each.  Both trinket boxes came with a 'Passport to India' label - I wonder if this is a TK Maxx brand as I can't find anything about Passport to India on the web.  I'm not sure what I'll end up storing in these little beauties but I plan on displaying them on them the shelves we plan on installing in the alcove of our living room.

I can't ever resist giving ALL the candles in TK Maxx a good stiff, the Pecksniff's Gardenia & White Peach candle has that lovely fresh laundry smell and with a pretty little silver lid, I couldn't resist taking it home - to also sit on the living room shelves, once they're up!

The last, and possibly my favourite new item, is the cute little wise words journal.  As soon as I picked up the journal Chris asked whether I really needed another note book that I wrote next to nothing in - I suppose he's right, but of course my answer was YES!  how could I resist that little owl motif! 

Are you like me in TK Maxx or HomeSense - never able to leave without a little something?  Let me know if you've picked up any bargains recently!

RMK Cleansing Balm | £29 (lookfantastic.com)

It's been so long since I've posted a beauty review I've almost forgotten how to do it!  However, I've been thinking a lot recently about purchasing the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, but I'm struggling to part with that much cash!  To placate myself I decided to shop my stash... I am try to save money to do up my new house after all!  A cleansing balm that I found hidden away and, on (re)discovery, loved so much that I used it all up in a few short weeks is the RMK Cleansing Balm.  One of my all time favourite scents is rose, so this product was an absolute joy for me to use - with one of the main ingredients boasted in the product being damascus rose oil, perfect for repairing dry skin from irritation, inflammation and breakouts.  

My skin feels seriously hydrated and incredibly clean after every use.  The solid texture of this balm at first is a little unusual but it melts into what feels like a completely different product, almost oil like, which is so silky and light it clears all make-up without leaving any residue... just that gorgeous rose scent!  The product is effective enough to clear all make-up (to really clear heavy mascara a double cleanse is most effective) though gently enough to use around the eyes.  When I had the product on the go I would use the balm morning and night, directly onto dry skin, after massaging a good amount all over my face and neck I would use a damp hot cloth to gentle remove the product - often resting the hot cloth on my face before removing the product so I could enjoy the beautiful rose scent!

I was so happy with my skin when using the RMK Cleansing Balm, it felt glowy and relatively spot free.  The biggest bonus was that the balm didn't dry my skin out at all - the all time turn off with a cleanser!  I'd happily repurchase, but what do you guys think?  Have any of you tried both this and the Emma Hardie Cleansing balm, if so let me know which you'd recommend... I'm still tempted that most popular product right now!

1. Made.com Gold Florence Pendant Light  2. BHS Lennon 2 Seater Sofa  3. Zara Patchwork Leather Rug  4. Made.com Carraway square Scatter Cushions  5. Made.com Hendrix Woven Skull Cushion  6. Zara Multicoloured Circular Vase  7. Habitat Large Joyce Acacia Coffee Table  8. H&M Moss-Knit Yellow Throw

Just before Christmas we moved into our new home.  It was a long time in the search - 38 house viewings and 6 months to be precise!  We really didn't want a temporary house, which is what our last place felt like (though we loved it!) so I'm really glad we waited for right place.  The location and outlook of the property is what really swayed it for us, and although every room needs something doing to it we were both excited about the potential!

In between family visits and Christmas shopping we (Chris more like) started chipping away at the living room.  We had a hard decision to make, but we decided to take the first step by remove the gorgeous carpet, yeah right!... What would you know, the room looked better straight away!  The photos below show our progress so far - sorry there are a few iPhone pictures in the mix!

As you can see we have painted the walls a light grey (Dulux Egyptian Cotton) and painted the ceiling, coving, skirting and fire surround white.  I love it!  The white fire surround makes all the difference in giving the room a facelift.  Our plans are to lay a dark real wood floor.  We wanted to strip the floorboards as they're in great condition, but we're going to put a new floor in the dining room, kitchen and hall so didn't want to be stepping down a few centimetres into the living room!  We also want to fit some white blinds and then for the fun bit, furniture and accessories!  Chris and I have both agreed we want a stylish grey sofa but I also can't help browsing for decor accessories! 

Because the room is going to be very grey and light I want there to be a lot of bright accents to set it off.  I've put together a few of the pieces that I've been coveting in this post.  Made.com has been my mecca recently, I love the brightly coloured cushions as well a nice statement light fitting!  I can't wait to hit the shops and show you guys the finished room!

Follow us on this blog as we renovate and decorate our new home!  Exciting!