Best Beauty Buy *1

Hey guys!

How is your weekend going? Ive spent the day looking round hardware stores, looking for bits and pieces for my new home :) currently getting the new bathroom fitted, so looking for tiles. Spent 3 hours today looking at different tiles, but finally narrowed it all down! I'm off to Leeds tomorrow to visit my bb Steph for the night, so makes up for today.

I thought I would start doing a best beauty buy weekly update, just on items that I have been buying and loving.

Todays first BBB is the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation (£5.99 in most stores). I usually use Esteé Lauder Double Wear Foundation, but saw this one when I went to London a few weeks ago, and thought I would give this a go. OH MY GOD I LOVE IT. I don't get as shiny with this as I sometimes do wearing the Double Wear, plus it lasts me all day at work for a fraction of the price tag! Its also to remove on a night time, which is perfect when all you want to do when you go to bed. What more could a girl want?!

x

Simply Be- Bespoke

I firstly would like to apologise to Simply Be and Kelly Ward- I was meant to post this a week or so ago, and I just have not had time and had a few things on at the moment, but I guess its better late than never! :)

Hello everyone :)

Just thought I would share with you some fabulous shoes that I was sent to review a while ago. I was approached by Simply Be to review a pair of shoes that I would wear on New Years Eve/ Party season. Now, obviously it has passed party season, but as I have already stated, life has got in the way of things so I am a little behind! 

If you haven't heard of Simply Be, then if you are plus sized you are CRAYYZEEE. Simply Be are one of the biggest brands in the plus sized fashion world, specialising in sizes 14-32. In the past few years, Simply Be have gone from being a parcel post service, to opening 9 stores across the country. I am uber lucky as there is one 10 minutes away from my home, so I am always popping in, and end up coming out with a bargain or three!

So, when receiving the heels, I did fall a little bit in love with them. I love a sling back style, as I have one foot slightly smaller than the other and do sometimes end up with my foot sliding out of the shoe. However, with these babies, I had no issue with that, especially as you can tighten or loosen them with the buckle. The yellow is a little on the bright side to what I would usually wear on my feet, however they do give them an edge and gave a bit of colour to my outfit. 

I forgot to mention I m rubbish at heels. Wedges- yes. Flatforms- my best friend. But heels are usually a no go for me as I end up looking like I have a broom inserted somewhere- not a good look! Usually, its because the balls of my feet are at such an angle, it causes my feet to hurt. However, these heels have an inch heel at the front, giving my tootsies a little rest and not as much pressure on my feet. Win win, I would say!

I have teamed my shoes with a dress from Asos Curve, bought a while ago, so don't remember how much it is. Its a staple for me when I am in need of doing a work to dinner out after work outfit- plus being a nurse I need to wear something smart for work, so usually team it with my kimono from H&M.

So, overall, I love them. Converted me to not always wearing wedges on nights out and special occasions. The comfort from the sole of the shoe also helps you to walk well and is always an added bonus. Would I buy any heels from these guys? Of course, but then again, I would say 60% of my wardrobe is already from Simply Be- so where is my credit card? Lets go shopping!

Link to shoes

:) x

Life goes on...

Hello all :)

Its been almost a year since I wrote my last blog post. Not gonna lie, I fell out of love with blogging. I haven't read a blog post since then neither, apart from a couple of my favourite blogs (here, here and here) which I follow on twitter, so whenever a link was posted I would read. I guess when I started to blog (2010 I think, should really remember this!) the plus size community wasn't that big, and I attended an event in London and met a load of really cool ladies, most of which I still keep in contact with now. I loved helping Lauren set up Plus North; amongst many other fabulous people, and we had a hoot of a time- but since it has kinda exploded and is a huge thing now (hello, its actually recognised at LFW!!) and loads of people have jumped on the band wagon, it kinda threw me. When you found a new blog, it was really exciting, seeing what other people liked and disliked etc- but a load of people I was reading were basically begging for free stuff. Thats not cool. Its kinda sad.

If companies and lovely PR people wish to send you items to review (co-incidently Ive had two approach me the past month, even though I haven't been blogging) then its a privilege, not an automatic thing for you to get. Now I am not slagging people off who get items to review in case anyone reads it like that- its people who think they should get stuff for writing a few lines and thats it.  When I started to blog, it was about making friends in a fabulous community who didn't judge, nor did they expect anything and stupid politics weren't brought up into it.

So anyway, thats my whinging over with haha! I am back. Over the next week or so I may change a few things on here (even though I am rubbish at any computer coding etc, especially since I haven't learned all the different codes for my mac D: ) but I will get there. I will also be posting regularly, starting with a lovely pair of heels I was sent by the fabulous people over at Simply Be, but it will be around my work and personal life. Originally, I started the blog just to review fashion and beauty items that I had heard about or purchased, but I think its going to be about everything. My life, my loves, my passions.

So hop on, get a drink and a biscuit (or two), and jump on the ride.
Enjoy x

P.S- when I got my new phone, I lost my twitter log in etc and due to my old email being linked to it and that being hacked, I created a new twitter. Its Sophie_Marie22, so please go and follow! :)

Graze love ♥

Hey guys!

Sorry I havent blogged in a while, but with working full time and having a list to do on my days off, I don't usually get much free time.

I will do a proper post on Graze on Friday (the start of my TWELVE days off, woo!) but in case anyone knows about Graze already and wants to sample it, I have a code for a free box for you all!

The code you need is XM7RKK6 for your free box! Just click here and it will take you to it.

Im off to the gym now, woo!

xoxo

Graze-ful delight!

Hiyaa my lovely people!

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday- mine is going to be pretty laid back... haven't actually left my bed yet, whoops!

This is only a quick post, I keep meaning to do a January sales blog post... I will get round to it, just had a couple of horrendous weeks at work, but on training now so finish work at a reasonable time and will have time to do it one night this week :)

I just wanted to share a code with you that I used this morning for Graze- a healthy snack delivery company that deliver right to your door. I found this code on a leaflet in Glamour magazine, for a free box, so snapped it up!

When I actually put the code in on the website, you actually get the first and fifth box free, which is pretty good!

So, if you want to see what its like, like moi, then just go to graze.com/glamour then enter the code GLAMOUROFFER. When there, you just pick the foods you like/bin/ like to try and they send you a mix in the post!

Ill let you all know what I get when it arrives! :)

xoxox

tumblr!

Hey guyssss!

How are you all? Hope you are well.

So, the other day, I said I was going to make a new tumblr for weight loss inspiration and tips. I have actually done it before I forgot to do so, woo!

Ive only just created it, and haven't used tumblr for YEARS, so any help or knowledge around it would be great.

If you want to follow me, its 

http://nurseywalton.tumblr.com :)

big loveeee to you all xox

New Year; New Me.

Hi all!

First of all, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! Did you all do something fun; whether that being staying in with friends, going on holiday or a crazy night out? I had a lovely NYE; spending it at Steph's flat in Leeds with her housemate, Aine.

We had such a chilled night, and literally ate shit loads of crap and takeaway. The original plan was to watch a load of DVD's and just chill, but we only ended up watching a couple of episodes of Will and Grace before we turned them off and had a reeeeeally long chat about the past 12 months. Was more like a counselling session, but it was so nice. Had such a giggle chatting about things we have done, what we have achieved or haven't achieved, best point of 2012 and worst point of 2012. We also looked forward, about what we wanted to achieve over the next 12 months, and what our resolutions would be for the new year. We also played 'snaps'. Now, Ive heard of it, but Aine had played it when she went and worked at a summer camp in the USA this year. I apologise if there is any Americans that read this, but ohmygaaaad its just pure cheese. We wet ourselves laughing at the game, at how hilarious it  is!

Now, I always seem to make new year resolutions, but rarely stick to them. My resolutions for last year were:

to lose weight - I did lose one and a half stone at the start of the year, but Ive put it back on a little bit more... FAIL.
to finish uni and register as a nurse - I actually did this, so DONE.
to pay off my student debts - aha... this makes me laugh. FAIL.
to live life a bit more - I went on a 18-30 holiday, did water sports which I never thought I'd do. Went to loads of new places, so I'm saying HALF DONE.
to take up a new hobby - FAIL.

Last night, we all wrote down what our goals and resolutions were for this year. I know loads of people think 'Whats the point, I only ever fail it'... and I did read a statistic that 92% of people fail their resolute in the first week of the new year, but you know what? Its ONE week out of FIFTY THREE weeks. If you fail, just brush yourself down, have a little cry, eat some food, then jump back on it. This year, I am determined to succeed at my goals, and I am going to be a bit more specific...

Goals for 2013:
To move into my own flat, and get my independence back from university days.
To lose 5 stone by November 25th, 2013 (my birthday!).
To carry on developing my skills as a nurse, and my confidence to say I CAN DO THIS.
To go travelling more; whether that be explore Wales, Devon or another country altogether.
To be the bigger person and sort family issues out.
To be more adventurous.

I AM going to achieve these, I am determined to. I am sick of being the fatty in my group of friends, and having clothes that could be used as a tent. I need some inspiration, so I think I am going to create another tumblr page on my Friday to use as a fitness and healthy eating inspiration, once Ive done it Ill send out the link so if you are needing inspiration this year, we can all do it together.

So come on, who is with me?!

xoxo

Pre Pay Day Lust ♥

Afternoon! :)

I clearly haven't done a proper shopping trip in a while- my wardrobe is full of summery clothes, with a couple of jumpers bought here and there for my days off. Over the past few days, I have had a nosey online, which is something I have avoided for the past couple of months purely as I had no money and it was only temptation. However, two things have happened.

1. Its got colder, especially when I am up ridiculously early for...
2. My new job = fab pay days!

I am determined to get a good lot of my student debts paid off asap, which hopefully should be done in roughly 6 months since my dad hasn't mentioned rent... yet...

So yeah, I am allowing myself to make lust lists again, and I have already picked the first 3 items that I am going to purchase at the end of the month...



ASOS Curve Exclusive Pussybow Shirt- £35




ASOS Curve Skater Dress in Dragonfly Print- £22

Topshop MIGHTY Black Leather Zip Boots- £45

 

 

What are you looking forward to buying at your next pay day?

 

 

Curly Wurly ♥

 

Hiya! :)

How are you all?! I was going to write this yesterday but I was so tired after this three day horrendous training course I am on for my new job. Literally horrific. It was three days of sitting listening and death by powerpoint for 8 hours each day. Erghhhh! SO glad its over.

Anyway, I wanted to share a product with you that I am loving! AND its a right bargain.

I was out shopping last week with my mumma and granny, and nipped into Bodycare for a few bits. I dont know if everywhere has a Bodycare, but its like a nice beauty shop like Superdrug but even cheaper. Get some right bargains in there, like this product. My mum told me to get it, as it was so cheap and she had heard good reviews about it. The name of the product is 'Twisted Sista: 30 second curl spray' by a company named [Urban therapy]. I haven't heard of them before, but thought for 99p, I cant go wrong really. I have really curly hair naturally, that I like nice and bouncy but cant always achieve this, so always on the look out for good products to achieve this.

Urban therapy describe the product as:

For naturally curly hair or to revitalise permed or afro hair to give amazing ringlets in no time at all. Pop curl spray in your bag and revitalise your hair throughout the day.  

To apply, I literally just towel dried my hair a bit, squirted my hair a couple of times with it then blow dried my hair. Results below...

 

Before

 

I will say this- the product is amazing! My hair was soft and bouncy, unlike when I use mousse to hold the curls in place. Doesnt leave my hair dry or a with a layer of frizz that cant be shifted. For 99p, this stuff is amazing!* Will deffo be using this again.

 

 

What haircare products do you use? Any bargains?!

 

xoxo

 

*after looking at a few online stores or websites such as Tesco and Superdrug, the price does vary on the product depending on where you go. Cheapest place is Body Care OR Superdrug at the moment as its on offer for 99p, usually £1.99

So What, I'm a Rockstar... OOTD

Helloooooo :) greetings from a cold North East!

So, thought I would share a couple of items of clothing I bought recently. I have seen from a range of media and from in stores that p/leather is still in. I am not usually a fan of this, I always think I would look ridiculous in it being a large blob. However, I saw a skirt in Look magazine that was pleather, a dark grey/silver and pleated... I fell in love.

... It does make me feel a little like a rock star...

I have teamed it with thick woolie tights from Primark and both with a tshirt when inside and a new jumper of Inspire range from New Look, so cosy and warm. Love the colour of it too :) This is showing you avec jumper...

Oh, and excuse the awfully decorated room... Still waiting to get it decorated...




 

 

 

xoxo

 

Evans Friends and Family Code :)

Heyy guys!

2 posts in like 15 minutes, you lucky people!

Anyway, just checking my emails which I ALWAYS forget to do, and Evans have sent me a code which expires TODAY for my friends and family.

The Code is Family12, so enter it today to get 20% off!

There is also a free UK Standard delivery code which expires tonight, which is POST2012. Ends tonight!


Happy shopping!

xoxo

Its been a while...

Hey guys :)

Quite a bit has happened the past few months, which has taken priority over everything else, so sorry I've not been around. I have hardly been online on an actual laptop, and haven't had any money really to buy new clothes etc. So, thought I would fill you in on my life from the past few months...

I have now finished uni however, so I am now officially a registered nurse (learning disability)! I had a few problems towards the end of my course, which is my own fault as I felt too embarrassed to ask for help. Stupid, I know, but after a meeting with my mentors and personal supervisor from uni, I pulled it around and able to complete my course. So one of the things I did learn from uni was to ask for help. No one sees it as a weakness or that you are stupid, and dont judge you for it. I learned the hard way by struggling for a year, but you know what? I am glad I asked for help :)

I have also moved back home to Stockton on Tees from York, which has been really nice, but a lot of my friends are either still at uni or have moved away or still in York, so I am a little bit of a billy no mates at the moment! When I started uni, I kept saying I wasn't going to move home, that I was going to move to somewhere amazing etc, but I realised towards the end of my second year that I wanted to come home. I missed not being right close with my friends and family, even though York is only an hour away. Home is where the heart is, after all :) So for now, I am back with my lovely papa whilst I pay off some of my student debts and save for my own place. As much as I love being with my papa, I have lived on my own for the past 3 years, and miss having a lovely double bed!

I have been VERY lucky in today's climate and got myself a job straight away after finishing university. I did have to wait for roughly 3 weeks after finishing uni (which was VERY boring) for my CRB paperwork to come through, but about 2 weeks ago, I got a phone call from my new job saying I could start on the Thursday! My job is at a medium secure hospital about 10-15 minutes away from home, and I have loved it so far. I work longgggg days, which work out inc. break as a 12.25 hour shifts, but I get an hour break so its not too bad, and I only work 3/4 days a week which is a full time wage, so can't complain! The team are fantastic that work there, and learning from my mistakes at university, I am asking plenty of questions already :)

So, as you can see, I have had a busy few months! I have either been bought or I have bought a couple of items of clothing, which I have some pictures of and will blog over the next week. I have a day off on Tuesday, so should (hopefully!) be able to blog then :)

So, what else has everyone been up to? I want to hear allllll the goss!

xoxo

Possibly The World's Worst Blogger...

My oh my! I seem to have gained a few followers even though I havent blogged in FOREVER. I must apologise, as I do feel so very bad about not blogging and you lovely followers following me with no reading material. My life for the past few months have been a bit crazy. Had a few issues with my uni work (CANNOT WAIT FOR SEPTEMBER TO LEAVE THANK THE LAWD) but hopefully it should be sorted now (or it will be by end of August). Im slowly getting my life back in order, looking forward to the future where I will (hopefully!) have a staff nurse job.

Anywho...

As most of you will have seen/been to/written about, this post is about PLUS NORTH <3. I would just like to start by thanking Becky and Toni. The event was a HUGE success and loved every second of it. I got to meet some old faces and new faces which was just brilliant, got to watch some very brave and beautiful girls catwalking some fabulous clothes, and most importantly, I ate ALOT OF CAKE. Who ever made them, well... I need their number, they can cook for me all the time.

So, here is what I wore to the event, picture taken by my babe of a friend, Steph:

Dress- F&F @ Tesco, Leggings- New Look, Wedges- New Look, Bag- Mulberry

The building was just spectacular, done out in such pretty colours! Now, I made a bit of a blogger booboo. I didn't charge my camera the night before, huge FAIL. So, my pics are all of the Iphone, or may have nicked them off Steph's Iphone like ^ one. So, instead of boring you with what you will probably have already heard from other bloggers, here is a few snaps I took. There isn't many, I apologise!

Steph looking beautiful as always ;)

Laura from What Laura Loves, Rosie (FINALY MET YOU!) from A Rose Like This & Steph from Buttons, Bows and Brogues

Excite Clothing, my favourite at the event

Excite Clothing

Beuatiful Aspire Building

Steph looking at Simply Be

The Mighty Boof photo booth, AMAZING!

 So yes, an amazing afternoon with some fabulous ladies (you know who you are ;)), cake, drinks and fashion- what more could a girl want!

xoxoxo

P.S- I would like to thank all of the sponsor's that came to the event- you were all lovely and glad to have met you :)

Fight for Finn

Hiya guys, I know I have been MIA again but its dissertation hand in time so Im trying to get it sorted ASAP, will be back Monday though!

I was just wanting to ask you all a huuuuuuge favour. My friend Heather, her 15 month old cousin Finn needs an Auditory Brain Stem Implant. He cannot hear a thing, and his parents really want him to hear as they feel he will miss out on a lot in life.

Please could you take a look at the website link, and if possible, donate a couple of pounds to help them on their way.

Would mean the world to them if you could, just think of it as not getting that extra drink at the pub :)

Thank you guys, you are wonderful xxxx

www.thefightforfinn.com

Summer Holiday: Wish List

Hey guys!

Hope you are all well. I haven't been great recently, if you follow me on twitter (here) you will see that ive been full of cold and had to go to A&E the other night as I couldn't breathe from my chest infection. I'm getting better now though, still feelign rough but Iv'e spent a few days just chilling and trying to get better as I have a busy few months up ahead!

So, now the first day of Spring has finally arrived, I am starting to look forward to my holiday a bit more. Im off for a girly week away to Rhodes in June; literally can't wait for a week of relaxing, drinking and dancing with my girlies!

Here are a few things that I have my eye on to take with me, starting to do a lot of paid shifts to cover the cost of my summer wardrobe!

Prairie Girl Underwire Halter Swimsuit; Simply Be; £40

Tie Dye Kimono; Topshop; £30

Aztec Cross Back Cami; New Look; £14.99

I Heart LA Top; New Look Inspire; £12.99

Coloured Denim High Waisted Shorts; New Look Inspire; £19.99

Bird Patterned Dress; H&M; £14.99

Denim Shorts; H&M; £24.99

Skirt; H&M; £12.99

As you can see, I am loving the bold colours and Aztec prints for the summer. What about you guys? Any holidays planned? Any other suggestions to take for holiday?

xx

Love for Lush

Hey guys!


Just want to apologise for the pic quality; I had to use my mobile so they aren't all that amazing.


Anyway, sooooo since I was little, I was never a fan of Lush Cosmetics. The smell in the shop back home would give me a ridiculous headache so I avoided the shop like the plague. However my housemate, Connor, is a bit of a girl and loves his smelly stuff, and dragged me in one day, even though I complained I would get a headache. However, the store in York is AMAZING. Its rather big compared to some stores, and they usually have the door open when its warm so the amazing smells drift down the street.


When I went in, the staff were lovely, friendly and full of advice which I needed. I even told them how much I didn't like the shop until I came into this one (which is true) and they were over the moon I decided to convert to a Lush lover and not a hater :)


Anyway, I bought a few things, but today I'm talking bath bombs. LOVE bath bombs, especially this one. I can't imagine a bath without one now. Its called Dragons Egg, and if I remember rightly, it is one of the first bath bombs Lush designed. The smells and colour's that are released into the bath are amazing, a little bit of a glitter and golden and creamy colours all swirling in the water... just lush!


The website describes the bath bomb as....

'Like an everlasting gobstopper, this ballistic keeps on revealing layer upon layer of surprises. It gives up its gifts in an unfolding drama, leaving you in a bath of molten gold. Along the way you will experience a firework display of colour, a fiery crackle of popping candy, a swirling landscape of creamy foam and a drift of paper dragon scales.

To complete the fantasy we rounded this off with a fragrance of sexy jasmine and uplifting citruses and bergamot. Leaves you ready to come out of your cave and soar!'

I will deffo be buying more... I have like 3 in just in case!

What's your favourite Lush product?

xx

Rimmel London: Lash Accelerator

Hey guys!

Sorry I've been a little MIA recently, I have had A LOT of uni work and paid work to crack on with. Today is a dissertation writing day, but I am yet to start writing... Bit of procrastinating has never hurt anyone, has it ;)

So, On Monday I was doing my usual shop around Morrisons, when I decided to have a little stop at the make up counter. Now, there is only Rimmel and Maybeline Counters at my Morrisons, don't know about other stores. I have been needing a new mascara for a while, and usually get Topshop's mascara as I love that, but I haven't been able to nip in to the city centre for a while. I decided to purchase Rimmels Lash Accelerator mascara on a bit of a whim; I haven't heard anyone review it (I haven't really looked to be honest!) and hadn't heard of it. But boy, I am glad I did!

Now before I rave about it (which I am going to do), I have a slight problem with it. I find it a little sloppy and usually end up with a few dots of mascara above my eye. But it is easy to wipe away, so I don't see it as that much of a problem.

But anyway...

Its USP I guess is the writing underneath the name: 

'Mascara with grow-lash complex'

Now, I have quite short awful stubby lashes, and like a good lengthening mascara, and this one has not disappointed. A few coats of the stuff and my lashes look fab! :)

Without mascara

With mascara

Ignore my foundation lips; I hadn't sorted my lips out ha!

So, as you can see, I'm well chuffed with my new mascara. Its £8.99 for 7ml too.

Have you guys bought any beauty bargains recently? 


xx

For Sale: Cath Kidston satchel (lrg)

Hi guys!

This is just a quick post. I am selling a twice used Cath Kidston satchel, pics are below. If anyone is interested, please either email me at triedandtested@hotmail.co.uk or comment below. I bought it 2 years ago and literally used it twice for uni. There is nothing wrong with it at all, just the strap isnt long enough for my liking. Bought for £68, selling for £50.

Thank you!

x

Soap & Glory :)

Hiya!

So, yesterday I went on a little shopping trip with my bbf Verity, and as I have little money, I bought a few cheap beauty things to have a lovely night in with.

Now, Ive not used a lot of Soap and Glory products before, purely because I am boring and always seem to stick to the same things. But we had a good look round Boots and saw that the Soap and Glory products are 3 for 2 at the moment. As I didn't want to buy a big bottle something I may not like, I decided to get a couple of small travel sized pots to try.

Soap and Glory 'The Righteous Butter'

Soap and Glory 'Scrub 'em & Leave 'em Body Buff'

So, I have tried them both last night and cannot rate them ENOUGH. Literally amazing. The body scrub smells divine, and the scent has been left on my skin, regardless of rinsing it all off. The texture feels lovely against the skin, with the Babassu oil and Sea salt doing its magic.

Once rinsed, my skin has never felt so soft to touch, as well as the amazing smell. The pot is 50ml and was roughly £2.35, but once I get paid I will be getting the big pot, deffo converted!

So, once I got out of the bath, I used the body butter. To be honest, I did really really like it, but I found it a little thick for my liking. It smells amazing, reminds me slightly of sun cream, that lovely fresh smell. Now it has sank in to my skin, it has left my skin soft and smelling lush, I guess its just whilst applying it, it felt a little thick.

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase, feel lovely and soft and smell divine :) I would recommend it to you all 100% :)

Do you have any Soap and Glory products that you would recommend?