Christmas 101: Holiday Gift Shopping On A Budget #TheMenInYourLife

Hey Guys,
Today it's going to be another Christmas 101 post!! Part of the shopping on a budget series and this particular post is aimed at buying a gift for your boyfriend, or any special guy in your life whether it's your dad, grandpa or bff. If you're interested, keep reading :)

From past experiences I constantly find myself in the same situation, every single year and that's not knowing what to buy the boys in my life for the holidays, boys are very unlike girls to buy for so it can be difficult, especially if the guys you're around don't give you 'little' hints. After doing some research and asking numerous guys their opinions. The findings where as follows....


1) Headphones: Headphones are an extremely acceptable present for anyone especially a guy who'a into not only his music, but also gaming and movies. Headphones will allow him to have his audio without annoying anyone else around him, although the most commonly known or most popular headphones at the moment seem to be Beats by Dre they can be extremely expensive. A great cheaper alternative is Skullcandy Headphones. I have a pair of these myself and I would highly recommend them, they have great sound quality and are adjustable so they will sit comfortably no matter what head shape you have, they're also made of strong durable materials so are worth the price. They also give you the option to design your own set so you are definitely going to find a pair suited to his style. Skullcandy Headphones are available to buy at http://www.skullcandy.com/

2) The 4 Hour Chef: This is great for all the guys out there who love to cook or all of the ones who need a little help in that department. It shows quick and useful recepies and tips to being a 'man's kind of man' I got this for my Dad last Christmas and I would highly recommend it. However if you are going to purchase this book it is a lot cheaper to do so on Amazon so make sure you check that out first. The 4-Hour Chef is available to buy at http://amzn.to/SvBGmN

3) The Mantry- The Man's Pantry: For the guys that like to eat... need I say more? The Mantry is a subscription service that sends different themed food packages to your man's door and there's so many to choose from you'll find one that suits him perfectly. It can be quite pricey for a numerous months subscription but you can order only one if you wish. The Mantry is available to buy at https://mantry.com 

Thanks for reading and don't forget to comment your suggestions and blog ideas :) 

Laura x

Christmas 101: Holiday Gift Shopping On A Budget. #TheGirlyGirl

With the festive season nearly upon us, it can be an extremely expensive time for everyone and the pressure to buy people extravagant gifts.  Here's my tips and tricks on festive shopping on a budget or you need to pick up a gift super quick;y :)

 Spa In A Mug.. 

This gift is perfect for all the girly girls in your life, or anyone that you think deserves a little bit of a treat and deserves a pamper night. 

What You Will Need:

A cute mug

A nail polish 

Some cosy socks 

A scented candle 

Facial masks 

Some gift wrap and a bow

Step 1: Choose a mug of any description that you think the receiver will like. For this case it's better to choose a shorter and deeper mugs as the items will stay more secure. 

Step 2: Take your scented candle and place flat in the bottom of the mug. The candle should be small enough to sit comfortably in the end of the mug. You can choose any scent you like but I think because it's going to be a Christmas gift we should use a festive scent. My favourite is Bath and Body Works 'Vanilla Snow Flake'

Step 3: Choose a pair of cosy socks to add to your mug, these are available in Primark, New Look and Forever 21 , place into pairs and roll them together tightly and place the pair (that should now resemble a cylinder into the mug)

Step 4: Carefully place the bottle of nail polish you have chosen into the mug and then add in your sachet of facial masks, You may need to bend them and that's okay too, once they are secure and don't fall out of the mug.

Step 5: Once you have completed all these steps you should end up with something quite similar looking to the one below. Feel free to add different items depending on the receiver's taste and personality, this is only a guide line. 

Step 6: Wrap with all things nice and gift it to a person on Christmas :)

For more Christmas enthusiastic pictures head over to my Instagram :)

Talk tomorrow for another Christmas gift idea. #TheBoyfriend
Bye :)

Review and 1st Impressions: Benefit Cosmetics: High Beam

Hey Everybody!
Today's post is a review and first impression on Benefit Cosmetic's well known highlighter 'High Beam' so if you like all things , make-up , girly and shimmery, have a read. After finally giving in to the temptation and buying this product, here's my thoughts on it. Enjoy! 

The Packaging: 

This was one of the things that drew me to the product in the first place! It comes in a gorgeous pastel pink coloured box which mimics the actual colour of the product.

When you open the box the product itself comes in a glass bottle with a white lid that actually has the brush attached to it, kind of like a nail polish bottle. In my opinion this is a great advantage as it makes the product more practical and is great to have for when you're travelling or don't want to bring too many things in your make-up bag.

The Product Itself:

On my skin tone , when applied it left a very dewy and natural finish. It gave a nice highlight when blended over my foundation , it left a natural glow. The pigment of the product is an extremely pale peace to almost pearly pink. It is a very light consistency which made it easy to blend into the skin and other make-up with a flawless finish that was quick and easy to achieve. 

Is It Worth The Money?: 

Benefit's 'high beam' is about €30-€32 here in Ireland. This price makes it a mid to high end product. However, in my books its worth every cent! The bottle may  look small at only 13.0ml but the product lasts a long time. When applying the product a little goes a long way and the pearly finish lasts all night. It does exactly what it should and more and who minds paying for a product that actually works? No one. 

Well guys and gals , there's my opinion if you want to find out more go try it for yourself and see. Benefit Cosmetics are sold in Boots and Debenhams, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin Ireland or can be bought on line ( http://www.benefitcosmetics.com) 

Talk Soon, 

Laura x

Debs/Prom Advice! Things I wish I knew Before The Big Night

So that time of year has arrived again, the biggest social event of your life as a secondary school student. In Ireland when you're finally finished school it's time to celebrate and there's no better way to do that by dressing up and spending 12 hours partying it up with your friends. Here's the top 10 things that I wish I had known before mine. 

•  Enjoy the day

The Debs only happens once, it is one night of the year where you say your last goodbyes and the last time that you and all of your classmates will be altogether at the same time. It symbolises the end of an era, from starting secondary school as a dorky teenager to making friendships and really growing into a young adult. Forget about all the other little things involved and don't forget to do it right and have fun. It only happens once but if you do it right? Once is more than enough

• The Dress 

For us girls, the dress you wear on the night is probably the best and most stressful part of the whole occasion. Will it be long or short? Tight or flowly? Make sure you have one thing for certain, that YOU feel comfortable in it. After hours of searching for the perfect gown you don't want to be spending the whole night fixing it and being afraid it will fall down, find a dress which is pretty, flattering and if the measurements are wrong bring it to an alteration place, it costs a little more money but will leave you with a stress free dress that fits perfect in no time.

• Not Like The Movies

Things WILL go wrong, it's how you handle them that will make or break your night. Makeup and hair won't always turn out the way you want , nor will fake tan but no matter what beauty bust ups you have take them all in your stride. Nearly everyone there will have one thing they're not happy about on the night but to everyone else they look fantastic. Just remember that to everyone else you'll look fantastic too.

• The 'Date'

For those of you without a Prince Charming the word 'date' might send you in you in panic mode. There is no reason to panic, your 'date' is usually only around for your pictures and then the night is spent with your friends, whether you have a date or not it's not the end of the world, you can still go and have a great time. One major peace of advice I would give all your beauties though is to make sure whoever you do bring, you're comfortable around, someone you can have fun with and enjoy yourself with, the last thing you want is an awkward silence.   

•  Say Cheese!!!

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures! It's going to be your last night with everyone you grew up with so make sure you capture the best moments of the night. 

my debutaunt ball year 2013 with all of my classmates