Birthday and York

Well Hello There! 

It seems that I've got my Blogging/Youtube hat on after a very long time. I do apologize for this. 2014 has been one crazy year for me and Mark. Our life has been hectic and it's only really now that it's began to settle down. We've been to several weddings all across the country, many birthdays (including Mark's 30th), 2 holidays to Majorca and Italy. AND we've bought our own house!

It was my 24th Birthday a couple of days ago and we decided to take a trip to York. I live in Chester which is a little Roman city, York is slightly bigger and has more to offer so we thought a weekend break there would be perfect for us. Oh my! It's a beautiful place, with lovely quirky shops and very old pubs. The minster is incredible, we went up the tower for a better view of the city. York itself is very atmospheric and I would definitely recommend going and I would certainly stay there again.

Anywhoo, I thought I'd show you some of the things that I was given for my Birthday along with other bits and bobs that I picked up on our trip...

Light (Next), Frame (Paperchase), Tea light Holder (Craft Store)

Jars (Next)

Brogues (Clarks)

"Spanky" Bear (America)

Owl Doorstop (Sass & Belle)

Wishing Drop (The Glass Shop)

Bra, Knickers, Perfume (Victoria Secret)

I've also filmed a YouTube video to go with this blog post :).

Harriet x

REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil Review

I'm a big fan of oils and serums alike so when I found out that REN offered a Serum Oil, I was most pleased. The REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil* is very light and liquidy in texture and smells great. This little product is packed with omega 3 (which promotes optimum moisture levels, cell renewal and restores elasticity), rosehip seed oil (which stimulates the metabolism of skin cells and is rich in vitamin A) and wheat germ oil (prevents and protects the skin from oxidative damage).

At night, I use a few drops and apply it all over my face. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, making it feel instantly hydrated. Afterwards my skin is radiant, soft to touch and is generally a lot more happier. I also found that my moisturiser goes on a lot smoother after using the Ren serum oil. I really do recommend the REN Skin Serium Oil if your skin is requiring a little boost and some TLC. 

REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil 

£23 for 30ml

Lily Lolo Rose Glow Shimmer Strips Review

I think this has to be one of my favourite products of all time. I have various highlighting powders in my collection, ranging from opals tones, to gold, to violet, but I have yet to get my hands on a rose. Even though rose is one of my favourite colours, especially when it comes to makeup (note Sleek’s Rose Gold blush). So when I got the chance to try out Lily Lolo Rose Glow Shimmer Strips* I was rather jolly!

This product creates a perfect pink sheen across one’s skin, whether it is applied to the cheekbones, collarbones or décolletage. The rose glow strips could also be used as a wash of colour of the eyelid. The product itself is highly pigmented, easy to blend, and has good longevity.  

I apply Rose Glow to my cheekbones to create an elegant evening look. I find this the best wear to wear it as they are quite shimmery so it is best suited for nights out. All in all it is a stunning product which I for one will use a lot of. I definitely recommend it if you have a busy winter calendar coming up, as this would be the perfect product for you if you like to add a little bit of glow to your complexion.

Lily Lolo Rose Glow Shimmer Strips

8.5g - £19.99

-H xo

Italy 2013

First of all, sorry for the bombardment of pictures, my apologies! I was going through my Italy album and thought I would upload some onto my blog. So here they are! I went to Italy for a wedding, first of all we stopped at Pisa, then went on to Siena, and then finally to Florence. Italy as a country is breathtakingly beautiful. For the wedding we stopped in an old country villa/mansion. It was incredible to say the least. The weather was very mixed, but we did get some hot days, hoorah. I honestly didn't want it to end. We've already made plans to go back again next year, I literally cannot wait!

-H xo

REN Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm Review

Over the past couple of months I have really been getting stuck into cleansing balms as they 

work well with my parched skin. I have been recently loving the Balance Me Cleansing Balm, however REN have a new product on the market... No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm*.

The balm is infused with rose and is silky in texture. I take a small amount, melt it between my fingers, then apply it all of my face. During this time I wait a couple of minutes for it to work it's little magic. I splash my face with warm water which transforms the balm into a milky liquid. I then run the muslin cloth under warm water and begin to remove the balm in circular motions. My face is left soft and soothed, and more importantly clean.

The balm itself is rather thick, so one needs to squeeze the bottle pretty hard for the product to come out. The cleansing balm also comes in a jar, which makes life much more easier! The muslin cloth is slightly on the small side so I tend to use my larger/thicker ones which are more abrasive to buff my dry skin.

I really like the fact that the balm is full of natural ingredients and has a delicious scent. It leaves my skin calm and clear. Although I still have to use an intensive moisturiser, as I find that my skin is still prone to

drying out.

£23 - 100ml from REN

- H xo

missing in action?

It's been a while since I last blogged and there is a good reason for that! About 2 months ago my life changed pretty drastically! Ahh where to begin? WELL... I met someone very very special. We've moved into a lovely little home with our Collie dog, Grace. It's all happened so quickly, but I couldn't be any happier, over the moon infact! A couple of weeks ago we went to Italy for a wedding and in all honesty I had the best time of my life, it was absolutely incredible and breathtaking.

Because my life has been so busy, my Blog and YouTube got a little bit neglected! However, the internet has been ordered and is on it's way, hoorah! So I shall be back very very soon. 

- H xo

Introducing HealGel

I am a huge skincare junkie and try to look after my skin as best as possible, so when I stumbled across the brand 'HealGel' I was intrigued to say the least. I was pretty much sold by the name straight away, I love gel formulas and if it's going to do my skin a world of good, then I'm laughing. The quirky packaging immediately caught my eye. It reminded me of the forensic reports I had to write back in University (good memories). So straight away, I had high hopes for the brand.

HealGel Face: "Harnessing all the skin reparative and rejuvenating properties of Heal Gel Intensive, Heal Gel Face delivers additional, powerful anti-ageing properties to firm, replenish and smooth. Coupled with the nourishing, soothing, anti-redness, collagen-boosting benefits you’d expect from Heal Gel, this new addition has a triple-phase hyaluronic acid complex to instantly plump and tighten your complexion – retaining moisture and almost instantly minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A luxurious blend of Omega Oils then work to improve elasticity, so skin feels soft, supple and glows with health."

 I apply HealGel Face* in the morning and at night, after I have cleansed. Only one small pump is needed to cover my whole face. The gel is of a lovely consistency, glides over the skin and absorbs almost instantly. Leaving it smooth, moisturised and soft to touch. I also found that I had fewer blemishes and my skin was left in a much better condition. This product has a spot firmly in my skincare routine and will do for a long time. It will take a lot to beat this! 

HealGel Face 50ml £48

HealGel Eye: "With all the high performing active ingredients of the original, Heal Gel Eye also contains Haloxyl, to kick-start sluggish micro-circulation and minimise those tell-tale signs of fatigue. It also features a dual-action Hyaluronic Acid complex that attracts and retains moisture to plump up wrinkles and tighten the eye contour, while the inclusion of light diffusing particles helps reduce the appearance of shadows for a brighter, younger-looking orbital area. Feather light on the skin, it’s a perfect pick-me-up for the sleep deprived and makes a brilliant base for your make-up."

Because I wake up at a crazy hour to go to work, I'm always paranoid that my eyes look tired. So I was really happy to have the chance to have a go with the HealGel Eye*. I tend to use this in the morning, once again only a tiny amount is needed. The gel is like silk to touch and applies like a dream. My eye area feels instantly energised and I am ready to tackle the day ahead of me without any worries.

HealGel Eye 15ml £32

To sum it all up, I am so thankful for finding HealGel, it's a fantastic brand, with incredible and honest products.

Hattie 

BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube  

On my jollys

I took a week off work and went to Abersoch, North Wales and oh em gee, what a week it was. We were right bang in the middle of a heat wave and we certainly made the most of it. It was so warm that we would be up by 8:30, grab some quick breakfast and then be on our way the marina to launch the boat. We would then go from Pwllheli to Abersoch, bypassing the Tudwells on our way. I managed to do some wakeboarding and snorkeling, as well as lots of sunbathing. Everyone couldn't believe the colour of me when I got back home, they thought I'd been abroad! We also got to see the amazing wildlife in the bay, seals, jellyfish and even dolphins! Fantastic :).

Now I'm back home, back to work, boo but I'll be jetting off to Florida at the beginning of September, yay! I actually can't wait, I've never been to America before, I just hope I get there in one piece :0.

 BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube  

Mac Lovelorn

Mac Lovelorn - my current lipstick obsession. I first saw this on Jennie from sailorjennie.com and I knew I wanted it. Believe it or not, I didn't own any pink lippies before this, shock horror! So I pootled down to Mac and had a good old swatch and it was perfect. It's a lustre, my favourite! It's a gorgeous pink, suitable for everyday wear and is so easy to apply.

 BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube  

follow Hattie's Hideaway on Bloglovin'

Google Reader is shutting down on July 1st 2013 and that certainly has an impact on us little bloggers. I stopped using Goggle Reader a few years ago and switched to Bloglovin'. I found it a lot easier to keep up with my favourite blogs. So if you like my blog and would like to keep following me then hop on over to Bloglovin'. It's super easy to set up and to help you guys out, here's some instructions on how to transfer your existing blog list across. Hope this helps and I shall see you on the other side! :)

BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube  

More from Viridian...

A couple of weeks ago us Brits got some absolutely cracking weather and well I had to make the most of it. I got myself down the beach to lap up all the lovely rays. I did manage to burn myself, eep! Then I realised that I had the Viridian Skin Repair Oil* in my cupboard just waiting to be used. Fantastic. The oil itself is clear and runny, absorbing straight into the skin. It also smells delicious, very lavendery (definitely a word). After using this my skin felt smooth, hydrated and on its way to being healthy once more. This will definitely be coming with me when I hop across the pond to America in September. 

Next up is the Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors*. These remind me of the Viridian Ultimate Beauty Complex. They don't taste so good, so it's best to get them down the hatch asap. These are to be taken ahead of and during the Summer months. They help to strengthen one's skin and therefore reducing sun damage. I took these supplements alongside using sunscreen, so it's hard to definitely say whether they work or not. Like I said previously, I still managed to burn myself slightly! I believe these would be more beneficial to the lucky people who actually have a Summer, unlike us over here in Britain. Plus, I'm really forgetful when it comes to taking supplements so I think I'll just stick to my sunblock!  

BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube 

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Water

I definitely jumped on the Micellar bandwagon last year. At the time, the only product available was Bioderma. It was expensive but I really enjoyed using it. I was pretty gutted that there were no other alternatives but that's all changed now. When I found out that L'oreal had released the Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution I was over the moon. I soon snapped it up at my local Boot's. 

It's a fantastic product, a definite staple in my skincare routine. I use this as a pre-cleanse at night to remove makeup and again in the morning to freshen my skin up. My skin is left feeling super soft, hydrated and clean. It leaves no residue behind, dries quickly and allows your skin to drink up any moisturiser you put on afterwards. All in all it works really well with my dry, sensitive skin. I honestly couldn't recommend this enough!

Next on my "To Buy" list is the L'Oréal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil.

Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube 

Mane N Tail V. FAST (Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner) Before and After Pictures!

Mane N Tail V. FAST (Shampoo and Conditioner)

I've been growing my hair out from a pixie cut for 9 months and to be honest I got fed up of waiting. So I did a bit of research and I came across Mane N Tail and FAST shampoos and conditioners. Both products are meant to keep one's hair healthy as well as achieving a longer/stronger 'do'.

To begin with I started using the Mane N Tail, I ordered this from Ebay and cost me around £8. Both bottles contain 355 ml and lasted me about 2 months. The products themselves were quite basic, they reminded me of Tesco's own brand hair care. They cleaned my hair well, but weren't anything special.

Then I moved onto FAST, I ordered this from Boot's online for £25. These bottles only contain 300 ml and lasted me about a month and a half. I really thought that the FAST would be luxurious due to the steep price tag. Oh how I was so wrong, the shampoo reminded me of washing up liquid and the conditioner wasn't any better. Also it says to use the FAST everyday, no chance, that would strip my hair of all it's natural oils, not good! 

However, since using these products I've had so many compliments from my friends, family and work colleagues. They've all told me that my hair has grown really fast and is looking in good condition. So here's the before and after pictures...

Overall, I am really happy with my hair growth. It has definitely grown A LOT, yay! I'm back onto my nice smelling Aussie products at the moment but I will repurchase the Mane N Tail at some point.

Have you guys tried and of these products? What are your thoughts?

BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube 

Topshop 'Hippy' Sandals

New In. Topshop 'Hippy' Sandals

I was just browsing the other day in Topshop, minding my own business, when I came across these gorgeous sandals. I've been looking for a tan pair for absolutely ages. They're TOPSHOP's 'Hippy' Sandals, made from super soft real leather, making them really comfy to walk in. And what's even better is that these bad boys only cost £24, what a bargain. They're really popular, as none of the stores around me had them in stock, so I had to order them online.  I know I'm going to get a load of wear out of these this Summer. They are so versatile and will definitely be coming with me on my holibobs to Florida :).

BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube 

Mac Dollymix Blush

This Sheertone Blush from MAC is a doll like medium pink with subtle shimmer running through. I picked it up from my local Cosmetics Outlet on a whim, just to see what it was like. It swatches beautifully and is just as nice when applied to the cheeks. The formula is pigmented but blends seamlessly into the skin. This blush is best suited for tanned skin tones, which is perfect for me at the moment as I have some colour, thanks to the lovely sunshine we've been having :). 

I like to wear this on a "no makeup" day, just foundation, mascara and this. It really brightens my face up, leaving me with a natural healthy glow on my cheeks. Dollymix can be purchased for £17.50 from MAC. 

BlogLovin'  |  Twitter  |  Tumblr  |  YouTube