This Week

These past few weeks have been so stressful with essay deadlines and presentations, however I never miss to indulge ourselves in my favourite things amongst all the chaos.

Here are a few things which delighted me and kept me motivated throughout this hectic period.

A beautifully laid out suite in Selfridges which put a smile on my faces. Interior design inspiration!

The new collection from Stella McCartney, a colourful pop to your otherwise dull festive wardrobe.

Starting to feel the festive fever, putting the Christmas decorations up was a lethargic process.

A masterpiece of a birthday cake for Granddad Joe's 70th birthday meal.

B and I relaxed with a San Miguel for him, and a Black Nail for me.

Review: I Heart Series

Anything which involves a love story and travelling is bound to get my attention, so when I first read the I Heart New York book my jaw dropped, eyes glued to the page and the world was essentially shut off. I couldn't wait for the next book to be released, I had a mental diary running of when the latest one would be released, and thus the love affair with the I Heart series started four long years ago.
It seemed as though every book got better, the story line improved dramatically each time, with new characters and the main characters, which I felt like I had come to know and love.
There is definitely something about these books and Lindsey Kelk's writing which is like a magnet and drags me in. I have been told to put the book down numerous times by others because once you start reading it, you will become obsessed. For example, when I went on holiday this year, the I Heart Vegas book was glued to me, I literally took it everywhere and even got sunburnt because I was that fanatical about.
Anyway, I thought that I'd do a mini review on each book, but not giving too much of the story away so you can go and become addicted yourself!

Oh where do I start with this piece of art?! I cannot recommend this book (I Heart New York) enough, the storyline is so extravagant but I assure you it will fulfil your guilty pleasures. This book revolves around a whirlwind of relationships which Angela (the main character) has and the lifestyle which she leads is enviable. This, although being the first book of the series is one of the best, yet I can assure you that the story most certainly improves, with much more drama in I Heart Paris.

If you're a fan of The Hills you will adore this book. There is so much drama which takes place in this book that you'll be wishing you could be in the story to support Angela! Not only does she go to Paris, but she also finds herself getting into trouble with her boyfriend's ex and when her suitcase (full of luxurious designer clothes) gets destroyed due to an enemy back in the Big Apple. You will have sleepless nights reading this, you really will not be able to close it over.

I Heart Hollywood is nowhere near as good as the first two as the storyline is a little farfetched, but it is a good holiday read. This book is easy going and maybe a little predictable.

If you could be addicted to a book, this is the one I was addicted to - quite literally. I took this away with me when I went away with my boyfriend and couldn't bare to leave it alone. I would read it when eating breakfast, on the beach, in the sea, at bed, at a restaurant; you name it. Beware of this book, you will loose consciousness of the real world when reading it as it is that good. I Heart Vegas is basically about Angela and her friend going away to Vegas for a weekend, but so much goes down in this very weekend that it is non-stop drama.

I Heart London is one of those books that you feel like you need to read, but don't really enjoy. Unfortunately I was profoundly disappointed with this one and just about had the energy to finish it. I much preferred the previous books as they were set in a fast pace environment, rather than reading about a wedding which take place within a week, including all of the organisation and preparations. Despite my disappointment with this book, I would recommend to read it as it finishes off the series.

The Single Girl's To Do List is another book by Lindsey Kelk which I need to find time to read and unfortunately Jenny Lopez Has A Bad Week is only available on eBooks.

A Hairy Affair

Around a year ago, I made the catastrophic mistake of going to my hairdresser, sitting in the chair and asking for a bob. I still actually question my mental health during this period of time. Moving on. Ever since exactly 2 seconds prior to my gorgeous long hair being cut off, I knew I needed it back. So project hair growth commenced, and thus I became more interested in products that would help me achieve this, and fast. Taaa Daaaaa, here it is, my kick ass hair regime to help promote healthy hair!

In the shower: On the odd occasion I may use a pre wash treatment, I really enjoy the hot oil capsules from VO5 if you are on the lookout for some, but more than usual I will just jump into the shower and use my John Frieda, Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner, yet these 3 products are my special wash treatments I use throughout the week. The Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, is a clarifying shampoo, which keeping true to its title I use once a week on a Sunday  it helps diminish any product build up, especially around the roots and gives your hair a really deep clean. I wouldn't say this is ESSENTIAL, however I have noticed a difference since using it, and Mondays are never bad hair days after using this bad boy. The next two products are hair conditioning treatments, following the clarifying shampoo I try and put the moisture back in my hair. I have two options here, the John Frieda full repair, which is a great option, for strengthening the ends of your hair and helping create a shine barrier. Yet I am a sucker for a simple dollop of coconut oil, this moisturises like no other, put it on before a bath, allow it to sit on the hair for around half an hour, read a book, listen to music, you know the score and then simply wash off! I'll let you see the results for yourself.

Out of the shower: After I've got out of the shower and towel dried my hair, I move onto my post wash treatments. Firstly I run through my protein treatment from Redken. 'Anti Snap' from the Extreme range is one of the best hair products I have ever invested in, its a leave in treatment for distressed and damaged hair, full of protein, it strengthens the hair by using a blend of proteins which ultimately will help your hair a)not to snap off and break and b)become stronger, healthier resulting in growth. 3 times a week I will use this 'Ciment Thermique' from Kerastase. This you may have heard of, as its a hugely hyped product in the blogging world. This is basically a heat protect serum for your hair, why pay £40 for it I hear you ask? BECAUSE, this protection lasts up to 3 - 6 washes. So, after you run this through your hair after wash one, you wont need to apply it again until wash 4, wash 5 or wash 6 (depending on your preference)This needs to be on ever GHD lovers Christmas list, the least you can do for your hair if you are lover of a blow dry is protect it efficiently otherwise your hair growth will be stunted. Lastly, holy grail product; Moroccan Oil. I will not dwell upon this for too long, but it is incredible. My hair has never been healthier, softer and more manageable since I have religiously started using this. Use it in dry or wet hair and then resist the urge to stroke your hair all day! Brilliant! 

Everyday: Two products I really recommend for maintaining your hair are these two pretty things. (I'm guessing you can tell I like animal print. Guilty) I love using dry shampoo, when I spoke to my stylist about how I could make my hair grow as quick as possible he advised me to wash it no more than 3/4 times a week, washing your hair can strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils and its those natural oils that help it stay moisturised healthy and grow! Between washes I rely entirely upon the power of Batiste and the illusion of the freshly washed hair to get through! Finally, a 'Tangle teezer'! These little bad boys are perfect for safely brushing your hair, wet and dry, whilst avoiding pulling chunks of it out. Perfect for throwing in your bag on the go, I always rely on this, and along with a wide toothed comb, always trust these to help manage any knots and bumps. These come in every different colour and are sold at most Boots nationwide! Go and get one girlies.
BY MIMI.