For the love of Poms - Current pom pom accessories on the high street

"I think it's nice to say the word "Pom-pom" as often as you can."

MARIA KALMAN

Pom Pom - even the word makes you smile right? something about these colourful balls of fluff seems so appealing - to both young and old. If I pull out a tub of craft poms my girl is straight in there playing with the little puffs of colour, for me, I watch her play and wonder how I could utilise the surplus poms. Tie it on a shoe, wedge an earring hoop through it, stick it to a hessian bag - the hot glue gun opportunities are endless. But for now, I am going to step away from the craft box and have a nosey on the high street to see what pom adorned beauts there are on offer.

For me, poms add a bit of colour and fun to an outfit and I don't know about you but they scream summer holiday. And seeing as I am away in June, to Spain, then now is a good time for me to pimp up with poms. I am looking for accessories, I do like a pom tripped floaty dress but I am feeling more in need of pom accessories - lets see what I can find.

Clockwise from top left
-  Asos- Beach multi pom shopper - £25.00 - link here
- Matalan - All over pom straw bag - £12.00 link here - the best budget pom bag I found
- Zara - Braided tote bag with pom poms - £29.99 - link here - a more subtle way to pom
- Hush - Lara clutch - £49.00 - link here

Clockwise from top left
- Mango - Message straw basket bag - £35.99 - link here
- John Lewis - Pom pom straw grab bag - £35.00 - link here
- Pitusa Pom Pom straw beach bag - £110.00 - link here
- Sophie Anderson - Cinta striped woven raffia tote - £225.00 - link here - I love the shape of this bag, with the coloured stripe and poms on the side makes it stand out

Clockwise from top left
- ASOS Tijuana multi pom flatforms - £38.00 - link here - these would look great with a deep blue pair of jeans
- M&S Havana pom pom necklace - £25.00 - link here
-  River Island - Beige pom pom fedora hat - £20.00 link here
- Newlook - Neon yellow pom pom earrings - £3.99 link here

Clockwise from top left
- River Island - Black floral embroidered pom pom sandals - £36.00 - link here
- New look grey pom pom shoe clips - £4.99 - link here - a great way to get the pom trainer look without having to buy another pair, just clip it on your trainers.
- Hush Tassel pom pom keyring - £16.00 - link here - if you are a fair weather pom wearer then this charm gives you options, to pom or not to pom, the choice is yours.
- Boden pom pom sandals - £76.50 - link here

Clockwise from top left

- Next - Navy slingback pom pom espadrilles - £38.00 - link here

- Kate Spade - Spice things up straw tote - £268.00 - link here

- Boo hoo - Maisy pom pom earrings - £4.00 - link here

- Ted Baker - Barliee basket pom pom shopper bag - £71.20 - link here

Clockwise from top left

- Topshop - Rom pom pom sandals - £52.00 link here

- River Island - Black pom pom tassel drop earrings - £12.00 link here

- Next - Black pom point babouche shoe - £32.00 link here

- Boo hoo - Edie aztec pom pom clutch bag - £10.00 link - here

Clockwise from top left
- Accessorize pom pom clasp bracelet - £6.00 link here
- Mango pom pom pendant necklace - £17.99 link here - this instantly makes me think of being on a beach
- ASOS - Glamourous multi leather pom pom tie up sandals - £29.00 link here
- New look - 7 pack multicolour pom pom bracelet - £6.99 - link here

Clockwise from top left
- Mango - pom pom leather sandals - £49.99 - link here
- Alameda Turquesa aurora sandals - 275 EUR - link here - I can across this on Instagram and fell in love with their range of pom pom and tassle adorned sandals
- Mango - pom pom sandals - £49.99 - link here
- Dolce and Gabbana Ice cream cone bag - £1950 - link here - I couldn't not include this bag, isn't it delightful? but as my dad would say, you could buy a lot of ice creams with that #gettingold

Lastly I could not shop for poms without thinking of my girl, what girl doesn't love a good pom?

The Works - make your own pom set - £2.00 - link here
Marks & Spencer - pom pom frill swimsuit - £12 - 14 - link here - I am definitely buying this, it's so cute!
Mini Miss KG - Very cherry pom pom sandals - £45.00 link here
Forever 21 - pom pom hair tie - £1.50 - link here - I feel I may borrow this...

The extent of my current collection is shown below, poor effort right? well I may well be purchasing a few of the items above so watch this space. The towel is from Primark - at £7.00 I couldn't resist it for my summer hols.

There's so many options to choose from, whether you want to add colour and fun or just add a little something, there is something for everyone. And it doesn't stop at accessories - clothing and home wear has also been pommed, which frankly makes me want to grab my glue gun/sewing kit and pimp up what I already have. I know, I know, I said I wouldn't but the need to get crafty has overwhelmed me whilst looking at all these poms. So I made a little purchase - a plain shopping bag and some pom trim - I will keep you updated with another post with my pom purchases and my DIY attempt!

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April 2017 Favourites

March came and went so fast that I did not chance to write a favourites post, so this month I have combined some fave items from both March and April into one post. It won't be a mega long one, promise!

Beauty

Pixi Glow Peel Pads

I recently ran out of one of the best acid toners I have tried, Recherche Biologique (link to post here) but whilst in London last I forgot to pick some up, plus I had a few other new things to try in my stash first. One of them being the Glow Peel Pads from Pixi - exfoliating pads that contain 20% glycolic acid promising glowing skin. So far I have liked every item I have tried from Pixi so I was expecting good things, and I was right to do so as they do exactly as promised.

Now I can't quite compare it to Recherche Biologique because frankly, that is in a different league. But for it to step into the acid toner vacancy in my routine, Pixi pads are not too bad at all. There are 60 pads, to use of a PM over the face and neck (and backs of hands if you fancy it) leave for a few minutes and then rinse with water to neautralise. The result the next morning is obvious, there is definitely a glow and the skin appears smoother. I got mine from M&S HERE.

Georgio Armarni Powerfabric Foundation & Nars Soft Matte Concealer

I needed to stock up on both foundation and a concealer, so these two items were purchased at the same time and I have been using them together ever since. Now if you are like me and have oily skin but never really get on with matte finish foundation then you should definately give this combo a try. Its matte but not too matte, great description right? what I mean by too matte is cakey, sticks on your face for dear life, claggy, I think you get what I mean. This foundation is matte to just the right level of matteness, its workable, definately buildable and blends beautifully on the skin. Combine this with the Nars soft matte concealer and its a match made in heaven. As the description suggests, the concealer is "soft" as in blendable soft finish, I find it quite a high coverage which is exactly what I want from concealer. Not the cheapest of combos but the quality shows.

Burts Bees Lipstick

I have mentined these quite a bit but I had to give them a shoutout again at favourites time. They are such a good combo of buildable colour with the same moisturising benefits of Burt's Bees products - definately worth a swatch when you head to the shops next, I think you would be plesently surprised.

Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud Scent 

Talking of "save for best" I have also decided to wear nice perfume instead of saving it - I mean whats the point? it only goes off if you don't use it! this is a new motto for me as I used to wait to use nice things, my new point of view? just do it (has that tag line been taken?)
Que one of the best scents I have ever worn (a bold statement that I need to clarify) Jo Malone - This is one of the only perfumes that I could actually smell on MYSELF ALL DAY. Other perfumes I would put on in the morning, smell it for a few hours and then its gone. This one? both me and whoever I am with at the time gets wafts all day! (of perfume that is)
This is one of the more expensive choices from Jo Malone, but only one spray on my neck and wrist and I am good to go, definately a case of quality overrules here.
This particular scent is, erm, a musky rose? sorry I am not one who has the ability to describe scent well, but lets just say you need to smell this if you a rose lover - or not! Its lovely!

Primark Primer Water

I have to say, I probably would not of even spotted this in Primark if I hadnt already seen it on Instagram. I do not need another primer, I have a stash that I need to run down (I always seem to forget to apply it!) so really I didn't need this. However, I heard good things about this and it was only £2.00 so I had to give it a go right? I am glad I did, its so quick to use so I do not forget to add it to my morning routine. It gives a nice smooth, moisturised finish to apply make up too - the only downside for me is the spray is a bit naff, not exactly a fine mist, so I spray onto my hands and pat it on. But what do you expect for £2?

Fashion

Chanel Cat Eye Sunglasses

With it being my birthday month, there was bound to be a little treat mentioned in here, and what a treat it was. I was not expecting these at all, but when I saw these in store hubby picked up on my heart shaped eyes whilst staring at these beauts, so the secret squirrle that he is, he bought them (yep hes a keeper)
Chanel Cat Eye sunglasses in black, a classic Chanel look that will stay in my wardrobe forever (or until a child gets hold of them and they get scratched - no, no that will never happen)
Seeing as the sun has started to make an appearance, I have been wearing them at any opportunity! strictly no saving for best mentality here!

*yep that's me in the reflection - eye roll

Denim Jacket

I have a new guilty pleasure - charity shop raiding. I have found so many bargains recently that I am planning to write a blog post on it to show my finds. This one, a denim jacket, was a fiver. A FIVER. Yes it had a slight, eau de musty about it but nothing that a lil spritz wouldn't sort out. And seeing as we are coming into denim jacket season I had to snap it up, although I have worn it a few times and I am still getting a bit nippy! that's brit weather for you!

Primark Fluffy Sliders

I have put these all over my Insta feed because, well, I love them. The perfect slipper/sandal hybrid! I am wearing them as I type, wiggling my toes away, embracing the fluff. Some people would wear these out, good for them, (genuinely) I would feel like a bit of a knob, but part of me doesn't care anymore and I might just do it - shocking I know. These were £6 from Primark and also came in baby pink, black and black with hot pink fluff, I'm not going to lie, I am also tempted by the baby pink.

A trip to Paris - What's in my carry on

It's been a while since I have planned a trip away, in fact the last time I stepped on to a plane I had just found out my I was pregnant with my boy so that's over two years ago now. I had travelled with Effie, even taking her on a long-haul flight at four months, and I have to say it was relatively easy. She slept, played a bit. but overall in her little mind she could've been anywhere. Fast forward 2 years and I now have an 18-month-old and a three year old to contend with. The thought of dealing with one is bad enough, but two on a plane? over excited? tired? kinda fills me with dread. This is when you realise there is no such thing as a holiday anymore, that was something pre-baby, now its same game, different place. Wow I am really setting the scene for a happy post! don't get me wrong I am happy and really looking forward to it, I am just mentally preparing myself for the realities of family travel. This is only a short trip to Paris to test the waters, hubby wanted to jump in the deep end and head for Florida, but for a first trip I wanted to go without the jet lag.

So in order to prepare, I am making sure I have plenty of paraphernalia to get me through the travel process, the tiredness, getting into a new routine etc. Effie had a Trunki for Christmas which we are yet to use, so I will be filling that up, mostly with toys but also with everything they both need from a change bag (nappy's. wipes etc) I am then hoping to have my bag free for my own belongings....ha! I can plan that I suppose but the reality is that the majority of loose odds and ends will be "popped" into my carry on.

So this is why I am not taking a large bag, an adequate size handbag will do nicely. I am planning to take my new Lancel back to her home for a visit. If you have not looked at Lancel bags before then you should take a look at their website HERE, gorgeous high quality Parisian chic!

Here is what I plan to take inside:

- Vodka, gin, wine, anything alcohol based for when the tantrums strike and I get tuts and huffs from the childless travellers (that was a joke, only because I couldn't get away with that)
- Medicine - I always keep a stash on me because I am paranoid about my case going missing and not having everyone's medication! this way I know it's on me and safe
- A folder for itinerary, tickets and passports
- Purse & phone
- Makeup bag - Of course I need my essentials with me, I am taking my everyday basics in a small case just to have in case I need to top up on the go
- A few toiletries - It's an early start and a long day so a few bits to freshen up on the go will be handy, I am going to take the Pixi glow tonic for a pick me up, lip balm for dry lips (which always happens on the plane) a bit of moisturiser etc. see pic
- Wipes - They have multiple uses, I think we all know
- Hand gel - When I travel anywhere hand gel is a must, I also use it on high chairs etc when eating out just to be sure.
- Note book & pen - for all those inspiring ideas I will have mid child scream (eye roll) joking aside, I do like to have a note book with me because things do pop into my mind when I least expect it - plus we always need a pen when travelling!
- Socks - I always get cold feet on a plane, and then by the end of the flight they have swollen 10 sizes! it's only a short flight but I am bound to get nippy toes.
- Sunglasses - I am taking them in my carry on just in case! plus it may be really sunny when we get there! optimism

I am planning to wear a light knit from Next HERE, a river island pair of jeans HERE and an ASOS pair of loafers HERE, and then my Lancel carry on. Then if it is nice and warm when we get there I can whip of my knit and put the sunnies on - although heading straight to the hotel is the main plan.

I am really excited about this trip, it's our first holiday as a family of four with the main event being a day at Disney land for Effie's 3rd birthday. I am not sure who is more excited, me or Effie.
As it's a busy city it is always tricky to know what to do with little ones, I have done a bit of research and found a farm park, aquarium and a zoo all close to the hotel so we have options rain or shine.

Personally, I can't wait to have a little shop, I love Paris, it's so beautiful and such a special place and somewhere I always enjoy visiting. I plan to write a post trip update, hopefully it won't be titled "10 reasons not to travel with toddlers"

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask // First Impressions // Review

                            “It’s like an expert Facialist in your handbag” - Charlotte Tilbury

I am partial to a good sheet, and I do not mean a bed sheet (although I have earnt a VIP pass to the land of nod for being a devoted customer) I am talking about facial sheet masks.
Normally I would opt for a moist sheet full of skin benefiting ingredients, but whilst browsing the shops the other day I came across Charlotte Tilbury's new sheet mask. A dry one.

A lot of questions came into my mind, the main one? how on earth can a dry piece of material give me facial results? intrigued by this magical mystery, I bought one. Otherwise I simply would not be able to sleep for the "not knowing" I had to find out.

I paid £18.00 from Selfridges link HERE for one mask, which is a bit pricey for a single mask, however you get multiple goes out of one sheet. Here is one of the differences between a wet and dry sheet, a dry sheet does not harbour bacteria so it can be used again, and again. Yep that's right, this mask has up to three uses, compared to the one hit you get from a wet mask.

So is it worth £6 a go for facial results? let's find out. First of all, the foil lined pouch is resealable, so once opened it is easy enough to fold up and pop back in ready for your next go. Dipping inside the packet, I can confirm that it is indeed dry, no moistness in the pack or on the mask at all.

The mask itself is thick and of good quality, I liken the texture to a dry baby wipe (a thick one) soft and a little felt like. It has ear slots too, two at the top and two at the bottom, all of which fits onto your ear to create a snug fit over your face. It covers the whole face well, even going down to my not so favourite part - jowls. Also, because it hooks on to your ears, it will not slide off your face, meaning you have 15 mins to do what you want instead of having to keep still on the sofa. Although, I think I know which I prefer!

So what's the blurb behind the product?

"Clinically proven to that reduces wrinkles, smoothen, brighten, lift and hydrate.  This dry textile mask is imprinted with active ingredients, opposed to being over-saturated with water and glycerin. The addition of vitamin B3 helps brighten tone and plant stem cell matrix lifts the look of skin - buffering out fine lines - while Crocus Bulb Extract encourages the production of collagen."

Now my skin is not happy at the mo (I have the lurgy) so I need help in all areas, including blemishes. This mask does not set out to help with blemishes, but it definitely needs smoothing, brightening and hydration. The CT consultant said that it is suitable for all skin types (even my oily blemish prone) and once it was on the face to rub the mask in the areas where you need it more. So whilst its was on I gently rubbed the mask to activate the ingredients. I left it on for 15 mins, as directed, unpeeled the mask and popped it back in the pouch ready for next time. 

I could see visible results straight away, my skin looked brighter, fresher and felt smooth. It also felt as if there was a residue left behind, as if the hidden ingredients inside the dry mask had come out to play and left its mark behind on my skin. It's not a greasy residue either and it soon absorbed into the skin leaving it feeling smooth. I was actually quite surprised that I felt something on my skin, as the mask is dry, I didn't think I would feel anything after.

I think this mask would be great for an event where you want to look your best, apply before makeup to give your skin a great glowing base. 

Overall, it's quick and easy to use, no mess, fits nicely to the whole face and leaves the skin glowing as promised. I am interested to see what happens the second time! 

If you fancy watching the vid of me using the mask - click below!