Instagram in July

Let's gets straight into this, so I can admit that as you may have noticed, I've been lacking in the blog post department, but have still been hittin' up that Instagram! I thought I'd do a more detailed version, so you can have a nosey at what I've been up to the past weeks and what new products have graced my life!

29th June: NON-LIQUID HAND LUGGAGE &

3rd July: IRELAND WATERFALL

At the beginning of July, I headed to Northern Ireland for a lovely long weekend, seeing new sights like the Waterfoot waterfalls, I didn’t want to leave. This short trip meant only taking on hand luggage, i.e. swishing my clothes into one rucksack. Thank goodness for Lush for making my life easier though! Solid alternatives made life at security easier, although they were confused over my powered deodorant! As you can see I packed Brazilliant shampoo bar, Big conditioner bar, Fresh Farmacy facial soap, Outback Mate soap, my old pack of Ultrablast toothy tabs and Karma solid perfume!

6th July: LAST XMAS LUSH &

13th July: LUSH READING

Lush galore! It may be mid summer, but I’ve finally used up all of my Christmas products, (except for the soap, because I own too many). I enjoyed my Yog Nog in the dark with tealights, so I couldn’t see how neon it looks in the bath, with my frozen Snowman shower jelly that I may have forgot about in the freezer!
To celebrate having more bathroom space, I headed to my local store and picked up Seanik shampoo more and The Comforter bubble bar, and grabbed a magazine so I can look at the products more in depth.

14th July: STEAM POWERED

Nowadays I hardly straighten my hair, but when moving back to my parents house I discovered my first ever hair straighters that you filled with water and pretty much steamed your hair. So straighteners have come a long way, and I am thankful for that!

16th July: Dr Hauscka LOVE

 Now I've known about Dr Hauscka for a while now, and have tried samples in the past. However, thanks to word of mouth my Mum actually reintroduced me! I use the Rose Day Cream every morning, and is quite thick but very hydrating! Then I also use the cleansing milk and toner now as part of my morning routine. My skin seems to love this stuff, and I'm sure it would be looking better if I hadn't of got sunburnt this summer. Oops.

16th July: Next SALE

I didn't plan on going or buying anything from the Next sale, but my parents met me after work and we ended up finding a few bargains, such as a stripy dress. My favourite deal was this like-leather rucksack which is so pretty and I love the colour and size of the bag. 

Then I appear to drop off the earth as I work daily and then go camping for a week in Stafford! Somehow July flew by and I never had the chance to sit down and write blog posts, til now. Phew.

Tash xo

Care for Down There: Periods

Everyday: Makeup Bases

Everyday: Makeup Routine

Let's Catch Up!

 

Where to start with this post? I guess with a massive HELLO!

 If you've been paying any attention at all, you will know that I haven't posted on this blog since February (hope you didn't miss me too much). But if you had not noticed, or are wondering where I have been let me give you a quick lowdown:

3RD YEAR OF UNIVERSITY + DISSERTATION = NO TIME FOR BLOGGING :(

So yes,  I've just finished my last year studying Business Studies at University of Chester, and I've loved my course all the way up until January when things got not-so-interesting. Suddenly it becomes about trying to pass the essays and exams rather than learning new things for the future.

The engaging but most struggling parts of education so far has been my dissertation. My chosen topic, aftering having working at Lush, was to research how motivation of temporary and permanent employees at Lush Cosmetics compared, and any differences. Spoiler alert: it was nice to find that they were equally motivated and encouraged by the ethics of Lush culture, yay!

I'd rather not think about that anymore...

In case it wasn't obvious from this post, I'm back and have a plan!

With a growing passion for beauty and blogging I aim (not promise) to blog weekly for the foreseeable future; the planning has already begun, and so blogging starts now!

I'm excited to see where this leads to, mainly to discover what the future holds. Oh and thanks to those that have still stuck around, I hope you look forward to more from me.

TASH xo

What I Got For My Birthday 2015

I’m sure you’ve all seen the hundreds of What I got for Christmas blog posts, because I sure have. However like few, I celebrate my birthday 6 days after Christmas, which means it isn’t until the new year that I can round up all my presents to truly appreciate what I now own in my life.

So now I have decided to show you a glimpse of some beauty products that I received for either Christmas or Birthday! Enjoy!

Currently, my bedroom lacks both good lighting and a good mirror. Both of which are vital to getting ready daily and successfully at that. I am so happy to have received Carmen’s Light Up Desk Mirror, that runs on batteries, so is super handy and is perfect to give good lighting for a decent winter makeup routine. (I received this from the wonderful Rach, whom you can find online here and here.)

After the poor death of my The Wet Brush, I was eager to try a new version, for comparison. Superdrug’s Detangling Brush seems to be a cheaper dupe for the Tangle Teaser. And boy it is good!
With the size fitting comfortably in my hand, I find myself constantly wanting to brush my hair. However, I fear how successful it’ll be on a day that I want to keep my wavy hair on point without brushing them out.  

Personally, I like mascaras that give length. After recently disliking my current mascaras, I subtly asked for recommendations. This resulted in two mascaras for my birthday, that I know I’ll already love. Rimmel Extra 3D Lash has a small plastic brush etc. Maybelline Lashionista claims to give endless length (unrealistic but hey). As soon as I opened this I saw that medium bristled brush also had fibres on it, of which is known to create length. Perhaps a more evening mascara, for that fake lash effect?!

In the shade Bare Light, Revlon Photoready Face Illuminator is a liquid lightly golden highlighter! It’s so pretty and effective, that I do have to be careful not to get carried away with it on my face. It’s quite a bit darker than the pink-toned Benefit highlight, yet still works on my pale skin, foundation or not!

In the past, I’ve used M&S skincare, as it is cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny approved). With thanks to my skin clearing up, I can now use Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Eyeshadow Palette and eyeshadows freely, and this is the perfect way to start. A variety of matte and shimmer coloured eyeshadows, as you can see, are a perfect beginner and even travel-friendly palette! 

Estee Lalonde Nail Art Kit. A nail art pen for dotting and lines, and three beautiful shades of nail polish. I both adore Estee and The Body Shop; with these being my first nail polish from there, it has a good formula and brush for application. Oh and I’m wearing the blue shade right now #beaut!

This Nail Kit, of which I'm brand clueless,  legit has everything you’d need to maintain your nails! Personally, my nails grow quickly, and losing my clippers can be guaranteed. So I also love the packaging, as I know I’ll try my hardest to keep them all in place and not lose them!

I’m beyond happy with all the wonderful gifts that I received. Plus, it’s crazy to know that I got many non-beauty gifts too! What good products did you receive over the Christmas period? 

- Tash.

Skin Sincere Natural Skin Care Range

After discovering this brand at the recent West Midlands Blogger Meet, I was intrigued and excited to get my hands on free samples of their skin care range, like a kid at Christmas!

All Skin Sincere products are natural, organic and paraben-free, and the plus of being cruelty free and manufactured in the UK. Are there even any negative points about this brand?!

 With products suggested for all skin types, they also offer a specific Aloe Vera range that is aimed towards those with sensitive and dry skin.

Due to looking for a new facial cleanser, I eagerly picked up the cleansers to try that evening. The Clarifying Cleanser and Aloe Vera Cleanser like all their other products is made from recycled plastic with minimal packaging, but still with a convenient and

Prairie Charms- Luau Party Box

Prairie Charms have created a themed accessory subscription box called Prairie Pizzazz. The current box's theme embraces the summer and so is called Luau Party. Think Hawaii, hula girls, punch and flowers and you're on the right track. 

I was greeted by themed confetti when opening the box, then below the tissue paper lay more confetti and straw on which my new products lay. The nine products (a lot I know, yay) that I got in my box are...

A New Routine Addition: Honest Sunscreen

'Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging'

This quote directly from The Honest Co. website, helped persuade me into using this product every day since I received it!

The Honest Co.'s Honest Sunscreen Lotion is a safe and effective away to provide a broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, with the use of natural mineral based ingredients that are non-toxic, non-nano, and cruelty free!

This sunscreen is easy to apply, as the non-greasy formula is thick in texture and can simply be applied liberally to the

Doll White: Teeth Whitening Strips

After implementing Oral B's whitening toothpaste into my daily routine and seeing a difference, I wanted to try to even greater improve the shade of my teeth, by adding an extra step to my routine. 

Doll White* offer whitening strips in weekly packs which contain a teeth whitening gel pre-laid on strips.

Every other day I applied these strips to my top and bottom

Week In Photos #2

I've finally perfected my morning skin care routine using my Magnitone paired with The Body Shop face

~blog post here

purchased this amazing scented hand cream to add to my nail care collection ~blog post here

caking baking these lemon cakes were a success!

The Cloud- exploring lakes and hills with my bestfriend

 

post walk ice creams from Snugburys!

 

getting a little bit adventurous and trialing a few coloured hair chalks

Glamour in one hand, rucksack at the ready for a day trip to London

Finally, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win all that is shown

~enter giveaway here

It's been a busy week for me, and I'm currently heading to Birmingham for the second week in a row!

How has your week been?

- Tash.

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @nimblewhaleblog

Nail Care Routine

After being inspired by The Nail & Beauty Files' nail care routine blog post last week, I decided to pick up a few purchases on my next shopping trip so that I could get myself into a routine of looking after my nails.

Upon the beginning of my nail care journey, I picked up a twin pack of nail buffer blocks in Primark, costing only £1! There are 4 sides to use. 
1. File down the edges of each of my nails.
2. Buff gently the top of each nail which removes most rough areas and ridges.
3 & 4. Polish & Shine helps to smooth the nail and give it a shine finish.

After using each side of the block my nails feel so smooth, so I highly doubt there is much of a difference between more expensive blocks except for how long they will last.

I follow on my by using my strawberry hand cream from The Body Shop, rubbing this all over my hands and focus on massaging it on and around my nails to help hydrate my cuticles and skin that surrounds my nails.
I can't emphasize enough how much of a difference this have made since I started using it regularly, especially due to how amazing it smells!

To help keep my nails strong and looking healthy I'll apply my base coat nail polish after the cream has sunk in. Whether alone or underneath a coloured nail polish, this create a naturally light pink tint to my nails as well as filling in any other naturally nail ridges I still have.

Of course my nail care routine is no where near complete, as I plan to get a cuticle oil/ cream of sorts to help maintain them, and a better nail file to use on the edges rather than relying on the buffer blocks. I'll be sure to report back when I invest more into my routine.

I'm so glad that I finally got around to purchasing products to use in my nail care routine, because it means that I now stick to using them all, and recommend you sort one out if you haven't already, you won't regret dedicating a little time to do it.

Do you have a nail care routine? What other products do you use to look after them?

- Tash.

NimbleWhaleBlog Giveaway! - CLOSED

I am giving away a bundle of goodies to one lucky winner that have a total RRP of £40. These include a mixture of typical items that I associate myself with and you would likely see me blog about. Hopefully, there’ll be something in there that you’ll like too.

Here are the bundle of goodies that one lucky winner will receive the entirety of:

5 Colour Uniball Jetstream Retractable Rollerball Pen

1 LUSH The Experimenter Bath Bomb

1 The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

MULK Bundle*;
1 A5 Geometric Eco Notebook, 

1 A6 Geometric Eco Notebooks &
1 Geometric Card

Crazy Kitten Creations Bundle*;

1 Sparkle Crystal Necklace

1 Antique Dragonfly Necklace

I absolutely adore all of the above products, such as the various necklaces that I was sent from Crazy Kitten Creations, not to mention the amazing notebooks offered from MULK, which I'm quite jealous I don't get to keep, and can be used with the pastel Uniball pens! Then finally I hope the winner can truly enjoy the explosion of the Experimenter whilst using their facial mask from The Body Shop.

Enter on the Rafflecopter Giveaway below!

Terms & Conditions

Due to postage costs, this giveaway is only open to residents of the UK.

Follow all the rules in the Rafflecopter widget.

If you’re under 16, get a permission from a parent.

The giveaway opens at 12pm today (10^th July) and runs until 11:59pm on the 31^st July.

A winner will be chosen and contacted within 24 hours.

The winner will have two days to respond or a new winner may be chosen.
Please note that there is an error with the number update of entries, and thus is higher than Rafflecopter states.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone,
and feel free to check out the online stores of the products that are included in the giveaway, such as MULK and Crazy Kitten Creations!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Kirsty Whiston on winning the giveaway!

- Tash.

Timeless Truth Facial Mask

Recently I received one facial mask from Timeless Truth*, out of the many types they offer. This brand focuses on providing the latest advances in bio-technology for amazing anti-ageing results.

I chose the Luxury Elastic- Miracle Rejuvenation Mask, which states that it aims to brighten, rejuvenate and refine, by evening skin tone and diminishing the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

Personally, I found using this mask a great experience as the elastic cotton mask was super flexible by hooking on to my ears, and slits to enable contact to your face in all places, and even my under chin area as well as my entire face. This unique fitting mask is the best mask in terms of not causing a mess when applying the mask when compared to peel-off and mud masks, plus didn't fall off whilst I was walking about.

The result of it made my skin feel fresh, tighter, and brighter!

However, they state that this product can be used multiple times due to the generous amount of serum that is included in the packaging, which subsides the costly price for this face mask of £6.50.

There are also other types of facial masks that Timeless Truth offer with fab benefits, which use cloth masks including non-woven fabric, bio-cellulose and silk fibre. These can be found at www.thebeautymask.co.uk.

This was a good luxury face mask to use, however if I was to purchase, I would ensure I had put more thought into my choice to ensure I found the perfect mask to suit my skin type!

Also, they suggested to put the mask in the fridge previously, for a refreshing experience, of which I will be certain to do with all my masks in the future, especially during summer.

- Tash.

Argan Hair Oils

Oiling hair is wonderfully beneficial, as it can form a protective layer, whilst nourishing your hair! I've found adding a hair oil to your hair care routine, can be worthwhile, especially during summer.

I had not before considered using a hair oil until I received two samples through my door! Both are based with Argan Oil and both state to apply to damp hair and massage in. By trying these after I had washed my hair, it gave me the opportunity to compare the two, to see their fab benefits. 

Argan Dew: Miraculous Argan Oil- daily hair treatment*

Similar to their hair mask, their Miraculous Oil rehydrates, repairs and nourishing all of your hair. As it contains nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants it helps to improve hair strength, prevent frizz and creates a lasting healthy glossy shine on hair for the rest of the day.
 It also pleases me to know that this product is SLS, paraben and alcohol free, and is cruelty-free. Seriously, a great hair oil to help your hair get in great condition.

This product is available from their website, but specifically can be found here for roughly £25 for 100ml glass bottle.

Beauty Protector: Protect & Oil

As stated when receiving this in my Birchbox, this hair oil has a sweet vanilla scent, and somewhat gloopy texture. As well as leaving your hair glossy, this oil focuses on protecting against UV rays and heat damage, as well as strengthening hair strands. Alike Argan Dew, this hair oil is also a paraben-free formula and cruelty-free!

Available for purchase through Birchbox, this product comes in 118ml plastic bottle at £16, the more price-friendly product out of the two.

Both of these products have helped to make my hair really soft and glossy continuously! If I'm going to use heat, I'll grab Beauty Protector, but if not then every few days I will stick to Argan Dew!

These two hair oils have been wonderful additions to my hair care routine. I look forward to continuing to use these, to get the best out of my hair. 

Bring on summer with my healthy and shiny hair! 

- Tash.

Week In Photos #1

wore my new whale charm necklace from crazykittencreations.

made fluffy american pancakes with chocolate chips for the first time from BBC food. they tasted amazing! 

saw these beautiful tulips and had to buy them! yay spring!

repurchased a new hair mask i'm loving from herbal essences. 

bank holiday monday in the mud at a car boot sale, buying stationery as usual. 

treated to a new magazine to distract me from revision. 

finally started using the samples i'd saved from glamour magazines. prada candy smelt amazing!

admiring the outdoors in this beautiful weather. pretty flowers in barrels. 

a spring outfit has to include pastels and flowers. 

How has your week been?

- Tash.

P.S. Like these pictures? Follow me on instagram @nimblewhaleblog

Motivations to trying Yoga

6 reasons why I love doing Yoga and why you should try it out too!

1. Trying something new, what's the harm?

Before my first class of Yoga I had never even considered the idea of actually doing it, but after going to my first class, all the tension and hype falls away, and I was left with the idea of actually wanting to go to another class.

2. Distraction

I find that focusing on Yoga, on all the positions and breathing, distracts me from everything else, a sort of basic meditation, which I find calming to not even think about the worries I was having prior.

3. Improves strength and flexibility

People mentioned it to me, but I was ignorant until I tried and realised how useful yoga would be!
Yoga can be more demanding that difficult, helping to strengthen your core and muscles, which can hardly be a bad thing, right? Not to mention that it helps flexibility. Slowly (very slowly), I am noticing a difference as I strive to work harder. Not to forget how beneficial it can be towards other physical activities.

4. Class or home

Class is a great incentive to regularly do yoga, as doing it with others may encourage you to continue. But you may get nervous, therefore I suggest doing yoga at home alone. Yoga at home is easy, grab a mat cheap and either read a book to learn the postures or find a video such as Yoga with Adriene which are varied in style and length; perfect for current or new yogis! 
Fit into your regular life when yo can, being regular in small sessions is much better than doing long irregular sessions

5. Cheap and fun

The price! Yoga is fun to do and go along to your friends with to make it more enjoyable, but look around your area at the yoga classes. Yoga isn't always cheap but there may be classes in the local community hall or leisure centre that may be reasonable. Or for free check out the option of doing at home as stated previously.

6. PRACTISING IS ENJOYABLE!

Once you know you want to strive to try more positions and work harder to achieve them, it actually becomes enjoyable to try and attempt to get in these peculiar positions. Not to mention the hilarity when you epicly fail at them, giggles will occur.

With the help of online and real life yoga instructors, I've learnt to enjoy and to push myself when participating. I really recommend giving yoga a go, and you may even be surprised at what you can actually do!
- Tash.