Wednesday 30 December 2015

What I Got For Christmas 2015 | Imogen

Hello, today I'm  going to be doing the 'What I Got For Christmas' post and I just want to say I know a lot of people might see these posts as other people trying to show off or boast about what they got. I just want to put it out there, I am posting this because personally I like reading/watching them and they sometimes give me inspiration for what to ask for, for my birthday and even next Christmas. Also I think these posts can be useful in the future when you don't know what to get somebody; because you can look back and get ideas. So I'm not boasting in any way, and if you think that, then I recommend you click off this post now. I am very grateful for everything I received and I hope you all had a fab Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year. 
 
Panasonic DMC - FZ1000 
 GHD Eclipse ~ Mine came with the limited edition rose gold roll bag. 
 Benefit No.1 Selection Box ~ Containing 8 sample products and a voucher.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Perfume set which also contained the 'Uplifting Shower Gel' and 'Luminous Body Lotion'. 
Katy Perry Killer Queen Perfume ~ 100ml 
 Starbucks Cocoa Gift Set ~ Includes an adorable Starbucks mug(with a candy cane design handle) and two hot chocolate powders in the flavours 'Peppermint' and 'Double Chocolate' and also some Lindt Chocolate.
 
Jack Wills Body Spray Trio
 
Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb
 
Golden Wonder Bath Bomb 
 
Magic Wand Bubble Bar
Magic Of Christmas Bubble Bar 
I dropped this in the shop, whilst it was bagged and sealed, so I only realized it was actually broken last night ;( (it's not connected to the cinnamon stick)
 The Menagerie Adult Colouring Book
 Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom Adult Colouring Book
My brother, Corey, made me this at his college. Look how cute and adorable it is. 
 Life With A Sprinkle of Glitter Book
Chocolate Treat Tower
Me To You Bear 
Collection Eye Brow Kit ~ Brunette
 "Be Happy Always" and "Thing Happy.Be Happy." Notepads 
I saw these in TKMaxx months ago and I fell in love(I have a little obsession with notepads which have quotes on) and every time I went in, I stood and adored them. So I was so surprised and happy to open these on Christmas. I literally love them so much; I don't want to write in them.
 Chocolate (aka the key to my heart) 
The Celebrations were kindly given to me as a present off some family friends, Thank you. (if you ever stumble across this post x )
 Off my friend Annemarie, I received the The Body Shop ~ Mango Shower Gel and the Mango Treats Set which contains a shower lily and  mini bottles of the Mango Shower Gel and Body Whip.
 Thank you, if you are reading this x
 My friend Elise got me a Cream Fluffy Pajama Jumper and the Vaseline Lip Therapy set which contains three petroleum jellies. I actually got one of my friends this and I really wanted to keep it for myself, mainly  for the tin, so I'm really happy that I received this.  
Thank you, if you're reading this x 
So I received this jar from my neighboor, who I think, is only  5 years old. And she filled it with chocolate, sprinkles and glitter (hopefully edible glitter haha). And I love it, I think its so thoughtful and cute. 
Thank you, if again you're reading this (or if your parents are x ) 
These two gifts, were given to me, by our next door neighboors. And I really like the thought which was put into the bracelet;it has my name on it <3 And I can't wait to use the eyemask. Once again, if you're reading this, thank you x (Sorry for the bad photo)

Thank you so much for everybody who kindly gave me a card, money or a present.  I am extremely grateful for everything I received and I hope everybody reading this also had a great Christmas and got what you wished for.  I hope you all have a great new year and make lovely memories. 

What I Got For Christmas 2014 ~ http://ashleighandimogen.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2015-01-15T12:00:00-08:00&max-results=7 
(Scroll down that page to find it :), also that's my old blog which I had with my cousin)

Love,
Imogen x

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Three Quick & Easy Christmas Treats | Imogen

Hello, today I'm going to be showing you three Christmas treats, which are quick,easy,inexpensive, not time consuming and are very photogenic. They are perfect for a last minute gift, Christmas Party or a cozy Christmas Eve spent with a hot chocolate and a Christmas film. Most of these ideas have been inspired by photos I have seen on Pinterest. My Pinterest ~  https://uk.pinterest.com/imogenlea/
Candy Cane Love Hearts
 What you need:
 Candy Canes - 2 for each heart 
Chocolate (I used white chocolate, but you can use any you prefer) - I used 70gm for 2 hearts (this will vary depending on how big your hearts are)
Sprinkles - As many or as little as you like 
Instructions:
Step 1) Line and lightly grease a baking tray,  find candy canes that fit together nicely as a heart and also take the clear wrapping off of the candy canes.
Step 2) Cut the candy canes with scissors, so they fit together perfectly, and place them on your prepared baking tray. 
Step 3) Melt your chocolate in the microwave, and stir it at every 30 second interval. My chocolate took 1 minute 30 seconds to melt thoroughly. Once your chocolate is nicely melted place it in the candy cane love hearts. Put red, white and green sprinkles on the chocolate and then put them in the freezer, to allow the chocolate to set. It will take around 30 minutes in the freezer and then I would put them in the fridge for a further 10 minutes. 
Tip: Put lolly sticks on them, before you put the melted chocolate on, to create a lolly. Also use clear cellophane, to wrap them up and give as a gift. 

Candy Cane Coated Marshmallow Melts
              This idea doesn't only look adorable but it would be great to swirl in a ordinary hot chocolate and leave it with a very creamy marshmallow texture and also a peppermint flavour from the crushed up candy canes.
What you need:
 Candy Canes 
Marshmallows
Chocolate (I used white chocolate, but you can use any you prefer)
Kebab or lolly pop stick 
Instructions:
Step 1) Place your marshmallows on your kebab or lolly pop sticks and crush up some candy canes.
Step 2) Melt your chocolate in the microwave, and stir it at every 30 second interval. My chocolate took 1 minute 30 seconds to melt thoroughly.
Step 3) Swirl your marshmallow in the melted chocolate, and coat the whole marshmallow evenly. 
Step 4) Sprinkle your marshmallow with crushed up candy canes and prop up somewhere to allow the chocolate to dry. (Put a plate/bowl underneath to catch any falling candy cane, which isn't sticking to the chocolate)
Step 5) Enjoy on its own, or try leaving it to melt in a hot chocolate

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark 
What you need: 
Candy Canes - 2
White Chocolate (although this is called 'White Chocolate Peppermint Bark' you can use milk/dark chocolate if that's what you prefer) - 70gm
Optional:
Red and Green M&M's or Smarties
Red and Green Sprinkles 
Mini Marshmallows 
Instructions:
Step 1) Line and lightly grease a baking tray and crush up your candy canes, to big and small chunks. 
Step 2) Melt your chocolate in the microwave, and stir it at every 30 second interval. My chocolate took 1 minute 30 seconds to melt thoroughly.
 Step 3) Pour your melted chocolate on to your prepared baking tray and spread it out with a palette knife or a spoon, until you have quite a thin layer of chocolate. 
Step 4) Once you are happy with your shape of your chocolate, sprinkle your crushed up candy canes onto the top. If you are using any 'optional' ingredients also add them now. 
Step 5) Put your baking tray into the freezer for around half an hour, and then break up the chocolate. Then put it in the fridge for a further 10 minutes. 

There you have my three quick and easy Christmas treats. I hope this post is useful in case you have any Christmas parties coming up or you need an extra stocking filler. I hope you all have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. 

Love,
Imogen x

Sunday 20 December 2015

Christmas Tag | Imogen

 Hello everyone, today's post is a Christmas Tag,can you believe there is only 5 days until Christmas; this year has gone so fast .I am so exited for Christmas, because it's Ruby's(my dog) first Christmas. 
Photo from Pinterest
1) Whats your favourite Christmas/holiday song?
Merry Christmas Everybody ~ Slade
I wish it could be Christmas everyday ~Wizzard
2) Have you ever made a snowman?      
Yes, I make one every year        
3) Do you like to stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas? 
Well this depends what we're doing for Christmas, when I was younger we used to have most of our family round and I used to put on a nice dress. But now I tend to stay in my PJ'S for half of the morning and then get changed for Christmas dinner and tea time.
4) Favourite Christmas meal or treat? 
It definitely has to be Pigs in blankets 
5) Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? 
Christmas morning, of course 
6) Have you ever built a gingerbread man house? 
No, but I really want to 
7) What is at the top of your Christmas list? 
I haven't really asked for a main present, but I have asked for a lot of Lush products
8) Do you have any Christmas traditions? 
I always have an advent calendar,  me and my brother get a new pair of PJ'S on Christmas Eve and I leave a few Quality Streets and milk out for Santa 
9) Do you make New Years Resolutions? If so, do you stick to them? 
I always make New Years Resolutions, but no I never stick to them 
10) What is your favourite thing about Christmas? 
I prefer the December month rather than Christmas day, because of how happy everyone is, the Christmas songs and films, baking, snow(which we hardly get where I live , but we can hope) and buying gifts for other people. But I like Christmas Day mainly for Pigs in Blankets and how happy all of my family is
  
I hope you enjoyed this little post, I am sorry for my lack of uploads recently, its hard to take decent photo's with the weather, hence the photo from Pinterest 

Love,
Imogen x

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Intergalactic Lush Bathbomb Review | Imogen

 
 Hello, where exactly do I start with this bath bomb? I love everything about it! 
  Although I love bath bombs, I don't always buy them and normally just ask for them for Christmas or my birthday, but this doesn't stop me from going in and taking a nosy around the shop, ever time I go to my local shopping center. When I last went it in to lush, I was instantly drawn to the Intergalactic bath bomb, I don't know whether it was because of  it's bright blue shade, streaks of pink,yellow and white seeping through or the tiny flecks of gold glitter I could see shimmering in the light. Whatever it was, it made me buy it. Although I love the appearance of this bath bomb, when I first picked it up I really wasn't too keen on the scent. However, I can say, I have slowly grew to love it. The scent is Peppermint and Grapefruit, however in my opinion the peppermint definitely overpowers the grapefruit; I don't mind though, as I love the smell. The peppermint  produces a very relaxing and fresh aroma which is vital to de-stress and relax. Unlike all of the other bath bombs I have tried from Lush, the next day I could still smell the bath bomb on my skin. Which is a definite bonus;when a bath bomb smells sooo good. 

When I placed it into the water, it fizzed into streaks of blue, white, yellow, pink and purple. However sadly, my bath bomb only gave off a little bit of the pinks and yellows. (Although if you look at other peoples photos, there is a large amount of pink given off - obviously it varies) Despite the mini firework of colour, my bath transformed into a beautiful dark blue shade with thousands of little flecks of gold glitter floating around. Intergalactic is a very fitting name for this bath bomb - as it is like you're bathing in your own galaxy. Although I personally love the amount of glitter, I did find some in my hair after - which I don't find a bad aspect but it's not going to be every bodies cup of tea. Also the glitter was all around the bottom of my bath, but it quickly comes off with a swish of water. If you don't really like glitter, on your skin or on your bath then this is not the right bath bomb for you however if you do, then this is perfect for you. 
 Ratings out of 10:
Appearance - 8/10
Scent - 9/10
The colour it makes the water - 8/10 
Explosion - 6/10

I hope you enjoyed this post, as much as I enjoyed writing it! 

Love,
Imogen x

Sunday 6 September 2015

Cornwall 2015 | Imogen

Hello, on the 19th of August until the 26th of August, me and my family went on a holiday to Cornwall. Because I took more than 1200 photo's, I decided it was a better option to choose my favourite's ones and put them on a blog post, instead of filling my Instagram feed up with holiday photos.
We have been going to Cornwall, for at least three years now because it's such a beautiful place to go. We stayed at the Porth Beach campsite which is apparently only 100 meters away from the beach, I don't really know how long that is, but the beach is literally a stones throw away ( as my mum says). We have now gone twice to the Porth Beach Campsite, because although it doesn't have a club or shop on site, it is dog friendly and very quite. Although the campsite is dog friendly, the beach is not, which is such a shame. However up a hill from the campsite, and then down exactly 128 steps, there is a cove which we took our dog on and also had a barbecue on. 

The Journey There 

From where I live it takes approximately around six ~ seven hours to get there , or maybe even longer, if we get stuck in traffic.  To reduce our risk of getting stuck in traffic, we like to set off early in the morning, So at 4:45am on Wednesday, we begun our travels down to Cornwall, when we worked it out, it took us around five and a half hours to get there, excluding the amount of time we were in services which was not long, around half an hour I think. The journey, slightly worried us a little bit because it was Ruby's first ever time being in a car for more than an hour. But, she was surprisingly very good for a twenty week old puppy, and she slept all the way


 
  Can we just take a moment to appreciate these please? 

When we arrived, we decided to take Ruby on the beach, and although dogs are not allowed on the beach, there was dogs everywhere. So we decided to take her on for a little bit, because it was her first ever time on a beach. And it's like a little new adventure for her. And it's just too cute. However, don't worry we didn't take her on that beach again, we took her to the cove, I mentioned earlier. The appearance of Ruby, when she is wet makes my laugh so much, because she looks so different and super skinny. 


Padstrow






 






On our way back from Padstrow Harbour, we saw a sign for "Constantine Bay" and because my mum said she recognized the name from off the internet, we followed the sign. We had our wet suits and body boards in the boot of the car, so if my brother and my dad, thought it looked good to body board in then, we would stop and have a couple of hours there, which we did do, in fact they were in for nearly four hours. After they had been in for around one ~ two hours I decided to join them. 




Newquay 

The next day we went into the center of Newquay, where it's just a long street full of souvenir and charity shops.  When I went last year I saw this shop, but never went in and I am so glad I did this year because it is one of the most cutest little shops ever and they sell milkshakes, so how can they get any better?
 They had such a huge range of flavours to choose from, so I played it safe and ordered a Cadbury's Fudge Finger milkshake, however the lady who served me, said the chocolate doesn't break down as much because of it's shape in the blender. So I quickly ordered another milkshake, and because I felt quite rushed and pressured to choose another flavour, I went for another simple one Milkybar (white chocolate) It was nice, but because the flavour is quite bland, it wasn't really worth the money. Although, saying that I went in a couple of days later for another milkshake,because they sell a lot more like smoothies, ice creams or even frozen yogurt. And I got a Double Decker Milkshake which was just, wow, so good. My brother got a Mint Areo Milkshake and on the second return he got a Oreo Cookies Milkshake. By the way the shop was called Mooz.





Ruby loves milkshakes  



After I had my milkshake, I then went on to have an ice ~ cream, from a different store, which I didn't get the name of. But I ordered two scoops, one being "Sticky Toffee Fudge" and the other being "Salted Caramel" the best one was definitely Salted Caramel. It was delicious.







Went we went to Newquay again, I actually bumped into my friend who was on the pitch as the side of us, last year on Peran Sands Campsite. So that was such a coincidence because, we didn't know what to do that day because the weather wasn't so great. So if we didn't go to Newquay, we would have probably never met again. We then went crabbing on the harbour edge and caught 6 crabs in one go. And when we put the net on the floor, they ran out and off the edge, without a care in the world. I also saw lots of seals. 


I just realized I have something on my leggings in this photo, oops  


Can you spot all of the crabs? There is six









I may or may not have took more than 300 photos of this sunset. Okay I did (No shame)






















The next day, my brother and dad went goal karting and that night, we went to the cove again to have a barbeque. Unfortunately the sunset wasn't as pretty as the night before.  



 By the time we got to actually roast our marshmallows it was pitch black, so I couldn't really get a good shot of it. But this is the best one got.  

The next day, me and my dad went horse riding.  My horse was called Kai and he was apparently a lazy,slow unmotivated horse. Which I can agree with. He was the slowest horse and he didn't like to trot. However I still had a good time. My dad's horse was called Chloe.
 




 I have no idea what I was doing with my hand. 

On our way back from Horse Riding, we decided to go to Mcdonalds, but can you believe it, it was shut!
So instead we went to a pub called Kings Head because it was dog friendly and obviously we had Ruby with us. 
 I actually didn't intend to take that photo. Well I mean I did, but I was testing my camera. Because it went funny on me.
 I also had an hot chocolate but I forgot to take a photo of it. The waiter actually brought two hot chocolate's over and said he went a little bit OTT. 

Before we set off home, we went into Newquay because the weather was beautiful. We went into a very vintage shop, where I bought a very cute notebook.













This was amazing!
We then set off home. I'm sorry this post is quite late. I mean where now in September. And I'm only just uploading it. But anyway, I hope you liked my photo's which I took.  


Love,
Imogen x
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