New Years Resolutions 2016

I've never been hugely into new years resolutions. If I want to start / stop doing something, then I'll usually just do it regardless of what time of year it is. However, the idea of a 'fresh' year does appeal to me, and this year I've decided to make some achievable new years resolutions, to guide me into 2016.

I would say that pretty much every year for the past 5 years my New Years Resolutions have been something along the lines of 'get a smokin' hot body', but this year it isn't! I'm actually quite happy with my body now, I exercise most days and can

1. Be More Badass
Without putting anyone down, this year I want to get my own way. I tend to put up with things much more than I should, and always like to see the best in people when sometimes I really need to consider my own needs.

2. Up My Blog Game
I go through peaks and troughs with my blog. I really want to make something amazing of it, but I struggle to find the time because unfortunately it isn't a priority right now. Spending time with my son and studying for my degree are taking up prime positions there...

3. Find a Job That I Love. 
I'm going to graduate this summer! This means after 2 years I'll finally be going back to work as a working Mum. Things are a little different this time round, as nursery fees means I won't actually make much in earnings, so I'm determined to find a job that I enjoy which will get me on the career ladder I want.

4. DO MORE!
This year I have an active little toddler on my hands who is more inquisitive than ever before. I hope that 2016 will be a year filled with adventures and new friends. There is so much to do in South Wales, so we need to make the most of it!

5. Get Driving
I may have spoken briefly about my driving phobias on here, but to cut a long story short.. I'm petrified of driving. I passed my driving test late 2014 and have been driving for a year, but I still suck. My lack of spacial awareness and practice is mostly to blame, I hope that around the end of 2016 I will get my own little motor (only if I actually need it of course.. as mentioned before I don't know where I'll be working!) which is small enough to feel like I'm not going to crash into every other car and hopefully an automatic because as previously stated - I suck.

xxx

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WINTER NAIL WARDROBE: PARTY EDITION! (Models Own and Barry M)

The last post of my Winter Nail Wardrobe mini series is the party edition - all the colours perfect for NYE! I decided to use Models Own and Barry M exclusively as I think they are the best brands for glitter shades - better than any high end versions I've tried! (DISCLAIMER - This post is not sponsored by either...)

L-R: Barry M Rose Glitter Quartz, Models Own Ibiza Mix, Models Own Boogie Nights, Models Own Magenta Divine, Barry M Fashion Icon, Barry M Amethyst Glitter, Barry M Xmas 2012, Barry M Pink Glitter, Barry M Black Multi Glitter.

WINTER NAIL WARDROBE: CHRISTMAS!

Today I'm sharing perhaps my favourite of my Winter Nail Wardrobe, my CHRISTMAS nails! The green ORLY polish is one of my favourites, and perfect for Christmas. The NAILSINC Stars are adorable too!

NAILSINC Alexa Stars, Barry M Red Glitter, NAILSINC Victoria and Albert, Orly Mermaid Tale, Models Own Absinthe

WINTER NAIL WARDROBE: ICY BLUES

Welcome to part 3 of my Winter Nail Wardrobe! Today I'm sharing my icy blue shades. Unfortunately the models own shade pictured bottom right was smashed by my son before I could get a swatch (grr!)

Models Own Chrome Blue, Barry M Aqua Glitter, OPI Last Friday Night, Essie Find Me An Oasis, Sinful Colors Cinderella, Orly Harmonious Mess, Nails Inc. Winter Lilac, Orly Snowcone

Let me know your favourite blue shades!

xxx

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WINTER NAIL WARDROBE: FROSTY TIPS

If you saw Tuesday's post, then you'll know that I'm doing a quick mini series on my Winter nail wardrobe. Today I'm sharing some beautiful frosty whites and silvers!

OPI Snow You Love Me, China Glaze Luxe and Lush, Nails Inc Alexa Holographic, No.7 82445, GOSH Holographic Hero, OPI Turn on The Haute Light, Models Own Snow White. 

Let me know if you think I'd love anything else!

xxx

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WINTER NAIL WARDROBE: AUTUMN HUES

I thought I would do a mini series on my 'nail wardrobe' for winter. First up, and perhaps a little late, is the autumnal reds, golds and nudes I love to wear once the weather takes a turn for the worse! I'll keep these posts short and sweet because there's a few of them coming! 

From top - bottom: OPI I Sing in Colour, Nails Inc. Tate, Seche Irresistable, Nails Inc. Jermyn Street, Orly 0712514a (Sorry the actual name came off!), Mac Originality, M&S Gold Shimmer, No.7 71443,  OPI Gaining Mole-Mentum.

I'd love to know what Nail Colours you recommend for the winter months - let me know below! 

xxx

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Feeling Festive at The Celtic Manor!

So you may remember a few months ago I was invited to try the Summer Vintage Afternoon Tea which I reviewed here. I was lucky enough to be invited up again and this time I tried the Christmas Afternoon Tea! Considering how decadent the whole experience is, I think the price of the Afternoon Tea's is really pretty good - the packages start from £26! 

On this visit, I fell head over heels in love with The Celtic Manor. The place is just magical. The Christmas displays were lovely, and they even had activities on for the kiddies (although I didn't bring mine with me as he is perhaps just a little bit too crazy to enjoy a nice afternoon tea!). I'm desperate to stay there just to explore the place - it's huge! 

The Afternoon Tea started with a glass of mulled wine, followed by some savoury treats, sandwiches, cake and pastries and finally scones. To save me the job of reciting the menu, I took a photo of it for those of you who are interested! 

The experience is one I would describe as 'proper posh', which would normally make me feel a little bit out of place, but everyone is so welcoming and helpful that it is hard to feel that way here. They'll cater to your dietary requirements and we were hardly waiting any time before the first plate of food headed our way. You can have a box to take home any of the food you can't squeeze in too. 

Nothing beats a classic cucumber sarnie!

We had a plate EACH of this. Yum. 

As you can probably tell, this food is top notch - as you can only imagine from The Celtic Manor. I didn't grab a photo of the whole stack, but we had a plate EACH of all the festive goodies. So much time and care has obviously gone into each little treat on the plate. 

We were too stuffed for the scones... so we took them with us! 

How freaking cute is this train track going around the tree? I literally jumped for joy!

I would definitely recommend the Christmas Afternoon Tea, especially if you're struggling with a gift idea for someone then this would make a great treat. Or even just out for a date! It will definitely get you in the festive spirit, that's for sure! 

xxx

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My Joules Baby Christmas Picks!

When Joules asked me if I wanted to try some of their baby boy selection I was pretty excited! From my experience Joules clothes, whilst a little pricier, are gorgeous and so well designed and made.

They have some adorable festive pieces in the collection at the moment which would be great for Christmas gifting - I for one would be thrilled to receive them for Archer!

I picked a few pieces to try for Archer - firstly the adorable Cream Babypolar Character shirt (£14.95)*. I love the cute little flappy tartan ears on him! Anything with a face amuses Archer, so hopefully this will entice a giggle from him too.

Secondly is possibly the favourite piece of clothing I've ever got him. This little 'I Still Live With My Parents' two piece (£29.95)* is simply ADORABLE. It's a little big for him at the moment (as is most of the stuff, he's a tiny 18 month old!) but I can't wait to get him in this.

Finally, I picked more of an 'essential' item which would make a great gift for Christmas. The gorgeous 'Babygeorge' gilet  (£29.95)* which looks so cosy - I wouldn't mind having one for myself! It's a great piece because it will keep your little one cosy but still allowing them freedom to explore with their arms without stuffing them into a big coat. 

Do you have any other recommendations for toddler clothes this Christmas? 

xxx

Products marked with * are gifted PR samples, please read my disclaimer for more information

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One Hour A Day Challenge

I'm setting myself a little challenge. Over the past few weeks I've let my degree take up a lot of my time and I've been letting Electric Suede fall behind, because I feel like my time is better spent studying. This might not seem like a problem, it's better than me putting all my time into my blog and none into my degree! But it's something that has been niggly away at me, because I really do want to make more time for my blog.

What put the wheels in motion, however, was when I was offered a part time job. I would make barely any money after nursery fees but was still considering losing an extra 16 hrs a week to a job, and if I could afford to lose that much time away from my studies it might as well be on something I love.

So I've decided that I will attempt to dedicate just 1 hour a day to Electric Suede. Whether that's writing a post, replying to comments, scheduling posts, taking photographs or whatever other admin-y tasks come along with it. This way I will hopefully not fall behind too far, and hey if I want to carry on after an hour, then that's fine too!

I'll check in soon to let you know how I get on, and if you have any tips for blog time management then PLEASE let me know! I really suck sometimes.

xxx

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Keeping Warm with TargetDry!

I was recently lucky enough to be asked to trial a coat from Irish outdoors company Target Dry. I was pretty excited about this as I'm ALWAYS freezing and was after a 'proper' coat to try and keep a bit of extra warmth in.

Now this isn't a glamourous or fashionable piece, obviously, but it's totally practical and perfect for people who have to walk their commutes (like me) or take little people or animals out a lot (also like me).

The coat I chose was the Apollo Waterproof Xtreme coat* (£89.99), which I think may have had a new version released over the last few weeks.

The coat is highly waterproof, highly breathable and highly windproof. I've put it to the test over the past few weeks against the Welsh winds and rains and can say that it certainly lives up to these claims!

I also love the big roomy pockets, the hidden hood and the adjustable hems for keeping all the warmth in!

I would say that the sizes come up a little bigger than I thought - but I'm fine with a bit of extra room because it means I can layer a big comfy hoodie underneath for when the weather really drops!

I love this coat and I'm certainly getting plenty of wear out of it. Unfortunately I asked Mr. Electric Suede to take a few photos of me out and about in it and they were pretty much all rubbish so I apologise for that!

Any extra tips for keeping warm over the next few months would be greatly appreciated!

xxx

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*This post contains gifted PR content - for full details please read my disclaimer*

Faking a Winter Glow with Make Up Revolution

I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to highlighting. As someone with an oily t-zone, I was always a fan of keeping my skin as matte as possible, regardless of how half-dead I looked as a result. Over the past year or so though, I have built up a decent collection of highlighters and have come to use them on a daily basis to add a bit more glow to my face (and disguise the sleep-deprived parent look that I'm usually rocking...)

Make Up Revolution have some great highlight offerings which I thought I would share with you today, if you're looking for an affordable way to add a little bit of glow to your skin now that the winter is drawing in! 

Radiance Palette Swatches: Left-Right - Breathe, Exhale, Glow

If I was going to suggest a 'must-have', it would be the radiance palette (£8). As you can probably tell I get A LOT of use out of the two highlighting shades, and despite having used this almost every day for a few months I am yet to hit pan.

I haven't tried the hourglass ambient lighting powders, but these are supposedly a dupe for those at a tiny fraction of the price! They are more subtle than regular highlighters and without any chunks of glitter, instead they just add a beautiful sheen to the skin. I use the first shade 'Breathe' around the under eye area and tops of cheek bones and the centre of the forehead then the second shade 'Exhale' to add a little extra glow to the tops of the cheeks and the brow bone. The third shade 'Glow' is a great bronzey shade for the summer months, too!

Left - Goddess of Love, Right - Peach Lights

Two of the separate highlighters Make Up Revolution offer are the Goddess of Love highlight (£4.99) and the 'Peach Lights' baked highlighter (£3) which both offer a light pinky glow - perfect for cool skin tones like mine. The Goddess of Love highlighter comes in gorgeous packaging (very similar to the Too Faced blushes...) and seems to have a little more depth to the colour which doesn't seem to show up in the swatches. Peach Lights is very similar though and a great affordable alternative.

I'm forever being impressed by Make Up Revolution. I'd love to know if you have any recommendations for me to try!

xxx

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