2011Cherry Pie : 2011

31 December 2011

December Favourites

So, with only a matter of hours until the end of December, it was time to pull out the old 'monthly favourites' post. I think December has been a great month for products, what with the best Glossybox of the year and the release of Topshop's Nail Art pens!

I'm spending New Year's Eve at work during the day, but at Vince's for the evening. It's kind of become a tradition now for me to go to Vince's and his mum always does a great buffet! Unfortunately I start work at 9am on Sunday so it won't be too much of a late night and probably no drinking, but as long as there's food, I'm not really fussed!

Anyway, on to the faves!

December Favourites
December Jolie Box: OPI Gold Shatter
December Glossybox: Deborah Lippman Razzle Dazzle, Rituals Foaming Shower Gel
Topshop: Nail Art Pen, Velvet Leggings
Desire Clothing: Chunky Knit Cardigan
MUA: Immaculate Palette

Thought I'd do something a bit different this month and put all the images together in one graphic. I'm annoying myself by always posting image after image, this way it's a bit more interesting and I even decided to add some of my favourite clothing items from December as well!

This months beauty boxes were great for nail polishes and the Deborah Lippman and OPI Gold Shatter are new favourites! The OPI shatter was probably the best product in the Joliebox actually!

I haven't reviewed my Immaculate palette yet, but I promise I'm getting round to it! As for the Nail Art pens from Topshop, I think you can tell by now that I'm a huge fan!

What have your favourite products been this month? I wonder what January will bring? I'm sure I'll pick up a few new bits and pieces in the sales!

Have a great New Year everyone!

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29 December 2011

Joliebox December 2011

I've been waiting quite a while to get this post up. I decided to order the first Joliebox so I could compare it to the popular Glossybox.

Joliebox December 2011

Joliebox December 2011

My box was despatched on December 14th but I didn't receive it when everybody else was. After a few days I contacted the company on their Facebook page, as you do, and got blunt, sarcastic and rude replies. For some reason Joliebox/Boudoir Prive don't realise that Facebook is the first port of call for unhappy and even happy customers, even with a customer support email, but to express their unhappiness with people writing on their wall about their boxes is just rude in my opinion.

It took a good few days for me to receive a reply from the customer support email and they kindly sent out another box for me, but by that time it was too late as I'd already unsubscribed.

I decided to still go ahead and review the products as they were very generous with a staggering 7 items, but I still have mixed feelings about some of them.

Joliebox December 2011

What was in the box?

  • OPI Gold Shatter Nail Lacquer
    Apply over any dry nail lacquer to create a stunning 'shattered' effect.

  • Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash
    An invigorating shower wash containing natural English honey, Vitamin E and wheat proteins.

  • New CID Cosmetics i-gloss
    Light up lip gloss with mirror for a non-sticky, long-lasting and high glam shine.

  • Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust
    A multi-use shimmer powder in shade Rose Gold to apply to cheeks, eyes, lips, body and even hair.

  • Yon-Ka Vital Defense
    Anti-ageing prevention, antioxidant and anti-pollution cream to help the skin to preserve its youthfulness.

  • Kusmi Detox Tea
    A delicious blend of Matè, chinese Green Tea and lemon grass full flavoured with lemon.

  • Joliebox Concealer Brush
    Designed for blending concealer, the pointed tip provides precision for small imperfections whilst the flat side smooths coverage across larger areas such as under the eye.

    Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash

    OPI Gold Shatter

    Yon-Ka Vital Defense

    Kusmi Detox Tea

    Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust

    New CID Cosmetics Light Up Lipgloss

    I love the full size OPI Gold Shatter and the Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust is really pretty and could add a nice bit of sparkle to eyeshadow, but as for the rest of the products, I'm not too keen.

    The light-up lipgloss is a great, well known brand but the light on it is pretty blinding and I'm not a fan of lipgloss at all and The Yon-Ka Vital Defense is a nice little product that I'll probably give to someone else. As for the shower wash, I think it will end up in the bathroom cabinet collecting dust. It reminds me a bit of the shower gels you steal from hotel rooms and the scent isn't very nice.

    I don't like the idea of putting a detox tea in a beauty box and I know that Boudoir Prive have done that before. Again, this will probably just sit in the cupboard. The concealer brush is another nice product that I might pass on to my sister!

    Overall, I'm a bit disappointed in the box. I understand that the delivery was held up by Christmas, but I think if it was shipped on the 14th, it should have reached me in time. I much prefer the Glossybox, I guess because the Boudoir Prive/Joliebox is a bit more upmarket and that's just not me. Sorry. I've unsubscribed from the box now but it was nice to compare the two.

    What did everyone else think of their boxes?
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    28 December 2011

    Christmas in a nutshell




    So, it's all over until next year. I'm not sure what people think about 'look at my Christmas presents' type posts, but I wanted to write a little bit about what I got and how the day went!

    The day didn't get off to the best start as I had to work in the morning. Then the kitchens at work lost their Gas supply and I was told I had to stay past 1pm...I wasn't asked, I was told, which meant I wasn't a happy bunny. Anyway I didn't stay and finally got home for the afternoon!

    This Christmas was my niece, Daisy's first ever, so it was pretty special! My Nan and Grandad visited in the morning and then we watched Daisy opening her many many presents! It took quite a while and she was more interested in the paper and she won't remember any of it but it was nice to watch. I got her some little books, a bath book, a Crawling toy and a Minnie Mouse toy which she liked. My mum and dad went a bit mad and she had more presents than everyone put together, but that's how it should be shouldn't it?!

    Vince very kindly got me the iPad cover I asked for, and a mysterious second present! When I opened it, it turned out to be an iPhone 4!! I can't believe how lucky I am and I absolutely love it! I also got lots of bits and pieces such as smellies, nail polish sets, books etc, etc.

    I still haven't sorted any of it out and found it all a new home! I've got three days off work now so I'm sure it will get done. I'm also hoping to get lots of blog posts written up and you can expect lots of Instagram photos now that I have my lovely new iPhone!

    Hope you all had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year!
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    25 December 2011

    Merry Christmas!!

    Admittedly this is a scheduled post, mainly because it's Christmas day, but also because I'm working this morning and haven't time to write anything. So I've scheduled this post as I still want to wish all my blog readers a very Merry Christmas!

    Merry Christmas

    Thank you all so much for reading all of my posts over the past year and helping the blog to grow as much as it has! Hope you all have a brilliant day and I'll look forward to reading all of your Christmas present posts!

    Don't forget to enter my Christmas MUA Giveaway!
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    24 December 2011

    Party Style with DesireClothing.co.uk





    After winning Desire Clothing's Britain's Best Blogger competition and browsing their website for my prize, I've found a new favourite fashion retailer, so obviously, I wanted to share a few of their items with you!

    The items above are brand new for Desire Clothing and they're perfect for all of those New Year's Eve parties that everyone goes to! Unfortunately I'm not one of those people that goes to a club or a wild party to celebrate New Year, instead I usually go to Vince's house for a huge buffet, but the items are actually perfect for any time of year, which is why I wanted to feature them specifically.

    I'm seeing so many sequins at the moment and love the small hints of sparkle within the Sequin Chiffon Tee. The Metallic Shift Dress in particular is definitely something I'd wear and I love the shape and slightly flared skirt! So pretty! It would have been perfect for the Xmas blogger meet that took place last week, if only I'd seen it sooner!

    The Leopard Print Wrap Over Dress also looks extremely pretty and it's not too full on animal print. I love the addition of the belt. The Embellished Flapper Dress is another absolutely gorgeous product; simple and sophisticated.

    What's even better is that most of these items have already had money knocked off them, making them slightly cheaper. If you can order something in time, they're perfect for all the upcoming parties, but if not, you can order them ready for any special occasions that are taking place in 2012!

    What do you think of this small selection? Will you be ordering anything?

    Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!
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    23 December 2011

    Last Minute Stocking Fillers

    There's just three more shopping days to go before Christmas (including today) so I thought I'd get a quick post written up with some stocking filler ideas. I originally wanted to write some gift guides, but lots of blogs are doing that, so I thought stocking fillers would be a nice idea.

    If you can't afford one big expensive gift then stocking fillers are perfect because you can buy lots of little, cheaper bits and really stuff the stocking with them! I tried to keep the gift ideas pretty low priced and hopefully they'll give you a few ideas!

    Topshop: Nail Art Pen, Smokey Eye Quad
    ASOS: Bed Head Sugar Dust, Skinny Belt, Pyramid Rings, NARS Mini Nail Polishes
     Temporary Secretary: Stripey Button Earrings  

    Stocking fillers for the girls are so easy! Beauty products, hair products, make-up etc, etc. Jewellery always makes great stocking fillers and I'd love to see all of the products above in my own stocking, if only I still got one!

    As for the guys, they are a touch more difficult to buy for but I've chosen things that you can't really go wrong with, i.e Socks, Wallet, Jewellery...

    Topman: Beanie Hat, Double Finger Cross Ring
    River Island: Perforated Wallet
    Urban Outfitters: Dresden Socks, Touch Screen Gloves
    ASOS: Sandqvist iPad Case, Flat Anchor Ring 

    So, there you go! A few last minute ideas for you, happy Christmas shopping!
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    21 December 2011

    Glossybox December 2011

    Finally! The much anticipated December GlossyBox is here! The November box was a huge hit with me so I was expecting great things from the Christmas box and it certainly hasn't disappointed!

    Glossybox December 2011

    Glossybox December 2011

    What was in the box?

  • Blink & Go Hi-Definition Mascara
    Longer, thicker, sexier. Give your natural lashes a stunning flake-free waterproof boost.

  • Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss
    Cargo's new Lip Gloss formulation! Perfect shades, great wear and high-shine without being sticky.

  • Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish with Stripped To Go Sachet
    Party glitter nail colour with a sachet of the most amazing polish remover finger nail mitt.

  • MEMEME Seventh Heaven
    A luxurious moisturising facebase enriched with active nutrients and extracts to prime and nourish the skin.

  • Rituals Foaming Shower Gel
    This unique foaming shower gel gently cleanses your skin and leaves it silky soft and smooth.


    I am so so happy with this box and love all of the products!

    Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Polish

    Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Polish

    MEMEME Seventh Heaven Moisturising Facebase

    Cargo Cosmetics Lip Gloss

    Rituals Shower Gel and Blink & Go Mascara


    I was so excited to see a Deborah Lippmann nail polish in there as this is a brand that I've always wanted to try. Although named as a 'mini' polish, it's still quite a good size and is lovely and sparkly, perfect for Christmas!

    It's one of those glitter polishes that are always a nightmare to remove, but it actually came with a 'Stripper Mitt' which took the polish off with no problem! I'd definitely recommend using this over a sink or something because it's very messy. When I opened the packet it splashed in my face and if you squeeze the mitt it's literally dripping in remover, but it does a great job!

    Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Polish


    I was also really excited to see a product from MEMEME Cosmetics, which I've also been wanting to try but have held off because of the pricing.

    I received the moisturising facebase which is a great size and a lovely product. It's got a great scent and I love the cute packaging. I've yet to try it on my face as I'm always wary of skincare products but this could make a lovely little stocking filler for someone else!

    MEMEME Seventh Heaven Moisturising Facebase

    MEMEME Seventh Heaven Moisturising Facebase


    The Cargo Lipgloss looks really lovely but I hate wearing lipglosses, so this will probably be given to someone else!

    I was excited to see a shower gel in the box because that's like a Christmas present staple isn't it. I love that it's a foaming gel and it smells delicious, I'll definitely be using it all up!

    A few people received the Blink & Go mascara, while others received an eyeshadow/blush palette, which I think I would have preferred. I really need a new mascara but I wasn't completely won over by this one, it's a bit clumpy and stringy once applied so only one or two layers is needed. I like the fact that it's waterproof and I'll probably use it occasionally, it's a great size and I love the packaging!

    Blink & Go Long Lasting Mascara

    Blink & Go Long Lasting Mascara

    Blink & Go Long Lasting Mascara


    So what do you think of your December GlossyBox? I honestly think it's the best yet and I can't wait to see what they come up with for 2012!

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    20 December 2011

    Topshop Nail Art Pens

    Topshop Nail Art Pens

    Finally I have got around to blogging about the new Topshop Nail Art Pens!

    In the past I've tried the Models Own nail art pens and I think I'm probably the only blogger that really doesn't like them! The brush is useless and little wisps keep falling out of it and the pen itself doesn't even work, so I was so excited when I heard about Topshop's pens.

    I brought myself Hustle which is a really pretty blue and Frozen which is a festive Silver, both for £6.50 each which might be a tad expensive, but they're actually really worth the money!

    They're so easy to use. You simply shake the pen and then pump the colour until it reaches the nib. I tend to do this on a piece of paper so I don't ruin the nail, and then you just use them like you would a normal pen. It dries extremely quickly and a top coat seals the design!

    I decided to do a bit of a Christmassy design using No7 Stay Perfect in #280 Betty Blue Eyes as a base coat.

    Topshop Nail Art Pens

    Topshop Nail Art Pens

    I definitely want to get my hands on the other shades which I believe are Pink, Black and White but they seem to have sold out on the website!

    I can't recommend these pens enough, they'd make great little stocking fillers!
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    19 December 2011

    Meet me under the stars tonight

    Desire Clothing - Chunky Knit Boyfriend Cardigan
    New Look - Stripy Top
    Topshop - Velvet Leggings

    You wouldn't believe how long it took me just to get this one shot. Outfit posts are the hardest things to take, ever. I need some sort of tutorial to follow, so if you know of any, let me know! Excuse the mess behind me but this was literally the only alternative I could find to having to stand on my bed in bad lighting. I swear there is not one plain white wall in my house, so annoying!

    Work experience has finally finished and the Christmas Blogger meet was a great way to top it off. Although I was working for most of the night, I still got to chat to lots of amazing bloggers, some I recognised and some I didn't. I definitely want to attend a meet again next year, perhaps somewhere a bit quieter and less hectic.

    Today Vince and I are going to Bristol for lunch at a new all-you-can-eat restaurant! We absolutely love those types of places and Zaza Bazaar has the biggest range of food to choose from, we're literally going to stuff ourselves and then slowly move around the shops for a few last minute Christmas bits.


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    17 December 2011

    Christmas Giveaway with MUA

    I've been meaning to write this post for about a week now but work experience has kept me extremely busy, but more about that another time. I wanted to do a little Christmas giveaway on the blog to help celebrate how far it's come in the past year, oh, and the fact that it's Christmas.

    Ive decided to giveaway not one, not two, but THREE MUA palettes which I brought with my own money from the MUA Store. They actually have a great offer on at the moment until January 3rd; if you spend over £8 you receive a free Immaculate palette! As I am already the proud owner of the Immaculate palette (you can expect a review shortly) I decided to include it in the giveaway. You lucky things!

    MUA Palettes

    MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

    MUA Glitterball Palette

    MUA Immaculate Palette

    If you're lucky enough to win the giveaway, you will be receiving the 24 shade Immaculate Palette, the extremely popular Heaven and Earth Palette and the perfect for Christmas, Glitterball Palette.

    MUA has really gone from strength to strength in 2011 so I thought these palettes would make the perfect prize!

    How to enter
    1. Be a follower of the blog on GFC
    2. Comment with your email address and tell me what have been your favourite posts to read on CherryPie Blog!


    Pretty simple right? The giveaway will end on January 2nd and the prize will be sent once the postal service has resumed to normal! That way your prize shouldn't get lost!

    In the mean time, you may have noticed the MUA badge on the right sidebar. If you haven't already discovered, this badge leads to the company's brilliant blog where everyday leading up to Christmas, they are creating festive inspired looks and hoping that readers will recreate them. It's great fun and I'm trying to find the time to recreate some myself. Get on over there if you haven't already.

    Good luck!
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    16 December 2011

    Last call to South West Bloggers!

    Bloggers all over the country are waking up this morning with excitement...no, it's not actually Christmas day, it's the MyStreetChic.com Christmas Blogger's Party!

    For the past two weeks I've been on work experience at MyStreetChic.com so I've had some great behind the scenes peeks at what's going on at tonight's party. I'm also helping out at the event before the official kick off at 7pm, and let me tell you, it's going to be brill!

    I'm really looking forward to meeting some of my favourite bloggers and this is a last call to any South West based bloggers who fancy coming at the last minute!

    The event is taking place at Java Cocktail Bar on Park Street, Bristol. This is right next to the College Green which is well signposted, so it should be very easy to find! As I mentioned, it all kicks off at 7pm and for just £5 you will receive entry to the club, a goodybag, free MyStreetChic Cocktail as well as entrance to the party room.

    I don't want to give everything away but it's going to be a really fun night and there'll be lots of opportunities to talk to all of the different bloggers.
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    15 December 2011

    Very Christmas 2011









    Just wanted to dedicate a quick post to Very's Christmas Lookbook, which I was quite impressed with when I was having a sneaky peek. Like the ASOS Christmas Collection this isn't full of party dresses and sequins. It's full of practical items that are more than likely best for wearing on the big day itself.

    Most of these looks come from the Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton and Love Label divisions, all of which I love. I particularly love the Lace Playsuit and Fitted Skater Dress, they're both perfectly comfortable, yet quite stylish for Christmas day!

    Of course there are a few party dresses and some heels as well as a great polka dot blouse and dress, both great alternatives.

    I'm really surprised at the Christmas Lookbook's I'm seeing at the moment. So far, all of the stuff is right up my street!

    What do you think?
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