Panache Cleo Collection

Panache Cleo Collection - Ellis Balconnet Bra and Briefs*







Everyone loves fresh, new underwear don't they? Blogging about underwear is not something you see regularly as it feels strange putting something quite personal online but I've tried to photograph this underwear set in a way that enables you to see the beautiful pattern well.

I was recently asked if I'd like to review something from the Panache autumn collection and after browsing through the selection I settled on the Ellis Balconnet Bra and Briefs. This isn't usually something I'd go for as it's floral and very girly but I thought it looked really pretty and I'd never tried a balconnet fit before so thought I'd give it a go.

I'm not someone who buys new underwear for every season. I tend to buy it every now and then when I spot something pretty or have some spare money to splash. I usually just stick to black/white/nude colour bras and a variety of patterned boxer type shorts. I don't usually go for patterns like this and especially not pinks.

The new autumn collection focuses on different pink hues and dusky colours and I just love them. As you can see the pattern is gorgeous and the material is super soft on my skin. Both parts of the set are very flattering and although nobody is going to see your underwear it definitely makes you feel that extra bit special when you have it on.

From what I can see you can't get your hands on these on an official Panache website, but they do suggest other online stockists. I had a little look on the website to find out where my nearest shop is. I was really surprised to see there is one in Weston-super-Mare, so I'll definitely be checking the shop out. There's such a fab collection to choose from and while the prices are a little bit more expensive than what you'd pay in a regular shop, I think it's worth splashing out on something special.

This post contains PR samples

Wednesday Wishlist #99

New Look: Orange Pumpkin Face Tshirt - £7.99
ASOS: Bat Clutch Bag - £18, Pumpkin Across Body Bag - £18
Topshop: Xray Tee - £18, Glitter Devil Horns Headband - £8.50, Knitted Pumpkin Face Jumper - £38, All over Bat socks - £3.50

Unfortunately I don't really celebrate Halloween anymore. I see it as more of a kids celebration or something you celebrate by dressing up and going to a club when you're at Uni.

I remember the first time I went Tric or Treating, I was dressed up as a witch and had a pointy hat and used a black bin bag as my cape. That's about as imaginative as my costumes got. After that I always went as a devil or cat, even at Uni! I remember coming home and having LOADS of sweets to get through but now I'm one of those people that doesn't even open the door to people. What a grump!

I was originally planning to celebrate Halloween on my blog with some halloween inspired nails but it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to take any decent photographs now that the clocks have gone back. By the time I get home from work it's dark and I don't have any professional lighting etc so a wishlist will have to do!

Highstreet stores really go all out for Halloween. There's some really great bits and pieces to choose from but sometimes they're a bit pricey to wear for just one night. I think if you're going to a proper party you'd want to really make an effort but if you're just off out drinking there's not much point and you can probably find some cheaper fancy dress in a supermarket.

How are you celebrating Halloween this year?

The Gob Stopper - Retro sweets

Dentists, look away now!

I have a real sweet tooth and I love, love, love all sorts of sweets, especially fizzy ones! I was recently contacted by TheGobStopper.co.uk, which specialises in retro sweets, chocolate, fudge, liquorice and lots more. When I was asked if I'd like to try a jar of sweets I couldn't say no.

I chose from the 'Click n Mix' category, which allows you to fill a traditional Kilner jar with different kinds of sweets. I had a small jar to fill up with three different varieties of sweet. I opted for giant fizzy bubblegum bottles (my absolute fave!), flying saucers and fizzy wizzys! I'm surprised I've been so restrained for the past week and haven't eaten them all before photographing the product as they looked so good.

The idea of picking the sweets and having them in a jar is great as they would make ideal presents or wedding favours. The small jar costs £9.99, which isn't too bad in all honesty as you are getting them in a Kilner jar, which would probably cost you almost £9.99 anyway. Once the sweets have gone you're left with storage you can keep and use forever. I'm not sure what I'll do with this one, perhaps it will become my new make-up brush holder!

I'm not sure I'd purchase the medium or large jar as it could get a little expensive but I just love the idea of these and there's so many different varieties of sweet to choose from, even very old, retro sweets that people like my mum and dad would enjoy.

The sweets are absolutely delicious too and very sour. I'm preparing for my teeth to fall out any day now!

This post contains PR samples

A 'fancy' dinners week in photos

Pork chops / Mackerel! / Home-made fajitas and quinoa / Oops... / Sweeties! / Barry M palette / McDonalds, oops / Spag bol / New moisturiser / Charlie posing / New read / New handcream

Follow me on Instagram - @cherryp13

This week has been a bit of a quiet one. Last weekend Vince and I were actually able to go food shopping so we've been enjoying some lovely meals this week. However, we did have a cheeky McDonalds for dinner on Friday and a takeaway last night, oops! Yesterday I ventured into town to have a quick look in New Look as I have some vouchers to spend. It always seems to be the way that when you have vouchers you can't find anything you like but when you have no money at all you find loads that you want. I found a few bits, which either didn't fit me or didn't look right, so annoying! I'm hoping to go to Bristol next weekend so hopefully I can find something there as it's a bit of a bigger store.

I'm after a tartan scarf, which I'm hoping to pick up in Primark, as well as some lovely snug winter clothes. Yesterday I also spent my Boots voucher from work on a new Real Techniques brush set and a full-size Origins GinZing moisturiser. I was looking around the shop and was just about to leave as the queue was huge when I spotted the GinZing moisturiser. I've been after this for ages and my local Boots store doesn't have the usual make-up and skincare counters so I was really pleased to spot an Origins stand. Hooray!

I also finally picked up one of the new Barry M palettes. Unfortunately this was the last one on the stand so it's a bit scuffed/marked but the inside is absolutely fine. I also bought my sister two MUA palettes, how lovely am I?

I spent a nice afternoon at my mum and dads and my sister visited with Daisy and Oscar, which was nice. My mum and I took Daisy swimming this morning. She absolutely loved it. She has one of those swimming vests that keeps her afloat so she loved floating around and she even managed to swim properly as well. I on the other hand didn't do much swimming as we stayed in the children's pool. I do however need to get a new swimming costume/bikini. I'm hoping they will be on sale as now isn't exactly the time for them, fingers crossed!

What have you been up to this week?

Avon Nail Experts Liquid Freeze Quick Dry Nail Spray

Avon Nail Experts Liquid Freeze Quick Dry Nail Spray - £3

I've never ordered from Avon before. I've always browsed its magazines but nothing has ever stood out to me before. I just usually enjoy sniffing the perfumed pages and then I chuck it out onto the doorstep to be collected again. Recently I had a browse and was really impressed with the collection of make-up available and equally as impressed with the nail products. I ordered the Quick Dry Nail Spray as it was half price at £3 and I thought I'd give it a little go.

Waiting for nail polish to dry has got to be one of the most annoying things ever. Now I have to admit I'm not 100% sure about this spray. The first time I used it I sprayed it much too close to the nails and it left weird dots all over them. When I sprayed this properly I found it left my fingers a bit oily afterwards and what really defeats the object is the fact you have to wait a few seconds for the spray to dry. If you touch your nails immediately after application you can definitely tell it's not yet dried and is still sightly tacky. For something that is called Liquid Freeze Quick Dry... I was expecting something quite immediate. It does dry the nails in half of the time you'd usually expect but I guess I'm just being picky.

The spray has a nice scent to it but I don't think it really lives up to it's name fully. It also leaves the nails feeling slightly grainy afterwards, which is strange. I don't know what I was expecting really.. just something more. When the Avon lady dropped this off she said she uses it herself and it's brilliant but personally there were a few points that let it down. I'm sure I'll keep using it as it does dry them a little faster but I don't think I'd repurchase.

You Beauty October Discovery Box

You Beauty October Discovery Box - £6.95




To be honest, I wasn't going to purchase the October box after I cancelled my subscription but I saw Noble Isle was one of the product choices so I just had to go for it.

I chose my two samples, the Noble Isle Bath Gel and Zelens Renewal Mask, and proceeded to check out. Unfortunately I'm not as impressed with the other products as I was with the September box. Obviously I'm pleased with the products I chose but the others, not so much. What sort of beauty blogger/person in general needs a mirror. Really? Find me a girl who doesn't already have a mirror for their handbag.

So, not so impressed with the mirror and even less impressed with the Nakd bar. Something you could buy in the corner shop and a little voucher was included to buy more. These are really not my sort of thing. My niece eats these and I'm sure they taste lovely but if I wanted one I'd go to the shop and get myself one, I wouldn't expect to find it in a beauty box.

I'm looking forward to having a lovely relaxing bath with my new bath gel and giving the face mask a try but I think the other products will probably get passed on. I'm happy to see what goodies the November box brings but if that's also disappointing I think it will be goodbye beauty box!

Did you receive the You Beauty October Discovery Box?

Wednesday Wishlist #98

Opening Ceremony pleated velvet mini dress, Alice and Olivia Kalista leather insert stretch silk dress, Alexander McQueen Flared Chenille Dress, Thakoon Addition A-line leopard print cotton blend dress, Alice and Olivia Kerry stud embellished leather and crepe dress

I've gone all designer for this weeks Wednesday Wishlist. Can you believe I'm on number 98 already, I'll have to find something really special for number 100!

Have you ever worn a designer dress? Unfortunately I haven't but a girl can dream so this week I'm doing exactly that and featuring lots of lovely, lovely designer dresses. Gorgeous.

I'm not usually one for wearing dresses. I have a few, which I go to when it's unbelievably hot and I can't bear jeans any longer or I have some that I wear specifically in the autumn/winter with tights and boots.

After looking at what I've picked I've noticed a particularly plain theme. I'm gone very little black dress but I think sticking to something simple and elegant is probably the best way to go. My favourite has got to be the Alice and Olivia dress with studded shoulder detailing, absolutely gorgeous!

There's so many brands to choose from that I couldn't possibly fit them all into one wishlist. I was pleasantly surprised to come across dresses from McQueen dresses and I absolutely love all of the Stella McCartney dresses too.

With a simple pair of black heels any of these dresses would look fab. If only I had such an occasion to wear them to and the money to buy them with.

Do you own a designer dress?

*Post written in association with Harvey Nichols

MUA Matte Palette

MUA Matte Palette - £4












Another lovely palette from MUA. I purchased this one with the new Smokin Palette and have been busy trialling it for the blog. I have to say I think I prefer the Smokin Palette but this does have some pretty shades and lovely formulation.

Unfortunately this one doesn't come with an eyeliner pencil like the Smokin Palette did but never mind. I really like the nude/beige and brown shades of this palette. They're lovely to apply and I love the matte finish but unfortunately there is quite a lot of fall out with these.

The nude shades make great bases while the darker shades are great for adding a little drama. I was a bit wary of the blue looking shade but on application it's a lot more grey than bright blue, phew.

The brown shades are definitely me and I really like the mix of nudes/beiges to create a subtle, almost no make-up on, look. For £4 this is really a great, basic palette. I will buy any new palette that MUA releases and this one will fit nicely into my collection.

Have you tried the MUA Matte palette yet?

A non-spending week in photos

Daisy doing her workout / Charlie / Preparing Christmas present ideas / Lovely flowers / Mini Muffins! / New nail product / Pizza! / Rose from the garden

Follow me on Instagram - @cherryp13

This week has been pretty unexciting if I'm honest. I had a lovely, lovely birthday last Sunday and was treated to a lovely meal out with Vince in the evening. I got lots of lovely cards and voucher, which I can't wait to spend!

I booked Monday off work and had a pretty relaxing day. I met up with my sister for a quick hot chocolate and mooch around Boots but other than that it was a pretty uneventful day. I've been trying very hard this week to not spend too much money as I can literally only afford petrol to drive to and from work. It seems this month was definitely the month for all the bills to come in at once. Vince's work had to unexpectedly shut for a week or so, which meant he didn't actually get paid and so I ended up paying all of the bills. Eek!

I'm waiting very patiently until the end of the month until I can take a trip to Bristol and spend all of my birthday vouchers. I got so many and I'm especially looking forward to spending my Boots one as the Bristol store has so much more to choose from. Unlike the stores in Weston-super-Mare, the Bristol one has all of the make-up counters and skincare ranges so I'm sure I'll be in there for quite a while. I'm sure I'll also make a quick dash to Primark while I'm there too!

The weekend has gone so fast, I can't believe it's Sunday already. Yesterday was another pretty lazy one, but I did get most of the housework done before lunchtime. I'm not quite sure what came over me. I'm not quite sure what I'll be up to today, probably preparing blog posts for the coming week and seeing my mum and dad and probably Daisy too!

What have you been up to this week?

MUA Smokin Palette

MUA Smokin Palette - £6














I would have very sore eyes at the moment if I was to show you every single colour, so instead I've opted to show you just a select few. I guess if you really wanted to see them all you could buy the palette yourself (hey, I should be an MUA sales person, not.)

I purchased this palette because I love all things MUA and I just knew it would be a good'n. The palette is predominantly aimed at creating a smoky eye but I wouldn't have thought a bright blue or green would be very smoky. The other shades are of course and they're all lovely and shimmery and beautifully blendable. There's also a couple of mattes in there too.

My absolute favourite is the shimmering brown as browns are always my go to colour in any palette. There is a bit of fallout, which you might be able to see from the images, but it's nothing major. They have great staying power and last all day long so you definitely get your moneys worth.

I like the fact that this comes with a kohl pencil. I haven't used a kohl pencil in years and this one isn't too bad. It's very thick and velvety on application and I think it will look great on the top lid but here I've opted for the waterline, which I think works equally well.

for £6 this is quite the bargain as you get some great shades that compliment each other perfectly. I can't wait to try out different smoky eye looks and I don't currently know of any other palettes on the market offering a kohl pencil too, so I'd definitely recommend you grab this one.

Have you tried the MUA Smokin Palette?

Anatomicals 'no old bags allowed' Eye Gel

Anatomicals 'no old bags allowed' Eye Gel - £3.49




I don't even care if this product is rubbish. The cheeky packaging alone is worth the price I would pay for this eye gel. I recently received this in the September Love Me Beauty box and I was really pleased to have received it as I've been wanting to try Anatomicals products for absolutely ages. I'd seen them for sale on ASOS but it's always been one of those brands I've looked at and never purchased from.

First of all I love the 'no old bags allowed'. I just think it's so funny and I was half tempted to send my mum a picture of it as a joke, hehe! I also love the humorous product description and the coloured packaging itself. Some people might think they seem a bit childish but I personally think they're quite funny. I do like having something interesting to read on a product packaging.

As for the product itself it's a non-sticky, clear gel that weirdly looks a lot like Bonjela. The medicinal looking tube doesn't help this fact either. It dries into the skin really fast but it doesn't tingle or feel strange in any way. It's extremely gentle and makes the under-eye skin feel super soft.

Personally for £3.49 I think this is really reasonable. It's a cheeky pick-me up but it would also make a great little stocking filler too!

Have you tried the Anatomicals 'no old bags allowed' Eye Gel?