USA Swap.

A few months back I did another swap with an American blogger Tiffany from Gloss and Mascara. It was a really fab swap and I got some amazing American products to try - we've even decided to continue swaps every now and again so we can find products we both want to try from each others country. 

A few of my favourite things Tiffany sent were of course the sweets and chocolate - Nerds and 3 Musketeers bars are my favourite things EVER. American sweets are so pricey over here so I was super excited to get these. I am in love with Wet and Wild eye palette too, it's perfect because it actually says which colour is for which area of the eye. I am RUBBISH at eye make up, this is literally fool-proof so perfect for me. 

Unfortunately some of the blusher got cracked travelling over, but it hasn't stopped me using them, one was a little dark for me without a tan, but as soon as the sun comes out it'll be perfect! I am in love with the Ecotools brushes too, I already owned a powder brush so I was so excited to get this set with some others in. 

I've been flicking through Allure magazine when ever I've had chance, but it just makes me want more American stuff! I literally could spend a bomb if I visited again, best wait until I've won the lottery..

Have you done a swap lately?

Katie xx

Birthday Wishlist.

It's my birthday on 8th June so I thought I would put together a little birthday wishlist. For the record I haven't asked for any of this stuff, but if I get any vouchers/money these are just some bits I'd like to pick up.

I spotted this Zara bag a few weeks ago and fell in love, it comes in a few colours but i think black is always safest, plus it would go with anything. It's priced at a tiny £22.99 too, but I will have to be quick, Zara's bags seem to sell out in a millisecond.

Okay, I want a lot of beauty stuff, but I've been lusting after these Fig +Yarrow bath salts for sooo long, in fact anything from the entire Fig + Yarrow range would be perfect. I love the idea behind the brand and how luxurious but simple, I also adore the packaging.The Antipodes Honey face mask has also been on my wish list for so long, I think I need this in my life asap.

I'd love to pick up a few holiday bits too, I asked people on twitter (@Katieatki) what the best tan was for that pre-holiday glow and the Xen-Tan Luminous Gold Gel was recommended - I'm dying to try this out. Apparently it wears well in and out of the pool/sea too, which is fab for me as I don't really tan.

What are you lusting after at the moment?

Katie xx

Me and Jonathan.

 The hubby moaned the other day for me not dedicating a post to him, so here it is. This is a quick photo montage of our time together so far. If you aren't into soppiness turn away now.

One of the first photos taken together 2008

Our first holiday together 2009

Jonathan's 24th Birthday 2010

Another Holiday 2010

Just before we went on Honeymoon 2011

Photo booth 2012

Berlin 2012

March 2013

I love this man more than words can say, he is my best friend and my soul mate. He keeps me sane and looks after me when I'm not feeling so good and always knows what kind of mood I'm in. He makes me laugh everyday with his silly made up songs he sings. I couldn't ask for a better husband, I will love him until the end of time.

Katie xx

Instagram #9.

This weeks been a long one, I feel exhausted. I think my body is adjusting to working full time again, I love what I do but I've been asleep at 9pm most nights this week. I've had a lovely week though, so here's what I've been up to according to Instagram:

Great British weather makes everyone grumpy

Trying lots of samples - this stuff is amazing

My blusher broke

Dime Bar Cake

South Beach Blog Party - post here

Enough condiments to feed the 5000

My advantage card points bought me this new bronzing primer

Missing the bunnies at Pets at Home

This weeks perfume of choice

What have you been up to this week?

Katie xx

Ecover: Message in Our Bottle Campaign.

I'd heard of Ecover before being contacted to do this post. I wasn't sure it really fit in with my blog or would be something my readers would want to read, but as I read more about the company I realised the ethics and idea behind Ecover were right up my street.

So what is Ecover? It's a brand that make household products - laundry detergent, washing up liquid, soap etc. Ecover are all about making sustainable products and recycling, in fact they are currently fishing for plastic in our seas, in order to turn it into plastic bottles to be used in their products. Not only are they recycling plastic that has been discarded but also preventing our beaches from becoming more polluted and helping all those little fishes out too!

I like to think I try to do my best for the environment, we recycle plastic bags a much as possible and you will never even catch me dropping any litter out and about. However there is still a lot more that I could do to help save the world..(okay slightly dramatic, but you get the picture).

The thing that convinced me most to write this post and help spread the word, is Ecover is a cruelty free brand and have the 'Leaping Bunny' seal of approval for all their products. It's pretty difficult finding vegetarian, animal friendly house hold products, especially as the 'big' cleaning brands are owned by huge companies who still test on bunnies. I'm really excited to have learnt more about the brand.

Read more about Ecover and their Message in our bottle campaign - here

Have you tried Ecover products?

Katie xx

*This is a sponsored post, however all of my opinions are true

Book Review: The Longest Holiday.

I raved about my love for Paige Toon in the past, so as soon as I found out she had another book out, I ran to buy it. Much like the rest of her books, this is an amazing read and I couldn't put it down.

The Longest Holiday is about Laura and her trip to Florida with two friends. Laura didn't plan to go on holiday but was escaping the reality at home. I don't want to give too much away, but she meets a guy on holiday and things just kind of go from there. As always it isn't a smooth journey, as Laura has a lot of things to sort out in the UK. 

If you're after a good bit of chick-lit and like a lighthearted read, this is certainly for you. I actually laughed out loud on the train to work the other day, reading this book. I would 100% recommend this and all of the other books from Paige Toon, this is the perfect holiday read!

Have you read Paige Toon's books?

Katie xx

South Beach Blog Party.

Yesterday I attended the South Beach Blog Part at Frurt in Manchester. The venue was an amazing place, really cool and modern. I don't think I need to really explain the photos, but if you are in Manchester anytime soon stop by Frurt in Spinningfields cos their frozen yoghurt is amazing!

I also managed to get a cheeky non-alcoholic cocktail made with fresh banana, strawberries and Vita Coco Coconut Water it was delicious! I also got chance to try those strange 'balls' that you get in Milk Bubble Tea, they were pretty yummy.

If you want to check out the South Beach Collection the website link is here

I also have a discount code for my readers, use TOPBLOG15 to receive 15% off.

Katie xx