Where is my motivation?? (And not the Greenday lyrics but just in general!!)

Ive got no motivation (and even though I can not say that without the Greenday song dancing around my head) this lack of motivation is not helping with my blog posts!!
*What blog posts??? hahaha

I would like to say I have been super busy trying to change the world or training for a marathon - however that would be lying!! Ive spent more or less this past month trying to sort out the families financial situation seen as the other half is now unemployed due to his ill health! Entering competitions (for a change), battling with my ears and the ENT Docs (for a change!), helping kids with their homework (both have huge projects due in within 2 weeks). I have also been signing up to Uni after finally coming to a massive decision about my career!

So in a quick round up - being doing well with my competitions - won quite a lot this month (Feel free to check out the specific page on this blog dedicated to my wins!) had to sell quite a few of the prizes so I can afford clothes for the kids. But I have had some nice beauty treats which I have kept because like any other girl I like to have a bit of a pamper every now and again. I'm now trying to win a few things to put away for Christmas! I know that it is months away but unless my lotto numbers come up it will be a huge struggle financially - if I can win a few things to stash away and wrap up in December I am sure my purse would be grateful. So fingers crossed I will have a few more wins - I got a £10 cheque this morning so I am hoping it is a sign of things to come!

The financial situation is too boring to explain and I will end up going on a rant about the economic climate and current affairs - but slowly we are battling agencies and government policies to try and stay alive.

My ears are even more boring to talk about but its a massive part of me so I am not going to spare the details - since November 2012 they have been leaking that yucky gunk! Well finally they have just stopped piling me with Anti-biotics and drops and have changed their tune. Apparently it is mucus which is leaking from my ears - so I am now on an intensive course of flushing out my nasal passages for 6 weeks to see if this helps? At the moment it is painful on my sinus' and does not seem to be working on the wet lugs - but its early days and I want to give it a fair shot! In general my hearing is rubbish and sometimes even with my aids in sounds are muffled and can be difficult to understand! It is so depressing when it is constant and the hospital just seem to shrug it off as it is nothing. Would they like gunk dripping from their ears for 6 months? Probably not so why do they seem to think that it is nothing to me??

Oh and saved the most important update for last - IVE SIGNED UP TO UNI!! Again - and at the moment it is only Open University but I have studied with them before and am happy to have another couple of years with them whilst I try to sort out a degree! Because them I am going to a local Uni to do my PGCE which is Post Graduates Certificate of Education! I want to be a teacher! Well always wanted to be a teacher but life happened and circumstances told me otherwise! Well now since I have been volunteering with my daughters school I have realised how fulfilling and rewarding I find it so I figured why not reach for the stars and get my degree!!

So in a nutshell you have the reasons I have been absent from here for a while. I am sure I will add more updates on Uni and my ears in the future - I will also pick up my A-Z of dislikes when I get the chance!!

REVIEW - Bionsen Deodorants

The photo my little girl took!! 

Without disclosing too much information I have always suffered with sweating problems, especially in summer - but unfortunately in the colder months too!

Over the years I have spent a small fortune on new innovative products to help with my dilemma - but nothing I had tried has stood up to my expectations.

Until..... I tried Bionsen. I very fortunately got sent some of these products to try and I am so pleased I did. Although I was not expecting a natural aluminium and paraben free deodorant to work - it did. The smell reminds me of the freshness of baby powder but it is subtle so it does not overpower perfume. But more significantly I got through the whole day without any excess sweating and damp patches. Which until I tried the products was a totally rare event.

I don't just like the product and its effectiveness though - I think the packaging is a lovely design and colour. I am not a girly girl so the blue colour suits me and my bathroom shelf!

Here comes the science bit.... the deodorants themselves consist of a unique blend of Japanese Spa minerals which originate from volcanic spas in Japan. The range of products has been tested by the Clinic of Dermatology at Siena University and are free from aluminium and parabens. There are potential links between these chemicals and breast cancer but further research is needed before a conclusion is reached on these links. 

The Bionsen ingredients deodorises  naturally whilst allowing skin to breath and pores to remain unblocked so staying fresh is natural. 

Deodorant Roll on 50ml 

Because they are so gentle and suitable for sensitive skin it makes them ideal for those who suffer with skin complaints, I also would consider using this deodorant for my daughter when she reaches the age that she needs it. 

If you feel like trying out the Bionsen products (which I do recommend) then you can buy them from Morrisons supermarket or online at www.bionsen.co.uk

There is a Deodorant Stick (40ml)

Deodorant Roll on (50ml - £2.35 at Morrisons) 

Deodorant Pump Spray (100ml - £2.75 at Morrisons)

Deodorant Aerosol Spray (150ml) 

Deo Total Body (20g of Crystals) 

Normally I do not like Roll on's or more 'damp' type deodorants but I found no problems with this type. I used both the Roll on and the Pump Spray and will be looking for the other types when I go on my weekly shop! 

Check out their twitter page here BionsenBeauty

Or their Facebook page here  BionsenBeauty

The perils of hair dye!! Ouch!

Not a very nice picture I will admit but I wanted to highlight the 'dangers' of dying your hair! 

Now I have always dyed my hair and have been a full spectrum of colours since I was 15. But I favour black or dark colours. (That's my inner goth!!) 

Last weekend I figured my hair needed a touch up so went and bought a well known and reputable brand. 30 Minutes later and I was expecting to a have a sleek new shiny colour which I suppose I do have. However I have been left with the sorest, itchy, inflamed, scabby, did I mention sore? rash! 

To help relieve the itch I bought and started taking some anti-histamines. Which have helped slightly but it still has not gone down! After a trip to the docs I have now got anti-biotics stronger anti-itch pills and some cream, fingers crossed this lot works because I don't want to be left with scars and it really does hurt!!

I have been doing some research though and it is the chemical Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)   which is found in the majority of permanent hairdyes especially the darker ones that cause this reaction. 

On one website I read that a body usually has a tolerance of 60 times to this chemical and side effects can occur at any time you dye your hair. So if the maths is done I have been colouring my hair for 15 years - perhaps this means my time as a black haired beauty is coming to an end? 

I used to only associate extreme allergies to hairdyes - TV programmes & magazines showing some poor person who had used colourings and stopped breathing or their face had swollen to unrecognisable proportions. But a skin reaction to people who have become sensitive to PPD is common too! 

The only thing I can do in the long term is to not colour my hair, especially with permanent ones. Even if I used a henna or more natural based dye I would need to check whether it contained PPD. 

To read more about it Check out the allergy uk website here...

COMPETITION LINK - Baileycakes Blog Beauty giveaway

I have stumbled across another fab blog. This is a really good lifestyle blog from Dorset - an area of the UK I would love to visit! And to top it off Hannah of the Bailey Cakes blog is holding a competition as a thank you for all of her followers!

The prize includes Lousie Gray for Topshop Eye pallette, Louise GraforTopshop 'impact' eyeliner, Louise Grey for Topshop creme eyeshadows and a £20 gift voucher for Zalando 

I have had a look around www.zalando.co.uk and if I was lucky enough to win I think I would be spoilt for choice! 

I did decide I liked this Anna Field dress priced at £34 - I think its striking and unusual and my typical colour!! 

So why don't you pop over to Bailey Cakes Blog and check out the competition and her fabulous post. And have a browse and see what you would treat yourself to if you were lucky enough to win!! 

COMPETITION LINK- Mac Lipstick - Blog competition

Win a lipstick from BBeautilicious Blog!

I have heard marvellous things about Mac Lipsticks from the many beauty posts I read. However I have never been fortunate to try it for myself. 

Not only would this competition allow me to try it but the winner gets to choose the colour so I could really get a shade that I like. 

A rafflecopter which allows up to 20 entries. 

Good luck

COMPETITION LINK - urban decay make up - Emily Fierce Blog

Don't know if anyone knows this already but there is an amazing competition going on over at

Emily Fierce Blogspot

I am particularly interested in this prize because Urban Decay is my all time fave make up brand. But the only time I could ever afford some was when I won some Debenhams vouchers years ago! Needless to say that has run out now - so I would be so pleased to add this to my sparse make up collection. 

It goes without saying the blog itself is worth a read ( I don't just subscribe and follow any old blog!)

A rafflecopter form with a potential 29 entries and many options on how to follow. 27 days until it ends! 

COMPETITION LINK- The Pre-Trender - Amazing giveaway

I have found another amazing competition on an amazing blog called The Pre-Trender. 

The prizes include - 

A Radley Exclusive Tote bag

Jergens  Ultra Healing Body Moisturiser

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion 5ml

Label M - Shine Spray

VO5 Smoothly does it frizz free creme

Max Factor Glossfinity Angel Nails

Max Factor Nailfinity Red Passion

Missguided Lipsplash

Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara. 

Some of the prizes are from the recent London Fashion week and some are goodies that the host has held back for this special prize! I am sure you all agree with me how amazing it is?? 

Showbag Giveaway  

It is a rafflecopter form with many entries and there are many ways you can continue to check out the latests posts - you can sign up with GFC or Bloglovin. 

COMPETITION LINK - Pretty In Pink giveaway

PRETTY IN PINK ! HAS REACHED 1200 FOLLOWERS !! 

So as a treat there is a competition running on there! 

Nu age skin loc transformation gift set ideal for mother's day? 

So here is the link to check the blog out, maybe learn something new and pop your name down into the giveaway! Enter here ....

A rafflecopter form with many options to enter - however it ends in 8 days so you need to get your name down quick if you are interested! 

Good luck xx

Competition Link - Some sparkle and shine!

You fed up of all these blog competition links yet? haha

This is another fantastic prize - its the items in the photo above! From  Some Sparkle and Shine! 

A rafflecopter competition ENTER HERE

Only 3 days left on it - so entries need to be in quick! 

The blog is a good read too - especially if you like sparkly and shiny things!! 

Competition Link - Love from Sammie - beauty prizes!!

Another amazing blog and beauty competition found online! 

The blog is called Love from Sammie and features some really informative and interesting posts and this competition she is hosting is amazing!

You can win 

W7 Nail bead set

W7 Lip plumping gloss

And Nicole Roberts Dainty doll lipstick

ENTER HERE

Good luck everyone! 

COMPETITION LINK - 3 Fab Prizes!! The Jewel Beauty

THE JEWEL BEAUTY blog is running a competition to celebrate over 1000 followers! 

This giveaway has 3 prizes and you need to leave a comment on the page saying which item you would like and why. I know that's tough because all 3 items are fab... but how lovely you get to choose!

Prize 1 - Chanel Glossimer Of Your Choice!

Prize 2 - Elemis FreshSkin Discovery Kit

Prize 3 - John Freida Full Repair Intensive Mask

It is a Rafflecopter form with many ways to enter and it ends on the 22nd March so a few weeks yet to put your name down! 

As before though - check the blog out- don't just enter the competition. You can learn some really useful things. 

ENTER HERE

Competition link - OPI nail varnishes

This is an international give away with 19 days still left to enter! 

I don't know about you guys but I am always happy to add to my nail varnish collection - and with this giveaway you have a chance to do just that!! 

This is another good blog that I follow and read regularly so again - not just a worthwhile comp but a good read too!

Check the giveaway and the blog out here-

Good luck xxx

Competition link - FD avenue voucher and hair goodies

Found another amazing competition which I want to share with everyone! 

This closes on Monday (2days) so you need to get entries in quick. 

It is run by FD Avenue and you can get £100 store credit plus an amazing Yogi hair styling gift.

Using a Rafflecopter form on a Facebook page this is a fab competition to put you name down for, so click on THIS LINK HERE and have a go - just think how much you would be able to treat yourself with that much store credit?!

Good luck everyone xxx

COMPETITION LINK - daisy meadow - beauty goodies!

It is a while since I have done a competition link - and this post combines both my love of blogs and my love of competitions. Daisy meadow Is a blog I subscibe too and I because I get all excited when there is the chance to win something from a site which already has excellent posts I was really pleased to come across this; plus I get a chance to share the opportunity with anybody who may read this!!

The lovely goodies include Urban Decay Basics Palette, Real Techniques Core Collection & Bioderma 250ml
so if like me you love these items pop on over and use the rafflecopter form to enter for yourself!

Don't just enter the competition though take a while and look at some of the other posts, you might find you enjoy them as much as me!

Enter here  - COMPETITION LINK

Prize - Stardust perfume set.

Back in January I received an email telling me I had won a Stardust set from 

sophiespages.blogspot.com

Just like the next person I love winning competitions and because times are hard and the pennies are being well and truly pinched I never get to treat myself to new smellies!! So this was a double treat.

It did take a while to receive the parcel but once I did I was super impressed. Not only do you get a full size bottle of perfume but there is a handbag sized one, a body lotion and some shower gel too. The fragrance suits me - because I don't just think that a perfume should smell just how you like it - I believe the perfume should fit you too. I particularly like how the smell stays and doesn't wear off. But I also like the blue appearance in the bottle too - I am a bit odd like that. 

So all in all I am very pleased - this is definitely a time when my comping obsession has paid off! 

Update positive, competition wins and puppies!

It has not all been doom and gloom however.

On the competitions side I have had some joy because the other day I received 2 parcels and was notified about 2 wins. All in the same day!!  I got some fantastic nail varnish through a blog and some herbal botanics cream which looks to be amazing stuff. And I am still waiting on £100 love2shop vouchers being delivered and some erotic fiction. It is these wins like these which give you incentive to keep entering more competitions whilst crossing your fingers that one day the 'Big Prize' will come my way.

I do update my competition win page when I receive a prize so as soon as my new wins come my way I will be adding to that list!!

On another note we are getting a puppy. I did mention this on the post I wrote on my birthday, but now they have been born. It is my mums dog which is a mixed breed spaniel type heinz 52 pooch and on the 5th Feb she delivered 4 healthy puppies. Although times are tough we believe another dog will help Cherry the pooch we already have, and the kids adore animals so in a couple of months we will have a new baby to add to the household. (The hardest thing is choosing which one to get because they are all so incredibly cute!!)

There are a few people who have mentioned in passing that we must be silly to get another dog when we are going through a tough time. But it means to afford it I need to cut down on my smoking, this will be hard but worth it for the kids and my health. I firmly believe pets are a benefit to children and a household, and because my ears are so bad I always feel reassured that I have a furry friend to help me out when someone is at the door or the kids are shouting me! (A doorbell on legs! someone said the other day!)

When I have photos and other news on this new addition then I will do another post!! But I am like a big kid and so excited!

Competition Links

BIRCHBOX BEAUTY PRODUCTS

The above is a link to enter into a Birchbox giveawy - it includes a lot of products and a years subscription to the shop. Check it out (if you do click on the link then it does give me another entry.)
Competition runs until 2/2/13