The Mulberry has landed!

I had the usual Christmas day involving food, a few little presents and general relaxing infront of some good old films. The only thing keeping me slightly on edge was knowing that the What's In My Handbag competition would be ending that day and that the winner would soon be announced. I had entered loads of times and was trying to be careful to stay on the right side of entries and not just spamming the hell out of everyone. The winner was to receive a Mulberry Alexa handbag so it's probably quite understandable that I was desperate to win.

As a teacher but also a massive lover of fashion and pretty things, I don't have much money. Nor could I ever justify splurging on a handbag for hundreds of pounds when in times like these I should really be saving towards my future. I hate having to be sensible. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I won. I screamed. Loudly. My family wondered what had happened and after regaining the ability to talk at a normal volume I explained that I'd won my dream handbag. This was then followed by bewildered stares as my dad and brother thought I had finally gone insane. Boys don't understand these things. Luckily, my mum and auntie were on hand to share in my excitement and sit there with me while I planned what I could wear my gorgeous new handbag with and look at how other people had styled it.

My brand new handbag arrived today and I couldn't even wait to get it home. I sat and ripped it open at the delivery office (the package, not the handbag) and then drove all the way home with it sat on my lap. A little extreme some may say! I also got a lovely handwritten card from the ladies at WIMH to say thank you for entering their competion and being with them from the start. They also put in a few goodies as I'd had to wait a little while due to new year. Amazing!

Unfortunately I don't have an expensive camera to take photos with but I did my best with my phone and they've turned out alright. Here's a few snaps of my pretty new bag and the goodies I received. I think it's safe to say that I'm WIMH's biggest fan right now. Thanks ladies and I hope everyone else loves your site and blog as much as I do.

If you would like to be a member of WIMH then follow this link and get in line. They have plenty of beauty goodies and tips coming your way.

Benefit beauty

My love for Benefit hasn't wavered at all since I first discovered their make up years ago. I finally found the perfect foundation to suit my skin tone and also give just the right amount of coverage. Their bronzers aren't too shimmery and their creams and potions are gorgeous. The only downside is the price. My favourite foundation is twenty five pounds which is not something I can afford to buy all that often. My trick to make it last longer is to mix the foundation with some moisturiser or some highlighter and then put it on with a brush. It means it's not too heavy on my face during the day but I can use more foundation for the evening.

I own quite a few Benefit products which I tend to match with cheaper make-up brands like Rimmel or Maybelline. Below are some of the products I've owned and what I thought of them...

1. Realness of Concealness - I was bought this mini set as a birthday present and love it. Not too sure about the lip plump as it goes on very brown and doesn't appear to make much difference to my pout. It might just be me?
2. They're Real mascara - It really does make lashes much thicker and longer but is really difficult to get off! If you're stuck in the rain and still want to look glammed up then this is perfect.
3. Playstick - I use the shade called Teaparty as my main foundation. Obsessed with it. The cute name means I never forget which shade I am!
4. Hello Flawless - this powder does what it says on the tin. I use it during summer time when my skin is less dry. It's not a particulary dry powder but I like to use a more liquid like one in winter just because it gives a bit more moisture. I use the Honey shade which is slightly warmer than my skin tone but is fine when the sun is out.
5. Girl meets pearl - This highlighter was a random splurge and it's a little too silvery for me but it does look lovely mixed with foundation.
6. It Stick - A good cover up but it is a pain to find a pencil sharpener which is the right size!
7. Erase Paste - I borrowed some from a friend once and discovered just how genius it is!You only need the tiniest blob (and I really do mean tiniest) and it covers blemishes perfectly.

And here are some Benefit goodies that I've been dying to get my hands on!

1. Hoola bronzer - I've tried this and it's perfect. I've never been able to afford it so it's been on top of my wishlist for quite a while.
2.You Rebel tinted moisturiser - Would love to give this a go in summer time.
3. The Porefessional - I've heard so many good things about this! I want to try it for myself.
4. Bad Gal Liner - I love dark eyeliner and this looks like a winner.
5. Dear John moisuriser - I'm constantly moisturising and looking out for the perfect new product. This is another one that I've heard good things about and would love to buy.


The end of the month is nearly here, but payday hasn't arrived just yet. I've reached that point where I'm scraping around for make up and feeling panicked that I will run out of my benefit foundation just before I go on a night out. However, never fear! I've spotted a giveaway on a new blog I've been reading so I thought I'd share (and try my own luck too).

Aimee from this blog is giving away some of my most wanted Benefit goodies and everyone has the opportunity to win. It couldn't have come at a more perfect time! Have a read of her blog and enter the competition if you're as obsessed as I am!

Fingers crossed everyone x