What I got for Christmas

''But it's not Christmas Nadine'' I knooooow!!Soooooo I'm late on a Christmas post! We JUST got out of the Christmas buzz and I'm bringing it back...jaysus..So lets rewind the clocks and pretend to be festive again especially for this post

Now I've had alot of requests for me to post about what I got for Christmas, and I've been meaning to do it for soo long but I put it on the long finger , like the lazy bum I am! So lets get straight to it shall we?

What DID I get for Christmas?

My parents (I mean Santa) were incredibly generous and got me the No.7 ultimate collection box from boots! I was so blown away, the packaging itself is so unbelievably pretty! boxes with powder pink and rose gold lids all decorated with a gorgeous bow!I am totally amazed by everything in these boxes!  so what are inside those boxes? Behold!

No.7 protect & perfect Night cream

No.7 protect & perfect day cream

*Both full size*

No.7 Protect & perfect intense Day hand cream

No.7 beautiful skin dry skin rescue

No.7 Lovely lashes mascara

*full size*

No.7 BB Lips beauty balm - Ballerina 

*Full Size*

No.7 Blissful Body Wash

No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing lotion

No.7 Sumptuous Bath Soak

No.7 Completely Quenched Hydration body lotion

*All full sized*

Next up we have the infamous No.7 double sided illuminating mirror! HOW did I survive without this mirror?! Oh my days its magic, i swear! One side is a normal light up mirror and the other is a magnified mirror great fr plucking them brows and getting the perfect flick on your eyeliner! Yes this mirror really is worth splashing the dosh on!

*Sorry about the terrible photo quality* 

Annnd i finally own one! I got an In-Styler!

I have been cursed with dull, thin looking, limp hair and I'm always craving volume! And that is where this does not disappoint. I'm still getting the hang of it but ever since I started using it I've been getting some great compliments on my hair! I find this has made my hair look 20 times thicker and 20 times healthier too! If you crave volume and life like my hair does then run out and pick yourself up one of these! This badboy straightens ,curls & waves your hair! What more do you want?!

Available in boots or online

My awesome awesome awesome boyfriend Dan got me an amazing tablet & gorgeous tablet case! Unknown to him I actually spotted this tablet case in Dunnes earlier on in the month and wished I had a reason to buy it as I had no tablet but the case was super stunning!I couldn't believe it when I opened the wrapping paper and there it was!The back casing looks a tad like one of those new iPhones - Delighted so I am! Now I can blog on the go! Thanks Dan! 

He also got me a huge cosy jumper that I've been after for years from one of my favourite shops in Dublin (Tambuli in Temple Bar) It has to be my most favourite item of clothing I own! its super warm,well made and made with real wool! Here's a picture of my cute tiny nan sporting it on my recent trip over to Birmingham, doesn't she look so cute :)

My brother Ciaran got me a lovely Soap & Glory set (I have an obsession) I was totally over the moon with this! I was going to run in and buy this in the sales and everything! 

The newest box set - Eau la la - complete with the new fresh orange scented products!

Orangeasm body lotion

Orangeasm body wash

Soap & Glory Super Tonic fragrance

Dan's parents are always super generous with their gifts at xmas and got me a well needed pair of super fluffy slippers, and the coolest set of batman PJ's in the world (no pics as they were all in the wash sorry) His sister was a lifesaver and got me this VERY cute 2015 super girly planner! In was on the look out for a small but cute planner and she saved the day! 

Needless to say I'm so very thrilled about all the presents I got! What did you get for Christmas?

Did you get anything on my list here? what did you think?

Let me know!

The Parma Violet

What happened in 2014?

Seeming as my last requested blog post done so well (my most viewed blog post which you can view here) I decided to take another request! A beautiful, young new follower from Germany wished to see my 2014 in its entirety! Such a lovely & refreshing request to get! This post may be a tad long so grab a cup of tea, get cosy and light a gorgeous smelly candle as I bring you through my 2014.

It all started with getting rid of my pink hair! For GOOD this time My hair is FOREVER changing.. from blues, to pinks,reds,green,purple orange, to Mohawks and dreadlocks I have had every hairstyle under the sun. But this colour was a tad more special. Me and my younger brother Alan decided to partake and dye our hair pink for the annual 'Shave or Dye' challenge for Cancer research. My grandmother had just got diagnosed with cervical cancer so we decided to raise a little awareness and some money for a great cause. Again, a HUGE thank you to those who sponsored us!

2014 also seen the start of my blog! I had wanted to start a blog for ages and ages but to be honest, I lacked confidence and was too afraid about what others may think. After a few of my friends/family and outsiders getting in touch with me about creating a blog, I thought why not. I bit the bullet and created my blog then and there. I didn't even know what I was going to call it. At the time I was munching my life away on a packet of Parma Violets (my favourite sweets) and the rest is history. 

Soon after I created my blog I was getting invited to events! I couldn't believe it. I felt so overwhelmed and lucky to be attending these events with some of Ireland's top bloggers and getting to mingle and a few celebs too!I have made some amazing friends along the way too & love nothing more than going to events with them all! You are all awesome

In May me & my friends all decided to go on a huge group holiday in Portugal!

I had never been to Portugal before so I was SUPER excited! I think in total there was 12 of us heading over and my brother Niall (who was living in Spain at the time) was going to drive over and stay with us for a few days!

We rented a very modern huge villa just 5 minute walk from the strip complete with salt water pool.

We felt like we hit the jackpot! We got our very own boat and sailed to our very own private beach complete with BBQ and wine on arrival!

We also took a trip to Slide & Splash - The local water park.Needless to say, my brother turned up the night before so a good few drinks were in order, and we were most definitely paying for it the next day at the water park!

All in all it was an unreal trip even though afterwards some friendships have been broken, some friendships were made even stronger! And since then my brother is now living in Florida & theres even been a wedding!

So we are currently planning our next group holiday :)

Every year I get so pumped for all the gigs and festivals that are coming just around the corner! Last year I only went to TWO concerts! I am appalled at myself! In all seriousness though it was due to severe lack of funds! The first gig I went to was McBusted! After being an avid Busted fan since day dot, I was only DELIGHTED when they announced a gig with Mcfly! I went with my friend Helen and her sister, It was an unreal gig and getting to see Matt Willis was DEFINITELY a highlight! 

Me and Helen also went to see biffy Clyro! One band I had never ever seen before but i have always wanted to! Helen was kind enough to lend me money for a ticket! Awww!

It was an amazing gig, i cannot fault it! It had the most perfect summer setting! A roasting hot sun set and a topless Simon Neil on stage :p 

And in October me and Dan celebrated our two year anniversary (huge soppy awwww)

We decided to go travelling for this one, not too far though, we went to Galway!!

I briefly visited Galway a few years back on a college trip and have always wanted to go back! We stayed in the Connacht hotel in a huuuuge room! The weather wasn't the best when we were there but we made the most of it seeing all the top attractions & also going out for a VERY tasty anniversary meal!You can read more about this trip here

In June my Jaw literally dropped!

I recently put in for Simplybe Ireland's curvy model search! Another model agency actually put my details through for me.. weeks and weeks went by and I heard nothing, I actually forgot about it! i got a letter through the door one morning, as I opened it I couldn't believe my eyes

''Congratulations Nadine, you have been chosen as one of our Ms Curvy semi finalists''

Whaaaaaat! Something like this has never happened to me before! I was insanely excited! I turned up at the Gibson hotel bright eyed and bushy tailed! I was one of 300 other gorgeously curvy women chosen and I got to chatting to some of the funniest & beautiful women I have ever met. You can read my post on this event here. Needless to say i didn't get chosen as one of their five finalists but i was just delighted to be a part of that whole experience! 

Through all the hustle and bustle of what 2014 had to bring, our world was shaken as my amazing Grandmother sadly lost her battle with cancer on October 20th (my brothers 21st birthday) The world has lost a beautiful person and one hell of a grandmother.

Shortly after the death of my grandmother I decided to get my life back on track and I decided to join Slimming World. Throughout the year i had let myself go completely. I ate what I wanted, When i wanted and deluded myself into thinking I was the same size as I have always been. But how wrong I was, at 5'7'' I ballooned to 13 stone. Since I joined at the start of December I have lost nearly a stone weighing in at 12 stone 2 pounds :) I lost half a stone in just two weeks! 

I'm going to keep on track and try to reach my goal of 10 stone this year! 

if anyone else is doing Slimming world please let me know and share your story, i love finding inspiration through others and their wonderful stories! 

Thank you Ana for the wonderful request!i hope you enjoyed a look at my 2014 :)

If anyone else has any more requests or simply wants to share their 2014 experiences then feel free to comment below or get in touch!

The Parma Violet

The flops of 2014

Welcome to my flops of 2014!

I think its only fair seeming as I posted about my favourites from 2014 that made me go wow here, I thought it was only fitting that I showed you a few products from 2014 that made me go...meh.

Not all products are 'bad' but I have had some bad experiences with some of them. So what collections and products did I feel didn't meet the hype? 

In no particular order we have...

MAKEUP REVOLUTION LIPSTICKS

Although I do love Makeup revolution and I adore their eyeshadow and highlighters, I feel that I was immensely let down with their lipsticks. After seeing some amazing reviews online I decided to buy myself some, after dying with excitement for them to show up, when they did I was immensely let down. They seem super oily and greasy with little or no staying power on most lipsticks, and they made my lips SUPER chapped and even made them bleed!.Although I do absolutely adore the brand and all their other makeup products, I'm afraid this was a total and complete let down. Sorry makeup revolution!

But do check out their fantastic eyeshadow palettes! I can never fault them! Simply beautiful

LOREAL COLLECTION PRIVEE COLOUR RICHE NUDES

When I seen the ad's for this collection, I'm not going to lie, I was really excited.I ran down to my local Boots and bought myself 'Eva's Nude' as it was the one that would suit me the most. After coming home and comparing shades with my friends we realised that most if not all of the shades look nearly the exact same when applied. I was gutted! These lipsticks almost come out like a sheer lipgloss rather than a nude lipstick. I LOVE L'Oreal and had utter confidence in them regarding these lippies, but unfortunately they were a let down, BUT after releasing their 'pure reds' collection I can forgive them because it is FABULOUS! If you are looking for the perfect red, then pick up 'Blakes red' 

THE BALM WHATS YOUR TYPE MASCARA

Now before I start with this one, this is NOT a bad mascara.

I am blessed with naturally long & thick lashes and I always want a mascara that does them justice, unfortunately this does not.

BUT This would be perfect for those with shorter or thinner lashes as it gives super definition. I adore the packaging, super cheeky and very 1950's. I adore every product from The Balm but this just didn't suit me. Again, this is NOT a bad product.

Its not you....its me...

MAC ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW COLLECTION

There is absolutely nothing here that made me go ''I JUST HAVE TO HAVE THAT''.

2014 was MAC's ''Limited Edition'' year.

There seemed to be Limited edition this Limited edition that every two seconds, and I think that MAC really overlooked the product quality and packaging immensely. This was the one collection I was really looking forward to, but I felt so underwhelmed that I didn't buy anything from this collection.

Just me?...

LADY MILLION EAU MY GOLD

This ad seemed to be on telly every two god damn seconds. I seen so much about it online AND the men's original One Million smells so good I decided to take a sniff of the stuff.

Great bottle. great name... same generic overpriced perfume smell

Do not waste your money. It smells like every other generic perfume out there.

So what do you think? Do you share the disappointment? Or did I leave out something from 2014 that seemed like the biggest let down of the century? Let me know!

The Parma Violet

favourite products 2014

First of all id like to say happy new year to all my followers! I cannot believe we're all the way back to the 1st of January again!How did everyone ring in their new years? Did you sit at home with your loved ones, throw an awesome party OR just simply have a quiet night in by yourself? Either way let me know what you all got up to :)

Now, I'm super sorry that I've been M.I.A recently, I currently have no camera, and had terrible Internet connection. But I'm back! So without further adieu, here are my top products(In no particular order) of 2014!

MUA LUXE LIP LACQUERS

These babies are utterly astounding.

Forget limecrime's velvetines, these tubes of velvety goodness are JUST as good! And at only 3.50 each who can say no? I own nearly all  the colours available and my god I adore them. I wear 'reckless' on most nights out. It is my go to perfect red. Looking for colour that doesn't budge an inch? Then look no further!

Available in Superdrug

MAXFACTOR MASTERPIECE TRANSFORM MASCARA

I recently went to a blogger event and found this loveliness in the goodiebag i received, I was delighted because this was just what I needed as I was running out of mascara! And i adore it! It makes my lashes suuuper long and thick looking!Love They're real by benefit but hate the price? Then switch it for this baby for a fraction of the price (13.99) The brush is great too but be warned it does take a fair while to dry so be careful!

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

Where has this stuff been all my life?! As previously stated in past posts, I suffer from Rosacea so my skin is quite sensitive and nearly everything makes me break out. So that's why I was delighted to find this! This holy water is suitable for even the most delicate skin. Removing makeup has never been so easy! Think Bioderma Micellar water but way waaay cheaper! Now 4.19 in boots!

GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS - THE NOURISHING REPAIRER 

My hair is in an absolute heap. Its atrocious. That is in no way an exaggeration either.

The years of dying my hair every colour under the sun and having dreadlocks has taken its toll on my poor locks, and I can never ever find a shampoo/conditioner that gives my hair the right amount of moisture. Until now! 

If you have very dry / damaged hair then look no further than these glorious bottles of heavenly smelling hair stuff! Guaranteed to leave your hair feeling healthy and looking incredibly shiny.

URBAN DECAY - ORIGINAL NAKED PALETTE 

I know this one is quite generic but seriously, can you go wrong with this palette? The answer is no. I recently received this as a super generous Christmas gift from my best friend Dolly. I was gobsmacked when I opened the wrapping paper, I've wanted this palette since it came out!And now i have it and seriously cannot stop using it. So thank you Dolly! You know me so well :)

HOUSE OF HOLLAND NAILS - VAMPS

I also piked these up at a logger event, and they are seriously my most favourite nails ever! Just look at them, they're so gorgeous. I went to a Christmas Dinner and so many people were asking me where I got them done! Super gorgeous nails! Usually 10 Euro in boots

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH 25 HR FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION

Now, I'm going to just come out and say it...

I'm not the biggest fan of Rimmel, I do not get the hype at all...its all crazy to me.

But a recent trip up north made me rethink! I found this foundation for just £3!!!!

So I decided to take it home with me and slap it all over my face. and OH my god I am in love. I don't think I will ever buy any other full coverage foundation ever again! This one is magnificent! hands down the best foundation I have ever come across!

What have been your favourite products of 2014? I'm dying to know! 

The Parma Violet

Simply Be curvy 2015 & Liebster award!

My god this week has been SO busy for me! And I'm very sorry I haven't been blogging as much as I should have but I have a few handy posts in store for ya'll!

FIRSTLY Id like to thank Elena Villa for nominating me for the Liebster award! it absolutely made my day! I would answer some questions but I just got nominated for another award and answered a bunch of questions on my previous blog post! :) Go and visit her super awesome blog here! Thank you again lovely!

Also! i got a bit of a surprise this week! I entered myself in the SimpleBe 2015 model search campaign after applying for VPlus models (And disgracefully hearing nothing back) I decided to take the plunge..What have I got to loose right? Well I applied for SimplyBe about 2 months ago, and COMPLETELY forgot i done so, it totally slipped my mind. As I opened my Gmail and seen a mail from SimplyBe, I knew straight away it was a message to decline my application. Not even 1% of me thought that I would be accepted! As I began  to read the email I then hit this bomb!

''This  year  Simply Be Curvy 2015 has received thousands of entries from allacross  the  country.   We  have managed to whittle it down to 300 girls toattend the heats and congratulations, you are one of them!We are delighted to invite you to attend the next stage of the competition,on  Saturday  30th  August  or  Sunday  31st August at 9.30am in The GibsonHotel, Dublin.''

AHEM. ESQUEEZE ME..BAKING POWDER?!?! Whaaaat!

I was absolutely blown away! I cannot believe I've made it into the heats! I was genuinely jumping for joy! I couldn't believe it!

Now to tone up that belly and lay off the crap food!

I am genuinely looking forward to meeting everyone attending this amazing event! And good luck to all involved!! Give it your all ladies!! See you there!

If you are attending the Simply Be model search in the Gibson hotel, please comment below or get in contact with me by emailing me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you!

The Parma Violet