Spending Ban: Update #7: It's Over!

I lasted for 71 days on my spending ban - pretty good going for me! I knew I'd end up getting the a beautiful world A/W '15 Sampler - see my initial thoughts here.

Since then I've gone downhill...I stocked up on my favourite Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak (twice!), signed up again to You Beauty Discovery (picking the Mitchell & Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil 10ml and Dr Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum 15ml.

And...while browsing Naturisimo's Xmas gifts spotted this little number...Estelle & Thild Mini Body Butters Set 4 x 50ml (which I got using a 15% off code).

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I am however not going to start buying everything I want again as I've been enjoying using what I've got, watching my stash reduce and saving money. I'm hoping to be able to make considered purchases and try to not buy anything I don't really need!

Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #6

My last spending ban update was way back in September - see here. I did have two purchases in London (which I allowed myself in the ban - see my post on my Jo Loves pick here). 

I'm now actually beginning to see my stash go down - which is brilliant.

I do have a couple of wants though:

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This fabulous advent calendar by Susanne Kaufmann (£99) available at Cult Beauty - is stuffed full of lust worthy goodies for body, face and hair and includes tea too!

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Tom Ford Private Blend Collection Set (£225) and includes 6 x 12ml bottles of - Neroli Portofino, Jasmine Rouge, Oud Wood, Tuscan Leather, Tobacco Vanille and Noir de Noir. It's a luxury want for sure - could be tempting with 15% off at the Harvey Nics shopping party in November. It sure would be a ban breaker!

What's on your wishlist? If you are on a spending ban how's it going?

Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #5

I picked up a staple product for me in the Tabitha James Kraan sale (£15.50 plus P&P). I use it every single day and at that great price it had to be bought!

Onto my wants this week:

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Narynda Face Care Pack (£7.50) - I'm always a sucker for try me sizes and this little set is great! It contains cleanser, toner, face & body scrub, day cream and night cream - see my reviews of the cleanser, toner and day cream HERE*. I'm also keen to pick up the Body Care Pack (£5.50) (the heel balm is ace!)

Staying on the travel sizes...

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I spotted this little Autumn Mini Treats set at LJ's Natural Solutions (£9.95) - it includes - 30ml Autumn Uplift Organic Body Oil, 5g Balancing Organic Moisturiser, 5g Organic Deep Cleansing Balm and 3g OMG Serum.

I was also tempted by (but didn't) an email offer from Naturisimo which was a free sample pack with any with purchase and included samples from: Spiezia, John Masters Organics, Inlight, Estelle & Thild and Patyka. Sign up for Beauty Alerts at the bottom of the main webpage.

I'm finding the spending ban fairly easy but I know there are going to be lots and lots of wants in the run up to Christmas! If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #4

At the tail end of last week Liberty offered their fabulous Gift With Purchase worth £350 with a £150 spend - I was sorely tempted to break the ban! Luckily it sold out online so my spending ban is safe for another week! 

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Having just come across Edinburgh based Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare I'm adding Coconut Lip Butter (£4) and Hydrating Body Butter - Sweet Orange & Vanilla (120ml - £15) to the wishlist. In fact the whole range looks lovely!  See here.

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Another new to me brand is LIHA - I'm fancying their IDAN Oil (30ml - £16) a natural cold pressed coconut oil which has a Tuberose flower immersed to give the oil a beautiful deep floral scent. Use it on your face, hair and body. It sounds lush! 

If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

Spending Ban: Update & Wants #3

I've been finding the spending ban very much okay! I did buy some birthday presents and received this fab Bodhi & Birch freebie which is a great little set for holidays. So ideal for popping in the hand luggage.

I'm taking part in a circle swap (stole the idea from Beauty in a Box Facebook page). I send a box of products to the first person, they take out what they want putting in the amount of items they take out and so on until the box returns to me!  A definite good way to get a beauty fix - thanks to @amberbeautytalk, @Anagoesgreen and @wildorganicblog for taking part! I'm hoping to get the parcel off on Tuesday...

Onto wants...

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Votary Rose Maroc & Sandalwood Facial Oil (£65 - 30ml) a brand new launch of a range of skincare products by make up artist, Arabella Preston and friend Charlotte Semler. I first spotted this in YOU magazine only yesterday. It's definitely being added to the wishlist. See more details HERE and buy at Liberty.

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Guy Morgan Apothecary Salem Rose Hair & Nail Oil (£36 - 30ml) again another exciting new brand to me. This rich and lush hair and nail oil strengthens, conditions and cares for both hair and nails - I love a multi-purpose product. I also like the look of the Himalayan Pink Salt Mask.

If you are on a spending ban how are you coping?

Spending Ban: Update & Wants #2

I had a teeny tiny spend in Sephora Paris. But I'd factored that in to my Spending ban rules. It would have been easy to buy up the shop! haha - next time!

As I've been away I've not really been tempted by any online deals (whew) but I do have a few wants which I'll be adding to the wishlist - I'll come back to them at the end of my ban and see if I still really do want them. You can see my initial post about the ban HERE.

Here's what I would have bought this week:

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G Baldwin & Co Revitalising Bath Salts (310g - £7.49) - these revitalising salts are enriched with Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon Essential Oils to revive and awaken both the mind and body. 

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OA Face Oil by PLANT (9.5fl oz - £26.95) - I adore facial oils with Sea Buckthorn in them. This oil is suitable for Normal/Combination skins and you can pick it up at a beautiful world. 

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Savon Stories Rose & Geranium with Rose Petals Castile Soap (£9) - I first became aware of these beautiful soaps when Galina over at A Curious Russian in London tweeted about them. They look super gorgeous and if I'm honest I want them all! See the full range available here.

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African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil (£60 - 60ml) - a luxe facial treatment scented with Neroli which helps balance, brighten and restore. Bet this smells gorgeous!

Look out for my further updates and shopping my stash posts. Have you tried any of the above products?

Spending Ban: Update 3

Well...I failed spectacularly on my spending ban during the middle of last week! I was feeling a bit down (no excuse I know!) and splurged big style!  I'd looked at this little set before Christmas and was tempted to buy it at the Harvey Nichols Shopping Party...but resisted...until now!

I'm already a huge fan of Shay & Blue's Atropa Belladonna scent - see my review here.

The set also includes the delicious Salt Caramel which I can't stop wearing. It contains caramel, sea salt, tonka bean, Bourbon vanilla and sandalwood. It is sweet, delicious, cozy and makes me feel like I've come home! This is my new signature scent for sure (two people have asked me what perfume I'm wearing!) and I know I'll buy a full size when this one's finished.

Also in the set is Blood Oranges and Sicilian Limes two fresh and fruity scents. I've not really tried them much yet so further thoughts to follow.

The final scent in the set is Almond Cucumber which is perfect for Spring and Summer. Light and refreshing and quite unlike anything I've worn before.

And so, I'm going to continue my ban into February too after this enormous splurge (£65).

For once, I'm not wanting anything this week!  If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

Spending Ban - Update 3

My last update was in March - see here. 

I've kind of gone off the rails in April! I bought some goodies from Cult Beauty and received an amazing GWP - see here - it was worth it as I've loved trying out the product from the gift and so nice to have some new things to try. 

I also picked up (still to arrive) some Latest in Beauty luxury samples including my favourite Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts (a steal at £4 for 100g).  My final splurge this month was Love Lula Win-Win Selection Box (again waiting for it to arrive).  I did have some birthday money so not feeling too...guilty.

Onto my wants:

If you are on a spending ban how's it going?

Spending Ban - Update 8

A good week! Just a spend on a Psychologies Magazine - love this magazine such an interesting and informative read which makes you think too.

Onto my wants:

Korres Watermelon Body Scrub (150ml - £9.60) - just finished an Elemis body scrub which I really liked.  I like the sound of this fruity scrub especially as I love the scent of watermelon.

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Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask (£58) - a white clay mask to revitalise skin.  To brighten and make skin more luminous.  Sounds fab!

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Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Duo (£34.50) including Body Wash & Body Cream. Already love Elemental Herbology for skincare.  The body range sounds lush.

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Diptyque Roses Candle (£40) - simply love rose scented candles and Diptyque.  A luxe want!

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Sarah Chapman Discovery Collection (£40) - since trying a couple of samples I really want to try more from the Sarah Chapman range.

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REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish (£32) - I'm a huge fan for REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil, Body Oil, Shower Gel and Body Lotion so it would be nice to try the scrub.

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How is your spending ban doing?  Have you tried any of my weekly "wants"?

Spending Ban - Update 5

It's day 36 in the spending ban (nearly half way!)  I had a great week last week. I'm still loving using my paperblanks* journal to record my spending and wants.

My wants list is an expensive one this week!

Undergreen Pink EDP 100ml - this sounds gorgeous!  See above in the journal for the notes it contains.

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OV Naturals Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser 60ml - A gorgeous moisturiser.  I reviewed the smaller 15ml size last week.  You can see that here.

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Jo Loves Orange Tulle 30ml - I knew Jo Malone had her own range out and had fancied the Gardenia scent for a while.  I read a review on Thom's blog Manface and knew I'd love this citrus fruit based scent - with notes of orange flower, mandarin, mint leaves, neroli, petigrain and musk.

Another product that Thom reviewed recently was Jo Loves Lemongrass, Amber, Tiare Flower Candle - it sounds gorgeous - lemongrass burns first, then amber and then tiare flower.  Expensive though at £75 for 255g jar.  The packaging and actual product look very luxurious though.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 30ml - recently used the mini that came in the YOU Latest in Beauty Advent Calendar - gorgeous! Nardine at Live...Laugh...Love just sent me two minis - thanks huni!

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OV Naturals Petal Soft Skin Rose Hamper £35 - look how gorgeous this hamper is!  Stuffed full of gorgeous mini OV Naturals products - Rosy Glow Moisturiser, Triple Rose Face Oil, soaps, a toner, a hair decoration and a beautiful Fairtrade rattan basket - great for storing beauty item.

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How is your spending ban going?  What products are you wanting this week?

*complimentary

Spending Ban - Update 4

I went off the rails during week 4!  I'd had a bit of a stressful week (no excuse I know!) and ended up buying a couple of things from Sweet Cecily's - a gorgeous natural skincare company.  I spotted Sugarpuffish's review and before I knew it had placed an order!  I don't feel too bad as my order came to £26.65 including P&P and it was good to get a parcel delivered!

Here's how my week has been going -

And here are the beautiful products which made me break my spending ban...

Mojito Flavour Lip Balm (£2.95 for 10ml) - flavoured just like a Mojito cocktail with mint and lime - supermoisturising on the lips.

Rose Body Butter (£19.95 for 200ml) - a simply gorgeous rich rose scented butter packed full of shea butter, rosehip oil, rose essential oil and St John's Wort Oil.

The packaging is simply gorgeous, really pretty. Full reviews will follow.

So onto my want's list (it's actually quite small this week - I must be feeling guilty!)  

Mama Mio Mighty Moisture Day & Night Moisturiser 50ml (£37.50) - I was one of the lucky ones who managed to get a YOU tester pack of this moisturiser, an eye cream and face wash.  I totally fell in love with this moisturiser, loved its orange scent, the way it felt on my skin and the fact you could use it am/pm.  Definitely one I'll buy when I use up my stock of moisturisers.

Aromatherapy Associates Breath Essence 10ml (£15.50) - have read numerous great reviews about this essence which can be used to clear your head and for de-stressing.

Freyaluna Rose Lotion 140g (£15.95) - I adored this lotion when I received it in my Freyaluna Selection Box. (must have a rose addiction this week!)

Weleda Pomegranate Body Lotion 200ml (£19.95) - used a sample of this recently and loved the fruity scent.

Weleda Citrus Refreshing Milk Bath 200ml (£9.50) - I love soaks in the bath and it sounds refreshing.

How are you doing on your spending ban?

Spending Ban - Update 2

I am actually finding the spending ban not too bad although in week 2 I found  I was tempted by things..  Grace's Blog Sale caught my eye and I especially wanted the Aromatherapy Associates Rose Exfoliating Cleanser and the Nourish Toner grrr...

Here is how my week has been...mid-week is definitely snacking day!

I am really making lots of use of my beautiful paperblanks* journal.  So handy for jotting down my spending/wants.

Here are my wants for week 2 -

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint minis - I read about these on The Sunday Girl blog and they sound amazing!

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Jimmy Choo Flash EDP - absolutely hate the name but know I will love this scent because I adore tuberose & gardenia notes.

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Nourish Radiance Body Treats Set - I've not tried any nourish products yet but this body set appeals - shower gel, flannel, hand lotion and body butter.

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Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing Oil - just read about this recently and so want to try!  Generally love Melvita products (and rose scents).

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The Alpha-H set from WIMH was an absolute killer - so wanted to buy it - but restrained! It is now sold out!

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Not beauty but a book I really want to read by Maggie O'Farrell is out in February (fingers crossed for amazon vouchers at my birthday!). I've read her other books and they are all amazing!

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Are you on the spending ban? How are you doing?  What things are you "wanting" this week?

*complimentary sample

Spending Ban Update - Week 2

After being so good on my first week of my spending ban I found last week I couldn't stop spending!

On Monday I picked up Elemis Absolute Eye Serum as I had a £5 off voucher so spend £21.60 - oops.  On Wednesday I went for G&Ts after work sitting outside in the sunshine and spent about £20 and on Friday night I went for tapas with some friends and spent £24.  On Saturday went to the local Beer Garden and spent a tenner. So not a good week - but I had fun! Must try and do better this week! x

Spending Ban Update

I first mentioned my spending ban here.  So far I've done not bad (surprisingly!)  In week 1 (14-20th May) I only spent £10.41!  (and I managed to get a beauty product too!).  My mum gave me a voucher for £1 off Glamour magazine so I picked up the Angelica Face Toner in WHSmith (travel size).  I took lunches and herbal tea bags to work, and I picked up juice and water.  All in all I was quite impressed with myself!  Week 2 has not started off as well! x