★★★★★
5/5 STARS
This year's birthday present came in the shape of LUSH's fairly new product: Daddy-O Shampoo. This shampoo claims to be special for blondes and grey haired specimens, and, after having my hair transformed from fair brown to pending blonde in September '15, I decided it was only righteous to give this a go.
I've been using this product regularly since the middle of March. Two months later and I've swallowed (not literally, please don't drink shampoo) just over half the bottle of my 250g serving and recently re-purchased the 500g bottle for when I run out.
So, it's already fair to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this product. When I sat down to review this product, I decided to weigh up the Pros and Cons - here's how that went:
PROS
- The metalic purple colour of this shampoo makes me want to rub it between my fingers for the entire shower. It's stays purple for long time unlike other deep coloured shampoos that quickly turn into white suds. So if you're buying this, be prepared for purple suds all around your head (and probably shower).
- Clean hair! Everyone wants a shampoo to do the obvious job of washing your hair. Luckily, this shampoo leaves my hair fresh, clean, and happy.
- The smell is divine. I have experienced multiple occasions where others have complimented me on the smell of my hair, even when I just walk past. It's a zingy parma violet smell due to the ingredients of lemons and violets leaf. My boyfriend says "It's the nicest thing I've smelt from LUSH".
- There is a perfect consistency. The shampoo isn't too thick and it also does just run away onto the floor of the shower. The time it takes to later up is just fine, no waiting around necessary.
- You also don't need to use too much of it for it to wash your hair. As I said previously, I've been using this shampoo for two months and it is about 1/4 of the way full.
- Lush remain animal cruelty free, vegan, and recyclable with their products which is always a pro.
CONS
- I started using this shampoo just after I had my hair re-bleached and I have to admit that my hair colour still deteriorated the way it would if I had used any other shampoo. Perhaps this shampoo would have a better effect on more white blondes and grey colours.
- It has a pretty hefty price tag. I personally believe it is worth the price and the 500g bottle for £18 is good value when the 250g is £11. Some people may not be prepared to branch out that much for a shampoo.
- One of the main ingredients is lemon. I'm sure lemon is supposed to have rather drying qualities on your hair/scalp and, after bleaching my hair, that's not something I want to happen. As someone who suffers with dry skin, I have previously been warned against citrus products by a Lush worker. I guess I just have to trust Lush with this one - there isn't any visible affects yet.
- Finally, my eternal turn-off with some Lush products is the parabens. The nasty little parabens creep too often in their products. They've reformulated some products which I see as wonderful but I'd love to know if they're planning a bigger future of paraben-free Lush products. However, right now, this shampoo is on my head for a few minutes and gets washed away down the plug hole, so I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
I would recommend this shampoo to anyone. If you don't buy it, at least pop
into store and give it a good ol' sniff.
Harpa
Scenery in Grindavik
Þingvellir - Tectonic Plates Boundary
Gullfoss Waterfall
The Sun Voyager
Kerið - Volcanic Crater
Skogafoss Waterfall
Visiting Geysir
I'm still slightly in awe over the fact that I was lucky enough to visit Iceland. It was such a surreal and excellent experience - I will definitely be going back in the future.
What I did:
- We arrived pretty early so, after checking in at your apartment (Reykjavik4You Apartments - an excellent place to stay), we explored the streets of downtown Reykjavik.
- On the evening, we went to Apotek restaurant as part of the Food & Fun festival - this 6-course meal was absolutely delicious.
- The next day we visited the 'Farmer's Market' in Harpa to enjoy the celebrations of the Food & Fun Festival. We walked along the bay then hopped in the car and headed for The Blue Lagoon.
- Next, we woke up early and embarked on a 9hour self-drive journey around The Golden Circle and other locations. Upon this, we saw the tectonic plates boundary, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerith Volcanic Crater, Skogafoss and captured a view of the infamous volcano: Eyjafjallajökull.
- Our last day was pretty chilled, we gobbled a delicious lunch in a Bistro in town then strolled the streets. I got a delicious slice of chocolate cake in a popular cafe: The Laundromat.
- Flying home. Definitely didn't say goodbye for the last time.
I would mostly recommend the Geysirs, the Waterfalls and downtown Reykjavik. Also, hiring a car is an excellent idea as locations are usually quite far apart and you get the freedom of going wherever you, whenever you want.
The people are also very pleasant and the country is very tourist friendly; most of the residents speaking extremely well English.
What would you make of an Icelandic getaway?
HAPPY NEW YEAR
I find that it's really special to look back and pin-point everything good that happened to you in the past year. It's no doubt that 2015 was the toughest and most life changing year so far but, beside the bad things, there was some amazing experiences that I shall remember.
JANUARY - My friends and I took a two night trip away to Edinburgh. It was so much fun. Blog Post
FEBRUARY - I bought my prom dress and bought the shoes to go with it, both in one day. I began a series on my blog called Catchup Sessions. We got our whole year end-of-school pictures and we were all allowed to take pictures with each other afterwards - at that point reality kicked in that we were leaving after a long 5 years.
MARCH - Birthday month - yey! Went to see McBusted for the 2nd time and met them which was surreal. Got the train to Manchester with my friends to meet David Leviathan at Waterstones.
APRIL - Finished all of my Textiles coursework which was an achievement because it was such a big weight off my shoulders.
MAY - Exams began. I began to add finishing touches to all of my art coursework. I found a fondness for the beach. Added three baby fish to the garden pond. After many years, I was told I was allowed to get a kitten.
JUNE - I met the most adorable kitten in the world and we bought her. I finished exams then the kitten came home with us: April joined the family. My friends and I made our leavers shirts. I graduated from school and our last day was celebrated by a balloon release. We then enjoyed a great, hot night at Prom.
JULY - My longest summer holidays were in full throttle including parties, food and fun.
AUGUST - The summer continued and time whizzed past. Got my exam results and was pleased. Took a trip down to London.
SEPTEMBER - I started college. Finally dyed my hair blonde.
OCTOBER - Went to see Rhodes in Manchester and met him - such an amazing highlight. Got my braces off which was such a relief.
NOVEMBER - Went back to school for an Achievements Assembly and was over the moon when I won the English Literature award.
DECEMBER - I had a wonderful Christmas with all of the family.
I've also collected a short series of goals to document and evaluate at the end of 2016:
1. Learn to drive
2. Get a Car
3. Get a (volunteering) job
4. Go to Iceland
5. Visit Scotland
6. Overcome one fear
7. Go to a concert
8. Read minimum 12 books
9. Use a planner and stick with it
10. Use my 'One Line A Day' Book every day
11. Reach 480 blog followers
12. Host a blog giveaway
13. Go on a walk every month
14. Get rid of clothes that I don't wear
15. Post at least 30 blog posts
2. Get a Car
3. Get a (volunteering) job
4. Go to Iceland
5. Visit Scotland
6. Overcome one fear
7. Go to a concert
8. Read minimum 12 books
9. Use a planner and stick with it
10. Use my 'One Line A Day' Book every day
11. Reach 480 blog followers
12. Host a blog giveaway
13. Go on a walk every month
14. Get rid of clothes that I don't wear
15. Post at least 30 blog posts
What were your best experiences from 2015?
This year I didn't read too much because it was a very busy year and reading, unfortunately, didn't become my priority. But, those that I did read, I mostly enjoyed. I read many of my most anticipated book this year and they didn't disappoint.
I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson - This year, I found my favourite book in the shape of a stunning hardback packed with a terrific storyline. This coming of age, artistic novel speaks volumes from the perspective of two very contrasting siblings. This book had me feeling so many emotions but overall it was just so satisfying to read.
Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz - I enjoyed this books so much because of the way it seemed to represent family values as well as portraying an adorable love story. It was fast paced and exciting but in a calming and pleasing way. I completely fell in love with these characters but especially the authors writing style. I would love to re-read this someday.
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - After enjoying IGYTS so much, I decided to read another novel by Jandy Nelson. I liked this book but it didn't seem to capture me in the same was the other book did. This book centers around the struggles of mourning and love and, without spoiling it, I will say that there was one love interest that I found slightly strange. The only thing I took from this book was that I wanted to read more uplifting and happier books from then on - this one was just a bit too low from start to finish.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This book was read as part of my college course but I have personally wanted to read it for a while. I ended up loving it. Reading and understanding this novel is like completing an endless puzzle. The characters, themes and story are so perfectly complex but still so seamless. I'm so glad I finally read it.
A Little Something Different by Sally Hall - 100% feel-good, adorable and cute love story wrapped in one of my all time favorite book covers. The characters are loveable, the POV twist is unique and the small details to the storyline really generate the emotional response. If it hadn't been so cleverly pieced together, it would've just been a regular love story but I'm glad it isn't because it really is something that can keep you excited whilst warming your heart.
(KINDLE) Reboot by Amy Tintera - I read this right at the start of the year; so far away that I can barely remember it. From what I remember, it was thrilling. It was a gripping storyline from a novel genre that I would've never seen myself enjoying. I was impressed by the way it was a really unique storyline and I also fangirled so much about the center relationship. There is a sequel, but I just can't seem to get into it; maybe I'll try again next year. I also really want this made into a film.
(KINDLE) Simon vs The Homo Sapiens by Becky Albertalli - This fun-loving and extravagant YA novel was a handful of giggles and fangirling moments. It was effortlessly uplifting and the ending was so happy I could've burst with joy.
I read and didn't complete some other books this year too,
but looking back, I seem to have read some really great ones.
What did you read this in 2015?
Amongst the grey, wintery days, I got delivered a new phone case which is always a good thing. I was kindly contacted by GoCustomized to try out their personalised phones cases.
I currently use an iPhone 5S and I've always wanted a transparent/patterned phone case - I was delighted when I discovered that GoCustomized made this possible.
The freedom to pick your own designs and type of case is great. You can choose from lots of phone/iPad models to the type of case you would like (soft or hard case, black, white or transparent). When choosing a design you can use one of the given pictures or easily upload one of your own. The designs that are provided are also super funky, it took me a while to decided whether to use one of those or my own. The pattern I used is by my favourite artist, Laura Manfre.
This website is the neatest and easiest way to personalise your phone case in terms of design that I've seen. It's easy to zoom and position the picture, then you can add any text or icons. I got the transparent background by selecting the transparent phone casing and uploading a transparent picture.
My case is worth £14.95, which is a great price for a personalised phone case. Similarly, the free delivery is a huge bonus. Factors like this make this site so much more attractive than some others.
There's nothing to really criticise about this product. I've had it for a few weeks and it seems perfectly hard wearing and seems to protect my phone very well. Overall, the ordering process was easy and the delivery was fast. However, in the mail, the case itself didn't seem too protected. I would've liked to have seen some sort of packaging that would've protected my case from being broken in the post.
I would definitely recommend this site for anyone looking for a personalised phone case.
Thank you to GoCustomized for this opportunity.
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