Blog Sale - Clothes - Mainly Dresses size 12 - 18

I had a wardrobe clean out the other day. Most of my stuff went to charity but I had some lovely dresses that due to my yo-yoing weight do not fit me any more. So before I eBay them I decided to put them on a blog sale first, as selling to you lovely people is far less hassle than ebay!

note - all items have been paid for by myself.

Postage will be £2, regardless of how many items you buy :)
If you like the item but not the price, make me an (reasonable) offer.
If you would like an item, please leave your email in the comments so I can contact you.

Boohoo one shoulder skater dress

size 16.

 Its Short on me and I am 5'4" so wouldn't recommend to anyone taller.

Worn 0nce. £5

 

 

 Size 12 -

quite stretchy so would fit a 12-14.

Worn twice £10

bought from local boutique

 

 

Size 14

Worn once

Primark Dipped hem top.

£4

 

 Size 14

River Island

Worn a few times

£10

Size XL (UK 16 - 18)

Forever 21+

Stain which can be seen in photo,

I haven't attempted to get it removed though

£5

 

 Size 14

Newlook

Never worn but has been washed

£6

 

 



 Apricot

Large (UK 14-16)

Worn once

£10

 

 

 Size 12

Internacionale

worn couple of times

£12

 Size 14

AX Paris

worn a couple times.

would say its on the smaller size of a 14

£10

Size 12

Bodycon dress

bought from local boutique

but brand also sold in New look

£10

Bourjois Cream Blush Review and Swatches

Bourjois have recently brought out a cream version of their iconic blushers. I have one in the shade 02 which is a peach colour.

I love the texture, it is so light and blends amazingly using my fingers. Initially I did think that the RRP of £7.99 was a little steep as the pot is really small, but I love the way they apply so much I am definitely considering purchasing another in the shade 01.

In the pic below I am wearing it on my cheeks and lips. If you have normal lips these give a really nice matte finish to the lips. If you have dry lips I would recommend using a lip balm first as it can be drying to the lips.



It lasted well on my skin, around 6-7 hours before fading. If you set it with a powder blush I can imagine it lasting much longer, but I really liked the dewy finish.

I think these cream blushes are a must have for a lightweight summer makeup look. They come highly recommended from me.

Have you tried them yet?

Gem x

NOTD: Anchor & Stripes

Drugstore Wishlist #2

MUA Power Pout | Models Own Artistix Duo | La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo| Bourjois Healthy Mix | Collection Concealer

 

Whats on your wishlist??

 

Gem x

Summer Hair Style

I had a few hairstyles left over from my beautyandthebeach post which didn't quite make the cut, but are still really cute so I thought I would do a little post.

This hairstyle is so easy to create. basically you make a pony tail, then make a hole in the bit between the crown and the hair tie and flip the pony tail through the hole. Then create the fishtail braid. I think it looks really pretty for summer :)

Sorry for the poor photoshop skills, I had to edit out my son who photobombed my picture, haha. I have had a few of my hairstyle pics taken and used (without my permission) so I didn't want his face on it :(

Gem x

Travel Supermarket Beauty and the Beach 2 Competition

Travel Supermarket have a brilliant competition running for us beauty loving bloggers.They are challenging us to show them our favourite holiday looks for makeup, hair and nails. The overall prize is an amazing £1500 towards a holiday! To find out more go here >> http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/holidays/beauty-and-the-beach-two/

Makeup

When I am on holiday I like to keep my makeup to a minimum. Heavy eye liner and thick foundation just don't look right to me when your are away. I love to see radiant skin and fresh colours. 

Evening look

The first look I created is one I would wear during the evening, maybe for cocktails by the pool. I used my Naked 2 palette to create the eye look, It is the perfect palette for travelling. I used Boots Botanicals BB Cream as a base, it has an SPF of 35 and I would highly recommend it for holidays. It gives great coverage and looks really glowy without being too shiny. I used Rimmel Waterproof liner in my waterline and No7 Waterproof mascara. For the cheeks I used Bourjois cream blush in 02, another product perfect for taking away as it applies amazingly well without the need for a brush. I used MAC shy girl on my lips and Benefit Browzings on my eyebrows. I finished with a light sweep of VIVOs baked bronzer on my cheeks, nose and forehead for a sunkissed glow. 

Day Look
Obviously when I am by the pool I wear no makeup at all, but if I am out and about during the day I do like to wear it. I really keep my makeup to a minimum and concentrate on making my skin look radiant and sun kissed. For this look again I used Boots Botanicals BB Cream and the Naked 2 palette. I used Foxy on the lid and No7 Waterproof mascara.  On the cheeks I used Bourjois cream blush in 02 and Vivo baked bronzer. For the lips I used Revlon lip gloss in Petal Peach on top of a sunblock for face and lips. My lips burn easily in the sun so this is an important step.

Hair

My hair gets really frizzy and unmanageable in the heat, and straighteners or curling wands don't do anything to help it so I mostly always tie my hair up when I am on holiday. When I think of holiday hair I think of braids, and I love this messy braided up do. It looks equally as good around the pool or in the evening and best of all it keeps my unruly hair at bay. To create it, I just French braided across my head, secured with a clear elastic and then created the messy bun using another clear elastic. Its really easy to create and you don't even need a mirror as you want a messy effect.

Nails
These nails are based on strawberry ice cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles. I love how cute and eye catching they are and think they are really fun to wear on holiday. They will definitely be a conversation starter, I wore these out the other day and had lots of compliments on them. They are so easy to recreate. I used a hair grip as a dotting tool to create dots, then joined them up with a tooth pick to create the chocolate sauce effect. Make sure to seal them with a good top coat as you want them to last the whole holiday. I used Seche Vite.

So there are my looks I hope you like them :) We are asked to tag 5 other bloggers to take part so I tag;

BeautyBird - http://ramblingsofabeautybird.blogspot.co.uk/

HoneyGoLightly - http://www.honeygo-lightly.com/

Alessia - http://whispersfromangels.blogspot.co.uk/

Ellie - http://www.elliesramblings.com/

CSI Beauty Blog - http://cosmeticsshoppingandintoxication.blogspot.co.uk/

Gem x 

Big Sexy Hair Giveaway Winner Announced!

A quick post to announce the winner of my giveaway....

The winner is....

Zoe C.

I have sent you an email.


Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and hopefully I will be holding another one soon :)

Gem x

I'm Taking Part in the Escentual Micellar Blind Trial

Escentual are looking to create the ultimate micellar water edit. They have given myself and 99 other bloggers 7 anonymous samples of micellar water from some of the biggest French brands. Over the course of 14 days we will be testing them out, and then will be giving our thoughts on each sample via an online survey.

I am really excited to be taking part in this, I think its an excellent idea and will be very interesting to see which micellar water comes out on top, over all and my personal preference.

I am about 3 days into the trial now and I have tested 4 of them. I am noting down my thoughts on a notepad as I go along, and I already have a firm favourite out of the 4 I have used so far.

What do you think about the trial? Are you taking part?

Gem x

Benefit Browzings (Light) Review Before & After

I have always liked the idea of brow kits. I tried the MUA one and it was OK but it smashed and I never bothered to repurchase one.

I was happy getting by using a matte eyeshadow to fill in my brows until I was lucky enough to receive Benefit Browzings, and now in the short amount of time I have had it it has become a staple in my makeup bag.

The kit is so handy and it fits perfectly in my makeup bag. The tools it comes with are good quality and so very useful; The tweezers actually work (I'm looking at you MUA) and the brushes are thin and stiff enough to pick up the product.

I have the kit in light and it comes with a pigmented wax and a matte powder. I use the wax first and then lightly apply the powder on top and this lasts all day. I have sparse brows and I don't have a problem with them being unruly but I would imagine that this kit is good for taming unruly brows too. For me I think it makes my eyebrows look thicker, and now I don't feel as though my makeup is complete without filling in my brows.

If you are looking for a brow product, I would highly recommend Benefit Browzings. It is a little on the pricer side of things at £23.50, but for that price you get an amazing quality product that is going to last you a long time.

Gem x

Bourjois Cream Blush

A fun fact for you all: The Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush was my first ever blush purchase, at the age of 14.   I had it in the colour Rose D'Or and was loyal to that blush until I really got into beauty and I now have about 20 different blushers in my collection.

The Little Round Blush is nearly 150 years old, and you can learn more about the history of Bourjois here. Nearly 150 years later Bourjois have now released a cream version of their iconic blush and have still kept the unique packaging which I love. It is a cream which on contact with the skin transforms into an incredibly fine and silky powder.

The cream blush is also enriched with a number of skin loving ingredients such as apricot and mango extracts which provide a healthy glow to the cheeks.

The blush comes in four shades;

1. Nude Velvet - a delicate peach with a matte effect
2. Healthy Glow - a vibrant and slightly pearly apricot pink
3. Rose Tender - a soft pink with a pearly finish
4. Sweet Cherry - a deep brown pink which is matte.

The cream blush was launched in Selfridges and online on the 3rd of May, and will be available naition wide in Boots from thte 15th of May and is priced at £7.99 each.

I for one cant wait to try these out, they sound perfect for spring summer, what do you think?

Gem x

Sunday Bloggers Interview #11

Answering my beauty questions today is the very lovely Amy from ALifeInBeautyAM. Amy is a fellow Welsh blogger and I met her at a bloggers event last year.

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1. Why did you start blogging? 

I started my blog back in April 2011 and up untill that point I always used a scrap book with good old paper and a pen to write articles. I also cut up magazine pictures and placed them all on one page with my little reviews too. At the time it was me convincing myself that I was practising to be a Beauty Editior. Then one day I was at the library browising online at beauty products and came across a blog. I was like hold on a minute...that's what I do expect on paper? From on then I created Alifeinbeautyam and wrote articles and reviews but on the internet instead of on paper. 

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging? 

The main thing I enjoy about blogging is setting time aside with a cuppa writing what I want and to share my passion for beauty with fellow readers. I also love the #bbloggers chat on twitter too!

3. What are your favourite make-up brands? 

I can be a snob at time with brands but I still love my high street too! I love YSL, Chanel and Collection (former Collection 2000)

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products (hair, makeup, skin, etc) 
Wooo a tuff one...can I have six?
Hair-Herbal Essence Products
Makeup-YSL Touche Eclat Foundation, HD Brows Pallete and Revlon Lip Butters
Skin Care-Chanel Hydra Beauty Cream and NO7 Anti Wrinkle
 
　
5. Do you have any beauty tips to share? 

I don't really have beauty tips as such as beauty products pretty much sort everything out these days but I stick to these two golden rules at all times;

Set aside a day (mine is a Sunday) and have a beauty session, face masks, hair masks, feet soaks the lot! It will make you feel re-freshed ready for a Monday. 

Apply Vaseline onto your eyelids before bed, this makes your eyelids softer and easier to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner onto them the next day. It also slows down the aging process of wrinkles! Marilyn Monroe used to apply Vaseline to her entire face and never looked old!

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A huge thanks to Amy for taking part, make sure you check out her lovely blog here!!

Gem x

Top 5 Under 5 - Beauty

I have had this post planned for absolutely ages. I believe I first saw it on Beauty Birds blog and made a note in my 'blog planner' but never got around to doing it. Well, today I have;

So here are my top 5 beauty products that are under five pounds:

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent RRP £3.99 - Such a great powder at such a great price. Really makes my complexion matte without looking cakey.

Elf Studio Blush £3.50 - I have this in Pink Passion and Mellow Mauve and the pigmentation is perfect, and it blends well and lasts a long time. I love the packaging too.

MUA Lipsticks £1 - I had to include these, the pigmentation is great and they last a decent amount of time. And the best part is that these only cost £1!

Maybelline Color Tattoos RRP £4.99 - I have the three shades shown, Bronze, Taupe and Silver. I love them and they really do last ages. I like to use Bronze all over the lid and then use a lighter colour over the top in the inner corner of my eyes.

Barry M Gelly Polish RRP £3.99 - I just love these, the formula, the price, and the colour range is gorgeous.

What are your top 5 under 5?

Gem x

April Favourites

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - I have been loving using this when I have had good skin days. Its a really nice light - medium coverage, and gives a satin finish to the skin. Set with Rimmel Stay Matte powder it lasts a good 6 - 7 hours on my skin.

Benefit World Famous Neutrals Most Glamourous Nudes Ever - I adore this eyeshadow palette and have been using it nearly every day. I think its great how they have included cream shadows, 'My Two Cents' is my favourite. A coppery colour it really makes my blue eyes pop.

Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer - I love how light and hydrating this is. I don't suffer with really dark circles, but this concealer really helps brighten up my under eye area without looking cakey.

Milani Blush - I got this in TK Maxx along with some Milani eyeshadows and its just the perfect pink colour. It lasts really well on my skin and blends well. I just wish these were more readily available in the UK.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Lychee - Two coats and this is opaque, and lasts really well on my nails. I use Seche Vite top coat and the Gel effect becomes even better.

Gem x

Benefit Boutique Swansea Launch

I was so excited when I found out that Benefit were opening a Boutique in my home town, and last Friday I was lucky enough to attend the launch event for Benefits newest boutique located in  Debenhams Swansea.

The Boutique
The new Boutique looks amazing - it is so girly and pretty, just like their packaging, and you can tell a lot of thought has gone into the design.

They still have the brow bar but in addition to that behind the counter there are three rooms. They now have a gorgeous waxing room, where you can get anything from half a leg to a full body wax, a spray tan room where Fake Bake tan is used, and a make-up room which you can hire out at £10 per person and have a make-up lesson from one of the lovely Benebabes. The ten pound is redeemable against benefit products too so its a win-win situation.

The Event
We were greeted by the lovely Alyson and Joanne and faced with a table full of Benefit makeup and the most amazing Welsh cakes ever. Then we were given a talk and demonstration (on one of the girls hands, haha) of the waxing procedures that they do at the Boutique.

We also had the chance to have a play with Benefits newest product launch - Colour by Benefit. Its a collection of Eye Shadows, Cream Shadows and Lipglosses. The packaging is so pretty and I particularly loved the cream shadows and lip glosses.

We were also very lucky bloggers and got to take home an amazing Benefit goodie bag. In it we recieved the Porefessional, They're Real Mascara and Benefit Brow Zings. I am a huge fan of the Porefessional and I was soo excited to try the mascara and Brow Zings and can report they are both brilliant - watch this space for reviews.

A HUGE thank you to Benefit for inviting me to the event, and to Alyson and Joanne for making it so much fun.

Also, check out Benefits blog on the launch day.

Gem x

GIVEAWAY!! WIN £100 Worth of Sexy Hair Products!!

I am so excited as I have an AMAZING giveaway for my lovely readers to enter. The prize is £100 worth of Big Sexy Hair Products, which includes the bloggers favourite What a Tease - Back Comb in a bottle (see my review of it here - its fantastic).  Please note that this giveaway is UK only. 

Please check out my terms and conditions at the bottom of the page :) 

Heres what you can win;

Big volume shampoo - £9.99 | Big volume conditioner - £10.99 | Volumizing dry shampoo - £13.99 | What a tease - £15.99 | Weatherproof - £14.99 | Root pump plus - £12.49 | Spray & play - £10.49 | Flip it over - £14.99 | Total value - £103.92

All you need to do to be entered is:

• Fill out the Raffle Copter form below and;
• 'Like' the Facebook Page for Sexy Hair - here
• Be a follower of my blog Via GFC 
• Leave your email so I can contact you if you win.

For extra entries you can:

• Follow me on twitter
• Tweet about the giveaway
• Follow Big Sexy Hair on Twitter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

1. Open to UK residents only
2. Must be over 18 or have parents permission to supply me with your address, should you be the lucky winner.
3. Competition will open on the 28th April 2013 and close on 20th of May 2013 at 12am GMT.
4. Winner will be selected at random using Raffle Copter.
5. Winner will be notified by email and will have 7 days to respond.
6. If first winner does not respond within the 7 days a second winner will be chosen

Good Luck!!!!

Gem xx

Sunday Bloggers Interview #11

Sunday Bloggers is back, and today I have the lovely Lisa from Topaz and May answering my beauty questions. Lisa's blog is a great mix of beauty and style and I have been a follower of her blog since I first started out blogging about a year ago. I highly recommend you go check her blog out here! Along with the content being great, I absolutely adore the design of her blog.

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1. Why did you start blogging?

I've always loved writing and I've always wanted to write a blog but struggled with what to write about. I tried one about films but realised I'd much rather do fashion and beauty and it just went from there! I had a bit of a push from Kat over at jemimaandted.com as well and I've never looked back!

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love having something I can come home to after work and just enjoy getting stuck into. I love trying new products out and discovering ones I'd never thought to try before. I also love reading other blogs, it's better (and more addictive) than most magazines!

3. What are your favourite make-up brands?

I'm loving Rimmel at the moment. Their "Wake Me Up" range is really affordable and such good quality. I'm also love 17 as well. For higher end I've recently become a little addicted to MAC products. Amazing products, but a bit pricey!

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products (hair, makeup, skin, etc)

Eek that's a hard one! I would probably say Batiste Dry Shampoo as I cannot live without this stuff, my Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush from the US, its a tad pricey but so worth it, 17's Mirror Shine On Lipstick is a really affordable everyday lippie, Essies's nail varnishes without a doubt and La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo at the moment is keeping my skin firmly under control!

5. Do you have any beauty tips to share?

Use what works for you. I've tried so many different things that others have raved about and they just haven't suited me, and then I find things obscure and they're perfect for what I want. Try things you wouldn't usually go for, be a bit brave. Beauty is supposed to be fun!

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A huge thanks to Lisa for taking part, I need to try out the 17 Lipsticks they sound right up my street. If you would like to take part, please email me at gembeauty@hotmail.co.uk or click the page link at the top of my blog :)

Gem x

NOTD: Inspired by Cute Polish Cartoon Nails

I had to do a short NOTD post on these nails as I think they are so cute and eye catching. I got the Idea from Cute Polish, I'm sure you are aware of her YouTube channel, but if you aren't here is a link.

I painted my nails black first, and then painted the pink over the top as I found this technique easier than just painting a black line around the outside of my nails.

Gem x

Worldwide Wardrobe

Travel Supermarket are holding a brilliant competition for us fashion loving bloggers. All we have to do is create an outfit for activities in different destinations. There are 5 in total; Sightseeing in Paris, Shopping in London, Clubbing in Ibiza, Cocktails in New York and Partying at Full Moon Party in Thailand. How many you chose to enter is up to you. There will be a prize for the best outfit in each category, and the prize is an amazing holiday to that destination plus £200 to spend on the outfit! To find out more and how to enter the competition for yourself, click here.

Cat Eye Sunglasses - RiverIsland £10 | Stripe Top - Matalan £10 | Waterfall Leather Jacket - Newlook £39.99 | Chanel Liquid Eyeliner - HoF £26 | Biker Boots - Newlook £24.99 | Jeans - RiverIsland £22| City Bag - ZARA £49.99 | Eiffel Tower Necklace - F21 £2.40
Total: 185.37

When I think of Paris, I think of the classic chic but effortless style that Parisians seem to have. For me Monochrome is classic chic, and luckily it is making a huge comeback this year.

When it came to choosing the bag, I had no trouble choosing it as I have been lusting after the Zara City for ages now and it is the epitome of chic. Its so beautiful and could easily pass off for designer so would feel at home among the scores of designer handbags on the streets of Paris.

I chose biker boots as I think they would be perfect for walking or jumping on the back of a Cyclo. They are comfy yet still really stylish. The waterfall leather jacket is a cute twist on a classic and I love the Eiffel Tower necklace, it gives the outfit a little cute and quirky edge.

No chic ensemble is complete without winged, cat-eye liner so I would use the Chanel Liquid liner to create it.

Tie Die Dress - Internacionale £19.99 | Peace Earrings - Miss Selfridge £6.50 | Nars Laguna Bronzer £26 | Turquoise Clutch - Topshop £34 | Chunky Chain Bracelet - River Island £8 | Turqouise Jelly Shoes - Office £16

Total: £110.49

I haven't been to the white Isle, but when I think about clubbing there I imagine it getting very hot - I designed my outfit with that in mind.

I have however been clubbing abroad and I know a lot of people are out until 6 in the morning, so I was thinking of including wedges with this look but I went for the comfier option of these really cute jelly shoes.

The whole outfit is perfect for taking from the pool or beach, adding the accessories and wearing it straight to the club. It comes in hugely under budget at £110.49, and this leaves you with some spare cash as I have heard Ibiza ain't cheap!

Hat - Topshop £25 | Sleeveless Collar Shirt - Topshop £16 | Coral Belted Skirt - River Island £22 | Shoes - Matalan £6 | Denim Jacket - River Island £35 | Bag - Matalan £16 | Rose Gold Watch - River Island £30

Total: £150

I love visiting London in the spring or summer, and the outfit I have chosen is really spring/summer casual style.

 I have been known to spend 4 hours in Oxford Street Primark alone, so for me flats are a must. I love how the bag looks really high end, but comes in at such a reasonable price.

Bikini Top £26 & Bottoms £14 - Pacha @ River Island | Headband - River Island £25 |Waistcoat - Newlook £22.99 | Embellished Sandals - Topshop £45 | Highwaisted Hot Pants - Topshop £28

Total: £134.99

I had to google the Full Moon Party in Thailand as I had never heard of it before. Basically its a big party one the beach every month on the day of the full moon. I imagine it to be very humid and hot in Thailand, especially if you are going to be partying as well, so I went for a Bikini as a top with the waistcoat to act as a bit of a cover up. 

I adore the colour of the Bikini and think it would look amazing in the beautiful setting of Thailand. 

Dress - Oasis £55 | Flower Statment Necklace - Oasis £25 | Gold Clutch bag - ASOS £30 | Shoes - Dorothy Perkins £48

Total: £158

When I think of cocktails in New York, I immediately think of Sex and the City and Carrie Bradshaw. The ladies of SATC where always decked out in designer dresses, so my outfit had to be designer inspired.

I am a big SATC fan and When I saw the flower necklace, I knew I had to include it as a homage to that flower dress.

The shoes are absolutely gorgeous and look like they could cost 10 times the actual amount, and would feel at home among the Manolos and Jimmy Choos.

Mini Boots & TK Maxx Haul

I took advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offer and got myself the Barry M Gelly polishes I had been lusting over for a while, I'm glad I did as they are lovely. My favourite so far is the nude colour. I also had a £3 off voucher for Revlon so got the Color Stay foundation. I am a lover of Estee Lauder Double Wear, and this is a very similar.

From TK MAXX I got Too Faced Tanning Bed In A Tube which is a wash off tan for £5.99 RRP £22, and Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover for £2.99.

I have used the tan it smells like I have rolled around in a Pina Colada - a no no for some but I love it, haha. It is also so so light, if you have used Rimmels wash off tan you will know it is a bit thick - but this is the total opposite and you only need a tiny amount, it gives an amazing colour.


Gem x

30 Ways to Save £1

The lovely MoneySupermarket are holding another blogger competition, where they are challenging us to come up with 30 ways to save £1. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you would know about my love of a bargain so I think I have some pretty good tips up my sleeve :) Some would say I was a professional bargain hunter, or maybe just a shopaholic. But in all honesty, with only one wage coming into the house I have to be pretty thrifty. So here are my tips;

30 ways to save £1

Shopping

1. Sign up to cash back websites such as top cash back. You can earn back a certain percentage of what you have spent, I have earned £50 so far.

2. Use voucher code websites such as …. You may be able to save on postage, or there may be a voucher for 10 or 20% off.

3. Take advantage of Tesco Clubcard Rewards. You can double or triple your points for days out in theme parks, restaurants and hotels. Take a look here. I recently visited a local adventure farm with my family for “free”.

4. Facebook is great for second hand bargains. There are lots of local selling groups on there where people sell everything from clothes to settees.

5. I love charity shops, I have had some great finds from them. My best buy was a lovely Next coat for £1

6. Car Boots are also a great place to find many bargains. I love to buy clothes and toys for my children here.

7. Boots Advantage Card – Not only do you accumulate points which can be used to purchase, you also get access to money off coupons – pop your card in the machine next time you are in store.

8. If you’re a student, always ask at the till if there is a student discount scheme. I saved a load of money when I was a student by taking advantage of this.

9. Ask your self – Do I really need this? And then ask it again. It works a treat for me and can help stop that impulse buy of a pink lipstick when you already have 10 at home (just me?)

10. Avoid store cards at all costs and use the above tip. The interest is usually astronomical.

Food

11. Cooking from scratch has saved me a lot of money and sometimes it only takes an extra 5 – 10 minutes. Plus it is way healthier too.

12. Plan your meals for the week in advance and take a list to the supermarket. This way you are a lot less likely to be tempted by things you don’t need.

13. Even if the product is on offer, check whether you are actually getting a good deal. For example it may be 2 for £3, but you may only be saving 25p.

14. Use supermarket own brand or value products, this can save a lot of money.

15. Shop around for what is on offer but don’t waste any petrol - my supermarket has a great price checker tool for your favourite brands

Energy Bills

16. Switch your appliance off properly, don’t just leave them on stand by and don’t leave the light on if you’re not in the room.

17. Turn the heating down, even if it’s by a few degrees.

18. Switch to a cool wash, there are plenty of detergents that work just as well at 30 degrees and doing this will not only help your energy bills but the planet as well.

19. Switch energy suppliers. You may not be on the best plan for you, and you can usually get cash back when switching.

Random:

20. Cash for clothes – In recent months there have been loads of these schemes popping up in my area. You take unwanted clothes and they pay you by the Kilo.

21. Bank accounts – a lot of current accounts come with perks such as Travel and Mobile phone insurance, check yours as you may be paying for something you already have.

22. Sales – Take advantage of them. I always buy my Christmas and birthday presents for the year ahead in the Boots Boxing Day half price sale.

23. Book your flights in advance – I managed to get flights to Paris with EasyJet for £25, and closer to the time they were selling for £60

24. When its time to renew your car insurance, always shop around. We found a cheaper deal and told our current providers and they matched it for us.

25. If you haven’t used it / worn it in 6 months – sell it on ebay.

26. Check out your local paper - mine has money off coupons in there every Thursday. You could save on anything from your hair appointment, money off restaurants to toys from Toys R Us.

Kids

27. When the weather is nice, or even when its not – get out doors. It’s free and my children love it more than going to the cinema or softplay.

28. Speaking of the cinema – Take advantage of Orange Wednesdays and Kids

29. Clubs. My son and I like to go on a Saturday morning when it is only £1 each.

  30. Buy clothing second hand where possible. Children grow so quickly they are hardly in them long enough.

So there are my money tips, do you have any?? Don't forget to go and enter the competition for yourselves here!

Gem x