Sugar Skulls & Sugar Scents | PartyLite Halloween Review & Giveaway

I've always been a huge fan of Halloween and everything sugar skull related so it was only fitting to feature my first Halloween styled post in September! I've previously collaborated with PartyLite and loved the summery scented candles so it was great to know they would send over their new Halloween collection* for me to try out.

Hocus Pocus Scented Large Jar £21.50

With a citrus and floral twist with coconut and praline, this large neon candle is a lovely sweet scented candle. I've always been a fan of sweet smells as opposed to spiced as you will soon read about and this candle is divine. It has multiple wicks to ensure the candle burns evenly and lasts longer - even for up to 50-60 hours. The packaging is so pretty and this will be lit constantly for the run up to Halloween and on the night.

Colour Changing Candle Base £9.95

This is placed underneath the large Hocus Pocus candle and reflects the colour changing light through and around the candle. It makes the candle even brighter than it already is, which is hard to believe and enhances the colour even more in the dark. It does require 3 AAA batteries so make sure if you're getting yourself one of these to have batteries stocked up!

Skeleton Dance Votive Pair £19.95

These black candle holders are a lovely addition to the Halloween collection. The skulls light up when the candles are lit inside which I think is a great feature and they look fabulous next to the large Hocus Pocus candle. They look amazing lit when in the dark and will be a fab window feature on evening of Halloween.

Autumn Glow Votives £6

These candles are scented with cinnamon and spices which I have to be honest, is really not my thing. I've never been a fan of smelling or tasting anything with cinnamon in, but if you're a fan of spiced and woody scents then these small candles are perfect for you! They burn for 8-11 hours each which is pretty nifty of a small candle. The colour matches the theme perfectly too.

Hocus Pocus Tea Lights £6.95

These mini tea lights are neon yellow and purple to match the large jar and smell the same as the large candle. They burn for around 4-6 hours and can fit inside the Skeleton Dance Votive Pair too. I adore tealights as they are a sweet touch around a bath or around your living room and having both yellow and purple candles to match the large version makes them look even nicer.

Giveaway time!  T&C's

PartyLite were kind enough to offer a giveaway to my readers featuring everything I've mentioned in this post! It's open for everyone in the UK and you just have to fill in the Rafflecopter form below and fulfilling all mandatory requirements. The giveaway will end Monday 12th October and the winner (chosen at random by Rafflecopter) will be announced on my Twitter page. PartyLite will send out the package so I'm not responsible for the timing of delivery or condition of the package. No purchase required and incomplete entries will not be counted. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Making Pain More Manageable with ActiPatch

Since being officially diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HT) and Fibromyalgia earlier this year, I have been seeking a quick pain management system for both joint and muscular pain. Luckily I was able to try out Actipatch* (£19.99) which aims to deliver up to 720 hours of pain relief. After over a year of pain with nothing much working I was definitely intrigued to try this out.  The Actipatch works via Electromagnetic Pulse Therapy where low level pulses stimulate the cells in your body to speed up the recovery process. If you've ever had a massage from those chairs in the airport where it seems to vibrate, this is a bit similar. It's such a small device and you use two plasters to stick it onto the area, meaning it's so easy to apply and you can pop it in your handbag if needed. The Actipatch has been proven safe and effective to use and can be worn by people with diabetes, arthritis and other conditions that require the device.
The box comes with a ton of the plasters so you don't have to buy your own which is handy. It also comes with a little information guide with FAQs, a step by step guide and the usual info that comes with these types of products. I've seen a few people trying this out and after trying it on myself, I have to say it did relieve some of my pain but obviously some areas are hard to get to - i.e. hips, and some places like your fingers just wouldn't work with it. It doesn't aim to take all of your pain away, just take the edge off and for the price, the product is definitely worth it, especially since you get up to 720 hours worth of relief with it.

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Learning How To Make Waffles

Having a major sweet tooth can both bring great pleasure and misfortunes. Not to blow my own trumpet, but I have never really failed at baking, purely because I watch way too many baking and cooking programmes. I usually know roughly how to bake certain recipes and what to look out for. BuySend.com were kind enough to let me review their Waffle Maker £24.95* to see whether I could put this knowledge into practice. I followed a fabulous recipe from the lovely Gemma if you want to check that out to have a go yourself.

First off, the instructions didn't say exactly how much mixture to put in. I tried different amounts until I realised that I needed to put in as much as would fit in (including spilling out of the sides, oops). I sprayed the insides with low cal spray just so they wouldn't stick and then realised that since it is a stove top appliance (which resulted in a delay in me being able to make them which is completely my own fault for not checking first) I realised I would have to flip the waffle maker. As an EDS sufferer I thought this would be a particularly hard challenge for my motor skills but apparently I am stronger than I thought!
It took about 5 waffles for me to get the temperature of the hob, the right amount of mixture and to evenly cook both sides but I did it! After moving house in August then going on a ten day holiday meant that I have managed to misplace the maple syrup which wasn't great! On the plus side, for some reason the waffles taste more like pancakes both to taste and texture so adding a sprinkle of sugar was nice enough. I have no idea why they didn't feel like waffles but again, that's probably down to not using the appliance often to be able to tell what the perfect way to use it was. As you can see from above, I did slightly overcook one waffle...
In the end, they looked like waffles and they tasted nice. Next time I'll use my brain and go for plug in appliances since they usually have a set temperature and less room to go wrong but I'll definitely get a lot of use out of this stove top one for now. BuySend.com also have a lot of baking and non-baking products (such as good value fancy dress items that I'm definitely going to check out if you want a nose). They also have a voucher code that is valid for the next 12 months - simply add BUYSEND10 at the checkout to receive 10%  off all products!

Have you made waffles before?

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The Balm Nude 'tude Giveaway

After buying two palettes from The Balm I decided that since Nude 'tude was incredibly similar to a few of my palettes I already have, and I have quite the collection, it was only fair that I give one away. I don't usually have the opportunity to do things like this but whilst I am able to I thought it would be a nice gesture to people who follow me and my blog. As a recent graduate I don't usually have much money spare after I've put money aside for saving for a house and buying people's birthday presents (October is a very busy month). I've always wanted to try products from The Balm and as lovely as Nude 'tude is, the other palette I've bought has colours that aren't as neutral in. I swear about 95% of my palettes are all neutral colours and it is a real struggle to hit pan on them.
The only requirements to enter are to follow my instagram, like the photo and write a comment underneath - it can be anything you wish! It is open to anyone in the world as long as they follow the requirements and you can regram the photo and tag me in it for an extra entry if you'd like, but it is not required. I've embedded the photo so it's easy for you to find and get entering. The giveaway is only running until 20th September as I'd like to post it to its new owner asap!

A photo posted by Laura Hadley (@laurahadleyx) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:08am PDT

Have fun and get entering! Look out for another giveaway coming up soon here too.

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Waitrose Pure Review

I'm not one to be super excited about skincare products but last month whilst I was shopping in Waitrose I saw these and just had to buy them. They are from the new Waitrose Pure collection - the Eye Make Up Remover Lotion (£1.99) and the Skin Tonic (£2.99). I'm not one of those people who can spend an hour cleansing and hydrating their face every day, but I'm also not a huge fan of using makeup wipes. I am however, a lover of cotton pads and things that don't require water to break down my makeup.

I have blonde eyelashes and making sure I have mascara right at the root of my lashes is essential. If I don't, I have weird gaps and two toned lashes. We all know that not removing your eye makeup can lead to nasty infections that isn't healthy or glamorous. I decided to pick up the eye makeup remover lotion and have a play with it to see how well it worked. First of all, you need a pad with this lotion on for each eye which isn't too bad. The lotion is Vegan friendly and dermatogically approved meaning it doesn't contain anything nasty and is good for sensitive skin. With this, you only need a tiny amount of product or it will get into your eye - I learned the hard way. For £1.99 it won't break the bank and it works, what more could I ask for?
After I've removed all my makeup, usually using my trusty Bioderma Sensibio, I go in with the Waitrose Pure Skin Tonic. This is also Vegan friendly. It moisturises and refreshes my skin and I prefer to use it just before bed. I have oily-combination skin and this reduces the oil in my skin without drying it out. I've found out that no matter how much Bioderma I use, the Skin Tonic always picks up the remaining amounts too which is always a plus! There is nothing worse than thinking you've gotten rid of everything and you haven't. I suppose that's why people double cleanse! For £2.99 it is another product that won't break the bank and is good for your skin.
I didn't know Waitrose were passionate about creating their own skincare range until I noticed the Pure collection. They have balms and all sorts so next time I'm in the big Chester store I'll be picking up the other bits from this collection. Definitely worth the money and the eye makeup remover has proven better quality than the drugstore versions I've used and about £6 cheaper too.

Have you tried any of Waitrose's Pure Skincare?

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Tattoo Regrets & How To Remove Them*

Whilst I don't regret most things I've done in life, simply because life is too short, I do regret one thing. My 'tattoo'. Aged 18 I decided with a friend whilst my parents were on holiday that in the last few weeks before we all jetted off to uni that I would dye my hair pink and get a tattoo. I didn't know what to get and I wanted it to be quick, concealed and over with. I chose a tiny cross and had it done on my side where my bra would usually lie. 

However it wasn't done properly as it is patchy and doesn't sit right when I move my arm. Normally you would have your arm across yourself when getting a tattoo there but my arm was up, so now if I move my arm across it goes completely wonky. Whilst I do regret it, it doesn't have to be there forever. In the future I would leap at the chance of getting my tattoo removed. In fact, Pulse Light Clinic down in London even offered for me to have it removed but being in Liverpool makes it impossible for me to get down multiple times without having a job. Had I been in London already I definitely would have had the procedure done. Aside from getting a cover up, which would be pricey regardless would be tricky, but I would find it hard to trust myself to get something I then wouldn't regret in the future. My best friend has multiple tattoos and seems to plan multiple ones out in advance but I'm definitely not as adventurous! 
It takes up to 6 treatments to fully remove a tattoo but this can be closer to 2/3 for a really small tattoo. With the Picosure treatments, Pulse Light Clinic offer a free consultation and free laser tattoo removal patch test to see if you match the requirements. They have appeared on Channel 5's Spike TV's Tattoo Disasters UK programme and there is a video on the website if you want a watch! The treatments are faster and more effective that other methods, claiming to be tough on blue and green inks which are known for being stubborn to remove. Luckily, my tattoo is plain black so would not be a problem anyway but it is reassuring to know that my tattoo could be near enough invisible after being treated.
Should I eventually get a job I will make the trip to Pulse Light Clinic to have a Picosure consultation because the sooner I can get my 'tattoo' lasered off the quicker!

Have you had a tattoo removed?

*This is a sponsored post

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#NWMeet

For my first blogger event, I had no idea what to expect. I was filled with anxiety the day before and wasn't sure whether I would be able to make it due to how nervous I was. This happens to me a lot and it is the only struggle I tend to have with anxiety. My spirits were lifted later on in the day and decided that enough was enough and I would tackle it head on. I knew a few bloggers who would be attending and decided to meet up with them first. Sam and Katy arranged the whole event and the secret location, The Secret Warehouse was stunning inside with little knick knacks on the walls leading up to the open space we were in, and the rooftop garden too.
I had honestly expected something similar to a function room with a few tables and chairs as I had no clue what blogger events would be like at all. I've been to a Benefit Cosmetics event before both open to the public and bloggers but they were completely different types of events. Katy and Sam had it all planned out perfectly to suit us all as a group, including a few raffles and activities such as the kissing wall. They arranged for the Lush Spa in Liverpool to give us a walkthrough of how to use the products in our goodie bag and This Material Culture gave a chat about their company and products too. 
The whole event was in aid of The Recovery Bag Project who deliver recovery bags to those who suffer from mental illnesses to help them with their journey to recovery. Overall the event raised £100 which is fantastic from such a small group of bloggers! I can't think of a better cause since so many people suffer with mental health including myself.
Aside from the two huge goodie bags which Sam and Katy made up (with huge thanks because they were amazing!) we had the chance to make a food bag up for ourselves too. I have special dietary requirements so I picked up some water and dark chocolate because I will never be able to resist chocolate. In the raffle I was incredibly lucky to win some Cloud Nine straighteners and on top of that everyone received a Carnival Light from Rocket and Rye which is so generous! I couldn't believe it when we all were given ours. I can imagine everyone's blogger backgrounds are going to include them now and they will all look beautiful.
I had such an amazing time at the #NWMeet and everyone I had the chance to say hello to were lovely! Aside from being a little shy I felt so in my comfort zone as I imagine everyone was a little nervy too. Have a scroll through the photos below and let me know what you think!

💖💜💛💚💙

A photo posted by D O R K F A C E 👽 (@dorkfaceblog) on Sep 5, 2015 at 5:31am PDT

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