Reader Spotlight: My Holy Grail Items by Laura Jarvis Pattern Design

Laura Jarvis is a Fashion and Textile Graduate from Norwich and is the editor of Laura Jarvis Pattern Design. I like to call her Pastel Queen. She can carry off pastels with ease and make the outfit look effortless yet chic! Like me, if you have a hard time putting together a pastel look, I definitely recommend you to check her blog for inspiration. 

Laura has kindly agreed to share some of her "Holy Grail" items with us. Don't forget to share your holy grails items.

Hi, I'm Laura, a 20 year old from a little village in Norfolk, East Anglia. I'm a 2013 graduate from the University Campus Suffolk with a Fashion and Textiles degree and I am now looking for new and exciting opportunities whilst searching frantically for intern-ships, apprenticeships and more. I'm inspiring to be a Print Designer, as a long term career, but also have interests in Visual Merchandising and Buying which you could say is more of a short term job desire. 

I thought it might be nice to share with you my all time Holy Grail items and why. It’s always fun having a nosey into other peoples belongings and lifestyles so I hope you thoroughly enjoy!

With working most days in the city I’m constantly on the go and the Zara mini office city bag is always the bag I use. It’s so flipping stylish and it restrains me from shoving too much junk inside. 

Its part of the basic range and it’s affordable but the best part about it is the cushioned middle pocket which is perfect for your iPad, tablet and so on. Except I don’t have one so I give my iPhone extra padded protection. The only magazine I tend to read is ASOS monthly because it gives me the low down on new items. I’m more of a picture person so I can’t be dealing with mags full of writing.

My all time favourite scent is Chloe Love and I cannot. Live. Without. It. I think it could genuinely be my signature scent forever. I don’t wear it every day because that would get pricey but if I’m not working I will be drenched in it. 

It smells like the Palma Violet sweets which are also my favourite thing ever so it kind of makes sense to why I love the scent so much. Palma Violet sweets, Palma Violet perfume, Palma Violet flavoured lip balm. Oh dear.

With my hair and skin I have to take great care. If you’re like me and have brittle hair or very dry skin then you know you constantly have to take care in keeping them nourished and moisturised. My hair gets unbelievable tangled after the shower and I was suggested Redken as a great detangle product and as soon as you put this little miracle worker into your hair it straight away becomes easy to put a brush through. I swear by this product. 

In my beauty draw, I have numerous amounts of hand cream for my poor abnormally small hands however this one from my Glossy Box seems to be my favourite because the Lavender smell is oh so relaxing and stops me going cray cray. It’s also connected to the NHS Foundation Trust which I really like.

Finally I share with you my most used make-up items. If you don’t prime then it’s a crime. What a giggle. Smashbox is the best primer I have come across. It’s great for your skin but also your eyelids before applying eye makeup and it doesn’t crease your makeup, become oily or anything. I’ve had this for a year and I have a year still left in it, you get a great amount for the price.

Lush Lip Scrub is something no one should live without because it’s a product you can eat? I mean com’on, its sugar. The bubblegum taste is amazing and it always leaves my lips feeling totally fresh and new before applying lipstick. You will have no worries about chapped lips.  In summer, I’m constantly wearing MAC Morange because it goes beautifully with a tan but also goes great with paler skin too. It’s invincible really. If you’re looking for an in-trend lipstick this year I suggest MAC Morange or a orange coloured lipstick of some sort!

Altogether that makes my Holy Grail items and the beauty must-haves for everyone in the world. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing for you Naaj Rona, it has been a pleasure. If anybody wants to know more please just give me a shout!

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A big thank you to Laura for sharing amazing products (I definitely want to try the Redken de-tangle product). Don't forget to visit her blog and shower her with love. 

P.S. Due to the reader spotlight series, there won't be a new post tomorrow. Thank you so much for reading.

Thanksgiving Friday

Last Friday of the month means payday and shopping, right? It's also that day of the week where you and I celebrate Thanksgiving to appreciate and be grateful for the things and the people in our lives. 

Thank God I'm finally making the effort to eat healthy food, to include vegetables in my diet. I have always stayed away from them especially broccoli (do you like broccoli?)

I never thought I would be enjoying the salad as much as I did. 

I've been chilling at home, taking loads of rest and selfies as you can see :D 

It was pouring down like crazy the other day and I finally got the chance to stay indoors, sit next to the window and watch the rain through the comfort of my bed. 

I love seating next to a window with a cup of tea or coffee (talking of coffee, you remember I told you that I've given up drinking coffee? I haven't touched it since). It's the best thing ever to do on a rainy day, what do you think?

This is what I call Heaven on Earth. Imagine seating underneath the tree and reading your favourite book or wearing your favourite dress and just sleeping underneath the tree? Ok, I'm getting carried away now....

It is simple things in life that puts a smile on our face and doesn't even cost a penny. Being thankful for having another chance to live, to capture beautiful moments like this and just enjoying life in general. I don't know if that made any sense but I hope you get the idea what i'm trying to say.

More pictures have been uploaded to my Facebook page, please don't forget to check them. I would love to know which one is your favourite from the lot.

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DermaV10 Hand & Nail Cream Review

I have an obsession for hand creams. So, when I won the raffle at #BrizBlogMeet and had the opportunity to choose one item from many, I chose the Derma V0 Hand and Nail cream(75ml).

I did not realise that this was an anti ageing cream. I'm in my late 20's and my skin is definitely showing signs of ageing, so I don't mind using the cream. 

Some of the ingredients that the Derma V10 Hand and Nail cream contain are 

Beeswax: Great source of vitamin A, which helps towards the repair of dry, wrinkled and flaky skin

Vitamin E: Which acts as an antioxidant and fights free radicals that can damage our cells

SPF10: Protects our hands from the UVA and UVB rays that are invisible to the naked eye which causes spots and wrinkles and is suitable for all skin type. 

The cream does take time to sink in but once massaged, the cream blurs out the wrinkles giving the hands a smooth and younger looking finish. 

The cream has got a sweet flowery scent. I am sensitive to scents but this one is not over powering and you cannot smell unless you start sniffing your hands. 

The cream does leave a slight residue. I have been using the DermaV10 hand and nail cream regularly for the past 23 days (day and night). I haven't noticed any improvements in my nails though. 

I believe you can buy the cream from Savers, E-bay or Amazon and the 75 ml tube retails at roughly £0.99 which is very good. 

If you are looking for a budget friendly hand cream, I definitely recommend buying DermaV10. It's not one of those luxurious cream but the cream gets the job done. 

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Thanksgiving Friday: What I Am Thankful For This Week

The incidents mentioned in my last "Thanksgiving Friday" post are still fresh and as MH370 still remains missing, I continue to be thankful for the times I have boarded the aircraft and landed safely. Let us continue to pray and stay positive. 

Moving forward to this week, first on my Thanksgiving list is these Clinique Chubby Stick and Maybelline Lipstick. 

Having recently purchased the chubby stick (and spending a lot of money), I was very sad to have misplaced these 2 items. 

When I finally found them, I couldn't hold my excitement and started dancing and singing (yes, I am weird like that :D).

The second and the most exciting thing I'm thankful for this week is getting into the dance workout routine. I am loving and enjoying the moves so much, I look like a complete idiot sometimes :)  Do you love dancing? 

The instructor is very good at explaining and demonstrating the steps and guides you throughout the whole session, as if she is physically present in the same room as you.

This video includes basic steps. If you want to dance and exercise at the same time, I definitely recommend this. If you know of any other ones, please do let me know.

Before you jump to conclusions, I am not thankful that this person died. Please let me make that clear before you start cursing me.

A close friend's, friends's sister (sorry for the confusion) was found dead in her bedroom in Goa. She left behind 2 kids. Incidents such as this makes me think twice of how thankful and grateful, I should be for seeing and witnessing another day. 

I have been blessed with another opportunity to make things happen and achieve my dreams. Unfortunately, not everybody is lucky.

That is why one of my goals this year is to be thankful for what I have and to make every single day count, will you?

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What's In My Bag - Rucksack Version

After watching the whole of You Tube do "What's In My Bag" videos and reading countless posts on the blogosphere, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and let you see what's in my bag.

I am currently carrying this leopard print and faux trim Rucksack from Primark, which first featured in my Primark Haul post.

It's light, in trend, spacious and has got small front pockets. I am a sucker for bags which has got loads of pockets / compartments. The hidden pockets are the best. 

iPhone and Apple earphones: I cannot function without my phone. I know I know, the phone case is falling apart and I need to buy a new one.

Jasper Conran purse: I've had this purse for a very long time and it's still going strong. 

Yes, the purse is out of fashion but the quality is very good. In fact, all Jasper Conran bags/purses are of great quality and I have been buying them for more than 5 years. 

 Again, this purse / wallet, whatever you like to call it, has got loads of compartment and this one has more hidden pockets than any other bag I own. 

The purse is stuffed with God knows what. I should do what's in my Purse/Wallet, what do you think?

Travelex Plastic Wallet: I'm getting poor day by day. All the notes have disappeared only the pence are remaining. Not even a £1 or £0.50p? 

This is just a plain Silver ring from Primark which doesn't fit any of my fingers so for now the ring is just lying in my bag. 

Vogue Magazine: £3.99 for a magazine is too much. (I will get a nice meal for £3.99)

I got this one for free when I attended the Dior event and it's still in my bag. I haven't had the chance to read. 

Water Bottle: I used to drink a lot of water which led to constant washroom visits. The embarrassment feeling kicked in and I gave up drinking water. I am an idiot,  I know.

Bank Card and Licence: I got the provisional licence only to show it as an ID when Tesco stops me from buying alcohol :D 

I don't drink, I had to buy it for my parents anniversary party (long time ago) and the person at the counter thought I was 14. I wish, but unfortunately I am not 14 anymore *crying*.

Hand Sanitiser: When You are travelling by Public transport, hand sanitiser is a must. 

Letters: London Fashion Weekend and my Neurology appointment finished like ages ago ad I still have these papers in my bag. 

You get the idea now that I don't like to throw things away, I like to treasure them. My life is so sad :(  I need to clean my bag and buy new set of tissues. 

Mission accomplished, I have finally published the "What's In My Bag" post. Have you done this tag? If yes, leave me a link to your post because I want to be nosey. 

Thanksgiving Friday: What I Am Thankful For This Week

It's that day of the week, where we cannot contain our excitement and are in full swing to welcome the weekend. Happy "Thanksgiving Friday" everyone.

Malaysian Airlines MH370

I have been travelling for the last 10 years and I am thankful that all these time I have safely landed. 

The plane has been missing for 3 days now and  nobody knows what happened.

I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for the friends and family members of the Malaysian Airlines passengers and crew members. Not knowing what happened and where their loved ones are, is the most traumatic thing one has to deal with.

I am still hopeful and praying for a miracle. Please, let us all keep them in our prayers and our thoughts.

I  Saw Peacocks 

Do you like Peacocks? When i was in Goa, a lot of people from my village saw these beautiful  and I always wished that I too will get the chance to see rather than just admiring them on TV. Unfortunately, that never happened and I forgot about them completely.

I went to Holland Park the other day and as I was walking around I saw 3 peacocks, can you believe it? I couldn't believe my eyes. 

However, there was a problem. They were far and I couldn't see them properly. I waited there for 15 minutes hoping they will come closer but they did not move from the place.

Then I saw 2 girls taking pictures of something. When I went closer to the area where the girls were taking pictures, this is what I saw;

I was so happy, I cannot even explain. I actually sat on the floor and took as many pictures I could (to the extent where my camera battery died). I am definitely going back to see my peacock friend again :D

Remember The Girl 146

If you follow Michelle Phan, then you already know what i'm talking about. Love146 is a non-profit organisation which gives care to the survivors of human trafficking. Please watch the video and you will understand what I'm talking about.


I am thankful and grateful that I am not the victim of human trafficking but there are so many innocent souls who are not so lucky. Please share the love, so we can together help put an end to this atrocity.

Write number 146, outline it with a heart and share it on your social media and don't forget to hashtag #Love146 #Remeberthegirl

Thank you so much for reading and I wish you all avery happy weekend. Don't forget to share your best moments from the week. Be safe and take care.

Beauty Haul: Dior & Clinique

This is my first beauty haul. I don't buy a lot because I hardly wear make up and when I do make the effort, the only products I use are; Mascara, Lipstick, Eye and Lip Liners, Brow Pencil and Eye-shadows. 

I have been watching a lot of beauty related You Tube videos lately which has contributed to these purchases.

I went into Debenhams to buy foundation. I use to wear a Clinique one (this was a very long time ago). The consultant couldn't find the perfect shade. The foundation was either orange or pink. I gave up on foundation and bought few items while I was there. 

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions: Cleansing Foam & All Over Clearing Treatment - £15.50 (125ml)

Clinique Ani-Blemish Solutions: All-Over Clearing Treatment - £18.50 (50ml)

I am having break outs and they are becoming increasingly noticeable  The consultant at the Clinique counter recommended these items.

The products are 100% Fragrance and Paraben free and is suitable for all skin types. Clinique claims that these anti-blemish solutions will treat existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. I hope they deliver what they promise.

Clinique Chubby Stick: Moisturising Lip Colour Balm - £17.00

I bought the Chubby Stick moisturising lip colour balm. I want to work on my lip collection as it is very limited at the moment and I tend to use the same colours all the time.


Because I was so nice, Clinique decided to give me a free gift bag. I spent around £52 on these item. Clinique had an offer I believe that if you spend a certain amount, you qualify for a free beauty gift bag. 

Look how pretty my new make-up bag is, thanks to Clinique. Strawberries, Cupcakes, Macaroons this is food heaven.

This is what the bag included;

Liquid facial soap mild // Moisturising lotion // Moisture surge CC cream // 06 pink chocolate quad (eye shadows) // Chubby stick lip balm // High impact mascara in 01 black.

I have realised that all these Clinique products are fragrance free which is awesome. 


Now on to my Dior items that were purchased when I attended the Beauty Masterclass event.

DiorSkin AirFlash 404 Honey Beige - £33.00 (70ml)

If you read my last Thanksgiving post, you know that I attended a Dior beauty event. I took this opportunity to get my hands on their new Air Flash foundation collection. 

I had a make-over done at the Dior Beauty Event and this was the foundation used. You can either spray the foundation directly on your face (make sure your eyes are covered) or spray it on your hand and then apply using a brush. 

DiorShow Brow Styler - £18.00

I have started to fill in my brows. I use a pencil and the current one is in black colour, so decided to go for brown. 

Rouge Dior 786 Mauve Mystere - £26.00

As I said earlier, my lip collection is small. This is my new addition to the lipstick collection. I am in love with this shade and cannot wait to wear it.

Dior Contour 943 Thrilling Plum Lip Liner Pencil - £18.50

A Dior liner to add to my slowly growing lip collection. 

I spent £95.50 and there was a free Trousse Pouch for those who spent £100. I was £4.50 short but staff who served me (Thank You Liam) was too kind to let me have the pouch.

My make up and toiletry bags are sorted. These bags will be handy on my trip to Goa which is next month, yippeeeeee!!! I am so excited and cannot wait for April to take over.

I also got a cute little Dior goody bag from the event. I will post a photo of the goodies on my Facebook page, so make sure to follow me there.

What is your favourite beauty product and do you own any of the item you have seen in my post today?