Desk Side(kicks)

January 2014 - the month of 'new beginnings' and 'fresh starts'.... 

We all throw around cliched phrases at this time of year and so I thought I would start the new year with a 'a tidy desk is a tidy mind' kinda post. I am a keen organiser (if I do say so myself) and I pretty much function in neat piles and coordinated stationary, with ample list making on the side. Today, I have put together some desk necessitates that I feel should remain at arm's length at all times. A day doesn't go by without me using at least two of these essential holy grail products.

We have the obvious choices of hand sanitiser and hand cream. The Wilkinson's own branded 'fruity berry instant hand sanitiser' is a bargain at less then £2 and doesn't leave your hands feeling sticky or wet. The Body Shop's 'Almond Hand and Nail Cream' is a personal fave, additionally to it's amazing smell this cream sinks deep into the skin and moisturises like a dream.

A lip balm is everyone's saviour during winter. Whether we like it or not - we must keep those dry lips at bay! This Blistex number is in the flavour 'raspberry lemonade' and tastes good enough to eat... oh and it hydrates my lips pretty well too.

It's always handy to have a spare nail polish at the back of a draw somewhere in case you get caught short before a night out straight from work. This Essie shade 'Fondola Gondola' is so easy to wear it's perfect paired with any outfit (any season!). One coat leaves the look quite translucent for a subtle effect, or you can build the colour for a more girly pink.

And then of course there's the not-so-glam essentials. The trusty bulldog grip to briskly remove annoying fringe hair when your trying to get down to business. This one I picked up from Primark in a set that more than likely cost a mere £1 but you can find similar here.
A trusty compact mirror to stare wondrously into and paracetamol, to ya'know, get you through the hard times.

Let me know what non-luxury items you can't live without...

Haircare Routine

I love my make up, I do! ...but when it comes to haircare I am a little less enthusiastic. I hardly ever get it cut (slap's wrist) and I find washing my thick bonce such a chore! That in mind, I can safely say my haircare routine is slightly limited and most certainly 'low-end' - however, it works for me and my lazy attitude.

This whole routine totals up to around £20, and can be completed in approx 15 minutes! A lazy girls dream.

My routine consists of 5 stages:

1. Get into the shower as quickly as possible to avoid frost bite and lather up my scalp with The Body Shop's Ginger anti-dandruff Shampoo (sorry tmi). I find really fruity sweet shampoos just play havoc with my scalp so a plain 'does the job' shampoo like this is ideal.

2. Apply a dollop of Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Mask to the ends of my hair, well I never you may say, and continue with the rest of my shower business while the mask works its magic. Rinse and we're done.

3. Once I have gathered a bit of warmth and courage to continue, I spray the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-in Spray all over my hair, no methodology here just spray and enjoy the beautiful scent! I tend to not condition my hair so this is my simple alternative that keeps my locks smooth and healthy.

4. Now before drying, what must we all do? PROTECT! - I use my trusty Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray which has lasted my way over a year now... again spraying this willy-nilly all over my hair and combing through with a large toothed comb.

5. At this point my routine can go one of two ways; a) scruffy hair, don't care ie. up in a bun and worry about more important things or b) a good straighten and style. If option a wins the day, then these bands are great as they don't damage or kink your hair and come in all fancy designs.

If unfortunately I have to look presentable and option b needs to commence, I like to smooth down my ends with the Sexy Hair Healthy Soy Renewal Nourishing Treatment. I got my mini version in a event goodie bag and I love it, it certainly leaves your hair feeling silky smooth and doesn't leave any residue once you have smoothed it into your hair.

Is anyone else as lazy as I am when it comes to hair?

Is there any dreamy products I am missing in my life which will ultimately change this view forever?