Hey guys,

Last week I attended a fabulous event with the Brum Bloggers Group and got to experience a little taste of what it's like to have a personal shopper at Topshop and was introduced to a brand new salon, Bad Apple Hair, that has opened on the first floor of Topshop in the Bullring. We were given a sneak peek into the Spring Summer trends for 2018, so I've decided to share them with you. Make sure you read to the end because there's a treat for you too. Ever fancied your own personal shopper for free? Well it's right at your fingertips.

Firstly with the salon, Bad Apple Hair is already a well established hairdressers with salons in Solihull, Wolverhampton and Walsall. This is the first Bad Apple Hair Salon within a Topshop store and hopefully the first of many. From what I saw from the hairstyles demonstrated on the night, I was really impressed. The hairdressers all showed that they can create cuts and styles to suit all preferences. I think all the styles in the pictures below are lovely and one of the main trends for longer hair was the accessories. So get those ruffles out ladies....and men. No but seriously, around the ponytail a shoelace was wrapped to give it a little quirkiness and I loved how on the shorter hair bobby pins were used to create a accessory to push the hair back. For men, the trends seemed to be hairstyles that could be worn relaxed but also messed about for a bit of dimension. I can definitely see myself going for a bit of shopping and then popping in for a quick hair fix.

Bad Apple use TIGI Bedhead products, we were given some products to try ourselves so look out for a blog post on these soon.

Now for the Personal Shopping. Did you know that Topshop offer a complimentary styling service which is absolutely personal to you. I had no idea this was available. They are tailored to you, whether it's a big event, new wardrobe, a birthday treat or simply some styling advice, you can book yourself in with the personal shopping team and they will cater to your every need. Specific trends that were highlighted to us were pastel colours like ultra violet being very popular. Also A-symmetric designs, such as the skirt below. There was also a nod to the 70's with more flare and wide leg jeans coming into fashion.

Sitting there while the demonstration was going on it occurred to me how much I had let my style go since having kids. I could see a rail full of outfits which in my teens and early twenties I would have been confident wearing. It kind of reignited my love for clothing and made me realise if anyone needs a personal shopping experience I definitely do. I just need that little bit of advice to find my style again. If this sounds like something you would like you can book in with the personal shopping team by visiting Topshop.com, calling 03442435544, or visiting their Instagram @topshop_personalshopping.

So next time you are the Bullring why not go for a spot of personal shopping and treat yourself to a new do at the same time! That's what I am going to do! Have you ever had a personal shopping experience before? If so tell me about it! I would love to know who else offers this kind of service!

Amina xx

Hi Everyone!

So I'm writing this post all snuggled up in my blanket. Now we are smack bang in the middle of winter, I thought I would write a post with practical ways you can actually stay warm, as well as  keep your heart and mind warm as January blues are probably in full swing. So hopefully after reading this it will give you a bit of inspiration!

Cosy night gown or jumper

My husband bought me the cutest little Polar Bear night gown to wear from Debenhams (now only £15 in the sale), because I am always complaining how cold it is. It's so nice, thick and soft and keeps me so warm, I have actually stopped moaning. If you follow me on Snapchat (aminaali_mua) you probably see me wrapped up in it most the time. As soon as I get in from work I literally throw this on top of me straight away. It gives me a nice comforting feeling and it's something I literally cannot live without.

Snapchat selfie

Gown from Debenhams

Woolly hat

I have always been a woolly hat type of girl.  I remember a time at uni where I literally lived in the same hat for two years straight. No joke! Again, it was a comfort thing. It kept me warm but also hid my frizzy baby hairs! Picking one can be hard. I've got quite a big head and thick hair so don't like them too tight. I love this Jack Wills one my brother-in-law got me for Christmas though. It's cosy but cool at the same time.

Fluffy socks

Literally every year I get bought a pair of socks or leg warmers for Christmas! I'm not complaining though. I love wearing these and  they are a staple in my winter attire. I particularly love the ones that have little grippers on the bottom so they act as slippers too! 

Hot water bottle

Err hello! no winter would be complete without the trusted old hot water bottle. I've had mine for ages so it probably looks a bit worn but it is all about comfort. I love snuggling up on the sofa with one after a bath and just before bed. Sometimes on those really cold nights I take it to bed with me too!

Cooking

I love eating hearty food during the winter months. I tend to put on weight over winter, like a hibernating animal! I love eating soups and pies, and one of my favourites is a cottage pie! It's thick, stodgy and exactly what I need to keep me going.  

Moisturising

From moisturising my hands to moisturising my lips, if I am not well moisturised during the winter I am not a happy bunny. I love using L'Occitane Pivione Flora hand cream, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and smelling of roses!

Cuddles

Ok, I just had to include this. Getting warm hugs from a loved one is one of my favourite things and guys it's free! This can be done all year round obviously, but in winter it's got the added bonus of warmth! My husband probably wonders why he only gets hugs in the winter (ha ha!).




I hope this post has warmed you up and if not then why not try out some of my ideas and let me know if you have any tips for keeping warm over the winter months!

Amina xx

Hi Everyone,

This post is all about things I can't live without during Autumn!

Autumn is a special season for me. It might sound cliche but it is literally a season of change. The weather can go from being freezing cold in the morning, to boiling hot at midday and raining in the evening. I literally don't know whether to take my woolly winter coat, summer jacket or raincoat out with me. I find the change in season quite stressful on the body and usually find myself catching a cold around this time of year too. So the things listed in this post are things I use to both keep me relaxed and to destress, but also things perfectly suited to this time of year.

1. A hot bath.

I never used to take baths. No, it's not what you think. I mean rather than taking baths I would take a shower. I never really found the time for a bath or felt a need to have a good soak. However motherhood changed this. I actually felt an urge and craving to unwind and relax my aching muscles after I had rocked my baby to sleep for half the night, or being hunched over breastfeeding ten times a day. My muscles longed for a good old soak. When it comes to bath products, naturally I love some of the Lush bath bombs and melts and always look forward to a Lush bath.

2. A cup of tea.

The first thing I reach for when I get home, like most, is the kettle. There is nothing better than a hot cup of tea in your favourite mug - it has to be in my favourite mug! I don't know what it is about the mug, the dimensions, the fit of my hand within the handle or maybe the quote on the front (I may be biased), but my tea just tastes so much better!

3. A good blanket.

When I bought my house I knew I had to buy a good blanket. There's nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa with a good old blanket. It can't be any old blanket however. It has to be thick enough to keep you warm, but not too thick so it makes you sweat. It needs to be soft enough to feel comfortable but not slip straight off you. And finally it has to have a fringe... just because. I found my perfect one from Homesense by a company called Zoepritzz. You can find similar ones here.

4. Soap.

At this time of year the cold starts to chap my hands so I need a good hand cleanser. I was sent some Vintage Wrapped Soaps by The English Soap Company (£4.95) and the scent from this soap instantly refreshes and relaxes me and is very moisturising on the skin. Whatsmore, they are handmade and come wrapped in beautiful vintage paper (hence the name), which I will definitely be reusing! Everything about these soaps scream luxury to me, from the shea butter infusion to the smell of the perfume. Every time I go to the bathroom, just the soap lying by the sink basin fills the whole bathroom with scent of lavender. This has become a staple in my bathroom and actually is a must have for me in any season now, not just autumn!

5. Scented candle anyone?

My name's Amina and I have a scented candle addiction. There I said it. It is true, I can admit that I have an obsession with candles and melts at the moment. I literally have one in every room of the house. I just love walking into a room that smells nice! As well as scented soap, The English Rose Company also does scented candles (£9.95). What's special about the candles are that they are Soy candles - made from Soya Beans. This makes them incredibly environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable, non toxic, and amazingly, they burn 50% longer than paraffin candles. (For more details on benefits of Soy candles click here) I am a total convert. The scent I have used is Oriental Spice & Cherry Blossom and is perfect for this time of year, giving a subtle aroma to a room rather than an overbearing one. The price tag reflects the luxury and they are the kind of candles I would use for special occasions or as a gift. 

Ok, I am really craving a nice bath now. Then relaxing on the sofa with a cup of tea in one hand and the remote in the other. Topped off by being wrapped in my favourite blanket, with my scented candles flickering in the background!

6. Let's not forget the make-up.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning my Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette (£41). This was made for Autumn and yes make-up application actually relaxes me! Read all about it here.

So guys, these are my must haves this season. What are yours? Would any of these make you relax? What is your idea of the perfect night in? Let me know in the comments below.

Amina xx

*Contains PR samples but all opinions are my own.