Chocoholic Hijabi goes to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

[Note: picture heavy]

Anyone who knows me, will know that I am a huge fan of Harry Potter. It all started when I got a box set of the first four Harry Potter books, way back when I was 9 years old. After reading all the books in one week (thank goodness for half-term holidays), I've been hooked. From taking the fifth book with me on a school residential trip, going to buy the last two books at midnight on the day of release, taking the sixth book with me to Dubai, going to watch all the movies, and even watching the last two movies back to back at a midnight screening, it's pretty clear that most of my time as a teenager was filled with the magical world that exists inside the books and films. Luckily, I have a friend who is equally as crazy as me, and so for her birthday treat, we spent the day at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, taking in pretty much everything there is to know about the making of the Harry Potter movies.

I took over 700 pictures while we were there (don't worry, I won't be showing them all), I'm going to share a few on the blog without ruining the surprise for anyone who is planning to go. Basically, I think anyone with an ounce of interest in the books and/or movies should visit the studio tour. It's definitely something to do =)

Shuttle Bus from Watford Junction station to Leavesden Studios

Eeee! Exciting times!

 

Printed out our tickets =)

Not your average chess pieces!

Just your typical Hogwarts breakfast table, complete with post =) 

The giant house point counters. They're actually filled with tiny beads!

We visited during Animal Actors week, so I got a photo of one of the cats that played Crookshanks!

 

Yule Ball decorations used in Goblet of Fire.

Hogwarts Express Train Ticket

 

More props, including posters, letters and an opened chocolate frog

Of course, we had to try some Butterbeer!

More chess pieces (or rather-statues!) from the Philosopher's Stone

 

 

 

Has anyone been (or planning to go) to the Studio Tour?




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Lush Fresh Face Mask Catastrophe Cosmetic [review]

It's been an absolute age since I picked up a Lush fresh face mask, but I bought one on impulse at the end of March. I thought that I could treat myself to a bit of pampering during the Easter holidays and the Lush fresh face masks are great to use every few days. I got the Catastrophe Cosmetic mask, as it is supposed to clear and calm the skin, which is great as I've been getting a few pesky little spots (probably because I haven't been eating healthy). The mask contains blueberries (which are an antioxidant), almond oil (to moisturise) and calamine (to help to reduce irritation and redness). The Lush website states that Catastrophe Cosmetic is a deep cleansing mask, and helps to keep the skin clear with regular use.

 

 

The face mask takes about 5-10 minutes to dry, depending on how thick I have applied it (it starts crumbling when it has dried). To remove the mask I use hot water and occasionally a muslin cloth as well, to exfoliate my skin at the same time.

I've actually nearly finished using up the face mask. It's lasted me a good 7 weeks and hasn't gone off yet (even though the use by date has passed). I've managed to get roughly 8-9 uses from it and there's still enough for at least 2 more (I've used it every week since purchasing, sometimes even twice in a week). The mask didn't irritate my sensitive skin and I think it's definitely worth purchasing. It lasts a while and because they're kept in the fridge, it's refreshing to apply a cold face mask to wake me up a little in the morning. The only drawback is that that the mask does leave a little powdery residue once it's been removed (the mask does contain talc though, which is probably the cause of this).

Lush fresh face masks are £5.95 and are made from fresh and all natural ingredients. I've previously reviewed the Love Lettuce Fresh Face mask which you can read here =)


Have you tried any Lush Fresh Face Masks before? What did you think of them?




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Busy Bee Candles [mini haul and review]

I placed an order with Busy Bee Candles over the Easter weekend, after a collegue had recommended them to me. She basically said that they were equally as good, if not better than Yankee Candles, so of course I had to try them out! At the time, there was also a 30% discount code (which I obviously took advantage of) and decided to treat myself. As well as sorting the candles by scent on the website, they also differentiate between the strength of the scents, which was great for me as I headed straight to the strong scents page! Busy Bee Candles are all handmade using soy wax and high quality fragrances. They have a wide range of frangrances from floral and fruity to seasonal and just plain different. I'm already looking at the Butter Popcorn, Sweet Dreams, and Eastern Promise. They even have a vapour rub scented candle, which would be great when your feeling under the weather.

I ordered the Blackberry Fizz Mini Me candle jar, alongside the Coco Mango, Adonis and Christmas Comfort no clean wax tarts. The mini me candle jar has a burning time between 8-12 hours and the no clean wax tarts burn for around 6-7 tea lights. I already have a burner (which I haven't used), so I purchase the no clean wax tarts to start myself off, and because they don't require any cleaning, I can change the wax tart whenever I want.

Prices start from £1.25 for wax tarts, and for candle jars from £4.50. Keep up to date with their regular offers by following them on Twitter =)

Have you tried Busy Bee Candles before? And what are your favourite scents? I particularly like strong scents, usually spice based or fruity (I also have a weakness for the smell of freshly baked goodies) =)




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April Empties

Quite a few empties this month! I think this is probably due to the fact that I am trying to use up my 'Winter' skincare products as the weather slowly warms up.

The Simple Rich Moisturiser was a bit hit and miss for me, especially as I bought it to use for when my skin was particularly dry and dehydrated. The moisturiser wasn't rich enough to save my skin during the Winter months (even after applying it in two thin layers), but it was the perfect transition moisturiser from Winter to Spring, mostly because I had started using face masks on a more regular basis and drinking more water, so my skin was definitely in better condition. I probably wouldn't repurchase as it doesn't suit my skin type, although from what I remember it was pretty cheap and lasted a long time, making it good value for money. Also, it didn't irritate my sensitive skin, which would be something to consider, especially if you have a more combination (rather than extremely dry) skin type.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Concentrated Formula. I used this pretty much all throughout winter on any patches of dry skin, especially on my feet. Because the texture is really thick, and it takes a while to be absorbed into the skin, I used to apply it at night. I love the smell of cocoa butter (who doesn't?) and will probably repurchase the normal formula on my next visit to Superdrug/Boots.

Bath and Body Works Be Enchanted Shower Gel. I'm trying to use up my shower gels as I seem to have a never ending supply! This one smells amazing, sort of floral and sweet, and the scent lingers on the skin for a while. I think we need a Bath and Body Works in the UK!

Bath and Body Works Paris Amour Fragrance Mist. I also have no shortage of fragrances and body sprays in my collection, so I am using them up too. I love using these fragrance mists on a daily basis, just a little spray to freshen up my hijab or my outfit. The scents are a lot lighter than perfumes, and therefore aren't as strong.

Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation Sample. As part of using up my foundation samples series, this sample has been well and truly used up. For my review, click here.


Anyone else find that they've been using up more of their Winter skincare in order to make space for some Spring/Summer product? =)




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