Wishlist | The Birthday Edition

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It's officially my birthday month and seeing as I will be turning 23 on the 25th February, I thought I would put together a wishlist of items I would love to unwrap this year. 

1. Michael Kors Watch - This was love at first sight.  I've been looking for a simple yet chic boyfriend style watch, which is easier said than done when you prefer silver jewellery and this ticks all the boxes. I found this beauty just before Christmas and I've coveted ever since. 

2. Whistles Excusez-Moi Tee - I'm off to Paris at the end of March and anything Paris themed I seem to make a beeline for lately. This tee would be perfect to pair with jeans and loafers during the day or tucked into a midi skirt with heels for the evening. 

3. Lancome Limited Edition My French Palette - Do I really need another neutral palette? No. But do I need one with an Eiffel Tower illustration on the packaging? YES. This palette might look like your average everyday number, has three hidden shades of varying teal and grey and I'd love to play around more with colour as we move into spring/summer. 

4. By Terry Ombre Black Star in Bronze Moon - I have been eyeing up this eyeshadow stick for a while, everytime I walk into Space NK I swatch and swoon but never purchase. Bronze shades really bring out the blue in my eyes but I've yet to find my perfect formula or shade. 

5. Whistles Tres Bien Merci Jumper - Are you starting to detect a theme? I told you, I'm slightly obsessed with anything Paris or French themed... I've watched a Whistles slogan jumper for a while and after trying this on, I can confirm it is extremely comfortable and cosy. 

6. The Fault in our Stars DVD - Arguably depressing as a birthday gift but I love the book and film and would love to add this to my DVD collection. Plus, Shailene Woodley is an absolute babe.

7. Whistles Rivington Chain Clutch - Another sorely lusted after item for my wardrobe is the Rivington Clutch - its simple and will go with everything I pair it with. It also happens to be big enough to fit all the essentials in, but small enough that I don't venture out with the kitchen sink in tow. 

So in summary, this year you can't really go wrong if it's from Whistles or has an Eiffel Tower on it... Happy birthday to all my fellow Pisces!

21

I turned 21 yesterday and I was lucky enough to have my birthday split into two days.  On Sunday I went for a meal with my family, followed by birthday cake back at home and presents.  I got a new bottle of my favourite everyday perfume from my Sister (thank god, I have a drip left in my old bottle) and a gorgeous bracelet from Links from my Brother and Sister-in-Law.  Yesterday morning I woke to a stack of cards, I was surprised that there were no repeats!  With the cards came a present from my parents.  They bought me a Tiffany's necklace which I had asked for and I'm completely in love.  My Mum and I went shopping during the day, where I used the money I received from relatives to pick up a Pandora bracelet and a couple of charms as another little memento. In the evening I went out for dinner and cocktails in London with my best friends.  They surprised me with a cake, complete with sparkler candle as well as some NARS make up and huge poster of The Saturdays and Twilight (they know me so well).  All in all I was a very spoilt girl and I'm so thankful to my family and friends for making it a great birthday.  It's safe to say I wont be needing any jewellery for a while! 

Birthday Wishlist

My 21st birthday is fast approaching (25th February) and with it comes the question: What would you like for your birthday?  Initially I wasn't at all excited about the big 2-1 thanks to dissertation blues, but now I've handed the buggar in and made some concrete plans, I've started counting down the days.  So I best answer the question on everyones lips.  

1.  Return to Tiffany's Heart Tag with Key Pendant - As it's such a big birthday, I would like something memorable.  I received a Links bracelet for my 18th, so for my 21st I'm wishing for this Tiffany's necklace with the key charm - synonymous with the birthday.  

2.  Stella by Stella McCartney Eau De Parfum - I'm almost out of the bottle I bought back in June at the airport and as it's my favourite everyday scent, I'd definitely like another bottle for my dresser.  

3.  Tickets to see Viva Forever - I'm a big girl band fan, I'm off to see Girls Aloud at the beginning of March but my first love lies with the Spice Girls.  After hearing so many rave reviews and watching the ITV documentary that was on over Christmas, it's something I would definitely like to go watch.  

4.  Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - It wouldn't be right if I wasn't wishing for something beauty related.  I prefer wearing matte eyeshadows and the original Naked palette lacks in those, so I'm excited to (hopefully) try this out! 

Now I've answered the question, it's back to counting down the days.  

Macadamia Healing Oil vs. Moroccanoil Light

About a year ago, everyone had gone mad for Argan oil and what it could do for their hair. The most popular brand on the market was Moroccanoil but it wasn't long before other brands, both high street and high end jumped on the bandwagon. Rival brand Macadamia Hair came out with an oil product which claims to heal your tired ends as well as leave you with soft and shiny tresses.  Famous for making your locks shiny and more manageable, this product also helps speed up the length of time it takes to dry your hair.  So, what's the difference in the products?

I picked up the 25ml bottle of Moroccanoil last September to try. I was recommended by a hairstylist to try the light one as my hair is bleach blonde.  As you can see above it's a lot thinner in consistency than Macadamia and therefore lighter in my hair.  A lot of people dislike the smell of Moroccanoil, although I don't mind it.  If you're in a rush in the morning, as well as making your hair appear shinier it also reduces drying time which is brilliant for those of us who use too much heat on our locks as it is.  As the product is a light formulation, I also use it on dry hair sometimes if I want a more sleek, maintained look.  At £12.85 for 25ml and £30.45 for 100ml it's a more pricier option but I find that it lasts forever (I still have about 5-10ml left).  

I was first introduced to Macadamia Healing Oil through Elle Fowler on YouTube. Macadamia Hair products contain both Argan oil and Macadamia nut oil and they say the combination of the two leads to "ultimate rejuvenation and maintenance".  It's thicker in consistency but I don't find this product any heavier on my hair.  It smells quite fruity in comparison to Moroccanoil which some people may prefer.  Just like the Moroccanoil, this oil really helps in cutting down the time it takes to blow dry my hair. As for the healing part, I'm not so sure if this product does help my hair other than make it more manageable and shiny.  I have tried their Deep Repair Masque (review here) and found that, that did help my dry and broken ends a lot.  At £11.00 for 30ml and £25.45 for 125ml, it is certainly better value for money and I really enjoy using this product.  

If you have fine or bleached hair and you're looking for a product that you can use everyday to help manage your hair when it's both wet and dry and don't mind spending a few extra pennies, Moroccanoil is the oil for you. If you prefer a fruitier smelling, thicker oil best for wet hair than Macadamia Healing oil is the perfect option.  

Have you tired either product or do you have another hair oil you prefer?

- Today is Non Optional's 2nd birthday! Thank you all so much for your continued support -

Birthday Haul: Beauty, Fashion and Miscellaneous

As some of you may know, it was my 20th birthday yesterday and I had a really great day - Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday.  Sitting here a little hungover, I thought I'd blog about what I got.  I was a bit rubbish and didn't actually take pictures of my outfit or my make up, due to visitors leaving late, resulting in a frantic two hours of getting ready.  I was extremely lucky this year and got most things I asked for and i'm very thankful to my family and friends for it.  

1.  GHDs - I needed a new pair, as the ones I had were 7 years old and were showing signs of old age.  My new pair, from the Gold series, came with a heat protectant sleeve which will come in handy.  They also glide along my hair a lot better and smoothly than my previous pair.  

2.  Casio Mini Digital Watch - Another from my list, I've been eyeing this watch up for a long while, needing to invest in more silver jewellery to go with my Links bracelet.  I haven't taken it off since I got it (except to shower, obvs...) I absolutely love it!

3.  DVDs - If you are new, you may not know that I collect boxsets of my favourite shows.  No birthday would be complete without a little bit of Tree Hill finding it's way to me.  I got season 8 on DVD which means I'm now complete again, until season 9 is available.  I'm literally addicted to One Tree Hill and have no idea what it's going to be like without it... I also received TOWIE season 3 which makes for great hangover TV.  Speaking of TOWIE, Joey Essex did a PA in the club I went to last night, he looks quite reem in the flesh and he even brought Diags with him!

4. MAC Make Up - This present was unexpected but very welcomed.  I received the Matchmaster foundation in shade 1.0, Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Light and the infamous Hue lipstick.  I wore all three products last night and on first impressions I really liked them.  The foundation is definitely one of the sheerest of the MAC products but it's still medium coverage which can be built to full if you need it.  The powder is great for setting and the lipstick is a gorgeous nude which will be an everyday favourite. 

5.  Dolla - I also received money from various relatives which is always good to have.  I'm not sure what I will spend it on just yet, I'm sure I'll tell you in a haul soon what I do buy!

So that's my birthday for another year.  It's very odd knowing I'm an adult now - I definitely didn't act like one last night! How have you spent your weekends?

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my 20th birthday and I feel a bit odd knowing that I'm no longer a teenager, but now an adult.  I wont be acting like it tonight! I'm off out into my local town for some (okay, a lot) of drinks and dancing.  What's better is that Joey Essex is making an appearance at my favourite club (obviously to wish me a happy birthday), so you never know I could be coming to a screen near you soon (I wish).

Have a lovely day girls, I will try and remember to take a picture of tonights outfit and make up to share with you all, and also a birthday haul if that's something you'd be interested in? 

Happy Birthday Non Optional!

It has been one whole year since I sat down and created this blog.  In part it was for university, never thinking it would ever amount to much.  Another part of me created it for my fashion ramblings.  My family always give me a 'what the fug?' look whenever I speak of fashion and my friends aren't all that into it.  Enter my blog, named Non Optional, because to me fashion isn't an option and a year later we're still going strong!  

To say thank you to you, my amazing followers and loyal readers, I thought it only fair I give you a present.  I am finally getting round to holding my first giveaway!  The prize will be a choice of two things which are among some of my beauty staples.  If you win, you can choose from these two items:

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

MAC Lipstick (Colour of your choice)

To enter you must:

- Be a follower of this blog, via GFC

- Leave a comment below stating your favourite A/W 11 fashion or beauty trend, your email so I can contact you if you win, your chosen prize and if you've done any extra entries.  

Extra entries:

- Follow me on Twitter, here. +1

- Tweet about my giveaway (copy and paste) "@PushPRNicola is throwing a birthday giveaway here http://tiny.cc/i9ogq" +2

- Follow Non Optional on Facebook, here. +1

The giveaway is open to the UK only (sorry internationals!) will end on Wednesday 28th September at 9am GMT

Thank you, and good luck! 

An update, of sorts.

I wanted to update you all, so you didn't think I was neglecting this blog entirely.  For the past 12 or so weeks, as well as working at Push PR, I've also been planning away in my little head a completely new looking blog and have started to put it into motion (although you can't see much of a change right now).

As part of a new look blog, the layout will be completely different, including the header which is being designed by a fantastic illustrator who is set for big things.  The new look Non Optional is set to launch in September which will also be our 1st Birthday!  All exciting things are coming and I hope you'll enjoy the new site when it's launched.  

To keep up to date with what's happening with the new look blog, like Non Optional on Facebook by clicking here.  I will be updating with sneak peaks of everything from the new blog header, to the layout.  

Normal blogging resumes as of now! 

Party food and wine eyes.

Today I attended my niece/goddaughters 2nd birthday party.  There was a lot of food consumed and even more wine.  I felt a lot of nostalgia today, looking back on the past two years and how much Alice has changed, both herself and my brother.  She has very compassionate parents and will have an extremely happy childhood, which is all a child deserves.  Mushy stuff over, here are just a sample of pictures taken today of the homemade birthday cake, Alice checking Woof-Woofs heartbeat with the stethoscope from the doctors kit I bought her (as the hands free kit wasn't quite up to scratch) and also the blowing of the candles tradition.