My 5 Highlights of 2017!

Hello My Lovelies

Can you believe we are at the end of 2017 already? 2017 has been a pretty good one for me with lots of amazing changes in my life- read on to see my top 5 highlights of the year!

1. Travelled to seven countries including Iceland (we saw the Northern Lights) and America.

2. This year I decided I needed to really try and look to find a new job that will engage my mind and push me. Just before Christmas after three and half years in my last job I made the move to a new position!

3. I Met someone pretty amazing in the spring and by November we had moved in together.

4. Continued to love writing my blog even though it's been pretty busy and hard to stay on top of it as much as I would of liked.

5. Got to experience some cool places that included the Isle of Wight Festival (my 4th time going!), butterflies landing on me at Butterfly World, yarn bombing (check it out on my insta wonderfulworldblog), riding a bike for the first time in 20 years and Rich Hall the comic. 

So what will 2018 bring? More of the same I hope- with hopefully buying my first house, progressing in my career and many other exciting adventures. Here's to a fabulous New Year and a great one for all my supporters.

Till next time,
                  Tori.
                      X

What I got for Christmas 2017!

Hello My Lovelies

I think this is my fourth year of sharing what I got for Christmas- I love reading these types of posts so its only fair that I too show you what I was lucky enough to be gifted with and wow was I a lucky girl this year!!

From my mum and dad they really spoilt me with this beautiful Chanel card holder- this is a combined birthday and Christmas gift as i'll be turning 35 in April they wanted to treat me to something I really wanted. This is my first Chanel (and will probably the only thing I ever own from the brand unless I win the lottery!) and I literally can't stop looking at it. I've not actually used it yet as I'm too scared I'll ruin it.

My sister knows that I love sausage dogs and she picked out this super cute sausage dog Christmas jumper for me-its so warm and comfy, I've literally not taken it off since Christmas day.

Next up my sister picked me up a can of the Colab dry shampoo in unicorn as she knew I really wanted to try it out, I love the brand and have tried most from them except for the unicorn scent. My sister also bought me some lovely new pillows for my bed and some chocolates. My mum picked up my favourite knickers from Victoria's Secret and this beautiful candle. My boyfriend booked us flights to Croatia next summer which i'm already counting down the days till.

My boyfriend also knew that I was desperate for some slippers and so he chose these lovely ones from Toms as I had lived in my Toms shoes all summer and he also surprised me with this Instax Mini camera!

I was also treated to some Sephora face masks, a Katie Loxton keyring which i'm going to keep safe till we buy our house and the cutest Tsum Tsum as he thought it looked like a sausage dog! (I have no idea what Disney character is it but it did make me smile on Christmas morning.)

Finally from my boyfriend he bought me a Longchamp rucksack and Fila cropped tshirt that I can't wait to wear in the summer when I've lost a bit of the Christmas weight.
I was also so lucky to recieve lots of other wonderful presents from friends and family which i haven't included in this post for not wanting to bore you.

Thank you to everyone that sent me Christmas wishes and I hope you all had a wonderful time!

Till next time,
                  Tori.
                       X

Christmas Decoration Haul!

Hello My Lovelies

For the first time in a long time I have my own Christmas tree to decorate so as I've seen decorations in my local shops I've grabbed some ready to pop on. As I write this post the decorations are being added to the tree, a little early I know but I wanted to check the brand new tree I had bought wasn't broken! (well that's my story and I'm sticking to it!) Read on to see where all of my recent purchases have come from.

This year the theme is red and gold!! My favourite decoration that I've bought this year is the Merry Christmas 2017 one from Marks and Spencer. I've wanted a dated one for the last few years but not found any but this one is simple yet still really pretty.

I also bought these candy cane inspired decorations from Primark they came in a box of 12 and look really festive sporadically placed all over my tree. Another filler are the sparkly gold and I also have some red ones for the tree. These decorations were an absolute bargain and came from Asda- yes you have to thread all of them but for a few pounds they make a nice addition.

I picked up this Merry and Bright heart from The Range for £1.70, yes £1.70!! It's really well made for a cheaper decoration and one I know that I will always add to the tree. My tree topper is a super sparkly gold star (sticking with the theme)- I actually can't stand glitter that comes off on your hands so I've had to ask my boyfriend to pop this on the top. We picked this one because it's nice and light for our little tree and again was affordable from Asda. 

The final two decorations are cute little ones that I love spotting on the tree. My sausage dog was a gift from my boyfriend- he knows I love them and when we spotted it in Accessorize he had to secretly buy it for me. The other decoration is a bell shaped and also a bell inside from The Range. I decided to pop this one in my basket because as a child we always used to have a bell on our tree and I wanted to carry on that tradition.


What decorations and theme have you decided on for this Christmas? I would love to see your photos from the festive season so make sure you share your insta handles below!

Till next time,
                  Tori.
                      X

A Long Weekend in Munich and Salzburg!

Hello My Lovelies
Last month I went on a long weekend to Munich and Salzburg- having never been to either city I was really excited to explore some where new and also start to feel a bit festive!

First place to visit on day one was to Marienplatz the main square in Munich since 1158. The Christmas market stalls were starting to set up and the tree looked great next to the Town Hall.

An amazing church called St Michael's was perfect to escape from the cold and sit and listen to an orchestra practice for some upcoming sold out shows.

Also in Marienplatz was the Rathaus-Glockenspiel which dates from 1908. Every day at 11am and 5pm it chimes and re-enacts stories from the 16th century. We stood with a small crowd looking up to the building and watched the cute scene take place.

The other half really wanted to visit the BMW museum and I thought it sounded pretty cool too- we spent the afternoon walking around the large exhibit that showed the company from the beginning of it's history right up to today's designs and ideas. It was reasonably priced at only £10 each to enter and for any car enthusiast a must see.

Sunday we hopped on the train from Munich to Salzburg- a 90 minute, 15 euro train ride means you can visit another country whilst away (which is one of my favourite things to do!)

The first place we checked out was a fully open Christmas market, whilst I didn't buy anything it was lovely to visit one and get in the spirit. We walked around with hot chocolates and then decided to carry on walking up to the old town.

Along the way to the Old Town we passed a love heart lock bridge which we would of added one to if we had been organised enough to have brought one along with us! It was so nice to see the bridge with the back drop of the town beyond.

Then it was to the old square to see the Sphaera a nine metre tall art installation- again the back drop was pretty nice, the Salzburg Cathedral. Here in Salzburg we even witnessed a bit of snow which was pretty perfect!

Finally we took the opportunity to go up the funicular to the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It was a little steep in price at 12 Euro's each- you were forced to spend the full amount on the trip as they wanted you go into the museum at the top. Having been on funicular's in other countries it was never this expensive and for such a short trip too.

The views from the top were pretty epic, but it wasn't long before we decided to leave and grab some lunch before heading for the train back to Munich.

The trip to Munich and Salzburg was so much fun- it was such a cheap trip and we got to experience more European cities. I'm now planning next year's trips! Have you been to either before? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, on Instagram at @wonderfulworldblog or twitter @steaders83 

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                      X

Soap & Glory Winter Wonder Glam!

Hello My Lovelies


The most epic Christmas gift set from Soap & Glory worth £56.50 is now available for half price in Boots and the big box of everything you would ever want from their make-up range is £25!!!

Full of the goodies you need this festive season (heck all year round) from the amazing Thick & Fast mascara to the Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss this set will have you creating all kinds of amazing makeup looks for Christmas parties!
I can't actually quite believe how many full size products you get, it is utter value for money! One of my favourite products and I'm really pleased to see included is the Archery brow tint and pencil brow- for a drugstore eyebrow pencil its pretty darn epic and lasts all day.Another product that couldn't not talk about is the Love at First Blush- a shimmery plum/pink toned a multi shading blush that gives the cheeks a gorgeous rosy glow. The eye shadows have been picked perfectly to compliment the blush and will create the perfect office to party look this Christmas.


Once again Soap & Glory have out done themselves with this perfect set that any girl or boy would be super excited to receive under the tree come the 25th December.
Have you treated yourself to this set from Soap & Glory? Make sure you let me know in the comments!


Till next time,
                  Tori.
                       X


*PR Sample

New In: LULU GUINNESS Vaseline Products!

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Last year Vaseline launched a LULU Guinness designed Vaseline tin and it was the cutest tin I had seen in ages- I'm still ploughing through mine, always in my handbag for hourly (yes I love it that much) top ups! This Christmas they are back with more from the designer and also a limited edition hand cream too.

The Vaseline tins from LULU Guinness come in three limited edition tins Violet, Lily and Poppy with Poppy being the red tinted Vaseline. As you would always expect from Vaseline it has their amazing formula that protects both lips and hands against the winter elements. 

I've always been a mega fan of any of the products from Vaseline but they really do come into their own during the colder months-keeping dry, chapped lips and skin smooth and supple. If you ever catch me without a tin of Vaseline you know there's something wrong so I'm loving having a new tin to add to my collection and in such a lovely design from LULU Guinness too.

The tins are priced at £2.99 each and I've already spotted them in my local Boots and the hand cream at £3.65, perfect as stocking fillers this Christmas if you ask me!

Have you purchased any of the new LULU Guinness Vaseline tins yet? What LULU girl are you? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram @steaders83.

Till next time,
                  Tori.
                       X

*PR Sample

New York Highlights!

Hello My Lovelies


It's been a month already since I went to New York- it was a trip that been planned and booked for almost a year to celebrate my mum's 60th Birthday! My sister and I had been lucky enough to both visit in the past ten years or so but my mum had never been so we combined places we had been to before and also some new ones too. Here are my highlights from my trip!

My sister and I had never been to the Brooklyn Bridge before and so this was one of the things on our to do list- it took a bit of finding but it was well worth it! it was pretty buy but we were still able to enjoy our time and get some lovely pics.

The Highline is an old disused rail way line that it is now an epic, chilled garden space right in the middle of the city. This is a must if you're ever in NYC! Again having never been before I'm so glad we took the time to walk along, chat and take some time to contemplate on the very busy trip!

Another highlight of the trip was the opportunity to go and explore Little Italy and China Town and check out all of the amazingly beautiful graffiti- it was great to leave the busy parts of the city like Times Square behind to visit local areas.

No trip to NYC is complete without taking a walk around Central Park. My mum really wanted to pop along and I had never seen the Alice in Wonderland statue so it was fab to experience, it was also a really unseasonably warm October day so we were really able to enjoy it without feeling too cold.

Last time I didn't get to visit Top of the Rock as I wanted to go to the Empire State (which we also did on this visit) and I'm so glad we did- the views I have to say are so much more epic than that of the Empire State. Everything seems so much closer and clearer and the photo opportunities were pretty fab too!

Last time I visited New York in 2004 The World trade Centre area was still know as Ground Zero- there was lots of clearing and reconstruction happening back then so it was amazing to visit it completed. After my 2004 visit I decided to write my university dissertation about the survivors of 9/11. It was a moving experience to go to the museum which was full of artefacts and stories from the day-but I feel this area is full of hope.

The final two places are iconic to New York Grand Central Station and The Statue of Liberty. Grand Central Station is a brilliant place to people watch as they come and go during their day. Remember to look up and see the amazing ceiling! Finally the Statue of Liberty can be seen for free from the Staten Island ferry but to get up close and personal you really must go Liberty Island and Ellis Island to learn about the amazing statue and the history of the islands.

Have you been to NYC? What were your highlights?

Till next time,

                 Tori.

                     X

Curvy Girl OOTD 26- NYC Edition!

Hello My Lovelies

Recently I was in New York and I couldn't resist taking some photographs of the outfit I was wearing that day and then I thought well I had better share it with you all!

We spent an unseasonably warm New York October day walking along the Brooklyn bridge- I'm so glad we got to visit here as I didn't on my last trip, it's such an amazing bridge- all I wanted to do was take photographs. Here I am wearing my H&M NYC t-shirt, a mixed denim skirt that I bought in the Sainsbury's sale just before I went away and reminds me a lot of something that I would of worn when I was at uni in 2002! 

We also walked around the World Trade Centre area and this was taken just around the corner from the 9/11 museums. On this day I was also wearing the most comfortable and affordable (since when did leggings become so expensive) from Matalan and then to keep my feet extra comfy I bought before my trip some new trainers from Sketchers. Sketcher trainers are by far the most bouncy, snug footwear- I wore these every day walking miles and miles around the city and not once did they feel uncomfortable or did I look forward to taking them off at the end of the day.



Finally the finishing touch to all of my outfits on this trip was my trusty Gucci handbag, I've had this bag for 18 months and its the only bag I've used during this time- I feel the high price tag has been justified due to amount of wear it's getting.

What have been your go to outfits recently? Have you been to NYC? Let me know in the comments or on twitter @steaders83.

Till next time,

                     Tori.

                          X

Soap & Glory Glow Ball- Christmas 2017!

Hello My Lovelies

We've officially had Halloween and Fireworks night which in my book makes it just fine to discuss the 'C' word, Yes! I'm talking about Christmas a mere few weeks away now really!! With Christmas just around the corner the shops are now starting to fill up with gifts and the lovely lot at Soap & Glory have as always some of the best gifts.

The Glow Ball is the most epic gift set I've seen in a while, to start HELLO! the packaging is a huge bauble and when you crack it open you won't be disappointed with a range of products that will keep you happy and relaxed this season!

Full of the best products from the brand including hand food (er yes it's winter and my hand's needs some extra tender loving care) or Foamous shower and body wash or even a mini Smoothie Star body buttercream that smells absolutely divine, you won't be disappointed! I loved the addition of a pink shower puff as I love these and they always look so cute hanging in the shower. 

Priced at £14.00 in Boots and currently in their 3 for 2 across Christmas gifts it the perfect present for you and two of your mates (or maybe just you!) Soap & Glory have some amazing sets this year to suit all budgets starting at just £5.00!

I especially like to keep my eye on the star buy at Boots in December when usually you can pick up a huge set from Soap & Glory for an epic price and rammed with full size products. They usually sell out fast so make sure you're first in the door when your Boots opens!

Have you got your eye on any of the #glamtidings gifts from Soap & Glory this year? Let me know below in the comments and over on my Instagram @wonderfulworldblog.

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                       X

*PR Sample. 

New York Haul!

Hello My Lovelies

I've just got back from the best trip to NYC and I couldn't not go there and do a spot of shopping! Read on to see all of the bits and bobs that I picked up in Sephora and Target....


In Sephora it looks like I went on a bit of a grey themed product hunt but it was just by pure accident that they are almost in grey packaging! I've had the Sephora face wipes before when I picked these up earlier in the year in Denmark so I stocked up on two more packets when I visited. I also saw when I was in the queue for the till that they sell nose strips too so I grabbed a couple of those to try. Also on my list to purchase was another of the Sephora face masks in travel size packaging- again I have one of these in the blue clay that I bought in France during the summer and I knew that I wanted to try another out when I visited NYC.

I could of bought my Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil online in the U.K but I held out till I visited the states to grab another, it also gave me the opportunity to get some Sephora points! Finally a new item to my stash and from a brand I've never used before is a Tarte blush in the shade captivating, a really pretty dark pink that gives the perfect glow to my skin.

I think I was really reserved in my purchases from Sephora this time round, this might of been because I had already been twice this year and so the excitement levels weren't as high but I still loved perusing the ultimate beauty shop in the world! I'm off to Munich in a couple of weeks and I've just noticed they have one there so I'm sure I'll have to pop in for a few bits then too!

Next up it was time to track down some sweeties and funny flavoured Oreo's for family and friends back home. Target is starting to open smaller stores in big cities and I was excited to see that they had just opened one in NYC. I popped in and grabbed some Oreo's in coconut which I can confirm are delicious and some winter ones which don't have a different taste just the colour icing is red instead of white. Unfortunately the Target in NYC didn't have any other flavours which was a bit annoying as I was after Halloween pumpkin spice and firework flavoured ones.
I also grabbed lots of different flavour M&M's as I'm a bit of a fan, I can't wait to try the strawberry peanut ones! Also in my basket was some Laffy Taffy, Swedish Fish, Hi-Chew and some cookies!

And... that was everything that I bought in NYC (other than a couple of candles from Bath and Body Works for friends Christmas presents!)

Have you been to America recently? What did you desperately want to pick up that you can't get in the U.K? Let me know in the comments and on twitter @steaders83.

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                       X

Disappointing Product of the Month-October!

Hello my Lovelies

October!! how is it October already?? This month I come at ya not with a product of the month but a disappointing one, yes sadly a product that I had high hopes for after loving their other body sprays and that I've been using for years. The product I secretly talk of is the new range from Impulse.

Lets start with the odd names this one is called Whipped Cream and Microchip but they also have in this range white lace and grass, burnt marshmallow and leather jacket and tropical beach and expresso. I'm not sure what any of these are meant to smell like especially microchip but after hovering at the shelves in my local superdrug and sniffing them all this is the one I went for.

Now whilst this isn't the worst product I've ever used in all my life my major issue with it is the longevity of the scent which for some will not be an issue but for me who suffers with migraines this product scent just kept whooshing up nose and eventually kept giving me the worst headaches.
I usually adore the body sprays from Impulse having used them from a teenager and to this day I still love trying the new ones and having a stash in my beauty draw but the odd scents and the price tag of £6.99 did put me off with these mists.
This product will last you a while with 150ml spray and a little going a long way but unfortunately my head couldn't take it and I have now passed it on to my mum who I know will love using this.

Have you tried any of the new Impulse body mists? What do you think to the crazy names/scents? Let me know on twitter @steaders83 or Instagram wonderfulworldblog.

Till next time,
                   Tori.
                      X

First Impressions: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light.

Hello My Lovelies
I'm a huge fan of the Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer- its by far my favourite concealer and is now my holy grail product. I've been meaning to try more from the brand and after getting testers of the Double Wear foundation and light- I decided to go for it when I saw it on offer in the Cosmetics Shop in Portsmouth.

The packaging is really slim and light weight which is perfect for slipping into my make up bag compared to the glass bottle of the double wear foundation but you have to be super careful when taking the lid off as I have had some of product end up in the lid-which is messy and annoying!

The actual product is runny but easy to apply-one application leaves the skin looking dewy and natural but can be easily built up by adding a little more. As you would expect from Estee Lauder products the light foundation is a quality product that doesn't streak and the longevity is impressive. I've been wearing this during the summer months but I feel this is one I'll be reaching for even as we start to hit the colder months and when I would normally be using my NARs or Laura Mercier.  

I have oily skin and I find that this product doesn't allow for much shine and sits nicely on my skin throughout the day. I prefer the light to the full coverage of the Double Wear foundation as I found that sat on my dry patches whilst the light is a good all rounder. I'll definitely be keeping this in my collection and replacing when it runs out.

Have you tried any of the foundations from Estee Lauder? Make sure you share your views with me on twitter @steaders83 or Instagram wonderfulworldblog.

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                      X

Empties 21!

Hello My Lovelies
It's been a little while since I had an empties and this one is actually pretty small- I think it's because I'm trying to use my large stash (yes again!)

This month I've used up as you all know my favourite dry shampoo from CO-LAB the fruity scent is gorgeous and has been perfect during the summer months. What I love about CO-LAB is the fact it helps combat greasy roots but doesn't leave a white residue or constant whiff on your hair like some other brands do.

Next up is L'Oreal Fine Flowers face wipes- they had a funny fragrance and not one that I loved but the wipe was really damp and removed all of my make-up and as I always cleanse after the scent didn't linger for too long. I've had some of the other wipes from this range and I would definitely recommend and repurchase them if they were on offer.

Lastly is the new Puffy Eye Attack, under eye brightening eye mask from Soap and Glory. The mask was really easy to use and really cool and soothing under my eye- I've bought a couple of these and they were fab for travelling with. I'm going to buy another for after my flight to New York next month.

What have been your empties recently? Share them with me in the comments or over on twitter @staders83.

Till next time,

                 Tori.

                     X

New In: Soap & Glory: She's a Natural Palette!

Hello My Lovelies

I love a good palette they are perfect for throwing in my bag for a trip away or when I'm at work and need to top my makeup up- they are so easy and convenient. Soap & Glory have the released one of the nicest and most usable palettes I've seen in a while.

The all in one natural look palette includes a light deflecting bronzer, a beautiful coral blush (perfect for the transition from day to night!) a smooth highlighter and three, yes three eye shadows in the shades Café Away, Culture Choc and Choccy.
The eye shadows are all really soft and bendable and the three colours allows for a  buildable look. My favourite eye shadow has to be choccy a brown shimmer which would be perfect for both work or a party night.

The palette from Soap & Glory is gorgeous on my pale skin tone- I always have issues finding a non muddy; orange bronzer, this one in the shade Bronze Moment blends to create the perfect sunkissed look!
Whilst I'm not a huge fan of cream highlighters this one is so subtle and easy to use that I may just well be converted.

I absolutely love the packaging and smile every time I see it in my bag or on my desk it really is the perfect size full of the bits and bobs you need to create a look for day or night! 

And....the best bit of all is its £12!!! You can pick yours up exclusively from Boots.


Do you love a good palette too? Let me know in the comments!!


Till next time,
                  Tori.
                      X

*PR Sample

Sephora France Haul!

Hello My Lovelies
Last month I popped over to France for a long weekend and when I heard there was a Sephora near by you know that I had to swing by and pick up a few bits right!!
I knew that when I went into Sephora next that I wanted to try some more of their face wipes. I bought some of the charcoal ones when I was in Denmark earlier this year and they were amazing (they are on my shopping list for when I go to New York next month!). I decided to grab a packet of the pomegranate ones and also in the same area was little packets of face masks that I have never seen before.
The masks were for all different skin types and helped with all kinds of skin issues but I do prefer a blue clay mask and thought if I liked it then I would buy some more when I go to America next. The packet states its for four uses but I think I'll probably get a few more out of it then that.


Lastly I saw a mini Benefit Galifornia blush in the travel section and I couldn't resist- I had been wanting to buy a full size but couldn't commit to the price but this seemed like a good compromise.


When I got to the till I was given a little sample of the Rituals hand cream which will be perfect for my hand bag when the colder months are back in full force.


Keep an eye out on my blog in the next couple of months as I'll have a New York Sephora haul coming your way.


Till next time,
                  Tori.
                      X

Product of the Month-September!

Hello My Lovelies

This summer has raced by don't you think? The product I want to talk about is my trusty Toms! I've not taken them off all summer and usually I'm more of a sandals in the summer kind of girl, but they have just been too nice and comfy not to wear.

My Toms have been so easy to throw on first thing in the morning when I'm on my way to work and then have easily transitioned once the day is over and I'm home getting ready to go out for the evening whether its to the beach or the pub.

I always find with Toms you have to break them in at the beginning but after that they become like slippers and you literally don't ever want to take them off. After wearing mine all summer I decided to treat myself to another pair that are navy and have little stars and moons all over them that glow in the dark, yes you heard me correctly glow in the dark!


You can usually find Toms in the sale but if you wanted to purchase my trusty grey pair or new glow in the dark style they cost £39.99 which isn't too much when you wear them every day for four months at a time.


Do you own a pair of Toms? What do you think? Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram at @wonderfulworldblog.


Till next time,
                  Tori.
                       X

A long weekend in Northern France!

Hello My Lovelies

On the bank holiday back in August I was lucky enough to spend it in Northern France- checking out the area's of Landivy, Fougeres and Rennes. I've been to Paris a couple of times but always flown or one on the Euro Star so it was an adventure to travel on Brittany Ferries- a four hour boat ride across the channel to the land of yummy food and Bonjour!

First stop was to Fougeres and a little trip to a castle from the early 11th century built on a rock emerging from a swamp! It was fab to walk around the site and climb one of the impressive towers that had fab views out across Fougeres. The afternoon was spent eating pain au chocolate and Coca-Cola's in the sun.

The next day we took a little trip to Rennes we spent the evening in town having a lovely meal and wandering the streets and popping into Sephora (find out what I bought in my next post!!) Rennes was a really interesting city with lots of young travellers but also professionals-it was an eclectic mix!

We finished out trip with a few hours in Mont Saint-Michel. Tiny little streets inside of this fort are jam packed with shops and ice-cream parlours. If you walk the winding streets to the top you come to the monastery and you have a wonderful view out across Normandy. If you're ever in this part of France it's worth a look.

Have you been to any of these areas of France before? I would love to know your thoughts so please do leave me a comment!

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                      X