I'm back!

So I haven't been on here for a while - mainly because I have been travelling through Europe with my boyfriend for the past four months. I was hoping to use it to keep family and friends updated during our travels but I was lazy and having too much fun. Plus rarely having access to internet didn't help!

I don't really know what I want to do with this blog so I need to consider if I want to take it in a new direction or just abandon it!? We'll see how life goes over the next few months.

So as far as travelling went, we had an amazing time! I'm going to do some post-trip posts about each country we visited, with stories and photos, so at least I'll have something to look back on when the memories start to get a bit rusty and also for anyone who is interested.

Anyway... hello again!

Skinny Dress

I got a gorgeous bodycon dress from AX Paris in November last year, a freebie from my previous job (one of the few good things about it!) and I looked awful in it. I knew I'd gained some weight but I looked ridiculous. I actually laughed when I tried it on and immediately gave it away to my little sister.

I've now been doing Slimming World for three months and I've managed to lose a whole stone! I've still got a few more pounds until I reach target, but decided to try on the dress again to see if I could see any difference. And guess what... it actually looked good! So good infact, that I wore it out for cocktails on Saturday night!

Nice day for a White Wedding

We've been invited to a wedding at the end of April so I've started the hunt for a new dress (any excuse) and came across this beauty from TFNC.

I just liked the dress but thought it may be too 'night out with the girls' to wear to a wedding, so I asked the opinions of my facebook friends. They quickly pointed out the cream skirt and how you shouldn't wear white to a wedding. I hadn't even thought of that! Others disagreed and said that the 'no white' rule has gone out of the window in recent years, and so it's now ok to wear white/cream to a wedding. Overall, I'm going to avoid it as I'm not the sort of person who likes to draw attention to myself - especially at somebody else's wedding! But to be honest, if someone wore white to my wedding I don't think I'd even notice.

What's your opinion? Outdated tradition or worthy of a cat fight?

Other off-white delights...

Nails Inc Designer Matte Finish Gatwick

I bought this nail varnish just before Christmas and I absolutely love it! It's a fab party colour and I love wearing it when I'm planning on wearing all black as it makes my nails really stand out. The varnish is really quick drying and easy to apply. You've got to be careful and get it right first time though, or else it will dry with streaks.

(no flash)

 

(with flash)

Review: Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara + Supercat Eyeliner

I've been wanting to try out Soap & Glory's make up range ever since sampling their Sexy Mother Pucker (which I love!) I normally use Maxfactor Masterpiece Max Mascara and Eyeliner but I the liner seems to run out so quickly that I thought I may as well try something new. I did have my eye on Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner but I haven't used a brush before so chickened out.

I love the packaging for Soap & Glory. It's so girly and kitsch that it's pretty hard to resist. I know it shouldn't be about the packaging but it really is lovely!

I found the eyeliner really easy to apply and it gave great definition to the upper lid. I wouldn't really say that it's better than Maxfactor neccesarilly, but for £6 it's a bargain and definitely worth trying. The mascara, however, is fantastic and I would definitely recommmend this one. The large brush accentuates and curls the lashes, with no clumping at all. Overall, it gives a great big lash effect without too many coats.

 Bare eyes

Supercat Eyeliner

 

Supercat Eyeliner

 Thick & Fast Mascara

Thick & Fast Mascara

AWOL

Ok, so I have been ridiculously crap at putting anything on here lately! The problem is that I'm so skint that I can't bear to look at any clothing websites, fashion mags or go into any shops as it just depresses me.

Jack's finally got his leaving date!!! I've managed to get myself an office job so I'm attempting to save every penny I can. This has meant that I've been ridiculously anti-social (sorry guys). I've even had to cancel on dinner this week with friends and I feel terrible. But a weekend in York seeing Uni friends (who I haven't seen in a year!) is going to completely wipe out my budget this week. I also haven't seen my Dad since December as he's been travelling in Thailand, so I need to go out for a family meal with him and my brother. And then it's Mothers Day - it's just one thing after the other! Therefore, the clothes have taken a backseat! And I'm not very good at looking and not buying.

I'm expecting this blog to evolve into a travelling blog over the next year rather than the fashion angle it seems to have taken lately. We've planned our route (sort of) and it involves Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Germany, Brussels and the Netherlands. Then hopefully we'll go onto Australia and New Zealand! I can't bloody wait, and we've got a whole year to do it in!

I'll try to blog more often but I'm feeling a bit uninspired lately. But I'll try my best.

In the meantime, here is a little treat that Jack bought me from New Look. I can't wait to wear them on Saturday night with my Vero Moda dress.

Ooh, and re Slimming World - I've managed to lose 10lbs so far! That's the weight I gained since being back in Cheltenham. Now I'm hoping to move into unknown territory...

Weight Loss Inspiration

I had my second weigh in today and was a little disappointed with the result as I've only lost 1.5lbs this week. It's a loss though and I can't expect every week to be 4.5! I did have 2 meals out last week (with wine) and a night out with the girls so that can't of helped. I'm attempting a booze free week this week so wish me luck!

I've also done something I didn't think I'd do (and enjoy) - joined the gym! I got the inspiration after reading about my favourite blogger, Selective Potential's, own fantastic weight loss after following Weight Watchers. She lost a total of 35lbs and looks amazing for it. I adore her sense of style and it came from the confidence she got from losing the weight. I'm not looking to lose quite that much but I am looking to expand my wardrobe and try to take more risks with my outfit choices, so I've found Tieka very inspiring. I might even start outfit posting once I think my wardrobe is worthy.

Talking of shopping, I've been lusting after Ruche for the last few days, but as I'm currently unemployed I can't justify making a purchase. Plus, as I'm in the UK, Ruche charges a wacking $25 for shipping... that's £16.30! So incredibly tempted though...

I stepped up the job hunt yesterday and sent out my CV to local agencies. I need to print a bunch off and go around the local bars/restaurants/shops too. I haven't been too motivated if I'm honest as we're due to go travelling soon so I just need to get a job to save money for a couple of months. Therefore, there aren't too many options and I know I'm going to be so bored. Just excuses really though! Ruche is motivating me however, as is the fact that I still want to be able to go out with my friends. CV's and follow up phonecalls is the plan tomorrow!

Hope you're all having a good week so far!

Make-Up Wishlist

I had a huge clearout of my make-up a while ago and have stuck to a few basics but I'm starting to feel like I want to treat myself to something new and try to build up my collection again.

Top of my wishlist includes...

Benefit Bella Bamba Blush - £23.50

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eye Pallette - £36.00

Soap & Glory Supercat - £6.00

Soap & Glory Lid Stuff - £10.00 

No 7 Blemish Stick - £8.00

Mac Strobe Cream - £12.00 (30 ml)

Any recommendations or personal favourites?

Hair Woes

I hate my hair! There, I said it. It's so boring and dull and it looks the same all the time. The problem is that I'm desperately trying to grow it out which means I can't do a whole lot with it. I visited the hairdressers recently as I was told that if you don't trim the ends it doesn't grow as quickly (not sure I understand the logic but I'm sure there is proof on the internet somewhere). I came out looking exactly the same which seemed like a huge waste of money and made me feel annoyed and a little depressed!

See... it always looks the same!

I've been considering getting my fringe cut in again, just so my hair looks different but I'm really not sure. The last time I had a fringe was in 2009 and I'm not sure if I like it enough to do it again...

If I were to do it again I'd get more of a block fringe as it looks too thin and wispy here (my nose looks HUGE in this picture). What do you think!?

The other option is just to give up and get it all cut off! But I really really want to look like this...

... but blonde!

I do however, love Kate from Ghostparties hair so if I were to go for a chop I'd be very tempted to get this  style, à la Alexa Chung.

In the meantime, in an attempt to inject some style into my hair I'm getting the Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers tomorrow from my brother (very late Xmas pressie). Can anyone recommend some good styling products too? I need help!

My First Weigh In

I had my first slimming world "weigh in" today amd I've lost 4.5 pounds in one week! (I cheated and weighed myself yesterday and it was 5 but as Wednesday is my official weigh in day I'll stick to the 4.5 lbs) I'm really chuffed and really pleased with the programme so far. I went out for Indian on Friday and it's Thai with the girls tonight! I'm really pleased that I can still have meals out as it's a big part of my social life, but I just have to be more aware of what I'm choosing. For example, I'd normally have a creamy curry like a tikka masala or makhani but I had a Chicken Dhansak which is only 6.5 syns when going for an Indian. And for tonight, I've already looked at the menu and chosen Chicken in Oyster Sauce with Jasmine Rice, and if we're having starters I'll have Mussels. This will keep me at 4.5 syns for my main, and as long as I don't have booze I will have had a guilt free evening out.  

Met the girls from my old work at lunch and had a catch up. We're going out Saturday night which I'll not count the Syns for as it will probably blow my weekly budget! I can't think of anything to wear so will have to raid the wardrobe as I don't have enough time to order something new.

It's my nephew Olly's 1st birthday on Saturday so I bought him this gorgeous fleece jacket. Olly was born with Congenital Heart Defects and he has to have his first operation tomorrow, which means he's going to be in hospital over his birthday. 

Also had a major breakout so panic bought Vichy Anti-Imperfection Concentrate which I'll try out tonight and review tomorrow. I also got this free Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel as part of an offer on at Boots at the moment.

Swiss O-Par Eyelash and Eybrow Kit

Being a natural blonde it also means that I have very light brows and eyelashes, so I regularly get them tinted and waxed at my local salon. However, this can get rather pricey so I don't go as often as I'd like. Therefore, they're often desperately in need of some maintenance. My sister and friend Rachel both dye their own brows so I decided to give it a go.

I purchased Swiss O-Par Eyelash and Eybrow Kit in Brown from Boots (£8.99). I regularly wax my own brows with Eylure Eyebrow Shapers so I did a quick tidy and set to work.  You need to make sure your brows are clean and free from Moisturisers and make-up before starting. I waxed mine straight out of the shower. I find the Eylure strips so easy to use as I hate tweezing and when I get them done at the salon I regularly break out in spots. They are ready shaped so are easy to apply and make it a quick and relatively painless experience.

I applied vaseline to the skin around my brows to prevent the dye from tinting my skin. The instructions provided with the kit are specifically for lash application and didn't state that this is how to dye brows also so I had to assume.

I started by dipping the cotton bud in the liquid and applying liberally to the brows. It says to do this 1-2 times and leave for 1 minute. You then apply the gel evenly to the comb and brush through the brow then wipe clean with a tissue/damp cotton pad. You then need to wash out any remaining gel with soap and water.

Before

After

 

To be honest it didn't really make much of difference so I'll have to experiment to make them darker as it doesn't actually tell you how to get a darker finish, i.e. do you leave the gel or the liquid on for longer, or do you apply more liquid!? Overall I'm thinking that I'd rather go to the salon but I will be trying this again when my budget won't quite stretch. I won't, however, be attempting my eyelashes. I think I'll leave that to the professionals!

Shop Focus: Vero Moda

I discovered Danish brand Vero Moda after ordering a few of their pieces on ASOS. I decided to browse their site and discovered a treasure trove of delights, and its even been given the golden seal by Alexa Chung who is the current face of the brand.

 Images c/o www.graziadaily.co.uk

The Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is laden with Peter Pan collars, Lace and Chiffon. Even though I was surprised to see Alexa as the face of the highstreet brand it seems to make a good pairing. With Alexa's well known style of mixing high street, designer and vintage, this collection takes inspiration from vintage 70s chic and seems to fit perfectly with Alexa's cutesy, girly side.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces.

 

 DD Contrast S/L Top - £14.01

Ramana 3/4 Top - £26.02 

Twiggy 2/4 Dress - £57.81 

Dorky Plain 3/4 Mini Dress - £24.75

UK Linny S/L Mini Dress - £28.88 

Columbine S/S Short Dress - £57.81

The names of the pieces make no sense and the URL is bizarre (they need some advice about SEO!) Aside from that, I will definitely be ordering a couple of these.

New Years Resolutions

Lose 1 stone 5 lbs
Go travelling
Grow out my hair and learn how to style it
Figure out what I want to do with my career
Decide where I want to "settle down"
Wear more nail varnish
See more of my Nan
Blog more often

Have you got any resolutions and have you managed to stick to them so far?

What I got for Christmas...

So it's a bit late but I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite Christmas pressies!

 Slipper Booties!

  

Nails Inc haul

 Kirstie Allsopp Sewing Kit

 Contents of the sewing kit (plus extras from Mum):

  

Gucci Flora

I didn't really ask for anything this year so was really chuffed with my gifts. I'm still to get my present from my brother but I'm getting some heated rollers so I can experiment with my hair now that I'm growing it out.

My favourite present has to be the Nails Inc collection from Jack. I've still to try most of them out as I've been giving my nails a bit of breathing time so they can return to their normal colour and not look like I smoke 30 a day. I promise to do some swatches as soon as I can!