Sticky Fingers by Models Own

I had a little schmooze in Boots the other day, as I had to pick up a couple of essentials (isn't that always the way it starts?)

We're staying at my parents for a few weeks, while we have some work done to our house and over the weekend, I realised that I really didn't bring enough nail varnishes with me. As summer is well and truly on its way, I decided that a few new summer shades were an essential buy. And yes, I could pick some up from the house and bring them to my parents...but it's a good excuse to buy some new bottles, and the collection could always do with a refresh.

I was going to opt for a couple of Essie shades, but then the Models Own stand caught my eye. A stunning neon pinky/red immediately found its way into my basket, followed by an adorable little box containing a beautiful pastel pistachio shade called Pastel Petals Green and a roll of floral stickers. Behold Models Own Sticky Fingers collection. A collection of must-have shades, which come with a roll of stickers, which complement the colour.

We are running a floral design competition at work at the moment and my thoughts during the working week are consumed with all things floral related, so this choice was right up my street.

The colour is so me - in fact, it's the colour I want to paint my new kitchen, so you could say this purchase was all in the name of research! I applied 2 coats of the colour and then waited till they were touch dry before carefully peeling off the floral stickers and gently placing them on my nails. I then applied a layer of top coat and left them to dry.

The effect was really pretty. I think I should have waited a bit longer before I stuck the pictures on my nails, as the corners peeled up a little bit, because I couldn't press them on hard, so when I give it another go, I'll make sure I am more patient and wait a little while longer. Overall though, it is a really sweet idea and a quick (and lazy) way to customise your nails.

Have you tried the Models Own Sticky Fingers? What do you think of the range? Enjoy x

Mini French Beauty Haul

 

 When Darren told me a few weeks ago that he would be going to Paris for work for three days, my first thought (after "can I go too?!") was Oooh...French pharmacies!!

 

Any beauty blogger or beauty lover worth their salt are well aware that the French hold a veritable Aladdin's cave of products and brands when it comes to beauty, and their pharmacies are truly the cave of wonders!

 

Stocking brands which we mere Brits can only find in very upscale or Central London pharmacies, or online, both with a very high price tag, the French truly know what they are doing when it comes to the beauty and skincare market, and I was very excited when Darren told me he would be heading there...so...obviously a list was drawn out!

 

Now my list contained about 6 things, which can be found in pharmacies and 5 things, which can be found in Sephora (seriously people, we need to petition to get Sephora reinstated in London!) Darren was very good and went to 3...yes...3 pharmacies for me, to try and find my bits. The boy didn't do too badly. They were out of stock of a couple of the Bioderma bits, so I ended up with 3 pharmacy treasures - the Caudalie Beauty Elixr (L'Wren Scott limited edition bottle), the Caudalie Micellar water and a tube of Homeoplasmine.

 

The two Caudalie products are divine! I fancied a change from my normal micellar water of choice, Bioderma, so I thought I'd give the Caudalie version a go! It's lovely. Does what Bioderma does and smells gorgeous. It's soothing and removed my make-up easily and effortlessly and the grape extract made it super hydrating.

The Elixr is a "beauty mist." The bottle is gorgeous (besides the point I know) It's plant based and soothes, hydrates and tightens the pores - miracle in a bottle. It sprays lightly onto the face and you feel instantly...well, I guess the word is "Ahhhhhhh." It has a lovely herby scent and makes an excellent refresher at any point in the day. I also spray it on before I moisturise in the morning and evening and it's just gorgeous really.

 

There has been a lot of hype about Homeoplasmine. A multi purpose balm or pomade, which has become a cult beauty favourite. It's talked about A LOT and I was keen to give it a go. It's been hailed as the "ultimate balm" and is a must-have for models, make-up artists, nail technicians...you name it. It's basically one of the items, like Vaseline, which helps soothe irritated skin, dry skin, sunburn, chapped lips, chapped skin...everything. It is also an excellent lip balm and a teeny dab on the old cheekbones makes them pop! Another score! 

 

Next was Sephora. Sadly, they didn't have the Hourglass products I wanted, but Darren did manage to get his hands on a couple of the Cream Lip Stains and an eyebrow pencil complete with spoolie (don't you love that word?!) The Cream Lip Stains have had a bit of hype, so I wanted to give them a go. I opted for a nude shade and a deep berry shade - perfect for day and night. They apply easily and smoothly, like a lip gloss, but they have SO much pigment! Seriously, these are as pigmented as a lipstick but have the creamy consistency of a lip balm. The staying power is brilliant, however, as with most stains, they are slightly drying, but I popped on a dab of Homeoplasmine and, perfection! Love, love, love them!

Not much to say about the eyebrow pencil, except it is the perfect shade for my almost black eyebrows and glides on and blends out nicely. Job done!

So there you have it. Not a bad mini haul really. The boy did good but I am already planning the next haul.

Have you tried out any of these products? What are your French Pharmacy must-haves? Enjoy x

The Primark Must-Have Shoe

I had a little blitz around Primark the other day, as I needed a few essentials...socks, tights, knickers, cotton pads etc, and as I was there, I thought it would be a crime not to have a quick look at the clothes and shoes!

After snatching up a slogan tee, a couple of cami's and a pair of tapered, silky khaki trousers, I stumbled into the shoe section. My local Primark has had a bit of a makeover, and looking through the shoes is so much easier now. I am really into the whole cut-out look with shoes and boots at the moment. I think they work so well for winter, summer and in between seasons. I've picked up a couple of pairs from River Island recently, but I really wanted a more light weight pair for the summer.

And then I spotted them. A little block heel, strappy and cut-out effect. Not just one pair...but three...black, white and tan. It was love at first sight and it was also inevitable that they would all end up in my basket. Well, at £14 a pair, it would have been rude to leave a pair! (forgive the exclusion of the white pair in the photos).

I absolutely love them and predict that these will be my go to shoes this spring and summer.

What do you think of these shoes? Will you be rocking the cut-out look this season? Enjoy x

Cambridge Satchel Company

I have always been a fan of niche brand The Cambridge Satchel Company, ever since their launch a few years ago.

The humble satchel has become a fashionista's bag of choice. Chic, fun, stylish and understated. Designer labels such as Mulberry have created their own interpretation of the satchel, but brand The Cambridge Satchel Company have dominated the style all on their own.

Needless to say, I have wanted one for a while. I have never taken the plunge and bought one, but have sat and drooled over images online and in store many times. I was never sure whether to opt for a simple brown leather version, timeless and classic, or a block bright colour, or a fun print. The company have created new colours and prints each season, and the choice is amazing.

On the August Bank Holiday, myself, Darren, Elijah and a few good friends decided to take a day trip to Cambridge. While walking around the shops, we stumbled (obvs) onto a Cambridge Satchel Company boutique. Naturally, all the girls stopped and started pointing out the various colours and styles and choosing which one we would go for. Sadly, at £130 a pop, we walked away empty handed, but the thought of them lingered.

I was extremely touched when, 6 weeks later, I was presented with a gift from said very good friends at my birthday party (how babyish do I sound?!) I opened the wrapping paper and was faced with a dustbag. I flipped the dustbag over and there were the words "The Cambridge Satchel Company." Needless to say, I squealed with excitement, whipped open the bag and pulled out a stunning sunshine yellow satchel.

I LOVE it!

A beautiful, buttercup, sunshine yellow. The perfect colour to cheer you up on a grey winter's day and to compliment the sun on a hot summer's day. The satchel is sturdy and stylish and will be perfect for slinging over my shoulder and carrying around all day.

What wonderful friends I have with wonderful taste!

What do you think of the Cambridge Satchel Company? Have you got one of their renowned satchels? Enjoy x

Here is the satchel in three different light's, just so you get an idea of the colour in natural and artificial light.

with flash

without flash

in daylight

Birthday Bonanza Weekend!

Sorry I have been absent for a few days, but it's been my birthday! Yep I've turned a number that freaks me out to say out loud, but I'm sure I'll get used to it soon enough.

I have spent 3 days celebrating with friends, family and my hubby and baby and have had the best time. So, I thought I would do a little photo heavy blog of what I have spent the last three days doing...as well as a little peek at my amazing birthday presents.

My birthday originally started last weekend when I went to Bloomsbury Lanes with friends for bowling, pizza and karaoke, but I sadly have no photos!! I blame the shots of sambuca thrust upon me!!

So on Friday I dropped Elijah off at my in-laws and hopped on the tube to meet Darren. We booked a room at the Tower Grange Hotel in Tower Hill, a fabulous 5 star hotel in the city. They upgraded us to a mini suite on the 12th floor, so we had stunning views of the city. The hotel also kindly surprised me with a birthday cake and "happy birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. I decided I wanted to stay in the room, get room service and drink a lot of champagne as opposed to going out for dinner. Literally perfect. I had a bath with Ren goodies, drank too much champers, had an amazing burger and watched Family Guy.

After a yummy breakfast, we left the hotel and walked to Borough Market, passing Tower Bridge and the Tower of London on the way. We walked along the Thames and got to the market as it was heaving. We spent about an hour checking out all the amazing food stalls, sampling way too much cheese and other yummy morsels, drinking fresh wheatgrass juice and buying huge chewy bread sticks with olives and cheese. Drool!!

We then left the market and headed into the West End, where we popped into some shops (MAC) mooched around Carnaby Street and the Liberty beauty hall, before making our way to the Sanderson Hotel, where we had booked the Mad Hatter's Tea. O...M...G, what an amazing experience. Tea was held in the gorgeous courtyard and we were led to our table by a rather fabulous waiter in a tux. When we sat down, we were presented with the menu, which was hidden in a vintage children's book, and the sugar caddy, which was a music box with a dancing ballerina inside. Such a whimsical touch.

We were then offered "smell me" bottles, which contained different tea flavours - strawberries and cream, rhubarb and custard, mint choc chip and apple pie! I opted for apple pie and Darren got mint choc chip. The tea came in stunning tea pots, decorated with the King and Queen of Hearts with matching tea cups and saucers. Then came the food. WOW! a four tiered cake stand starting from the top: a black and white tea cup filled with pea shoots and meraigne carrots, next, a selection of "magic" strawberries and cream mushrooms, then a beautiful mini Victoria sponge cake, a dark chocolate tea cup filled with white chocolate and green tea mousse and popping candy and a rainbow coloured white chocolate case filled with a passion fruit cheesecake and a melting mango "yolk" hidden inside. The final tier held sweet and savoury scones - a raisin and orange zest scone and a goats cheese and spinach scone - a quiche, "drink me" potion and a selection of yummy sandwiches.

The final course came from the jelly service - a gorgeous silver trolley adorned with a selection of delicious jellies, which you helped yourself to. At the end of the meal, we were stuffed! I was then surprised with ANOTHER birthday cake, and a chorus of happy birthday. Awww...such a sweet touch.

I honestly can't recommend the Mad Hatter's Tea highly enough. For a special treat, it's just amazing. The atmosphere, the surroundings, the food. You really do spend a couple of hours down the rabbit hole.

Finally we headed to Covent Garden to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. What a fab production! We had second row seats in the stalls, and as a huge fan of the book and original movie, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was great. Hilarious original songs, amazing sets, a brilliant Willy Wonka and Oompa Lumpas and a great cast. It was such a fun production, you should definitely book yourself a ticket!

After the show, we headed to Five Guys to grab a quick burger before heading home.

Phew! Onto Sunday!

We picked up Elijah and went to my parents house, who had decorated the house with birthday banners and balloons. We had a huge family (I have quite a big immediate family) tea with birthday cake, pink champagne, babies, presents, scones and sandwiches and more. Followed by a chilled night on the couch watching Django Unchained.

Onto my actual birthday, which was Monday. After being awoken by Elijah bright and early, I opened presents from my parents and then Darren and Elijah. After receiving my first ever "happy birthday mummy" card, Darren presented me with Elijah's present, a gorgeous rose gold heart keyring from Mulberry...what a good boy! And my wonderful hubby got me a one of a kind (he had it made) rose gold bracelet with 5 square cut diamonds. It is just stunning. I don't wear bracelets, so I really wanted a special one, and I am never taking this off. It means so much to me.

After breakfast we loaded the car and went to Oxford for the day. I haven't been before and it was such a fun day out. We parked the car and just walked around the whole city, stopping at some shops and Jamie's Italian for a spot of lunch. We walked around the colleges and the gardens as well as the castle and other sights of the city. It's only an hour away for us and it was such a great day trip and was amazing spending the whole day with my boys.

When we got home, we put the little one to bed and ended my birthday weekend with a chinese takeaway and Glee!

Wow! I can't get over what a fabulous birthday I had. I was given the most wonderful gifts and was spoiled rotten by everyone. I ate waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much and Weight Watchers well and truly went out the window for 3 days, but it was so worth it.

Sorry about the longest blog post in the world, but I wanted to share my special day with you! I hope you enjoyed x

Essie After School Boy Blazer

I am a nail varnish addict. There should be a support group somewhere for people like me! I'm often asked why I don't get gels and the simple answer is because I love to change my nail colour way too often to bother with a manicure that makes the colour last for weeks!

When Essie brought out their range in Boots last year, I was so excited. Essie is normally quite pricey, but the drugstore range is much cheaper - £7.99 for a really good polish is a bargain to me! Plus, their brushes are, in my opinion, better than the regular Essie brushes. Shorter, thicker and easier to apply.

I wanted to check out the new AW13 range of colours and the one which really caught my eye, and several other bloggers, is After School Boy Blazer...the most perfect dark navy blue you ever did see!

The colour is amazing. A dark inky black in some lights and a rich navy blue in others. It's dramatic and stylish, the perfect colour for adorning your nails for the new season.

I applied it on the weekend and it's staying power is fab and I've had loads of compliments on the colour. I think this will become a bit of a cult shade so make sure you grab a bottle.

What do you think of After School Boy Blazer? Enjoy x