Congratulations Prince Will & Kate!

Happy Wedding Day!

How beautiful is she?!



How are you spending todays celebrations? I hope you all have a lovely day! Blog post on my days antics coming soon!

xx

Summer Fashion!

Evening Lovelies! In celebration of this glorious weather Britain has been experiencing lately, and the beautiful thing that is 4 bank holidays within 2 weeks, I've put together some outfits for different summery situations! I created these on Polyvore.com.

Shopping / Lazing in the park

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BBQ / Garden party

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Day at the beach

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Festival

 

I hope you like them! If you make any outfits on polyvore, be sure to post the links below!

Thanks for reading! xx

HOW TO: Grow and Maintain Long, Healthy Hair

Let's face it, a huge amount of us, me included, would most likely give quite a lot to have hair like the gorgeous LC and all the other luscious-locked celebs that grace our TV screens and magazines on a regular basis. Most of us probably feel like we'll never achieve it though, don't we?

Image courtesy of http://www.weheartit.com/

Well, I can't promise you the steps below will leave you looking like this, but I can tell you that I have noticed a considerable improvement in the condition of my hair since following these processes so they may make you one step closer to that Conrad-esque hair you've so long desired.

1. Restrict heat use! Try to limit the amount you blow-dry, straighten and use curling tongs on your hair. I know this is a tough one, especially if you're used to that perfectly preened and put together look but it is a vital step if you want your hair to grow and be healthy. Try to restrict heat styling to nights out and special occasions only.
2. Heat protectors! When you do use heat it is absolutely vital to use a heat protector or your hair will split higher and higher up the hair shaft and get shorter and shorter - not what you want when on the long hair pursuit! The one I use and would recommend is John Frieda's Frizz Ease Serum with Heat Protection (the orange one). It's only about £5.89 and is available in drugstores and supermarkets. I apply this on my damp hair before blow-drying and then again on the dry hair before straightening/curling and it keeps my hair glossy and healthy looking.
3. Natural Shampoos/Conditioners. Read my review on Naked Shampoos and Conditioners here for info on this step!
4. Hair masks. Treat your barnet to a hair mask once a week. There are loads of these out there from drugstore to high end depending on your budget. I've found some really effective ones in the past from the likes of L'Oreal and Herbal Essences so it's not necessarily vital to spend an arm and a leg on one! Some alternatives that you might find in your kitchen cupboard are olive oil and mayonnaise (if you can bare the stink!)
5. Take your vitamins! Vitamin D and Biotin are said to be great for maintaining healthy hair and skin. I got my tablets from Holland and Barrett and take them daily. I have definitely noticed a reduction in shedding since taking these.
6. A healthy diet. This one goes without saying really. If you want any part of your body to be healthy you can't eat rubbish. This means lots of fresh fruit and veg, oily fish, wholegrains etc...and LOADS of water! 2 and a half litres daily if you can!

I hope these tips help you out if your on Operation Healthy Hair like me! Have you got any tips that might help me out in my mission?
Thanks for reading chicas! xx

Top 5 Nail Polishes!

Afternoon girlies! I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine! As you know, if you've been following me for a while, I have a rather unhealthy obsession with nail polish. When applied, I instantly feel more polished and put-together and tend to feel self-conscious about my hands without it.
So without further ado, here are my top 5 picks in no particular order:

1. O.P.I's You Don't Know Jacques - a browny, grey, taupe colour. Very sophisticated and grown up! I especially love this in the colder months.

2. Essie's Lilacism - A lovely soft lilac / lavender colour. Love wearing this in the summer but it does need at least 3 coats for a completely opaque finish.

3. Barry M's Mint Green - gorgeous light baby green colour. Also perfect in the summer! Has been said to be a good dupe for a Chanel polish (think it's called Jade Green). Great consistency aswell.

4. Revlon's Get Reddy - the perfect red in my opinion! A mid to deep red shade with subtle shimmer. See my NOTD post on this polish here.

5. Revlon's Tropical Temptation - gorgeous coral. Again, perfect in the summer and looks lovely with a tan! NOTD post here.








Hope you enjoyed that! What are some of your faves? xx

25 Random Questions

Evening lovelies!!
I don't know if any of you will actually be interested in this but here you go anyway!

1. Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have a 7 year old Labrador/Retriever called Reggie. This is him taking a snooze on Christmas Day a couple of years ago!

2. Name 3 things that are physically close to you.

My TV Remote, my phone (iPhone 3GS if you're interested) and Pink Bubblegum Lip Smacker

3. What's the weather like right now?

Warm and lovely =)

4. Do you drive? If so have you crashed?
Yes I do drive. No I've never crashed.

5. What time did you wake up this morning?
About half 7am (very unwillingly)

6. When was the last time you showered?

This morning.

7. What was the last movie you saw?

Not sure but the last memorable one was The Next Three Days - amazing!!

8. What does your last text message say?
None of your business nosey!!

9. What's your ringtone?
Just a generic iPhone one, nothing very exciting!

10. Have you ever been to a different country?

Yes.

11. Do you like sushi?

Yummy, love it!!

12. Where do you buy your groceries?

Tesco or Sainsbury's

13. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?

Nope.

14. How many siblings do you have?

Older brother and older sister.

15. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?

Laptop.

16. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?

21.

17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?

Neither.

18. Do you color your hair?

Yep. Blonde at the mo!

19. Tell me something you are planning to do today.

See some friendies =)

20. When was the last time you cried?

Last night at Eastenders haha!

21. What is your perfect pizza topping?

Loads of veggies and ham! (Don't know if it's got a special name!)

22. Which do you prefer-hamburgers or cheeseburgers?

Cheeseburgers!

23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?

Probably, can't remember specifically!

24. What is your eye color?

Brown.

25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke.

I don't often drink either so probably not!

If you do a post on this be sure to link it in the comments so I can check it out!

Have a lovely evening! Thanks for reading! xx

All images (except Reggie which I took!) courtesy of http://www.weheartit.com

Boredom Busters!

I'm home from Uni at the moment for Easter and because most of my friends are at work all day during the week I've found myself with a great deal of spare time on my hands! Resulting in boredom! Here's a list of things I've been doing to pass the time!


Reading (Wives v Girlfriends by Katie Agnew at the moment - would definitely recommend!)



Painting My Nails



Blogging!

 

Running



Sorting out my wardrobe / closet (I wish mine looked like this!!)

What do you do to pass the time when the boredom demon creeps into your life?!
Thanks for reading. Have a lovely day! xx

All images courtesy of http://www.weheartit.com/

Spring / Summer 2011 Fashion Wishlist!

A few pieces I've got my eye on this season! 

Black Hareem Jumpsuit £19.99 River Island



Blue Stripe Espadrilles £9.99 River Island



Buttermilk Cut Out Back Shirt £38 Topshop





HESTA Pink Tie Up Espadrille Sole Sandals £24 Topshop

What items are on your wishlist this Spring?

All images courtesy of http://www.riverisland.com and http://www.topshop.com. No affiliation with any company mentioned.

Make-Up Starter Kit (Drugstore)

Afternoon petals!

Here are a few items I have tried and would recommend if you are just starting out with make-up or just want to expand your collection further! All are available at the drugstore but I will also do a MAC starter kit post as I know there are many MAC junkies out there aswell! These are just the basics that I consider essential:

Foundation

 

Revlon Colourstay Foundation is my absolute fave and 'holy-grail' drugstore foundation. It stays on all day and gives flawless coverage. I have had so many complements on my skin in the past when wearing this! It comes in 9 shades and two formulations: Normal/Dry Skin and Combination/Oily Skin which I think is great.

RRP: Between £11 and £13

Concealer

L'Oréal Paris True Match Touche Magique Concealer is perfect for dark circles and discolouration around the nose area or anywhere else you may have it! It never fails to brighten up my eye area and if I am in a rush and skip this step I always feel self-conscious.

RRP: Around £7-£8

Powder

L'Oréal Paris True Match Powder is my drugstore powder of choice and I think it works really nicely with the two products mentioned above. I am careful not to apply too much as it can sometimes feel a little cakey but I think that's just a preference thing.

RRP: Around £8

Mascara

I have been in love with Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara for a couple of years now and I haven't really used a different one since! It perfectly thickens, volumises, lengthens and defines without being clumpy or sticky - everything you could want from a mascara I'd say!

RRP: £10-£11

Eyeshadows

I'm sure you've seen the Sleek palettes floating around the YouTube and blogging world for a while now and that's for a good reason! I think the Storm palette is perfect for everyday use as it has a lovely mix of neutral colours. Great colour pay-off, long lasting and great value!

RRP: Around £6.50

Pencil Eyeliner

If you are still learning it may be easier for you to stick with pencil liner as it's a little easier to control and apply. I have been using Rimmel eyeliner since I was about 14 and it's never failed me! You could purchase black or brown depending on your colouring and preference.

Lipstick and/or gloss

Depending on your age, you may want to skip the the lipstick and just go for the gloss. However, if you do feel ready for lipstick there are so many lovely ones out there in the drugstores. I especially love the Revlon Super Lustrous and all Rimmel ones! As for gloss the Revlon Super Lustrous glosses are lovely and come in a wide variety of shades. Peach Petal and Coral Reef are my faves!

RRP: Around £7

I hope this gave you a bit of an insight into what products I enjoy and what I think may work for new make-up lovers! Remember, everyone has different preferences and different things work for different people - these products are just what I personally enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely day!

All images from http://www.boots.com and http://www.superdrug.com. No affiliation with any products or companies mentioned!

Getting In Shape and My Weight History

Put your hands up if you've ever felt the need to go on a diet or start a fitness regime? I bet it's most of us, isn't it?! Me too! Since I was really young, (I'm talking 8 or 9) I've worried about my weight and tried to do something about it. Now, at the age of 20, I appreciate that that was waaayyy too young to be worrying about my weight and wish I'd just concentrated on enjoying my childhood! Here's a brief outline of my general weight/size through the years:

Early childhood: I always remember being a fat child. I'm not saying I was huge at all but I remember looking in the mirror and feeling massive compared to my friends. This wasn't helped by the fact I was much taller than them at the time as well. My parents would always tell me it was puppy fat and would come off soon. They were right - this 'fat stage' lasted til I was about 13.

Early teens: So the puppy fat came off but, as far as I can remember, it wasn't because of any specific exercise or eating plan. I wasn't a skinny twig now - I had curves but I was happy with my weight and was a healthy size 8. I stayed this way until I started Uni at 19. I remember throughout my teens, pretty much eating whatever I liked and staying the same size. I went through periods of going to the gym 4 times a week and periods of not going at all and I always seemed to stay the same size.

19/20: When I started Uni, it was the same story as loads of other students! Drinking a lot more than before, eating fast food at early hours of the morning, not having anyone to cook for me. I was told repetitively before I started that loads of people put on weight when they go to Uni but because of my previous eating habits, I didn't believe it would happen to me. I was wrong! I put on about a stone (14lbs) in a year which made me very unhappy.

I've been really trying to get back in shape for the month or so and so far have lost about 4 lbs. Here's what I've been doing. (Remember, I am in no way a professional in this field but have done a lot of research. This is just what seems to be working for me but everyone is different and needs to find what will personally work for them).

Diet

• I have cut out all junk food completely. So that means absolutely none of the following foods: fast food, chips, crisps, cakes, cookies, biscuits, fry ups (my favourite - sob sob!), etc. And I mean none. This one is obvious really.
• I've also cut my calorie intake and I use an app on my iPhone to record this. Counting calories is not for everyone but seems to be working for me. It can get very annoying at times though!
• Drinking LOADS of water.
• Not snacking but eating three small but balanced meals a day.
• Giving up dairy. If you have read the book Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin you'll know why! I drink Rice Dream instead of milk now and don't eat cheese or butter.

Fitness

• I've started running. This has been a struggle because I've never run before and it had been about a year since I had done any exercise. But I do try to run for at least 20-30 minutes about 4 times a week. I get up and do it really early so no one sees me haha!
• Windsor Pilates. Amazing. Order the DVD now!

I hope this maybe gave you a few tips if you've been feeling unhappy with your weight recently. Remember, we're all different and some of us were not born to be skinny minnies!

xx

Images courtesy of http://www.weheartit.com/ 

Fishy Feet!

Having seen a feature on this new beauty craze on This Morning (morning chat show in the UK) a few months ago, I had been intrigued for a while! The idea is that you put your feet in a tank of water filled with special fish, imported from Turkey, that nibble away your dry skin! Strange concept, but in a weird way it kind of sounds like it would work doesn't it!


Image courtesy of: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,387302,00.html



Here's what an expert has to say:

"The 'natural pedicure' gets rid of hard or flaky skin on the feet; effectively assists with treating psoriasis and eczema; improves blood circulation in the feet and also relaxes the body to reduce fatigue."

Bradley Carter, managing director of Dr Spa Fish. (http://www.themarlowes.co.uk/shops/dr-spafish.aspx)

Well, on Saturday my intrigue got the better of me and my friend and I headed of to our nearest Dr Spa Fish salon to give it a whirl!

But I have to say, unfortunately, the only thing we were impressed with was the price - just as we got to the salon a girl started handing out half price vouchers for the treatment so instead of the usual £10 for 15 minutes (which we both agreed was a good price anyway) it only cost us £5 each.

Firstly, neither of us could stand the feeling! It was tickly and uncomfortable and although it didn't hurt, at times you could really feel the little fish nibbling away! By the end of our time we were both very relieved to remove our feet from the tank!

Not only that but the results were...well...rubbish!! Neither of us could see a considerable difference afterwards and agreed that, if anything, our dry skin was now more obvious! It was as if the fish had loosened the skin but not removed it. Not to mention the fact that our feet now felt uneven because the fish had unevenly bitten away at our skin!

I must also say that the 'salon' had none of the usual clean, white, tranquil look and feel of most other beauty shops but it's decor was more 'kids-playground' - a very garish orange and blue!

So all round, not a very pleasant experience and definitely not what I would usually associate with beauty treatments and relaxation!

What do you think? Have you had it done? Would you give it a go?

Thanks for reading!! xx



NOTD: Winter Sunshine

Don't get me wrong, I do love the deeper, darker nail shades that come with the winter months but today, as I glanced out of my window and saw the sun peeping through the clouds (for the first time in what felt like an eternity!), I felt it appropriate for some bright talon loving!

So I caressed my nails with Revlon's Tropical Temptation - a gorgeous bright coral colour, bound to add a bit of sunshine to anyone's day!

Thanks for reading!
Abi xx

 K22VUB9KJ6TJ

Calling All Wonder Women (and MAC lovers)!

If, like me, you eagerly await the glorious arrival of the new MAC goodies every month then here's a post just for you! A sneek peak at March's new collection - and it's not one for the faint-hearted!

Here's what MAC have to say about it:

Banish any thought of being a Plain Jane: M∙A∙C and Wonder Woman have joined forces! For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line up of super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks and oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner, Nail Lacquer and Lash inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe. Dashing and dazzling, the iconic super heroine reminds us that inside every woman is a Mighty Aphrodite full of courage, confidence and charisma. Kaboom! Mission Accomplished!

Wonder Woman has always known the importance of astounding accessories. For her collaboration with M∙A∙C, we’ve infused her sense and fantasy and wonder into a vivid collection of awe-inspiring accessories as fierce and feminine as the heroine herself. Bright, bold, superhuman designs in Makeup Bags – from radiant Red to Bulletproof Blue, Utility Belt Brush Sets, and exclusively online, the WW T-Shirt and Invincible Mirror. Shazam!

Look at some of the delights we have to look forward to!

I'm particularly looking forward to the reappearance of Marquise d' lipstick (which appeared in the Blonde, Brunette, Redhead collection a couple of years ago) and the ever addictive MSFs which I'm sure will be as mesmerizing as ever!

I'm not a fan of the packaging however. A bit on the cheap and tacky side, it reminds me of something I would have got free in a happy meal back in the day! What do you think?

Thanks for reading!
Abi xx

All images and official info courtesy of http://www.temptalia.com

NOTD: The Perfect Red?

After searching high and low for that perfect red polish I think I may have finally found it, and the best part is, it was located in none other than the pound shop!! It's by Revlon and the shade is Get Reddy but I have a feeling that it may have been discontinued or be from an old collection for me to get my hands on it at such a minimal fee! It's a beautiful rich red colour with just a hint of shimmer and, as I have been known to sport a sunglasses-worthy colour or two in my time, I feel all grown up when I wear this =).

As far as application goes, I have always been impressed by the Revlon polishes and this particular one is no different. You could happily get away with just one coat, but I like to always add another for good measure.

The Lorraine-esque glitter nail is NYC Long-Wearing Nail Enamel in 101A White Lights Glitter over the top of Get Reddy. Hope you like =).

Thanks for reading.
Abi xx

Best Dressed: January 2011

It may not be the end of January yet but as a self-confessed fashion and celeb magazine junkie I've been avidly trawling the pages of Grazia, Look, Heat etc to see what latest ensembles the celebs are currently sporting and was so inspired, I just had to make this post now!

So here's my take on the best dressed ladies of the new year!

Lauren Conrad

Image courtesy of http://www.celebstyleguide.com/

In my opinion, no Best Dressed list would be complete without the presence of the gorgeous LC. To me she always looks effortlessly chic and stylish. This gorgeous beige dress is simple but compliments her figure perfectly by nipping her in at her smallest part. The colour looks fabulous with her skin tone too! And I want those shoes!

Victoria Beckham



Image courtesy of http://www.instyle.co.uk/

This lady seriously knows how to put an outfit together doesn't she?! She manages to find the perfect balance between trendy and timelessly stylish everytime and always dresses appropriately for her figure and age. Again, gimme those shoes!

Frankie Sandford - The Saturdays

Image courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Sorry it's not a great picture but I am in love with Frankie's cardigan! The ring's is right up my street aswell and the bag's lovely too.



The Kardashian Sisters



Image courtesy of http://www.on-line-free.com/



This gorgeous trio always look stunning. I am EXTREMELY envious of their beautiful flowing locks and perfect figures and every outfit I've ever seen them in has looked great whether they're lounging around their multi million dollar pad on Keeping Up With The Kardashians or attending a showbiz event! Loving Khloe's new do aswell!

Thank you for reading!

Who do you think are this month's best dressed?

Abi xx

'Naked' Shampoos and Conditioners

We all know that having bleached blonde hair can be a pain in the bum at times. However, having dabbled in different shades of brunette, red and even purple (didn't last long!) I just can't seem to wave goodbye to the bright blonde hue I hold so dear to my heart. As we're all aware though, this can pose some problems with regards to hair health and length.

I've always longed for flowing, waist length hair but with my poor barnet suffering from years of dying damage, this hasn't been the easiest of ventures! However, whilst searching for tips on how to grow long hair on Youtube, aside from all the usual suggestions such as no heat appliances, healthy eating, drinking lots of water, something I had not considered before was using all natural shampoos and conditioners. The videos I watched taught me that the sulphates and parabens you will find in near enough every other shampoo and conditioner out there are really damaging to your locks. So I set sail on my all natural mission....

And, whilst probing the shelves of Boots I discovered Naked Shampoos and Conditioners. 97% Natural and completely free of sulphates and parabens. Priced at £3.99 I thought why not give it a whirl? So I picked up the Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner and was very impressed indeed! My hair genuinely felt healthier from the first wash and even more so after a few washes.

Now several months on I use the Colour Protecting shampoo and conditioner and I'm even more impressed. My hair hasn't felt so healthy in a long time and I truely believe I'm well on my way to those flowing locks I have for so long desired!

Naked products can be purchased online at http://www.nakedbodycare.co.uk/ or at Boots. They don't test on animals either!

PS I'm not being sponsored or endorsed or anything for this blog post, I genuinely just really love these products!