Monday 29 December 2014

2014 Favourites Part 1 : The Beauty Bits

Hello again! Hope you've all had a lovely Christmas with family and friends.  It's time to make a cuppa, grab some of your Christmas chocolate and get comfy because it's time for my favourite beauty products of 2014...and it's a lengthy one!

Monday 22 December 2014

Festive Fashion

Normally for me Christmas Eve is spent in the local pub, but this year I'll be spending it at home as family friends will be away from Edinburgh for Christmas.  Instead I'll be building a gingerbread house and making the mince tarts I posted last week so I'll need to be wearing something comfy and cosy.

Knit Leggings - New Look
Penguin Jumper - Topshop
Knitted Socks - Christmas present


Christmas day will be a slightly formal affair for me and my family.  Normally it's just me with my parents but this year my brother and sister in law will be joining us.  In the past few years I've pretty much worn leggings and a t-shirt so this year I'm going to be a bit more fancy...and you can't be fancy without bubbles!

Jumper - Zara
Belt - Primark
Skirt - Forever 21
Shoes - Topshop


On Boxing Day I always go to visit family in Glasgow and we have a big party of about 20 of us so I like to be a bit more dressed up.  This year I'm going super glam with sequins and a fur jumper...and again there's bubbles! It is Christmas time after all...

Jumper - H&M
Leggings - H&M
Shoes - Marks and Spencer

Friday 12 December 2014

Brand Focus : Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is one of the first designer brands I fell in love with when I started getting into fashion.  I adore the couture feel of the collections but pieces can still be worn in everyday outfits without seeming 'over the top'.  His catwalk shows were absolutely breathtaking and when I heard of his death in 2010 I was completely heartbroken.

Thursday 27 November 2014

Party Picks

Ahhh Christmas time...the twinkling lights, the smells, the atmosphere, and most importantly the parties!  I'm never one to pass up a good party opportunity so I've picked out my favourite party outfits from the high street...get your lust on ladies!

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Life Update

It's got to that time again when I have to apologise for being a terrible blogger :(

Unfortunately, being a third year student midwife doesn't seem to mesh well with being a blogger.  My life for the past month or so has revolved around reading research papers and books, being on exhausting 12 hour shifts, writing multiple essays, sleeping, being at my part time job and trying to maintain my sanity.

That will all change soon enough though as my essay is due on the 9th December...it literally cannot come quick enough haha!  So anyways, I just thought I should let you all know that I will be back as soon as this essay is done.

Monday 13 October 2014

Art of Style | An evening with Paul Mitchell + product review!

Last week I was invited to attend an event by Paul Mitchell in Glasgow.  So on Wednesday I toddled off on a train through to Glasgow to see what it was all about.

For me, the main part of the evening was getting to have a play with the range from New CID Cosmetics and meet some lovely Scottish bloggers :) There was also some lovely ladies styling everyones hair with ideas for the festive period.

Hopefully I'll be able to review some of the CID products for you all in the next few weeks but for now it's an item I received in my goody bag.

Thursday 9 October 2014

AURA Jewellery | New Collection Preview and Website Launch


I've always been a big fan of statement jewellery so the new collection from AURA London is right up my street!

Wednesday 8 October 2014

October Home Picks...

I'm going through a bit of a phase where I want to change up my bedroom a bit without completely redecorating.  These are the items I'm coveting most to get me out of this funk...

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Reasons to Love October

October is definitely my favourite month of the year.

Photograph by Simon Williams - found on google

Those colours are just beautiful!

Tuesday 9 September 2014

The 90's Lip

Like most young females I have been spending the last few months trawling the shops for my perfect 90's lip a la Kylie Jenner...damn I have a major girl crush on her ha!

But today I can finally announce that I found my perfect lip combo in....

Thursday 4 September 2014

Back to Uni : The Basics

This month I am starting my final year in my second course at University. And I am terrified.

So what better way to initiate all you young kids into the fun yet terrifying world of university by giving you my guide to what you need for uni from the basics of supplies and books, to study tips and how to get the most out of your time at university.

Sunday 31 August 2014

August Favourites

So I have finally broken my hiatus!

I didn't really plan on taking a break from blogging to be honest but it all got a bit much with university as I have been super busy with clinical placement and exam revision since I last posted.  Exam was on Wednesday though and hopefully I've gotten the blogging bug back.  So without further ado...onto my favourites for August!





Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser
I was sent this a few months ago by Eucerin to try out this relatively new face wash and I've been really enjoying it since I finished my clinical trial back at the start of July.  My skin had improved a lot due to the trial and I feel that this face wash has really helped to prolong the results.  It's really gentle on my skin and doesn't leave it feeling dry and tight after using despite it being a gel that can foam up a bit when you really work it into the skin.

Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet
I bought this whilst I was on holiday as I was fast running out of the face cream I had taken away with me.  I saw the poster for it in the window as it had just been launched that day and when I tried some of it on the back of my hand it felt so cooling and smoothing that I had to get it.  The fact that it's a sorbet makes it really cooling when it's a hot day and the thick gel like consistency is easily absorbed into my skin, and I definitely feel it has hydrated my skin a bit more.

Body Shop Honey Bronzer
I think most bloggers have already raved about this bronzer but I thought I'd pop in my two cents too since I've been loving it so much - as you can tell from the photo!  I bought this in the second lightest shade and I've been using it with a big fluffy brush to do a soft contour on my face for everyday as I feel it's a bit more subtle than Benefit's Hoola which I would normally use.

Max Factor False Lash Effect
My mum has used this mascara for years but I finally decided I'd get one for myself after seeing Amelia Liana rave about it on her YouTube channel.  This stuff really does make it look like I'm wearing false lashes and I've worn it every single day since I got it...I think I even prefer it to Benefit's They're Real mascara.

Topshop Glow
I've actually had this for about 4 months but I've really been using it more since I've been more tanned from my holiday.  It's a gorgeous bronzey hued cream that can be used as an eyeshadow but I use it more as a highlighter on my cheekbones and I find it still gives me that perfect post-sunshine glow.

Bioderma Micellar Water
I was very lucky to be able to pop over to Calais for a day when I was in holiday so I obviously picked up 2 massive bottles of this gem! I do think it's amazing but I am slightly disappointed by it not being as good at removing my eyeliner as I thought it would be.  That aside I do absolutely adore it and I'm already rationing it when I've barely touched the first bottle!

Netflix
Another thing I'm a little behind everyone else on the planet with is Netflix.  I finally decided to set up an account after my sister in law getting on at me to watch Breaking Bad and Orange is the New Black.  It's her fault I barely get out of my bed now that I have a break from uni!  I've only been watching BB and OINTB and so far OINTB is winning.  I've been told to stick with BB since I've only just started season 2 and apparently it gets much better and more exciting soon.

Reading

Back in June, Essie Button had Sanne from Books and Quills on her YouTube channel talking about books to help you get back into reading.  Now I am a major book hoarder.  I am constantly buying books but never reading them and I refuse to get a kindle.  But over the past couple of month I have managed to read a grand total of 6 books which is pretty unheard of for me apart from when I read the entire Twilight series in 2 weeks.  Whilst I was on my summer holiday I read Shock of the Fall (interesting), The Lemon Grove (saucy) and Gone Girl (AMAZEBALLS!).  I have since read The Bees which is just an unbelievable imaginative story about - you guessed it - bees. Laline Paull managed to make them seem so humanised in my head and I really enjoyed it.  Major recommendation from me.  Currently I'm reading A Game of Thrones as I want to watch the tv series but decided I would read the books first. I have now unfortunately been warned that this may take quite some time and although I feel like I'm doing quite well with the book so far (I'm on page 133) I still haven't reached the end of the first episode *cries*.  I shall not be defeated however and I will finish these books if it's the last thing I do!

Hope you guys enjoyed reading about my favourites and I promise I won't leave it too long to blog again :)

What have you guys been loving this month?

Tuesday 24 June 2014

My Nail Polish Collection #Bloggers DoItBetter Challenge

I have long been a self confessed nail polish addict and my habit doesn't seem to be getting any better.


The above photo shows what I refer to as my 'core collection' as there are numerous boxes in my closet that contain doubles as well as colours that I rarely use so don't have sitting out.  I even have a box of nail varnishes that I don't even like!

My favourite nail polish brand is evidently Essie and I am slowly building up to owning the entire collection one day so whenever there's a 3 for 2 offer in Boots you can see me at the rack a couple of times a week picking up some new additions.

Being a nail polish addict is very difficult for me though. Being a student midwife there are stretches that can last up to 8 weeks where I'm on placement and can't wear nail polish.  So whenever I'm in on placement within the hospital and I have more than 2 days off in a row I'm painting my nails at the first opportunity.

Other than Essie, my favourite polishes at the moment are the Barry M Gelly polishes.  I have found these to be the most durable polish for my battered hands (my part time job isn't kind to my claws) and I love the massive colour range that's available.  

Something I've been trying to get more into is wearing blues and greens on my nails as I'm big on pinks and reds.

My holy grail of nude polishes may have been discovered in the Essie Spring Collection.


Spin the bottle is a perfect match for my skin tone and it's not got too much brown that it looks muddy.


My favourite polishes from my collection are (left to right) Essie's Spin the Bottle, Lacquered Up, and Truth or Flare; Topshop's Milkshake; Rimmel's Mary Mary Quite Contrary; Barry M Gelly in Pink Punch, and Blueberry; Illamasqua's Rare; and Models Own Magenta Divine.

Hope you like this post and if there's any shades you think I'd like let me know in the comments below.

Friday 23 May 2014

I'm Fundraising!

So I mentioned this in a post about a month back but I decided I'd do a full post on who I'm fundraising for, why, and how.


Wednesday 21 May 2014

May Birchbox Review

This has got to have been my most favourite Birchbox ever!  It was a collaboration with Harpers Bazaar and I love the design of the box - The box was actually printed this month which is much better than the sleeve than came with the Lulu Guinness box of a few months past.


I don't even know where to start with this beauty!

Soigne Nail Lacquer in Creme au Beurre
The packaging for this polish is the most beautiful thing I have seen.  The cap is a gorgeous purpley-brown that kind of reminds me of the Charlotte Tilbury range  It applies really smoothly and two coats gave a really opaque finish even in such a nude shade.  At £11 per bottle this covered the whole cost of the box - wowzers! Nice one Birchbox *kisses*

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath and Shower Oil
I already have one of these oils that I bought from Space NK but I still haven't used it yet...again I still haven't used this one ha!  I do love the scent though and it will get used in the future but I just can't bear to not have any to sniff...weirdo!

Beauty Protector Protect and Shampoo/Protect and Condition
I've already had a sample of this brands hair oil so I was really excited to try out this shampoo and conditioner duo.  Unfortunately due to the ridiculous amount of hair on my noggin I was only able to get one use out of these samples.  It did leave my hair feeling super soft and silky though and it had a really nice scent too.  One thing I didn't really like though was that the conditioner was prettyy runny which I found a bit difficult to get onto my hair properly.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
This is a product I have been wanting to try for aaaaaaages.  Unfortunately, taking part in a skincare trial does tend to play havoc with getting skincare samples, so alas I haven't tried it out yet.  It will be first on my list in six weeks time though!

Benefit They're Real Mascara
What a gem this is!  My sister in law already swears by this and was pretty surprised that I didn't already own it when I told her this was in my box.  I must admit I was a bit apprehensive as I've read some reviews where some people felt it didn't make any difference to their lashes.  Not the case for me though!  It did actually look like I had falsies on!  My lashes are naturally pretty long anyways so I was amazed at how long this made them.  I didn't get any clumping with this mascara and I'll definitely by buying a full size once this one runs out.

Overall an epic box and I can't wait until my next one comes in.

Monday 19 May 2014

Bloggers Do Trends Better | #BloggersDoItBetter Challenge

Part three of the Bloggers Do It Better challenge ran by Gemma of Touch of Belle is on the topic of trends and I decided to cover the makeup trends for Spring/Summer 2014.

The main trends that emerged from the catwalk shows way back in September were Rebel Liner, Golden Girls, Hot Lips, Raw Beauty and Sheer Shadow.  I'm showing my favourite looks from each trend below along with how I'll be wearing my favourites - Rebel Liner, Golden Girls and Hot Lip.

Rebel Liner

This is probably one of the easiest and most universal trends that pretty much everyone will be able to do.  It centres around eyeliner - if you couldn't tell - but this season it's being worn with a bit of an edge to it, hence the rebel part.

 Just Cavalli

 Blugirl

Rodarte

I used the Lord and Berry Kohl Eyeliner Pencil and smudged it out using a small shader brush.  To go with this look I kept my makeup very simple and my hair messy to give it that lived in look.

Golden Girls

Golden Girls is another trend that anyone will be able to do no matter their age or skin tone.  The look is all about that just back from holiday glow with sun kissed skin and flushed cheeks.

Emilio Pucci 

Michael Kors

To achieve this look I layered my Garnier BB cream with a George at Asda foudnation that is darker than my natural skin tone.  I then patted on the Honey Bronzer from The Body Shop all over my face, and applied Sleeks blush in Pixie Pink on my cheekbones along with the Pure Luxe Highlighter in Golden Rose by Autograph.  I kept my eyes really simple and just applied a light coat of lengthening mascara to open up my eyes, and boosted my brows using Benefit's Gimme Brow.

Hot Lips

Out of all the trends I'll be wearing I think this has to be my favourite...I just can't get enough of a bright matte lip! 

 House of Holland

 Prabal Gurung

I'm wearing the Bourjois Velvet Rouge in Pink Pong.

Raw Beauty

The ubiqutous no-makeup-makeup look that always seems to roll around in Spring and Summer.  It's all about keeping it uber minimal with only concealer being used on the majority of catwalks that featured it.

 Balmain

 Vera Wang

Giambattista Valli

Sheer Shadow

The pastel trend for clothing this season is crossing over into makeup with a soft wash of pastel shadow - particularly in blue - being the order of the day.

 Badgley Mishka

 Miu Miu

Burberry Prorsum

Hope you have enjoyed this post and remember to check back in a few weeks for the next installment of the Bloggers Do It Better challenge.

Friday 16 May 2014

New Beauty Hall at Boots Fort Kinnaird

So on Wednesday might I was lucky enough to be able to attend a beauty evening to celebrate the new beauty hall within boots at Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh.

Boots have been going through a major rebrand within all of their major stores as you have probably noticed with more upmarket brand counters being brought in to make high end cosmetics more accessible in the high street.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick



Wednesday 14 May 2014

PhD Woman Meal Replacement Shake - The Review

I've been drinking protein shakes for about a year now since I started getting properly into using free weights and discovering that they help massively in reducing DOMS - delayed onset muscle soreness. A neccessity particularly after leg day - ouch!

This is probably the second or third different type of protein powder that I've used and I thought that since I've started getting into writing more about health and fitness that I would give you all a little lowdown on it as well as my thoughts.


I actually bought this brand of protein as PhD Woman were running a special offer where if you spent over a certain amount you got a free hoodie and shaker bottle - winner!

I opted to get the Vanilla Creme flavour as it came highly recommended from Lydia Elise Millen as she said it tastes like custard...pretty close actually.  It is recommended that when making up this shake you add 2 scoops (about 55g) of powder to 250ml of cold water and shake well.  Because of the amount of carbohydrates in this shake I decided to only use one scoop and found that I actually needed to use closer to 300ml of water as only using 250ml left a slight powdery feeling in my mouth which wasn't very pleasant.

Other than that I really like this protein supplement.  It contains "added vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system, healthy bones, healthy skin and hair, and healthy hormonal activity" with each 55g recommended serving containing 204 calories, 25.4g of protein, 19.5g of carbohydrate, and 2.3g of fat.

Something I found it worked really well in is my protein pancakes (I'll be doing a breakfast recipe post soon so keep a weathered eye) as it gave the pancakes a really rich vanilla flavour and mixed well with the other ingredients.  I also really enjoy mixing it into my oats - it's like dessert for breakfast.

Overall it is a very balanced supplement but I never used it purely as a meal replacement because I feel that protein shakes should be supplements and not the main way to increase your protein intake.  Due to me now being on a lower carb intake by following a flexible dieting macronutrient plan I have just started using a protein supplement with a lower carb content which I'll review once I've had a proper test of it.

I would recommend this to anyone wanting to start taking protein supplements as the taste and texture are really nice, especially if you don't have a carb limit to try and stick to i.e. you are doing lots of endurance or HIIT cardio.

What's your favourite way to workout?
Do you have a protein supplement that you like or good high protein recipes you would recommend?


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