Happy--Leaf

Messing around with nails

2013-10-19T12:50:00.001-07:00

Sophia used a navy blue maybelline express finish nail varnish with different colours and effects over the top and came up with this. I used Barry m's and opi's rally pretty Pink to make this rose gold effect. I'm not entirely sure I like this colour on my nails I think I will have to wear it with certain outfits to make it look right.

I'm looking for the perfect rose gold colour and if anyone has any recommendations I would be grateful.

Empties!! Lots and lots of empties...

2013-10-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

As i finish one product i throw it into a classy Tesco bag and move on to the next. I thought it was time to recycle when i realised i had four deodorants and three shaving foams... I won't go through every single item as that's boring and will put you to sleep.

wow i go through a lot of products!

You know when you get shampoos and conditioners from travel sets or Christmas and you think you will get to use them but never get around to finishing? I am very guilty of this and always have random brands. Shampoo here, conditioner here. It just takes up space.

L'oreal Everstrong No sulphates Conditioner didn't really agree with my hair and either made my hair greasy the same day or left it feeling dirty after directly washing my hair. Unfortunately there was a promotion so i have a couple more of these to get through. I hate when shops suck you in like that!

Orofluido shampoo and conditioner consisted of a creamy "gold" colour. I liked the shampoo but the conditioner was too light for my curly prone to frizz hair.

I would genuinly buy all these products again apart from the "Ever Since" hand and body lotion on the second left, which i got for Christmas in a nail set. The Body shop products never seize to let me down and i absolutely love the vanilla and brazil nut scents.

Crabtree and Evelyn's LA source and soothing body lotion were not my favourite scents. LA Source was a handy size for overnight stays and weekend breaks. The scent was favourites by the men in my life. I used the soothing body lotion at night before bed due to its relaxing lavender and rosewood essential oils. In fact i've nearly finished my second bottle of this! The little squashed hand cream at the front there will be re-purchased when i finish all the millions of hand creams i have.

I received Lush's Charity pot in Chocolate for Christmas. I used this to treat myself as it started depleting very quickly. The chocolate scent is strange and overpowering at first but once you put it on the skin it feels so soft and smells faintly sweet. I liked the thin consistency to it too.

Everyone knows how amazing Body Shop and Soap and Glory shower gels are so i won't go into those. I bought the No 7 Luxurious foaming shower oil (with the body spritz but that's not finished yet) as part as a 3 for 2. I love oils so the fact this could foam was a win for me. However, it didn't foam up that much and i had to remember not to pour out double of what i would normally use. I think i would purchase this again as it left my skin so silkly soft. Used with the body oil it feels heavenly.

Good old Laura Mericer does it again. I bought these two in a set along with the matching shower gel (40 pounds gone down from 50 - bargain!) and used this for very special occasions like nights out or if i needed a pick me up. The Creme Brulee smell is just amazing, but if you don't like sickly smells i wouldn't go for this as it smells very strongly of the dessert. The body creme is so thick and you can just tell it is expensive and luxurious: almost as if you stepped out of your bathroom and into a spa . If this wasn't too expensive i would definitely buy this set again. Hello Father Christmas?

I won't talk about the Bioderma but something i have been doing is putting them into these little Vichy samples. This has been good for weekends away or holidays and i will be keeping these little bottles for future trips. I am yet to buy another Bioderma but I've been using Decleor Aroma Cleanse followed by a face wash and moisturiser. I've lost my Decleor toner somewhere which is a sad time for me because it was a full, big bottle of it. Sigh.

I received the BB cream sample from a magazine and after using up the sample i went out and bought it straight away. I do my face as usual in the morning with moisturiser and use this on top as a replacement to foundation. I was using this the most in the summer months and on holiday, but if you apply too much it's hard to blend in. Another sample, which is the Yu Be skin cream, will not be purchased in full size. It smells very medicinal and although it claims to defeat dry skin i don't think it was any better than my usual handcreams.

The L'oreal mascara is my favourite and i would use again and again. I've actually finished another one and i'm on to my fourth. I've also repurchased a concealer and Laura Mercier foundation, which hasn't been touched all summer, winter is coming Laura don't worry!

Prada Candy is an amazing perfume! Is smells so sweet and as i love sweet smells it is perfect for me. It has base notes of caramel and top notes of musk (you can tell i'm good at recalling scents can't you?) The staying power isn't great but i still would purchase it again in the future. Right now i have the new Prada Candy which is my new favourite perfume. I like to mix it up although it is always the sweet scents i go for.

DIY cushions

2013-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends got married back in June and as her bridesmaid i wanted to give her a special keep-sake gift which was original and unique to her. I thought personalised "Mr & Mrs" cushions with their wedding date would be a nice touch.

What you will need:

- textile marker (i bought the edding 4500 from Amazon)

-Tracing Paper

- Cardboard or any sturdy object

- linen/cotton pillow cover

- stencils or printed letters of your choice

-iron

First draw over the printed stencils with the tracing paper over the top using the fabric marker to make it stand out.

Put the tracing paper on sturdy cardboard and position it under the pillow cover for a hard surface to lean on. I bought linen covers from EBAY and at first i used a DVD, but the case was too dark and i couldn't see the outline properly so i switched to white cardboard.

Carefully draw the outline of the letters and numbers first and later colour them in. To fix the letters so they won't smudge iron over them without the steam function.

Voila! it's really that simple!

Holiday Empties

2013-09-21T06:11:00.004-07:00

These are a few travel - sized empties from my recent holiday to Corfu.

Korres Basil Lemon Little Moisturising Body Milk - 50mls

I liked the smell of this but it ran out very quickly as it didn’t foam on the pouf! I wouldn’t recommend this for holidays but instead for weekends away or when you go to the gym.

Korres Aloe & Soapwort Little Shampoo For Frequent Use - 50mls

This left my hair refreshed but not greasy the next day. I tend to wash my hair everyday on holiday so i needed something that wouldnt be too heavy in my hair. However, i wish i bought a full size version as it ran out quite quickly.

Korres Body Butter Guava Extra Moisturising Cream For Dry Skin Conditions - 50mls

This was very moisturising as it states and the smell is refreshing but not overpowering. I used it over my normal moisturiser, when i knew my skin was going to take a beating from the sun or water, or when my skin felt tight or itchy, especially after being in the pool or on the beach. When it ran out i cut open the tube and there was lots left, i hate anything going to waste! I will definitely be repurchasing this in the bigger version for the approaching winter months.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body oil - 115mls

This smell has a very overpowering scent of lemons, to the point if someone entered the room ten minutes after applying they would say, “are you using your Mama Bees?” So be warned! Admittedly, i don’t like the smell of lemons but after the smell subdues it is quickly forgiven as it makes your skin feel so beautifully soft and silky, especially using it when you're damp right out of the shower. Sophia also stole this a few times to use this when her skin felt tight. This originally was a present for a friend but they sent two by mistake and i’m very glad they did! It lasted for two different two week holidays so i would recommend taking this abroad with you.

Tara Smith Working Curls Conditioner - 100mls

My hair is quite dry at the ends but greasy on top so i need quite a nourishing formula while at the same time one that won’t make my hair greasy the same day. I like to leave my hair dry naturally and this light formula didn't leave my hair too fly away or frizzy.

King Of Shaves Alpha Oil Shave Oil Sensitive Skin - 15mls

This little shaving oil is so compact but little goes a long way with this product. It lasted for nearly two weeks before it ran out, using it every couple days. It is actually a men’s product but i tend to prefer men’s shaving oil/foam to women’s for some reason (am i the only one?) It was handy to use as it comes out in a blue colour which makes shaving quicker. However, if you don’t rinse the razor properly it becomes clogged with oil. I think i would stick to my La Roche-Posay Homme Shaving Foam in the future.

Do you prefer travel size or the standard size when you go away?

Insanity with Shaun T

2013-02-07T13:58:00.002-08:00

Last year i embarked on a journey to become toned and fit

in a short space of time, while being completely healthy and in control. I turned to Shaun T. Insanity (the name gives it NO justice) is a 63 day high intensity workout DVD programme complete with a nutrition plan designed to give quick - but safe - results. Shaun T is your very own personal instructor who barks instructions such as "dig deep ya'll," "let's goooo!!" and "watch Tanya." To which i reply with a few swear words and the odd tantrum on the floor. There are ten different workouts to do which are split into three groups: the last four weeks are meant to be harder than the first four weeks, with a recovery week in between.

Some shots of insane Insanity

Apparently you can lose up to 1000 calories in one 60 minute session. I kid you not i do sweat like a beast during all the workouts so i wouldn't be surprised. Also i take regular water breaks during the workout as those people in the video work like machines, i actually do not know how they do it!

I take pictures of my front, side and back and take down all my measurements before i started the actual workout programme, then every week after. I love seeing the results and squeal at delight at my measurements. For me, the measurements are the most important: i'm quite heavy anyway so i don't really take notice of what the scales have to say.

So how am i doing?

The first time i did it, i didn't stick to the nutrition plan but i followed the programme religiously. In the 63 days i did not skip one workout which im quite proud of myself for. I lost 5% body fat and went down a dress size :). I won't put up any before and after pictures as they are in my underwear but i will include my measurements.

That's a total of 8.5 inches lost altogether!

Im on day four of insanity at the moment. I woke up at 6am to do todays and when i say i hate getting up a minute early for anything, i HATE it. I was sulking at Shaun T during the first five minutes!

To be completely honest i don't really follow the nutrition guide properly, i just drink loads of water throughout the day and try and get a lot of greens and fruits in my diet. The worst part of it for me is to not skip breakfast! I think if i followed the guide i would get absolutely amazing results though.

My tips

You HAVE to be committed. I cannot stress that enough. Last year i went on holiday with my work for two weeks and was getting up an extra hour early so i wouldn't have to face the intense Mallorcan heat. It feels like torture at first and i've ached in places that i didn't know existed. BUT after about a week you enjoy the feeling of feeling energised and actually look forward to the workout. It becomes addictive in a way.

It also helps to keep a little journal of how you are feeling during the progress. Furthermore you could ask someone to do it with you, even if they do it in their own home. Or you could even go online and join a forum of people who are also enduring it. I found that journalling and bitching about it to my friends really helped the process. Also looking at 'before' and 'after' videos on Youtube helped me when i had a hard day at work and just didn't feel like exercising.

I like treat myself to a professional massage every now and again, as a reward of how well i'm doing. Also, what i've been doing recently is "shopping my stash," by treating myself daily to the more high end products that i only usually use on special occasions. This is just to pamper myself for all my hard work!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcsewEUNkn4 - Shaun T speaks about Insanity on Youtube.

Click here to buy Insanity! - it is three monthly payments of £33.00 and £6.95 p&p. It seems like a lot of money but this isn't the last time i am going to do the programme.

Clinique hair care - perfectly straight straightening cream

2013-01-28T06:21:00.002-08:00

Clinique hair care - perfectly straight for medium/thick hair -150mls

My parents bought this for me for Christmas last year and it's just been sitting in my hair box since. As it was being abandoned i decided to try it out and if i didn't like it to give it away to someone who would appreciate it. Well i'm glad i tried it because i absolutely love it and it works really well for my hair type! My hair is naturally curly and it's not very often i blow dry or straighten my hair. I don't really like straightening my hair with my GHDs because i find my hair becomes limp and thin and greasy looking after just a few hours. This cream gives my hair a nice texture and shine to it without weighing it down and leaving my hair feeling greasy. I have medium length hair and i use about a 50p size amount all over (including the roots) and then style my hair as usual. The product states that is for medium/thick hair and i don't have thick hair at all so maybe if you have thick hair use a little bit more.

The picture on the left is after i used Clinique and quickly blow dried it (just with a paddle brush - i was in a rush). It's not incredibly straight as i don't like it styled to be poker straight: i like a little flick at the end. My hair lasts like this until the next time i wash it which is normally two or three days after. The picture on the right shows you just how curly my hair can be! I would give this product a 3/5. I like the smell and the consistency of the cream. I like how it leaves the hair shiny without leaving my hair greasy. However i think it is hard to purchase and it may have been discontinued since my mother purchased it. I found some travel ones on ebay but other than that i don't think anywhere else are selling them, which is a shame because i think it is a really nice product!

Sophia's FOTD

2012-03-11T15:04:00.001-07:00

Face

Loreal Studio Secrets Anti shine primer

Bobbi Brown long lasting foundation - Cool Beige

YSL Touche Eclat

MAC mineralize skinfinish natural - Medium

Cheeks

W7 Africa

MAC Mineralize skinfinish - Soft & Gentle

Eyes

Bourjois Coup de Theatre

Lips

MAC Lustering

Hair

Curled into tight ringlets with Nicky Clarke curling iron. Then brushed out! Quite pleased with the outcome as it was my first attempt & my hair looks slightly ombre wooo :)

Mirror mirror on the wall...

2012-02-05T08:22:00.001-08:00

Well... not quite on the wall haha! While shopping in the Fenwick centre whilst having 20% off across the whole store, i came across this chrome L.E.D vanity mirror with a battery operated light inside, by Danielle creations. I really like the mirror because its a good height and size, and can be turned 360 degree angles. Also, the on/off light around the mirror really helps to see in my poor lit bedroom. Also it has a normal mirror then if u flick it over, a 5X amplified side (which is horrific to look at yourself in lol, but good for tweezing.) However, i don't think the light lasts up to 5000 hours like they claim, as I've only used the light for maybe up to an hour in total in the past few months and the light is already so dim. It uses four AAA batteries and costs £25.00.

my fish certainly liked looking at themselves in it... vain creatures!

Available to buy for £26.99 HERE

Foxy locks hair extensions

2012-02-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

Well hello, its been a while! I've felt really out of knack with blogging recently, the lack of light after i get back from work and my complete writers block has not helped at all. I apologise and make a bid to blog more often.

Now onto the juicy part! To me, hair is something you first notice first on a person and depending on what colour/style it can really change your facial features and more importantly your confidence . I love long curly princess-like hair and always wanted them. My hair used to be so long, thick and wavy/curly but over time and a close family death my hair became limp and thin, and dyeing my hair a reddy colour didn't help its condition, so i drastically cut my hair to try and recover it. Because of the thinness my hair became quite curly, but also lacked shape and volume.

I bought some foxy locks (owned by the lovely Imogen) after hearing them from a friend, and seeing countless amount of reviews and oogling at all Imogen's youtube videos (look at the ponytail tutorial - amazing!) I bought the colour Chocolate Brown in the deluxe version which is 160g, but had to go to the hairdressers to dye and have the extensions cut and blended in. I would highly recommend spending the extra money to get them professionally done as it is really worth it.

Imogen includes special instructions on the back in taking care of them:

Treat them like your own hair - but better! Always use a heat protection spray while using hot tools.
Brush gently before and after wearing
Wash in lukewarm water, apply a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse thoroughly, you should only need to do this every few weeks.

Before i had my hair dyed and extensions cut

After coming back from the hairdressers

How I've styled my hair with foxy locks:

Well I'm actually so crap at doing my hair, i feel like I'm about five when trying to manage it and find it so difficult to get the angles right when blow drying or styling (anyone else like this??) After I bought my foxy locks i decided to fix up and try and make an effort on my hair. I bought some different sized rollers (post on this soon) and i start with putting some rollers in the top of my hair. Then i curl the extensions individually and curl my hair as I'm putting them in, using lots of hairspray. Afterwards i use my fingers to tease the curls out a bit to make it look more natural. There are ten pieces, 2 four clip pieces, 2 three, 2 two and 4 one hair pieces. The hairdresser cut them to frame my face so I've put them in order. I put the 2 three pieces at the very bottom followed by 2 fours, and then 2 twos, i put the four pieces wherever there is hair left. I hope that makes sense. I then backcomb the top of my hair (never backcomb extensions.)

Me with my foxy locks extensions. My friend on the top left also has them in.

My foxy locks cost £74.00 with a standard £2.99 delivery for 160g. This is great value for price and my hairdresser said she's never seen such full extensions for that price before. They also have 120g or 250g, with many different hair colours. I would love to buy an extra pack for straight hair so i might start saving my pennies.

So far I've only had my hair curly while I've had them in, but watch out for other hairstyles soon!

Foxylocks website HERE

Lesley on Wishes do come true

2011-12-03T11:01:00.002-08:00

I've been a very very naughty girl... oospie haha! Since completing my P10P I've gone a bit gaga and bought some new makeup I've been lusting over for ages (See wish list HERE.) The Bentall Center were having an exclusive 20% off sale on most their items so i took the plunge and bought Laura Mericer Tinted Moisturiser (full review on that later) and MAC "Blue Brown" (I love this sooo much and have been wearing it constantly since purchasing!) Saving myself around £12.00. Then there was a 25% off for students on ASOS so i bought another item on my wish list. Then onto ELF... i bought my cream base eyeshadows and eye primer (not shown) because... well just because! haha! Brace yourself this is going to be a long post! Now onto the beautiful products...

Elf Duo Eye Shadow Cream - 3g, £1.50 each (yes you read right!)

Ive heard some good reviews about this cream base so at £1.50 a pop i was desperate to get my hands on one! I initially wanted the 'Black Liquorice' duo but saw the 'Olive' duo and as i use a lot of brown eyeshadows i decided to get this too. I haven't tried these out yet but i will do a full review of these soon. I won't use these as a single eyeshadow but more as a base. From my swatches they seem highly pigmented so i can't wait to try these out with different looks. I'll be posting a full review soon.

In natural sunlight and with flash

Mac Blue Brown Pigment - £15.50, 4.5g

Introducing the b.e.a.uuuutiful first MAC pigment I own...

This is the new love of my makeup life, blue brown! Blue brown is such an intriguing, i first laid eyes on it when someone swatched it and said it was an exact dupe for Wet'N'Wild Comfort Zone palette, i tried to find it online but couldn't find it so i went and bought this, and I'm so happy i did! At first glance it really looks like purple/reddy brown with green sparkles and i can't see the blue until i really pack it on. It really brings out the green in my hazel eyes but i can imagine it looking gorgeous on blue eyes too. Today i wore it in the day, although i think this is a daring day time look but I've worn it for a night out a few times pairing it with burgundy or mustard yellow (sounds gross) outfits and it looked really nice... if i say so myself!

Onto the swatches...

Yes, it was necessary to take five pictures! (Although i had more than ten because its so pretty) i wanted to capture the duo chrome and the fine small blue-green sparkles. As you can see, in flash the duo chrome is more pronounced but in natural sunlight it looks more purple/brown. Also when i rubbed it in a bit (last picture) you can see the effect of the different colours despite the glitter which i really like for daytime looks. I love how in certain lights the sparkles are captured... its just so pretty

i can't believe i forgot to put on mascara grr!

These are swatches taken in natural sunlight and with flash. In natural sunlight it looks like a dark brown but with flash it looks more like a rusty/brick brown. I pack it on with a firm eye shadow brush, add some Nehru or Twinks to the outer crease and then pack some more pigment in the middle. I haven't tried it with my ELF cream base yet but when ill do i'll make sure to post a FOTD/N. From purchasing this i know what the hypes about with MAC pigments and i'm tempted to buy a little collection.

With Jess sporting my Blue Brown Pigment and mustard yellow skirt!

NARS Strada Eyeshadow 2.2g, £16.50

Strada is such a beautiful lilac purple with fine gold sparkles. When i first swatched this in SPACE NK i wanted it straight away but resisted my urge to get it, which I'm so glad as i could never justify spending £16.50 on a single eyeshadow! I haven't had a chance to play around with it yet but I'm looking forward to doing so many FOTD/N so watch this space!

with flash and natural sunlight

Sophia's love for Ombre hair!

2011-11-28T13:06:00.001-08:00

Ombre hair is so pretty to me. I've liked that 'beach effect highlight' look ever since watching Sex And The City when I was 13 (nearly 11 years?!). Carrie Bradshaw was the first person I remember rocking the look. Some people hate it and think it looks trampy but I dont care, I love it!

Carrie Bradshaw (SJP)

In 2010 and still this year 'Ombre' hair became a big hit with Alexa Chung being the main style icon. I came across llymlrs blog last year, she shows you how to do DIY ombre and her hair looks lovely! My mum bleaches her hair so theres always bleach in the house. I followed the instructions and left it on for only 4 mins as my hair has warm tones and I didnt want an orange mess! Washed it off, dried it and it looked.....nice? subtle but nice. Thays where i should of stopped....... Next morning I bleached it again but left it on for 10 mins like a complete idiot!!! OMG it was bright orange brassy yellow :( So i had 3 inches cut off and kept using semi perminent brown hair dyes to tone it down without causing further damage to my hair.

Perfect - Lily Aldridge, Hilary Duff & Lily again

Im still left with 2/3 inches at the ends and the underside is a lighter brown/sometomes brassy colour 14 months later. I dont mind the colour now because its faded so much. Ohh but i still lust after proper Ombre hair. Maybe one day I can get it done properly. I cant see me going off the style as ive loved it for so many years!

Yes Lily, I love you and your hair!

Lesley on October favourites

2011-11-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

I always seem to do my favourite posts in the middle of the month! Last month i tended to use my old favourites. Here are my three October favourites... Note * i lost all of this blog post after working on it for over an hour so i was pissssssed!*

Benefit Speed Brow Quick Set - 3g, £12.00

This is a product i reviewed and compared it to MAC a couple months ago HERE. I've been using it so much for day time looks without anything under it, or over Browzings, I've nearly finished now and will miss it dearly. I do really like it as it's not tinted and looks natural. However, I'm going to buy a clear one next as if i apply too much to my eyebrows it looks only what can be described as when you put PVA glue on your finger and it dries and then you peel it off (anyone else used to do that as a child?) So yeah that's not a good look to have peeling eyebrows!

Debhenhams are having a 10% off and Speed Brow is available for £10.80 with free delivery if you have a beauty card HERE.

V05 Miracle concentrate Elixir with Argon Oil - 50mls £4.99

I got this from Boots with the 3 for 2 offer along with other V05 beauties. I have seen many reviews raving about it and i wanted to know what the fuss was about... i can tell you this is certainly is something to be fussed over! Argon Oil is from the Moroccan Argon tree and is known for being extremely rich in Vitamin E and anti oxidants, which fights free radicals. As it is a leave-in treatment i use it when my hair is wet after washing it and style it as usual, or as an overnight treatment when the ends of my hair is really dry. Also i use it on dry hair for a little pick-me-up when its feeling dull. The light formula leaves my hair so shiny and in good condition. I also love the pipette top with the bright pink handle: it is so good for controlling the amount you want. I only use a 50p size amount because it is so potent and if i use more than that my hair will be greasy the next day. I love this product and it is fast becoming my favourite hair product beside Boots Curl Creme. I think after this is finished i want to buy pure Argon Oil to see if its any different without the added ingredients.

Devon Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 1 litre - £11.35

This is a very non-makeup post and more like a health post. I wanted something that would build up my immune system: i get awful colds and sicknesses at least once a month. I was researching products online and saw this on Amazon. I read in reviews that only does it help your immune system it also aids with weight loss, cellulite, acne, allergies, fatigue with exercise, sore throats, arthritis and high cholesterol (sounds like a miracle drink right?!)

In fact, I've had an awful dry throat that kept me awake all of Saturday night and after drinking a glass of this my symptoms dramatically improved. I drank this most of September and October and didn't get sick. Although i didn't lose any weight, i found myself craving for less sugary foods and was fuller for longer. I've now started to slack and only drink it once a week if that ( i MUST get back into the habit of drinking it!) It can also be given to animals to make their coat shiny and help with flea and bites.

The bottle states:

" Our traditional Devon Natural Cider Vinegar is made from only freshly crushed whole apples, grown and hand picked on the edge of Eurozz then allowed to mature. Our traditional apple cider Vinegar is natural and contains no additives. There are no insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, preservatives or any other additives whatsoever.

This is a natural and un-filtered, un-processed product and is cloudy containing many particles, minerals and living enzymes known as "the mother." The presence of the mother shows that the best part of the apples have not been damaged or destroyed by processing.

Take three dessertspoons of ACV in warm water three times a day at meal times. Never use hot water. Shake well before each use. ACV does not require a use by date and will continue to mature over time and to increase the mother store in light, other wise in a cool dark place."

"The mother," is such an important part of the ACV because it is where most of the beneficial properties come from. It has a high potassium content and contains living bacteria which fights off toxins. In the bottle you will see the cobweb like features of the mother, which looks a bit gross in the cup but i ignore it and you can't feel it in your mouth or anything like that.

I use three dessert spoons often in a mug or glass

i boil the kettle only until it is warm (10 seconds maybe) never use hot or boiled water

The taste takes a couple days of getting used to. At first i didn't like to drink a warm drink tasting of just vinegar but after i got used to it i was actually craving my next one! However, I hate the strong vinegary smell but its something I've also become used to over time.

I bought the 1 litre bottle and finished that within a few weeks so bought a 5 litre for around £35.00 and have been using that to restock the 1 litre bottle, which is handy as i don't have to carry a huge bottle around with me if I'm travelling! I bought the ACV online as opposed to a supermarket because many commercial ACVs are pasteurised and unfiltered and contain chemicals.

Bobby's health shop also donates all their profits and products to helping children with cancer which is fantastic as you know the money is going towards a great cause.

Finished P10P and sharing some love

2011-11-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

After 44 days i am happy to announce that i have finished my Project 10 (makeup) Pan!!! Hurrayyy!! I cannot believe its been nearly two months of not buying any makeup for myself and staying true to my word. It feels liberating to finish ten products which i have enjoyed using immensely and are some of my very favourite products. It was like i was bursting to buy some new makeup so I've already put in a small order to E.L.F to try new coloured primers. Post to come soon!

Now on to the last two products:

Benefit Speed Brow

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black X5 Mascara - 8mls £8.49

my worn out tube - with the extra volume brush

I've had this mascara for so long now, I'm glad I've finally finished it. I bought it and it was one of my favourite mascaras, then bought the MAC Haute & Naughty and in the drawer it went. I had forgotten how much i really loved this mascara and will buy it again in my next shopping trip. Voluminous mascara lifts and lengthens my lashes but doesn't give the clumpy affect, like most mascaras I've tried does (even MAC does sometimes eeep!)

You can buy Voluminous Mascara from the Boots website HERE (sorry i could only find x3 and not x5 though)

I took these pictures - 15 hours after applying around 3 coats of mascara, even my eyeshadow with primer didn't stay put for that amount of time!

I was going to put this in a separate post but thought i would share this in one post. Since i haven't been buying makeup I've been into buying clothes and jewellery to jazz up my wardrobe (as mentioned in my previous jewels post) i have really grown to admire jewellery with writing or quotes on them. In particular i adore items of jewellery with "love" written on them. My grandma died and i got her handwriting from a letter saying "love" on the side of my stomach. I cherish it so much and these pieces of "love" jewellery also remind me of her.

I'm also getting into jewellery with crosses in them. I'm going to have to purchase a nice ring and necklace soon. What certain kinds of jewellery do you guys love and always end up buying? Please leave your comments i'd love to know :)

love, love, love, love, love!!
L-R: my tattoo, gold bracelet (set of four) from Love Hearts and Crosses, black chunky bracelet from Accessorize, silver ring from LH and Crosses (set of four), black and gold bracelet from River Island

Lesley on pretty jewels

2011-11-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

From Love Hearts and Crosses, was £24 but they've upped the price to £25, however they are well worth the money. They say:

"Sing...... as though no one else can hear you."

"Dance...... as though no one is watching you"

"Love...... as though you have never been hurt before"

"Live...... as though heaven is on earth"

I think these messages are really quite powerful, especially the "love" and "live" quotes: they are how i wish to live my life. I love the intricate ingraining on both the outside and inside of the bracelets, they add elegance without being too much and is not very noticeable unless you are close up. You can wear each bracelet individually, some on each hand or all four. It is also available in silver which i'd like to purchase too. It was delivered with nice pink package and was a quick delivery. P&P is £1.95 with each order.

From Love Hearts and Crosses, was £6 but they've upped the price to an astonishing £12. They say "sing, love, dance and live." They are also available in gold but are only available in one size. My finger size is mostly a medium in Topshop or Miss Selfridge and i can only fit three on my ring finger. I like to wear two on each hand or a couple on their own.

I bought this cute, dainty friendship bracelet in River Island for £6.00. It is made up of plaited black cord with gold chains and "love" engraved on a gold plate. I like the little gold charm with "RR" representing River Island and a diamante charm near the clasp (not pictured.) Black and gold worn together are one of my two favourite colours to wear as they compliment each other beautifully.

I don't normally go for a pack of different earrings because i never like one or two in the variety, but i saw these in River Island for £10 and for 9 pairs is a bargain. Most of them have cute little details, such as little diamantes in the camera and lipstick. My favourites are the lipstick, camera and cupcakes. I also like the little diamante and pearl which i can use in my second piercing which i don't hardly wear due to the fact i haven't got any little studs to put in there.

Lesley on hair/FOTN

2011-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

I thought i would share a quick face of the night with you. These were taken from last week when i went on a (lovely) date. I wanted a simple smokey affect but not something too dramatic as we were only going out for dinner. I opted for a light grey with purple smokey eye then simple pink cheeks and pink lips.

Face:

Laura Mercier creme smooth foundation in Golden Beige

Benefit Coralista Blusher

Guerlain Terracotta Bronze Bronzer

Benefit browzings on eyebrows.

Lips:

Old Avon lip palette

Mac Lipgloss

As i have dry skin i like to have the dewy glow rather than a matte glow. However, i know Sophia has oily skin and loves the matte look.

The flash has washed out the eye makeup a lot so i'll have to post another picture in the future, and i'll do a step-by-step tutorial as well :)

Eyes:

No7 Perfect smoothing and brightening eye base

Natural Collection eyeshadow in Chocolate Milk

Rimmel eyeshadow in forest grey all over the lid,

me me me eyeshadow in outer V

17 trio (purple one) in inner corner and under lash line

L'oreal Voluminious mascara

My hair

As i was in a hurry i didn't have time to blow-dry it or straighten it so i left it to dry naturally (as you can see in my pics above my hair is wet.) After it was towel dried, i put Vo5 miracle concentrate and then when it was 3 quarters dry i put on my trusty Boots essentials Creme. I then scrunched it and this was the end result:

Now when my i do my hair it's often a hit or miss with how curly it becomes, depending on product build up and time. As i had a lot of time on my hands i scrunched it quite a lot. I wish my hair ended up like this all the time but sadly it doesn't.

Lesley on Sunday wishlist

2011-11-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm fully into my P10P i keep eyeing up mouth watering beauty products! I don't know if its just the fact I've put a ban on buying makeup or if its because I've taken the time to read good reviews, but the list is forever growing! I love seeing people's wishlists so i thought i would show you mine.

Post P10P i would like to buy...

Top L - R: Laura Mercier Cake eyeliner in Charcoal Grey £18.50, Laura Mercier Tinted moisturiser in Bisque £33.00, Elf Duo eyeshadow Cream in Liquorice £1.50
Bottom L-R: Nars Eyeshadow in Strada £16.50, Mac Blue Brown Pigment £15.50

(Click on the links above to take you to their websites.)

Since getting my makeup done at the Laura Mercier beauty counter i am completely in love with some of her products! I love the tinted moisturisers on my skin and think this is the first product I'm going to get when my project pan is over, although i am in between 'Sand' and 'Bisque.' The cake eyeliner looks so easy to apply and i love that it can go on wet for a more dramatic effect.

The Elf eyeshadow creams will be used as a primer when I'm having a smokey look. I tend to find that normal primers don't give me that oomph when it comes to smokey eyes so i want to try it out, and for £1.50?!!? What's not to try out!

The eyeshadow and pigments are products I've been lusting after for a while now. I swatched Strada in Space NK a couple months ago and fell in love with it instantly! It's a lilac colour with a gold shimmer finish and plenty of pigment (lasted on my hand for the whole day.)

MAC's Blue Brown is something I've seen bloggers raving about in various blogs. It looks purple in the bottle but its actually a brown duo chrome which reflects blue and green. Wet n wild have an exact dupe of this colour in eyeshadow form but i can't find it to buy it anywhere, plus i don't own any pigments and am eager to see what the fuss is all about. Ive read that it looks good under black e/s.

I hope you haven't found this too boring! Have you purchased any of these products and if so what are they like? I'd love to hear your comments! Have a great Sunday evening.

Lesley on jewellery wishlist

2011-11-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

Good evening bloggers! I hope you've had a fantastic weekend. Yesterday, Sophia and i took our grandfather to London for his 70th birthday. We went to the Imperial War museum, Lord Mayors show, London Eye and to finish off a great evening fireworks. Here are a couple pictures from the London Eye:

Unfortunately I'm a bit ill today with a dry cough, so I've been having a duvet day and wishing for a lot of stuff!

All earrings from Aldo: 1) Peaches £7.00, 2) Mosena £10.00, 3) Diluca £7.00, 4) Love hearts and crosses - Little Deer ring £25.00, 5) Odea £14.00, 6) Miss Selfridge - leaf metal stretch £10.00

I'm loving earrings at the moment and i already have Diluca in purple studs which I've received compliments on. Aldo have a fantastic range of jewellery which I've never noticed before really, I've put all the links above so if you click on the names it will take you directly to the website.

I love the little deer ring as well i think its so cute and will make a statement to outfits. Sophia and I are loving cute (and sometimes strange) rings with animals on them and i have a feeling our collection will grow soon. Love hearts and crosses is a cute online shop which a lot of bloggers have raved about. I feel a christmas/indulgent spree coming soon!

The leaf bracelet from Miss Selfridge looks so elegant. I adore Miss Selfridge jewellery and I'm always buying them when they are on sale. Also at the moment online there is a 25% off all jewellery so this is only £7.50 at the moment yay!

Lesley on Dalmatian nails

2011-11-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Yep another nail post :) My first attempt at a Dalmatian pattern. Please note that i was using my left hand so thats why its so messy and awful! Also, just ignore my attempt at a puppy print on my index finger, a complete fail!!

awww so adorable!
Source: Google

Lesley on Another one down the pan!

2011-11-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday i posted 5 products for my P10P, I've now only got a teeny bit left of my tinted moisturiser (yes i even cut it in two) making it my eighth product to finish in my makeup! Yay!!

Luckily i bought another one before my ban, although now i really want the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser!

Only two more products to go :)

Lesley on Houndstooth nails

2011-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to add an edge to yesterday's nails so added a half houndstooth design onto my nails. This is the first time I've ever used my Models Own 'nail art pen' other than dots so its a bit messy, however i like this design and think with a little more practice it will look good and it will look cute on other colours such as pink.

Houndstooth design (source from google)

Lesley on Snow White nails

2011-11-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

I had my nails manicured two weeks ago at a salon and as the acrylics started to grow out i wanted something different on my nails before i took them off. I decided to go for Model's own 'Snow White,' I've never had pure white nails before and they remind me of when i used to Tippex my nails at school but they look bright and clean and makes a nice change to the colours i normally go for. Also, i had many compliments on them today which of course is a bonus.

bit blurry... sorry!

image: google

Excuse the messy application, even though i was in a rush, i still tidied them up with a cotton bud... but the camera still caught the bits i'd missed!

Lesley on another five down!

2011-11-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Its been a looong time since i posted any updates of my P10P, but I'm now actually four more makeup products down and one body product down yay!

The body Shop Super Volume Mascara 2.5mls - I got this as a christmas present last year with a highlighter and as i have all my mascaras out now i went to use it and sadly it had dried up. It was on its last legs anyway as i had used it a lot, especially as its a travel tube so used it for the gym and sleepovers. I wouldn't purchase again as it doesn't give me the oomph factor i like.

No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse in no5 Vanilla, 5mls - Ive been naughty: I've had this for a few years and only had a little bit left, but as always i don't like finishing things so saved it and went onto something else. Unfortunately, it has dried up and when i went to use it, it caked on and then fell off. I liked using it for my day time look but on its own the sheer creamy colour with a slight pink tone looks a bit washed on my complexion. I also have 'Fudge' which is a metallic brown and is still going strong. They used to compliment each other lovely and are quick to apply by using fingers to blend and build up colour.

No7 Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base - This came with an applicator but i lost it ages ago. Yet again I've had this product for years. I used to love this product then all of a sudden didn't like it and it went in the drawer. Now i love it again and when i hit the pan i was disappointed but the edges seem to be lasting me for ages, and will probably last me for another week or two. This base isn't good on its own though as it creases, but works beautifully with other eyeshadows. Also, hides my veins on my eyes, i haven't seen it really brighten my eyes though. I won't repurchase as i'm keen to try Urban Decay primer next.

Natural Collection Eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate - I love this eyeshadow so much! I use it as my main base before applying other eyeshadows. It brings out the green in my eyes if i wear it on its own, as its a slightly warmer brown than my skin. I love how it's only £1.79 but is smooth and long lasting and lasts all day. I've already repurchased a back up before my P10P began but i see this as a staple in my makeup bag.

Also for my body product I've finished another moisturiser - yay! Now onto the next of twenty i own. I really do love Vaseline's cocoa butter body lotion and had to run away from the half price offer going on at Tesco today. I cannot wait to re-stock my moisturisers!

So that's it, my count is now 7 makeup products and 3 hair/body products. I'm surprised that i haven't finished more of my body products but i have a feeling a lot are going to suddenly finish at the same time. Also, i am nearly done with my makeup project as I'm finishing my Benefit Tinted moisturiser, brow gel and another mascara soon. Not bad for a months ban so far - yay!!

Sophia's November Wishlist

2011-11-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Topshop Allegra boots. Ohhh I really like these, I wish everyone in the world would stop buying them so they would come back in stock. Size 4 please!!

YSL Touche Eclat £17.95 from Cheap Smells I've used this for about 6 years. Im addicted to using it under my eyes and feel naked without it. I ran out about a month ago (ahh) so its been a tough time lol

Loreal Primer £12 This is a must have for under my foundation. My skin is gets so oily and shiny without it. I think ill buy this again or a Smashbox one.

Jeans I really need jeans for winter. Atm i only have jeggings from topshop so im startin to get a bit chilly. The jeans pictured are from Superdry £74.99 ...too expensive

Topshop Jumpers £40 & £36 I love the first jumper, it has a black bow at the back. I tried it on a month ago, its soo soft and cute. The second one i just want as a simple jumper.

Boohoo Sara Belted Slater Dress Only 15!! I want this to wear with thick tights and boots or heels for a night out. I was reading the reviews and hope it wong be too long as i'm only 5"1. If i order it and its fits i might get a black one too...

Sophia's Halloween preparations!!

2011-10-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

I LOVEEEE Halloween! I like dressing up and doing freaky make up. I've been a witch, vampire and zombie. So this year my friends and I are going as dead doctors and nurses!! This year i've decided to go full on with the make up and bought liquid latex, moulding putty and lots of blood!

For my nails I was gong to do red with black crackle but then I remembered the dripping style nail art, so I think my nails will look like this:

My first try!

As for scars, blood and bruises im going to use, liquid latex and toilet paper, putty, stage blood and make up. I've practiced on myself, the boyf and my mum:

ewwwww lol

The bruise is just eyeshadow from my ebay 88 palette. For the manky cut i did 2 layers of liquid latex, layer on toilet roll, another layer of latex and when its dry you just cut a hole/line in the latex/tissue. Then add purples,reds and brown colours so it looks sore. For the blood I hadnt bought any stage blood yet so I used coffee, syrup and ribeana lol

Ben nye scar wax

My hand and cheek

For these scars I put two layers of latex, once dried applied a thin layer of spirit gum, when tacky get a butter knife and spread a small bit of wax on to my skin blending the edges, then get the knife again and make the cut/slit/wound. I then put one more layer of latex and then apply the make up and blood!

My mum wanted to join in lol

Outfit

For the main outfits the boys have ordered medical scrubs from Yarmo.com. For us girls I ordered this nurse outfit. Both outfits are going to be covered in blood and dirt. I had to alter the hat that came with the dress because it was massive and wouldnt stay on my head.

L-R Old hat, New hat. All you need is a plastic headband, scissors and sewing kit

I also bought a stethoscope, medical masks and white fishnet tights just for the finishing touch. Ill do another post with pictures of the full outfit after saturday. WOOOO!!

Lesley on another two bites the dust

2011-10-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well well well, another 2 makeup products down and about a gillion to go! I think I've done pretty darn well not buying any makeup, but my wish list is growing! Also i have asked for a lighter tinted moisturiser sample, which i don't think is really cheating (on my terms anyway) Let's get down to business.

Barry M Limited Edition Lipgloss 3mls - Colour unknown

I'm quite disappointed that this colour has (almost) finished. I didn't finish it because 1) i couldn't get to the end and 2) i wanted to show you a hint of colour it once was. Its quite a transparent candy floss nudey pink (might be called Nearly Nude) which is perfect for me for day wear. It also has the most gorgeous toffee smell and i just want to eat it! I would purchase again and although they are limited edition, i think they are still selling them when you buy it with an Impulse body spray HERE its for £3.00 which i don't actually think is that bad for a lipgloss AND a spray. I'd love to buy other Barry M colours too as i have always stuck to their nail varnishes and not much else.

I took off the 'stopper' by teasing it out with scissors, but you can also use a butter knife. It got me a little bit of product lurking from the top, but ill have to use half a cotton bud to fish the ends out - yes i hate throwing away makeup that still have the products in them!

Avon Lip Lip Balm Conditoner

My mum bought this lip balm ahhhges ago and i took it from her, it was literally years ago and really should have been binned by now. It looks white and scary in the stick but it is a gorgeous pearly pink with a bit of shimmery particles, which i like a lot. Its more like a primer though that a balm as it doesn't nourish my lips quite so much. Also i like to put it under the Barry M for a bit more sheen, and it makes my lipgloss last longer. I want to look for another one like this but maybe try a different brand, such as the new Carmex range. Its one of those products you just want to hurry up and get rid of but can't bin at the same time!

Colour doesn't show up on my lips, its actually not as transparent as this in real life, but wanted to show you the nice sheen it gives off, i think this is perfect for day to day use as i don't want to have too much makeup on for work. It reminds me of my MAC's 'Nice Buzz' which will be my replacement.

That's it for now, which brings it to 3 makeup products and 2hair/ body products. Hopefully i'll have another few products to post in the next week as I'm making good use of my products. Also, i did finish a few of my sachets that have been lurking around but i didn't think it counted as they were tiny things