Shahira

I've been eating (mainly) Vegan for a month!

2018-02-20T23:02:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So the last time I checked in I told you guys that I had been trying a meal delivery service called 'Freshly'! I also mentioned that I was about to start a different meal delivery service called 'Hungry Root' and that I would update you on that one once I'd tried it... well it's about that time!

Freshly Vs Hungry Root
'Hungry Root' is different than 'Freshly' in many ways - with freshly you get pre-packaged and pre-portioned meals that you simply heat up in the microwave and enjoy: while this offers great convenience and portion control I did feel an urge to start cooking my own meals once again(and not simply microwaving them). To read my review and blog about 'Freshly' click here!
With 'Hungry Root' however you receive fresh ingredients that you then follow instructions to cook and create amazing vegan meals. The idea behind 'Hungry Root' is to recreate indulgent foods using vegetables, legumes and nuts!

Going Vegan
I am a huge animal lover! I've grown up with lots of pets including dogs, cats and horses and living in Ireland I was never far away from farm animals such as cows, sheep, chickens etc.. I have a great respect for animals and I always connect really well with them. I feel that their souls are so beautiful and wise and I have therefore always had an interest in being Vegan and battled with the hypocrisy of loving animals and yet eating them. For many years I have stuck to a poultry or fish diet as much as possible and stayed away from red meat and pork! My main reasons for not trying veganism or being a vegetarian was 1) when living at home I ate what my family ate 2)not wanting to be too fusy when at other peoples houses or in company 3) thinking it was an expensive life style to adapt and 4) while I would often opt for the vegetarian or vegan option when eating out I did notice that accessibility and options were very limited!
However now that I am not living at home and living in a city where being vegan is very popular and therefore much more readily available in restaurants, cafes etc.. I figure why not give it a go?!!

When I found Hungry Root it seemed like a good foot in the door so to speak and a great way of trying out a vegan lifestyle! and I feel it has been just that! I am currently on my 5th box/delivery which means I have just started my 5th week using Hungry Root and I must say I am loving it!!!

About the food
The food is absolutely delicious and I can make most meals in under 10minutes! I have not been hungry at all - in fact sometimes I feel really full like I have eaten too much! the meals are hearty and there are plenty of breakfast, snacks and desert options! However despite feeling full I have lost 3pounds.. its not a huge amount but slow and steady wins the race and I wasn't adapting this lifestyle to loose weight in the first place! My skin has also totally cleared up and has been extra glowy! cough: major plus!

My plan
I am on a plan called 'The Good Life' and this plan is $99 a week! it is a lot but for me it has been well worth it as it is introducing me to recipes and a vegan lifestyle which I knew nothing about before! It also means that all I have to pick up in the grocery store is rice milk (for my be-loved irish tea of course) and maybe some bread and oatmeal. In the past I found myself spending $60/$70 easily when I went in to Trader Joes and yet was left feeling like I didn't have my meals for the week and would run out of what I did get very quickly!
With my meal plan I get 5 meals (but there's 2 servings in each meal so for one person you could see this as 10meals) plus 5 sides, snacks or sweets! for me one "sweet" such as the chickpea cookie dough would last me most of the week.. as I wouldn't eat the whole tub in one sitting - instead I split it and bake like a cookie a day (it's still a large cookie) and that's my desert!

Note: There is also a starter plan available which is cheaper if you wanted to give that a go first!

Here's an example of my meals this week!

Crispy coconut breakfast Hash: these are crispy browned sweet potatoes with a subtle sweetness guaranteed to spice up your morning routine. It includes the hungry root sweet potato ribbons and organic coconut curry.

Ginger Yuba Quinoa bowl: a hearty meal to satisfy taste buds includes organic Ginger Tahini Yuba Noodles and Lemon Artichoke Quinoa Bowl.

Kohlrabi Kale with sauteed greens: This includes their Kalebeet Blend and organic Kale Pesto.

Sweet barbecue chilly jackfruit: this is the perfect melding of sweet, tangy and spicy! their Sweet Barbecue Chili Jackfruit is so hearty you won’t even know you’re eating a plant. Great on its own or paired with rice, pasta or greens (comparable with bbq chicken!)

Black garlic superblend saute: The is the perfect dinner when you're looking for a hearty, creamy meal. It includes their Superblend Salad, organic Chickpea Alfredo and Italian Herb Chickpea Medley.

Avocado chickpea noodle bowl: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this creamy noodle bowl will more than satisfy your appetite. Includes Sweet Potato Ribbons, Italian Herb Chickpea Medley and Avocado Crema.

Chickpea pita mezze platter: party platter made with chickpea pita bread, a lentil medley and spinach artichoke dip. Includes Fluffly Maple Chickpea Batter, Spinach Artichoke Chickpea Dip and Cruncy Carrot Lentil Mix.

Butternut squash bean skillet (this is what I had for dinner today.. it was YUM!): Includes Butternut Squash French Fries and Cucumber Corn Black Bean Salad.

Vanilla Bean Snickdoodle dough: This is delicious and definitely the one to satisfy your sweet tooth! you can eat it raw or bake it!

Coconut lemon bites: packed with coconut and ready to eat! these taste like lemon cake in bite size form!

The above shows this week's meals but each week is different - so far I have let the team at Hungry Root surprise me and I have not yet been disappointed! however you can also customise your delivery ahead of time to include the meal selection you would like! but hey variety is the spice of life!! :)

This is how the ingredients comes packaged

and you receive these in a large cardboard box surrounded by ice packs!

Final words...

I really feel like I am enjoying the health benefits of using Hungry Root and eating a mainly vegan diet (I have slipped up once or twice but forgive me as it's only the beginning and at least I'm trying!). All their food is 1) Vegan 2) Gluten free 3) High in nutrients, fiber and good fats 4) Low in sugar, sodium and calories! check out their website to learn more!

I really love this service and I enjoy cooking the meals!I would highly recommend it to a friend!

My only complaint is that they once sent me gone off cocoa milk but they did reach out to me and give $10 off my next bill and a free almond chickpea cookie dough in my next order.. however it is now 2 orders later and while I did received the $10 off I have yet to receive my free cookie dough :(

Please know that this is not a sponsored post - I wasn't paid or sent any of my meals for free.. I simply love it and wanted to recommend this wonderful service that I truly feel could literally be life changing to my diet of the future! However with that being said if you do feel like trying it out please use my code: https://www.hungryroot.com/r/OEZEOH

with this you will get $30 off on your first order and so will I! as I plan on keeping this up it would help and why not benefit each other :) you will also receive your own code once you've started that you can then pass on to your friends for them to save and you too!

Have a wonderful day! evening! or night! (depending on when you're reading this!)

and if you made it this far then fair play as that was a long post!

anyhow follow me on my socials @ShahiraBarry

Lot of Love,

Shahira XO

I tired a meal delivery service - FRESHLY

2018-01-25T00:49:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

Hope 2018 is going well so far!

well it's the new year and you know what that means..everyone is trying to be on their "New year new me!" routine. It's the season of trying to get fit and healthy once again and the bid to get rid of those extra few pounds that we may have gained during the Christmas and holiday period! The gym memberships are likely renewed and it's all steam ahead to that summer bod!
However, as we all know - establishing a fitness routine is only half the battle and what experts say matters the most is what we are eating! as they say you can't out exercise a bad diet!

I know from my personal life eating healthily can be really difficult! My schedule is all over the place, I'm surrounded by bad food and drink temptation and finding the time to shop for groceries and then cook a healthy meal isn't always easy! and don't get me started on when I shop on a hungry belly.. that in itself is a recipe for disaster!! I pick up everything that is quick and bad for me, I'm sure you've been there before too?! Anyway, what's been popping up on my socials a lot lately are adverts for meal delivery services.. "Healthy" meal delivery services at that! and they've really intrigued me!

Now.. is it ideal?..No! in an ideal world we'd all have time to frequent the farmers markets and the needed grocery stores to shop organically and be really good in the kitchen at whipping up a fresh and healthy meal! However, we don't live in an ideal world - busy work schedules and hectic lifestyles where we're just doing our best to fit everything in gets in the way!
Also I believe that often cooking for one is quite the task in itself! I don't know who else is only cooking for themselves reading this.. (I guess most of these meal delivery services really are geared towards the lone dinner, lol) but I find - I buy a loaf of bread for example and half of it goes off and goes to waste, and getting the portions right when cooking for yourself is the same thing!

I've been so intrigued by the idea of these meal delivery services that I decided to check some out! A couple of months ago I started with 'Freshly'. When trying to decide on which service to go with I wrote a post on my Instagram story (@ShahiraBarry) asking if anyone had tried one of the services and could recommend which one I go with..?? Freshly were one of my options and they were kind enough to reach out to me after my post and offered me 9 free meals to try! this was fab as I was planning on trying them anyway! YAY!

Anyhow this is how they are packaged. As you can see you can simply eat them from their container after heating if you wish - I did this most of the time (lazy girl problems)

I am absolutely rubbish at plating and making food look appetising but here are some of my meals that I did plate and show off(I say that lightly)on snapchat haha

I received my 9 meals and loved the service!
Freshly offer chef cooked meals delivered to you! They promise convenience along with fresh and healthy meals!
Every meal is

All natural and nutrient rich made from high quality ingredients!
Packed with protein!
Free from refined sugars, artificial ingredients and hydrogenated oils!
and gluten free!

They have been written about by Forbes and The Huffington Post to name a few!

How it works:

Freshly is a subscription service! each week your meals are delivered to your doorstep! they are packaged in a big box surrounded by ice packs and insulation to keep them fresh before they reach your fridge!
You customise and plan your own weekly meal selections ahead of time so you always know what you are getting!
All you need to do is heat up your meal and enjoy!

The Cost:

Use code "nocook639" and you'll recieve $20 off your first order on a 6 meal plan!
After that 4 meals per week is $49.99
6 meals = $59.99
9 meals = $89.99
and 12 meals = $107.99

It is quite costly but for the convenience, especially if you're living on your own, I think it's worth it! I was on the 6 meal plan and it really worked for me! I used to find myself a couple of times a week in Trader Joe's spending $60/$70 here and there and I never really felt like I had gotten that much or legit meals for the week! with a service like freshly I just needed to pick up some breakfast bits and milk and I was good to go (presuming one day a week I ate out or had another dinner). It is a subscription service but you can cancel any time or skip a week if you don't fancy it or you're going out of town etc..!

While I was given 9 free meals to trial this is not a sponsored post! I was not paid to write about or promote freshly in any way! once I finished the trial I happily subscribed to the service with my own money and have been using it ever since!

The pros:

Super convenient!
A wide range of meal selections including catering for some different allergies!
Keeps you on top of and on track of what you're putting in your belly!
All the nutritional information is available on their website!
The portion sizes are decent: I find their size to be satisfying and it probably stops me from over eating from that point of view!
You don't have to be home to accept a delivery as the meals are well packaged.

The cons:

If shopping for more than yourself it probably would be cheaper to do a normal grocery shop!
While the meals don't compare to traditional microwavable meals (they are way better taste wise- Freshly meals actually taste GOOD!) after a couple of weeks of using them I do find myself wanting a break for a little while however I think this is simple because of the packaging - I could just plate my meal but I'm lazy! lol

To wrap it up my first experience with a meal delivery service was a really great one! I'm pretty much hooked with the convenience of it! If it's something that would suite your life style I would definitely recommend Freshly! Remember to use the code "nocook639" to receive $20 off a meal plan of 6! (this is not my code fyi. it's just a general code that was given to me to share if I liked it but it is not linked to me and won't benefit me if you use it.. (again no sponsored post here) but it will save you $20 and saving is always a good thing!! :)

This week I am taking a break from freshly to try out 'Hungry Root' which is a Vegan meal delivery service (but with Hungry Root you do have to cook your meals - though most meals can be prepared in under 10 minutes) I will keep you posted on how I feel about it and how it compares to freshly! so watch this space!

To check out Freshly and the meals they have to offer just click here! Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shahira Xo

Yeezy vs Ami clubwear

2017-11-07T12:07:00.005-08:00

Hey everyone!
Who likes designer dupes?!
MEEEEEEE!!!! Oh you too?..ok great!
Well one of my favorite (& cough affordable)online stores is AMI Clubwear & I recently stumbled upon a great dupe for the Yeezy Season 2 knitted Ankle boots which cost $725!

These boots have been seen on many celebrities!

I actually picked up these boots on the Ami clubwear site simply because I thought they were cute & versatile & not because Yeezy sprung to mind! Buttt I found every time I wore them people complimented my “Yeezys” & didn’t know the difference! So I soon realized they were a dead ringer for the Yeezy brand! & yet at $64.99 (on sale they went as low as $19.99!!!) they were a much better bargain! & who doesn’t like a bargain!

(FYI my entire outfit above was also from Ami clubwear)

Above is Ami clubwear & below is Yeezy! As you can see they look very similar :)

After seeing how similar these were I started to spot other Yeezy dupes on the Ami clubwear site! Just look at these!

^Yeezy over the kneee boots on Karruche Tran
And below Ami clubwear dupes for these .. which I don’t own yet but I need!! lol

So what are you waiting for? Go check out Ami Clubwear.com & also their instagram for styling ideas!
Lots of love,
Shahira Xo

RIP Hugh Hefner

2017-09-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

As we all know by now the iconic Hugh Hefner passed away at the age of 91 at his home The Playboy Mansion on Wednesday (April/9th/1926 - Sept/27th/2017).

I coincidentally only live under a mile and a half from the PB.Mansion and I was at home when I received the news - my roommate texted me about it and I couldn't believe it! Don't get me wrong I realise that at 91 Hef lived a great life (and if we all lived until that age we'd be very blessed) but it still came as a shock. I had always heard on the grapevine from people at the mansion etc.. (whether factual or not I'm not sure?) that his mother had lived until 105 and that he hoped to see that age also.. and being that he had such great care I didn't see any reason why he wouldn't do just that.

However, I must say, over the past couple of years I did have my suspicions that perhaps he wasn't doing so well..

Although even as close as last month I was still attending events at the playboy mansion it had been a long time since I had been able to simply visit (without an event) or that I had seen Hef in person. If I remember rightly I think the last time I saw him was briefly on New Years Eve 2014 when I had the opportunity to bring my sister up to the mansion for a visit. After that I never saw him attend any of the parties again (I think he was pictured with his son Cooper at Mid Summer's Nights Dream 2016 but I believe it was a very brief appearance as I didn't see, or hear anything about, him attending). He had previously attended all of his parties and they were on a much larger scale than recent years. As well as that the weekend list which I was once a part of was shut down and the Sunday 'Fun in the sun' (where I first met Hef) came to an end. I thought only girls weren't going up to the mansion anymore(Hef was now married etc..) but I ran into a couple of Hef's old time friends that I knew as regulars at the mansion (some going u there 30+ years etc..) and they told me they were no longer visiting either as Hef wasn't doing so well and being the very proud man that he was I don't think he wanted many people to see him that way.

Here is what I posted on my instagram upon hearing the sad news:

I am so sad to hear about the passing of the absolute legend @hughhefner 💔 I feel blessed that I had an opportunity to get to know the man behind the brand & hang out at his amazing playboy mansion where I have so many wonderful memories✨ it is because of my experience traveling to LA & meeting Hef that I now live in Los Angeles - it opened this small country girls eyes to another life where dreams come true & if you work hard enough & believe.. anything can happen! 2012 was my first visit to the states, my first time at the mansion & it is where I made my first friends in LA. That year when I returned home I received a letter from Hef letting me know I was being put on a guest list to come/go .. I couldn't believe that such an iconic man took the time to write to little old me.. but that just shows how kind he was! (I have always cherished that letter & always will..perhaps I'll frame it) anyway I packed my bags to spend summer'13 out in LA & of course took up the guest list offer & spent most of my summer visiting the mansion along with my best friend at the time. We had the most amazing summer & I grew a self belief that I could be anything I wanted to be..after all how was I here? we lay by the pool by day, watched movies in the evenings, ate fantastic food, played with the animals, watched the fireworks on 4th of July and attended mid summers nights dream.. to this day some of the nicest people I've ever met was at the playboy mansion-the staff, the girls & Hef with his wonderful hospitality. Finally in 2015, now living in LA & visa in hand, I had the opportunity to test as a playboy playmate .. again little old me from Athenry😵🍀 testing at the playboy studios in Beverly Hills with one of the top playboy photographers.. I couldn't believe it! unfortunately my test was for 2016 when the mag went a more high fashion non-nude route and that's where my playboy dreams came to an end but the encouragement Playboy gave me will stick with me forever!🐰 it's been awhile since I last saw Hef in person but I feel I have a lot to thank him for.. for giving me the confidence in myself to move to LA & pursue my dreams, for the opportunities & the friendships✨ #riphef ✨

A post shared by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Sep 27, 2017 at 9:23pm PDT

I feel that I covered most of what I had to say in my instagram post but I just wanted to include a little tribute here on my blog. I was asked to chat about my experience with Playboy and meeting Hef on the Ryan Tubridy show on RTE Radio 1 and I took the call last night for a pre-recorded interview however unfortunately the line was too bad (thank you Sprint!lol). Anyway I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience! and I feel blessed that I had that opportunity in the years just before the end of an era.

It makes me sad to read negative comments online from people who never had an opportunity to meet Hef or indeed have anything to do with Playboy.. to those people I say perception and reality are two completely different things: you shouldn't judge something or conclude upon something you didn't experience or get to see with your own eyes.

The playboy mansion itself is a beautiful property. Yes it may be a little out-dated interior wise but that is what gives it it's quirky edge and that is what reflects the personality of the man that owned it - the legendary Hugh Hefner - to me that is what makes it one of the most untouched special places in LA!

As for Hef himself - he always came across as a very friendly, sweet and caring man to me. A man with the most amazing hospitality! I always described my visits to the mansion as a relaxing spa or trip.. he opened his doors to some lucky people and wanted them to experience this amazing life he had built. The staff were so warm and attentive and would bring you almost any food/drink you requested. As a guest you really were treated very well! In the evenings there was a full buffet followed by movie screenings and I will always remember Hef's cute voice shouting happily with an almost child-like excitement "It's Movieee Timeee!" before each screening. Friday's and Saturday's were older movies but on Sunday's there would be a screening of a new release.. I remember sitting in the theatre room on bean bags as Hef and his wife crystal sat directly behind me and my girlfriends and every now and then I would hear him comment or laugh at the movie.. each time I felt like pinching myself.. how am I here.. this is bizarre.. I grew up watching The Girls Next Door on E! and now I'm sitting here watching this movie.. I felt the same sitting on the lawn, again in front of Hef, on 4th of July watching the fireworks.. it felt like this amazing American dream.. and oh how it was!!

While the Irish media speculated on whether or not I would ever pose for Playboy and I went back and forth myself-when I finally got my visa, what I didn't talk about until now was that, I did get the opportunity to test as a Playmate in approx March/April 2015. Only my family knew of this shoot and I decided to keep it to myself as it had already been talked about in the press since my initial visit in 2012 and I didn't want to put any added pressure on myself. The shoot took place at the Beverly Hills Playboy Studios with a senior playboy photographer. I was very nervous on the day as I had never posed nude and I questioned myself on whether or not my body was good enough - I had real boobs! I was also very lean at the time and had recently come off birth control so they were smaller than normal and this was a big insecurity of mine!
The environment itself was extremely professional - I had my makeup and hair done and was styled with accessories and shoes. The professionalism of the team did make me feel more comfortable and I was happy that I went for it! However I was told that the 2015 spots were full and that this shoot was a test for consideration for 2016. Sadly January 2016 was the last nude playboy magazine and the brand had a re-launch and went a more high fashion route.. I'm 5'6 and curvy so I'm not a "high fashion" model therefore it left my nude test shoot to kind of just fall by the wayside and that was that. I don't know if I would have made it as a playmate or not but I am grateful that they believed in me enough to give me a shot and gave up their day to shoot with me, that must count for something! Thinking back it does make me a little upset because to this day it was one of the biggest opportunities to have come my way and in a way it was a long time coming with all the talk in the Irish press since 2012 to my actual test in 2015. It was a big build up.. but I feel like it was simply the wrong timing and I missed that shot by a hairs breath!
However, I do remember the photographer saying to me that the playmate at the time who was very likely to become Playmate of the Year (and she did) Dani Mathers was 27/28years old and that I was still quite young.. While I do feel it was a missed opportunity I also feel that I was indeed quite young and still very shy. I believe I would be able to handle something like that a lot more now that I am not as new to LA and have my barrings on who I am as a person, I've grown up a lot.. I don't know what route Playboy will take now that Hef has passed and now that Cooper will be officially taking over but I guess never say never because you don't know what the future holds!

I feel like the whole experience came into my life to open my eyes to the possibilities of life and to what you can make it if you dedicate yourself and work hard! Growing up my family and I always struggled with money - I was raised by a very hard working single mum who encouraged me and gave me the best that she could but financially there was never a time when we didn't struggle. While mansion and yacht hopping is taken for granted in LA and almost a part of normality for many it is a million miles away from my home town of Galway and the way in which I grew up. I am so thankful for my upbringing and no I haven't made all my millions yet, lol, but even to get to experience that life and at a young age & see "how the other half live" so to speak, truly encouraged me to aim HIGH with my own life and my own ambitions.. the sky is the limit! Your current situation doesn't have to reflect your future situation! Hef started Playboy magazine on a $8,000 loan and a single idea and he built it into a multi-million-dollar empire! That is inspirational and should be admired! it most certainly is by me!

I don't think Hef's funeral plans have been announced as yet but I have always heard that he owns the plot beside Marilyn Monroe at the Pierce Brothers Memorial Park just a block or two away from me in Westwood.

I have emailed Hef's secretary to send my condolences and I'd like to say it again here - my heart breaks at the end of a era. Hef meant so much to so many! and touched many different lives in many different ways! he even had a big impact on this little Irish girl! I send my deepest condolences to everyone close to Hef: his wife Crystal, his children and family, his friends and his staff both at the mansion and a part of the Playboy team. May his legacy live on forever!

Lots of Love,

Shahira xo

I've started waist training and using a sweat belt

2017-09-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

So over the past couple of years I've heard the buzz words 'waist trainer' a lottt with regards to getting in good shape (literally) and adding it to your fitness regime. Waist trainers can be seen all over instagram and social media and it's largely due to celebrities who are fans of waist training such as the Kardashian/Jenner girls, Amber Rose and Snookie (to name a few) who are all known for having incredible bodies with curves! an hour-glass figure is definitely sort-after by many!

I had a number of girls message me asking if I have ever waist trained. Honestly I had zero knowledge or experience with the concept so I decided to research it and ultimately decided to give it a go!

Here's what I know so far

Waist trainers are said to...

Reduce Back Pain
Improve Posture
Reduce Bloating
and Aid Weight Loss

I see waist training not as a replacement to a healthy diet or exercise but as an aid to your healthy lifestyle and fitness routine!

My experience so far

I feel like I can definitely vouch for the reducing back pain and improving posture claims as I often work very long hours on set.

A while ago I was on set of a film for two long back to back days (12hrs) at the same location, with the same set-ups and approx same length of down time/standing/sitting etc... on day 1 I didn't have my waist trainer on and I experienced lower back pain after a couple of hours - This is often a problem for me! The following day I decided to wear my w.trainer to set! I didn't have any high hopes as such with regards to back pain and I had truly decided to wear it simply for fitness and shaping reasons... However to my absolute pleasant surprise I didn't suffer with any back pain that day and I also noticed that my posture was greatly improved and that I was sitting and standing up a lot straighter! It was a 12 hour set day so it could be assumed (I assumed, lol) that I would have some discomfort by wearing a waist trainer but in fact I feel it made me a lot more comfortable, took a way my pain and totally intrigued me to keep using it! It's worth saying that my w.trainer is a flexi trainer so it is stretchy and not as grooling as some of the other models I've seen online.

If you work at a job where you are standing or sitting all day a waist trainer may actually help you, like it has me, with back pain and posture.

I also love the shape that a waist trainer gives my body! I choose a beige/skin coloured trainer so I could wear it under a dress/clothes if I want to :)

When I was a teen my belly/back/sides area never gained weight - if I was to hold weight it was on my legs but since I've gotten a little older I've noticed that the sides of my stomach have started to hold weight more than they ever used to! and it's a common problem for girls to wake up looking great but feel bloated and chubby by the end of the day. Wearing a waist trainer persistently for a couple of weeks is said to create a more toned and tighter looking stomach region - who doesn't want that? I wore my trainer for 6 weeks straight for a few hours every day and I have seen great results! A couple of my girlfriends have even been encouraged to pick one up for themselves!

The different types of trainers available

Day To Day: The Day to Day trainer is more elasticated, very safe and stretches to mould with your body for daily wear although still tight enough to constrain the waist region to achieve your desired results. (this is what I have)
Latex: The Latex Trainer is stronger, thicker and sturdier, better for cardio or daily if you do not need to bend over or move around too much during the day as it restricts your movement more than the Day to Day. Latex is recommended for fuller ladies as it offers more support.

I got mine from waisttrainerfitness.com

A waist trainer is not the only thing I've been trying out! I've also teamed my waist trainer regime with a sweat belt!

I like to check out the fitness section of Ross from time to time because it's half price for some great equipment! I got my kettle bell, skipping rope and yoga mat all from Ross! (no shame) and it was there where I was browsing and found a sweat belt! (only $6 may I add).
Some people like to wear their waist trainer when they workout but I don't like the idea of this because it would quickly become sweaty and smelly and they're not cheap. Therefore the idea of a sweat belt intrigued me!
A sweat belt works, similar to a sauna suit, by making you sweat in that area and therefore aiding inch loss. There are many for and against arguments when it comes to sweat belts and indeed waist trainers - some say they work some say they do not.
I find that sweat belts are great for immediate results ie. loosing water weight. This can be great for your confidence if you have an extra tight dress or special occasion that day. However it is said that this weight will go back on and also that a sweat belt can actually stop your abs mobility and therefore prevent that tone. So what I do is I only use it for an extra sweat during my cardio - then when it's time to strength train or target my abs I take it off!

I personally feel that adding both the sweat belt and waist trainer to my fitness regime has helped me a lot - and my abs are starting to re-appear after a period of hibernation!

I am not a fitness/health expert I can only tell you about my experience so as with anything do your own re-search and proceed with caution :)

Follow me on Instagram @ShahiraBarry to keep up with my pics and progress :)

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

The BEST customised costumes - Victoria's Secret inspired!

2017-02-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

So a couple of months ago I found an amazing company while searching instagram. The company is called @republicofrave and while I have showed off what I got from them on my insta @ShahiraBarry I realised I never spoke about them on here so I thought I would do that now :)

Republic of Rave is a company who make the most beautiful and unique costumes that are of excellent quality!

At the time I had the Mid Summers Nights Dream party coming up at the Playboy Mansion and and I had this idea for a beautiful lingerie set made out of purple flowers. I was inspired by a gorgeous flower crown that was sent to me a couple of months before hand by @brambleandberrie (Bramble & Berrie design stunning bespoke flower crowns btw!).

"Ohh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair.." 🎶 obsessed with my flower crown by @brambleandberrie 🙆🏻👸🏻🌺💐🌸

A photo posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on May 8, 2016 at 12:58pm PDT

I knew the flower crown would be perfect for Mid Summers which is an arabian nights/magical garden themed lingerie party. I contacted Republic of Rave with my idea and I was delighted that they were able to design a custom outfit to suit! I sent over some pictures of the flower crown and they got to work - I trusted them completely as I could tell from their instagram that their designs were just the kind of thing I was looking for!
here's an example of designs from their instagram

#sneakpeek for this summer @republicofrave #rave #edm #edmlife #musicfestival #electronic #tomorrowland #tomorrowworld #edmcostume #fairy #fairycostume #enchantress #wayhome #edc #ravebra #edclv #edcny #burningman

A photo posted by Isabel Galvez (@republicofrave) on May 13, 2016 at 5:07am PDT

Only a couple of weeks later the most STUNNING lingerie I had ever seen arrived in the mail! it was perfect and I was so excited to wear it! Seriously Republic of Rave should design for the Victoria Secret Fashion Show because their designs are so unique and just beautiful!

The vision for my outfit had come to life and I had an excellent time at the party because I felt amazing in what I was wearing (all girls know how they feel in an outfit can help to make or break a night out).
Here are some of the pictures:

Like father like son @cooperbhefner 👌 🌸 crown @brambleandberrie outfit @republicofrave shoes @amiclubwear 🌸 #msnd16

A photo posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Aug 28, 2016 at 1:26pm PDT

Flower Power 🌸 @republicofrave @brambleandberrie @amiclubwear

A photo posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Aug 28, 2016 at 10:23pm PDT

FYI my shoes were from AMI Clubwear and I found flowers to match and pinned them throughout my hair:)

#midsummernightsdream outfit details @republicofrave crown @brambleandberrie shoes @amiclubwear 🌸 follow my snaps 👻 @shahirabarry 👻

A video posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Aug 28, 2016 at 6:28pm PDT

The Mid Summers party was at the end of August so after such a success I turned my mind to Halloween (Halloween is one of my favourite holidays because I love fancy dress and I always go all out!).
I was attending the MAXIM halloween party and I saw some gorgeous mermaid inspired pieces on the republic or rave instagram and set my mind on being a mermaid - this was perfect as I love wearing wigs (as I have always had the same hair colour so its fun to switch it up with wigs) and I had wanted to try a teal Kylie Jenner inspired wig for the longest time. I chatted to the people at Republic of Rave and described what I would like - sending them some pictures for example and inspiration and I ordered a wig on ebay. Of course once again they blew my mind with the detail that went into the costume and I was in LOVE with it!

Here are some pictures:

#ootd @republicofrave killed it with this custom costume for me for the @maximmag Halloween party last night 🙆🏻 #maximhalloween #mermaid 🐚

A video posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Oct 24, 2016 at 2:51pm PDT

Last night was lit💥 #maximhalloween

A photo posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Oct 24, 2016 at 6:17pm PDT

I made my own Diamond tights to match that I wore on the night (yep before Kylie Jenner rocked hers and got the world on a diamond tight obsession lol). If you'd like a blog post or video on how I made them then let me know and I'll get on it!

When that sun hits☀️ used @gerardcosmetics bbplus illuminating cream on my body for an extra sparkle ✨ (code 'barry' =money off)my favourite Halloween costume that I wore this year by @republicofrave 🙌 photo by aprica 📸 Happy Halloween everyone!🎃

A photo posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Oct 31, 2016 at 7:14pm PDT

Anyhow, everyone knows about the Victoria Secret Fantasy Bra that debuts at the fashion show each year and costs millions of dollars but with Republic of Rave you can play out your own Victoria Secret dreams and have your own unique customised bra or costume! I think they are AMAZING and I cannot say enough great things about them! so check them out on instagram and maybe you could find yourself rocking one of their pieces for a special occasion or just for fun :)

walking in like...Oh HEY🙋🏻

A photo posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Sep 22, 2016 at 2:43am PDT

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

I joined a men's shaving club...

2017-01-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

Strange title for a girl right?...
well as a female I love to have silky smooth legs and skin as often as I can - it makes me feel feminine, not to mention it helps my tan to apply better and more evenly!
However, have you noticed how in supermarkets and pharmacies the razors aimed at females can be double the price of the men's selection! literally you can find an identical razor by the same brand - one is for a man and the other is pink and marketed toward women therefore it is far more expensive!

These pink and gimmicky razors may be better to look at but they can lack in quality! not to mention the blade refills can be almost as expensive as the first razor you bought!

Men's razors are predominately designed for shaving their beards and therefore they tend to be better quality as they are designed to flex and reach the angles of the face without cutting! the same can't be said for women's razors.. think about it: how often have you cut your knee or shin?

I found the Dollar Shave Club online and yeah it's marketed toward guys but girls can join too! why not!

What I got:

I decided to go all out (lol) and try the "executive" which is a 6 blade razor and comes with 4 replacement blades and free shipping! The first month is only $1 so you literally have nothing to loose by trying it! after that for the executive (the most expensive of the bunch) it is $9/month however-I personally know I won't go through 4 blades a month as lets face it you can get a couple of goes out of one blade and if you're just using it for your legs/armpits it's not like you will be using it every day!
I shaved my legs 5 days ago now and they are still silky smooth and the executive offers a really close shave! SO if you don't want to fork out $9 a month as you don't need a new razor every month then you can simply pause the subscription and wait until you are running out of blades and then re-activate your account! easy-peasy!

As I was only paying $1 for my razor I also picked up the shave butter!

The shave butter literally feels like butter but it helps you to achieve that close shave and allows you to know where you have shaved already and where you have missed!
It's formulated without parabens, helps to moisturise your skin: leaving it so soft to touch and it is not tested on animals!
I really liked this product but I don't think I will be re-purchasing it and I wouldn't say it is an essential to pick up when selecting your razor as in my opinion shaving with conditioner (yes hair conditioner) works just as well!

To conclude: I would definitely recommend joining the Dollar Shave Club and picking up a razor of your choice because in my experience the blades are super sharp,they work excellently and the postage only takes a day or two! The best part is it saves you both money and convenience so what's not to like?!

Check out the Dollar Shave Club here!

Happy Shaving! haha

Shahira Xo

what i wore - Maxim Hot 100 party

2016-09-12T16:37:00.002-07:00

Hey Everyone!

So lately I've been feeling very inspired to up my fashion/outfit game and I've been loving experimenting with my clothes for a number of different events that I've been attending.

Lets start with last month when I attended the annual Maxim Hot 100 party which was held at the Hollywood Palladium. I arranged my outfit the week prior & I knew I wanted something with a little extra sex appeal due to the nature of the event.

I love searching instagram (mine is @ShahiraBarry btw) for new online stores & I came across the lvst bunny instagram page = I fell in love with everything! I literally started 'liking' every post in their feed.. I was hooked! I decided that their 'BDSM 3 piece set' was perfect for the maxim event!

It arrived super fast in the mail, fit perfectly (I got it in a size small) and I was as in love with it in person as I was when I found it on the

lvst bunny instagram page

The dress retails for $180 & you can buy it here! :)

Because it's a black dress & my hair is black I knew I definitely wanted to add a pop of colour so that's where the shoes came in! I picked a pair of sexy and funky bright red lace up heels from another store I've been obsessed with lately ami clubwear.com (my go to for all things shoe for sure!)

At the moment these are on sale for only $24.74!!!

You can buy them here

You may have already seen my posts on instagram & snapchat (@ShahiraBarry) but here is me wearing the outfit...

I cannot tell you how many compliments I got about my outfit on the night - the guys loved it & the girls wanted to know where I got it from so overall I'd say it was definitely a success :)

🎶..this dream is all that I need cause it's all that I ever had...now get this work🎶 ✨ dress @lvstbunny.co heels @amiclubwear @maximmag #hot100party @karmaintl @karmaintlevents 🎉

A video posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Jul 31, 2016 at 11:04am PDT

The party itself was a lot of fun.. Iggy azalea performed which was awesome! And as with all the maxim parties it's open bars & free food (always a plus) It was my first hot 100 party but not my first maxim party and although by every means it was a great event I didn't feel like it lived up to either the Super Bowl or Halloween party in comparison.. Still a great event! can't wait for the maxim halloween party in October!x!

Here are some of the other attendees..

Iggy got the black cut-out memo ;) and she preformed on the night! (amazing)

Amber rose was unrecognisable in a blonde wig...

Other attendees included melB who sizzled in red

Follow my snap @ShahiraBarry

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

two of my favourite skin products for extra moisturised skin :)

2016-05-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Blog Readers!

One thing I always get asked about is...

As I have gotten older one of the most important things to me (in terms of my skin care routine) is keeping my face moisturised!

Moisturising your skin is so important especially as we age! You wouldn't go a day without drinking water would you? (coffee and beer also contains water ;) well in that case you shouldn't go a day without hydrating your skin! It's not only important for today but also for the future!

Today:
In the short term using a moisturiser keeps your skin looking healthy and delivers immediate perking and plumping benefits. Moisturisers lock in water and prevent water loss in everyday conditions such as heat or wind. Not to mention your skin looks and feels so much smoother, softer and fresher looking when you moisturise regularly!

Tomorrow:
Using moisturiser is so important for your skin in the long run as proper hydration enables your skin to function at peak performance! skin cells in peak condition can rapidly repair themselves and turnover fresh cells quickly which means huge anti-ageing benefits! Those who use a moisturiser develop wrinkles at a fraction of the rate of those with dry skin! who doesn't want to look younger for longer?

It feels awesome:
As well as the tremendous benefits using a good moisturiser has on your skin it also feels amazing and instantly refreshing!

What I use

I am currently using two products to moisturise my skin and I am obsessed with them. After I cleanse my skin I use a serum and then I follow up with my moisturiser.

The Serum I am using!
I am using 'Truffle Therapy Serum' - this stuff is amazing! I love it! You can feel it immediately plumping your skin! it is anti-ageing magic used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles! I love the way it glides on and makes my skin feel so silky and soft! It is from a natural skincare line which is an extra perk as it doesn't contain any parabens etc..This product feels luxurious and beautiful - it is a treat for your skin :) you deserve it!

My Moisturiser!
After I use the Truffle Therapy Serum I follow up with the 'Super Anti-Ageing Matrixyl Moisturiser'! (doesn't the name sound like magic in a bottle :) I love this product because unlike some other moisturisers that I have used in the past it doesn't make my skin feel greasy at all! This moisturiser was designed not only to address the visible signs of ageing but also to help the skin cells to renew for a long term anti-ageing effect while also provide a ton of antioxidants to the skin. An added bonus is that it contains natural ingredients (as does the Truffle Therapy serum) and was never tested on animals! (YAY)

My routine: I use both of these products after cleansing my face when I wake up in the morning and just before I go to bed at night! I use a light circle motion to apply each product. I love how this sits under makeup as it makes for a great primer and gives a illuminous subtle glow to the skin!

You can pick up both products on Amazon! Click here for the Truffle Therapy Serum and here for the Super Anti-Ageing Matrixyl Moisturiser!

Of course I highly recommend both products because if I didn't they wouldn't appear here on my blog! :) but let me know if you try them out because I would love to hear if you love these products just as much as I do!

You can find me all over social Media @ShahiraBarry

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

I've been taking Truvivity... and so has JLO!

2016-04-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

So if you follow me on Snapchat (@ShahiraBarry) you may have already seen me post about the beauty supplement 'Truvivity' that I've been trying out lately... Well it's been a couple of weeks now since I started taking it so I thought I'd fill you in a bit more here on my blog :)

What is a beauty supplement?

Beauty supplements are supplements (pills or drinks) that you take as part of your beauty regime... they work with the concept of "beauty from within". As we know when it comes to our fitness regime for example.. it's not all about exercise it's also about what you are putting in to your body! the food and nutrients that we are fuelling with... therefore the same idea can be applied to our beauty regime! We can use as many creams/serums etc.. as we like but taking a beauty supplement can also help with skincare, haircare, nail care etc...

What beauty supplement am I taking?

As I mentioned above I have been taking Truvivity by Nutrilite for a couple of weeks now and it has become a steady part of my beauty regime! I really love it!

I use both the pills and the powdered drink daily! and so does JLo! HEYYY if it's good enough for JLo ... it's good enough for me/you ;)

What is Truvivity?

Truvivity is a ingestible moisture enhancing supplement designed to work from within to protect your skin's moisture and support elasticity and smoothness!

It is comprised of...

An ingestible pill with PhytoInfuse (antioxidant-rich wolfberry, rosehip and grape seed extracts combine to form a powerful natural formula) and PhytoCeraide (an innovative skin moisturising technology) complexes that works at night to help protect skin moisture and support skin elasticity and smoothness so you wake up to healthier, smooth skin. I take two of these every night before I go to sleep so it can work it's magic! :)
A powder that contains PhytoCeramides, Vitamin C and Cranberry Extract for antioxidant protection. Simply mix in water and drink whenever desired. I mix this in with my water when I'm going to workout! it's refreshing and it adds a nice subtle flavour to my water!:) I've also given a sachet to a few of my girlfriends to try and they love it!

How Truvivity by Nutrilite came About:

Scientists evaluated the importance of ingestible supplements on the skin and carefully selected the right formula of botanical ingredients to provide the vital moisture protection your body needs!

Why add yet another step to your beauty routine?
As we age our skin can become thinner and as it does the skin's outer layer can become unable to serve as an effective barrier which can result in weaker looking, dryer skin! The Truvivity system provides a holistic yet effective solution! It works from the inside to relieve the skin from oxidative stress! the two pills work throughout the night during your restorative night time rhythm to combat negative side effects from the environment such as such sun exposure, pollution and general traces of a hectic lifestyle! the powdered drink compliments the pill by providing a wide range of nutrients that help to reduce tiredness and support skin health!

The beautiful Jennifer Lopez is known for THAT 'JLo Glow'! this powerful woman is 46 years old and yet she hasn't aged and looks absolutely amazing! if she believes in beauty from within SO DO I!! lol :)

Truvivity retails for €85 (the pills) and €47 (the drink sachets) or both for €115! It may be a little on the expensive side but the results are to live by! SO if you're interested in trying this beauty from within concept for yourself you can shop Truvivity by clicking here!

My skincare is so important to me! and I often get complimented on my skin! I am always asked what foundation I wear etc.. but the truth is it doesn't matter what makeup you wear because if you look after your skin first and foremost and provide the right base then you can get a way without wearing makeup! and you can simply provide the perfect base for makeup application which means a lot of foundations will look glowing and luminous from high-end to drugstore! that Jlo glow as they say.. truly starts from within so that's where I've begun starting from!

Anyone need their house cleaned...??? While everyone & their mothers are at Coachella 🌴🙆🏻😂 👸🏻

A video posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Apr 16, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

A Hair Straightening Brush? The Dafni!!

2016-04-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

So I know you all saw the viral video of a girl brushing her hair with some sort of electric hair brush and immediately having beautifully straight hair!

Well...the idea and the video got my attention straight away and after some quick Google research I found out it was called The Dafni!!

The Dafni is a hair straightening brush that is x10 faster than a traditional hair straightener! It is easy to use, saves time and is actually safer for your hair than a regular straightening iron!

At a perfect 365˚F the Dafni brushes your hair in to a sleek straight style in just three to five minutes!!

The trick is its unique design which goes between the hair strands instead of pushing from either side with a flat iron. The Dafni works on all hair types whether curly, straight, frizzy or flyaways - it's the perfect solution for a person with a busy lifestyle!

How to Dafni:

Use only on dry tangle free hair!
Brush slowly in a pulling motion (as you would a regular hair brush)
Make sure your hair gets deep into the inner area of the brush!
Use the brush to shape the hair inwards or outwards!

Some FAQ's

How does a straightener brush differ from a traditional flat iron?

Brushing is the ultimate most intuitive way to self-style the hair.. therefore, the DAFNI brush is a natural and convenient way to style both the front and the back of the hair!

the DAFNI brush consists of a unique 3D surface that is substantially wider than a traditional straightener; hence the brush styles very large strands of hair in each stroke!

Will the brush burn the scalp?

If you look at the purple ceramic surface you will notice that on top of each tooth is placed a springy (black) insulator that allows you to brush from the root while touching the scalp worry free!

How long does it take for the brush to heat up?

The brush heats to 186 degrees C (365 degrees Fahrenheit) in just 1 minute!

Does the Dafni damage the hair?

DAFNI is actually safer than most straighteners in the market. Thanks to the optimal working temperature which provides good quality and lasting results. Also when the hair runs between the teeth the hair’s cloak remains unharmed since it is not squeezed between two heating elements but rather it enjoys the heat and runs freely between the teeth!

Where can you buy the dafni?

You can Shop the dafni here

More FAQ's here!

I was so intrigued by the Dafni that I had to get my hands on it to test it out for myself! I have really long hair and I wear it in a braid every night which makes it wavy and untamed.. so I love the idea that the Dafni could help me to get ready with ease each morning and save me time! (a few extra minutes sleeping in in the morning is always welcomed, lol). SO I finally got myself a dafni and put it to use! give my video a watch and you'll see what I thought of the dafni and what kind of results I got on my hair!!

The Dafni...You'll straight up love it!!

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

Perfect-il Hair, Skin and Nails

2016-02-24T17:06:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

So lately I've added something new to my beauty regime and I thought I'd tell you about it...

Pefectil is a triple active supplement for skin, hair and nails!

The concept behind Perfectil is 'Beauty from within'

It's a known fact that what you put into your body has a huge impact on both your internal health as well as your outer appearance! Perfectil has been designed to compliment your daily skin, nail and hair care routine with a range of over 20 micronutrients. It is based on 40years of scientific research into the benefits of targeted optimal nutrition!

Because certain nutrients are of great importance to the health of our hair, nails and skin Perfectil delivers these nutrients via the bloodstream (the deepest level) by means of a pill/tablet that you take once daily!

The micronutrients within each tablet include:

Vitamins B2, B3 and biotin which contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
Minerals selenium and zinc which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair and nails.

Due to the large amounts of micronutrients found in Perfectil it doubles up as a multivitamin so a general multivitamin is not necessary.

It may also be important to say that Perfectil does not contain any drugs or hormones and is produced in accordance to GMP standards of quality control, beyond those normally required for food supplements.

If you've followed me or have known me for awhile - you know that I have naturally long, strong hair - my family thank it to our "Bangladeshi roots" (roots..literally ;) lol). So noticing a huge difference with my hair can be difficult but I started taking Perfectil about two months ago and I have noticed that the strength of my nails has improved greatly, my hair is shiny and my skin has remained clear. I also feel like I have more energy and that the whites of my eyes are brighter when I take Perfectil and this may be due to all of the nutrients and vitamins included!

If you're in the UK or Ireland you can purchase Perfectil in Tesco, Boots, Superdrug, Asda, Saisburys. Morrisons or in a wide range of pharmacies and healthfood shops! If you are not in the UK or simply prefer shopping online you can pick up a packet for £9.15 by clicking here!

Let me know if you decide to give it a go!

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

NEW Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette

2016-02-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I love makeup (as we all know, lol) but the truth is I don't have a huge collection of eyeshadow palettes because I always go back to my old "reliables" (mainly urban decay and Inglot). However, I had been interested in trying one of the two faced palettes for awhile now so I was delighted to get my hands on the new Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette!

YES it was inspired by the lunch box staple and yes it makes for the cutest little palette you've ever seen! it also smells delicious! but don't worry it's not over bearing... it's sweet with a hint of peanut butter but it's not ott! :)

SO what's in the palette?
It is filled with a combination of 9 matte and shimmer shades! and it includes a large mirror which is great for on the go touch-ups!

There are essentially 3 sections: section 1 'Soft & Sweet' includes the famous medium brown entitled 'peanut butter', a muted peach 'spread the love' (lovely blush also;) and 'peanut butter cup' which is a shimmery deep brown shade.
Section 2 'Rich and Creamy' has the most beautiful shimmery purple shade 'Jammin', along with an orange toned gold shimmer 'peanut brittle' and a yellow toned gold shimmer 'bananas' which also makes for a beautiful highlight!
Section 3 'PB & J' contains a true bright purple 'jelly' (duh!), 'nuts about you' which is a bright brown and then the staple basic off-white/cream shade that's needed in any palette (in my opinion) called ' Extra Creamy'.

This beautiful 'Peanut Butter & Jelly' palette hit stores at the beginning of February and retails for $36 (approx €31.98).

I have not stopped using these shadows since I picked up this beauty - I am in love!

slice of toast anyone? lol

The shadows are really well pigmented and true to colour! they glide on effortlessly, have amazing staying power and there are an endless amount of looks you could create! I can't wait to get creative!!

Seriously..How cute is this palette? Are you going to try it? Let me know and send me your pictures wearing the shadows-I'd love to see your creations! :)

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

My experience with Rose Gal (whole sale fashion site)

2016-01-23T00:09:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

SO I know you have probably all seen the ads that regularly pop-up on the side of Facebook advertising 'Rose Gal' whole sale clothing site (I know I had seen them for a long time before I decided to bite the bullet and check the site out!) but being the fashion-bargain-hunter that I am.. my curiosity got the better of me and I started browsing!

I must admit I had a look around the site a number of times before deciding to order anything and that was mainly for one reason... everything looked so great yet so affordable!! (some I'd even seen on other sites for x3 the amount) so I thought mmm "what's the catch?!" and I bet many of you probably think the same thing...

I worried I would end up with an experience that went something like this...

Lol! but never the less the prices were so low I thought it was definitely worth a go! I picked out a number of things: 4 items in total and it cost me under $30!

Here's what I picked up...

This 'Stylish, plunging neckline, long sleeve dress' in green $17.46!

This 'pair of exquisite color intrigue diamante earrings' $3.42

A silver 'Rhinestone Decorated Body Chain' $4.19

and the 'fashion bead gold body chain' $4.34

I am VERY HAPPY to report that what I ordered is what I got! and the shipping time was regular too! HOORAYYY!! :) :)

The dress has become a favorite of mine and I wore it a tone over the past couple of weeks! (as you can see from the mix of pictures below) the earrings have also become a favorite and I have been wearing them a LOT! HEY I just love turquoise! my eyes are a turquoise colour so I feel it helps to bring them out! The body chains I haven't worn so much as I am waiting for the weather to get a little warmer so I can wear them with bikinis! I'm sure I will get a lot of use out of them in spring and summer!

Here are a bunch of photos showing the amazing quality of the items for such super low prices!

The front of the dress:

The dress is a good fit and I love the attention to detail on the lace including the patterned edges. It is sheer on the arms and flesh colored under the lace of the torso!

The Side of the dress:

I am very happy with the fit of the dress! and would recommend you don't need to go up or down a size when ordering from the site as the sizes seem pretty regular going off of my experience with this dress purchase!

The Back of the dress:

The back of this dress is what makes it special due to it's cut out back! I would suggest wearing your hair up or at least off your back if you have long hair like me to truly show off the scoop-back detail!

Close up and personal

The material used for this dress is particularly nice! I love the lace-flower details and the silver rhinestones that give the dress an extra bit of sparkle when the light hits it!

Earrings

The earrings picture a slightly different color than they are to the eye - they picture more green when they are more turquoise/teal. I love this 'bollywood' style.. it is right up my street!x! It may also be worth mentioning that despite the low cost these earrings haven't irritated my ears at all and I have worn them for a long number of hours at any one time!

silver body chain:

I had wanted to pick up some body-chains for the longest time now but I kept forgetting! I love simple, dainty ones like the two I got! I think they are perfect to add to a bikini or to spruce up a going out outfit! you can wear them over or under your clothes!

I got two slightly different but also similar ones as I simply wanted one in silver and one in gold!

Gold Body Chain $4.32

Personally for under $30 (which remember is even less in euro) I can't rave about my order from rose-gal enough! the color does picture a little differently depending on the light but that's just bright colors for you!! I did notice on their website on some items they would show a picture of a certain clothing piece followed by a picture of their version of the item which may be a bit different to the original picture so my advice would be to simply read all the info provided and look at all the images :) However for such bargain prices you can't go too wrong! and for me the shipping time was regular (approx a week to LA).

The website is www.rosegal.com - check it out and see if you can bag a bargain too!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

Tips/ideas to kick start the new year!

2016-01-02T19:51:00.002-08:00

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to wish you all a HAPPY New Year!

WOW 2016... how did that happen? 2015 just flew by!!!

I had a really great 2015! I couldn't really have asked for more! and I hope 2016 will out do it ;) I truly had an endless amount of highlights professionally and I met (&/or worked with) so many inspirational people who I look up to: that I feel I would be bragging too much to write them all down;) lol: but some personal highlights of mine include:

Joining the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) - this means that I can now compete at a professional level for roles/auditions and I'm generally a lot more protected with regards to my rate of pay, conditions etc..

Featuring in large international press such as Cosmopolitan, Grazia and Now! (etc) I had featured in press outside of Ireland and the UK before but this was the first year to such a degree with some of the largest names in our media-ran world.

Landing the lead (& most importantly speaking, lol) role in a commercial (out soon).
Meeting some genuine people and becoming a lot stronger in myself! when I first moved to LA I thought every single person was great.. obviously this is unrealistic and quite frankly a little dangerous! lets just say I learnt my lesson by being thrown in the deep end and now I select the people I give my time and energy to more wisely! I used to trust right off the bat until given a reason not to but now I've learnt that trust is something earned not given freely. (makes you think in a different way doesn't it.. mind blowing! ha)

My new years resolutions include

Drinking more water!
Going to sleep and getting up earlier (even on the days when I'm free)
Reading a book daily even if it's only for a few minutes!
Making my blog and YouTube videos more regular (I have to fix my camera 1st for the videos).
Give up the junk "crafty" on set. Crafty is a table/area on every set filled with snacks to keep you going in-between meals. It usually consists of tea/coffee, fruit and then an endless amount of sugar in the form of donuts, sweets (twizzlers go'leor!), chocolate, crisps etc.. now my philosophy has always been I don't buy junk food for myself but if it's given to me I allow myself to have it and I enjoy it! that is fine as a general rule as it used to mean the times when sweets etc.. would be on offer might come-up perhaps once a month! but now that I am on set all the time this idea of it "being given to me" (through the power of "crafty") has become an every day thing which means I have been eating very badly on a daily basis - this stops now! bye crafty!!! lol

Tips/ideas to kick start the new year!

Keep a planner! I have both a journal/planner and a wall hanging calendar/planner and I find it makes being organised and staying on track a lot easier! I used to be very good at keeping a planner when I was in the education system but then it stopped once I left! however since my move to LA the use of my planner has picked back up (slowly) and I am very happy about this! Whether you have a tone to do or not much going on at all..it really helps to write down what needs to be done that day/week and tick them off one by one! It doesn't matter if the goal is as simple as "clean my room" it makes you feel like your day went to some use! and you're brain is less cluttered! It also makes sure you're in the right place at the right time for any appointments etc..
Write down your goals for the year or even just for the month ahead! this keeps you on track and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve/finish them! Did you know you are 42% more likely to stick to a goal if you write it down! make your goals realistic and specific! also give yourself deadlines for when you want to achieve them. For example if a goal is fitness related don't just write "i want to work out" write "work out x times per week" reach x ideal weight etc but x date!.
Wake up early: this is difficult (cough it's one of my resolutions) but remember the saying "loose an hour in the morning and you'll spend all day looking for it". I think that is very true! I watched a video lately about how "successful people" always get up early to cease the day!
Seek happiness outside yourself: try to find something that makes YOU happy! if you've always wanted to try painting/singing/dancing/yoga whatever it may be just start! whether it's by signing up to a class or just taking it upon yourself to dedicate the time to doing it alone! (with the help of the internet etc.. we can learn how to do a lot of things online if you have not got the funds to start a new class for eg.. just give yourself the time to practice/do what makes you happy!)
Let go of the things that don't serve you! if something negative happened to you in 2015 now is the time to let it go and to move forward with having the wonderful life you deserve! It can be anything from holding on to a petty grudge to forgiving yourself or others! it's important to start the new year fresh and not drag negative feelings or drama from the past into your future..2016!
Be grateful: gratitude changes everything! a good idea is every day to write down something you are grateful for! (you can also do this with good memories etc) and fill a jar with your notes! read them whenever you're having a bad day or to reflect at the end of the month/year!
Make a bucket list for the year: this is a list of activities or fun things you really want to do before the end of the year(you could make this with your friends) and go out of your way to do everything on the list during the course of the year!
Write a letter to yourself: it's a cool thing to read back on at the start of the following year to reflect back on where you were when you wrote it and how far you've come! we often don't give ourselves enough credit for how far we've progressed! a lot happens in a year!
Cleaning out your closet/drawers or re-arranging your room is a good way to give yourself a "fresh-perspective" feeling: everything feels new and exciting and clearing your living space is a known way to also clear your mind!
Increase your awareness of your thoughts I really believe that this is important! our thoughts are the most powerful thing we have! they help us to move with momentum and purpose towards our vision! Choose thoughts and language that inspires. Think solutions and possibilities rather than limitations and problems!

Whether you had a great time or a tough time in 2015 (or a mixture of both) right now, this second, this day and every single day to come is the day to change a negative into a positive! and to be the best you that you can be! you can do it!

Make this YOUR YEAR!x!

If you're not following me on instagram yet it would be great if you did :) I'm @ShahiraBarry

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

My Christmas wish list and my 1st ever.. 1st impressions!

2015-12-12T00:45:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone!

I hope everyone is well!!

I did my first ever "first impressions" video!
I chose to do it on the L'Oreal Super Slim Liquid Eye Liner that I picked up in target recently for only $8.99! If you missed the video catch it here!

Since buying the eyeliner pen I have really fallen in love with it - it makes cat eyes so much easier!
I hope it lasts me awhile and doesn't dry out too quickly (as I've found similar products have).
I like this pen because the tip is precise and thin but it is not too long (as I found the maybeline master precise to be). I think that the longer an eyeliner pen like this is = the more flimsy and difficult to use. I think the super slim is perfect for beginners of makeup or people who still struggle with winged liner(cough mee).. I would highly recommend this product and would definitely re-purchase!

Highlight = 'Marilyn' by Gerard Cosmetics! Code 'Barry'=25% off the entire site!

I've seen loads of reports that the Kardashian's posted there Christmas wish list/gift guide this week and while I don't have any of their apps my question to you is what's one your wish list or gift guide? it might give me some ideas for a post? Let me know!

My wish list would be mostly techy this year: a Macbook Pro (I hate my current laptop and I'm just over pcs altogether: my experience is that they don't last!), an iphone 6 S Plus (bigger is better?:) and a new camcorder(mine's broken), also a new tripod!lol Other than that I'd love the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix eyeshadow palette(it's in a colour wheel=how awesome!), over the knee lace up boots and the yeezy boost 350 runners: in love!x!
not quite as extravagant as the Kardashian's lists! lol

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

New Purchases - clothing :)

2015-11-13T23:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

SO I posted my first ever fashion haul video to YouTube! if you missed it check it out below!

I had lots of fun doing this type of video so I definitely plan on doing some more very soon!
On the video I shared mainly dresses that I collected over a number of months and I have written about and shared pictures of most of them on my blog in the past (links will be at the end of this post) However I have yet to share my purchases from Yoins.com here on the blog so I thought I would do that in todays post!

Let me correct myself as I now believe that I was in fact pronouncing yoins wrongly in the video (cringe) but I guess you get the drift! TomAto -Tomato!haha
ANYHOW, Yoins.com is the absolute bomb! They have really fashionable items at super affordable prices!

Let me start with my favourite find this STUNNING white lace long sleeved dress! This dress retails on Yoins.com for $21.95!! not outing any other stores but I have seen this same dress on other sites for a hefty some more! so what an absolute bargain!

As I explain in the video I love the lace/crochet detailing, along with the high laced collar and scalloped hem!

I am so in love with this dress! it is one of my new favorites in my closet! the only thing I would say is to check the sizing as I am regular medium height (5'6) and this is a bit short on me. I will need to invest in a white or skin toned slip to place underneath before I can wear it out in public but no biggie!

My styling tips for this dress would be to definitely wear a white or nude coloured bra(riskay!), a simple heel so as not to distract from the dress would be best and also for the long haired girls I think a classy upstyle would show this dress off to its full potential!

Product Details:

- Sheer lace on body and sleeves

- High neck

- Long sleeves

- Scalloped hem

- Back Zip closure

- Bodycon fit

- Main: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane

- Hand Wash (don't forget this!)

I have yet to wear this dress to an event (can't wait to) but I tried it on for you in the haul video and took some pictures..

Shop this beautiful white lace long sleeved dress here!x!

Next up I have this casual high neck grey sweater mini dress that can be dressed up or dressed down for day or evening wear! It currently retails on Yoins.com for $23.95 which is 30% off!!

I love ribbed detail jumpers and polo-necks so I'd been looking for something similar for awhile and was delighted when I found this one!

Again check the size as I planned to wear this with bare legs (I live in LA) as shown on the model but it's a bit too short for this. It could, however, be done with a pair of shorts or a little black skirt underneath for an added bit of length.

My styling tips for this jumper-dress would be to pair with leggings and over the knee boots.. also some statement earrings, perhaps hoops like I wore, or a nice long delicate necklace would also be fab!

I love it's bodycon fit and curved hem! it is very flattering on!

Product Details:

- Knitted fabric

- High neck

- Long sleeves

- Curved hem

- Bodycon fit

- Hand wash

- Main: 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester

Shop this High Neck Grey Sweater Mini Dress here!

Check out my Instagram to see me style both of these pieces for upcoming events!

Also THANK YOU for over 12,000 likes on facebook!x! wohoo!

I hope you enjoyed this blog!x! and remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel for future videos!x!

Other posts on items in the haul, more to come!
What i wore-black cutout dress
Perfect Purple Bandage Dress

Side note: to conclude: I don't feel like I can write a blog today without mentioning that my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris and everyone effected by the tragic events that unfolded in the city this evening.

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

My Thoughts - Essena O'Neill 'Quitting Social Media!"

2015-11-07T21:12:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

So during the week the buzz word on social media was "Essena O'Neill" and "Quitting Social Media"... Yup, ironic that this idea of quitting social media was trending ON SOCIAL MEDIA..
Anyway - as someone who is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, has a blog and is trying to build a YouTube channel.. I thought I would write (use social media, lol) to give my two cents on this idea and Essena's trending video...

If you haven't seen the video then watch it first so you have some clue about what I'm talking about...

Ok here's the thing...I personally had never heard of Essena O'Neill or seen any of her pictures/videos before this video went viral.. I know I saw many saying the same online... so in complete contradiction that shows the absolute power of social media!

When I first watched the video I could relate to her message and what she was saying... I personally can, at times, find social media very draining! so I get it! A part of me was saying "good on you" and "you go girl!" as she did make some very good points.. I even shared the video on my facebook and said that I found it very interesting... because I did!

The part that left me very confused was the end... the part where Essena says that as a result of quitting her job(social media) she will not be able to pay for her rent and she asks her followers to donate money to her via her new website... This left me with a bit of a weird feeling in my stomach, I almost felt like a bad person for feeling a little negative about that part and this young girl... You see the thing is, as far as I'm concerned, if you truly want to quit social media because you feel it is doing you personal damage (which I can understand why/how it could do that) surely you would just post the video and then delete all social media accounts? At 19 years old (Essena was just about to celebrate her 19th birthday the day after making this video) most normal teenagers don't have a career yet anyway... many have no idea what they are going to do with their life and most have little or no money to their name.. Therefore it would be my thinking that you would just do some soul searching, decide what it is you want to do, even move back in with family if you need to(if that's an option) and then go back out into the real world and get a regular job.. it may not be the fulfilling job that you want immediately but something to pay the bills until you decided what it is you do want to do and what is it that will make you HAPPY (because that's what's most important and again no rush as Essena is only 19).

There is something in me that really does not agree with Essena asking her followers for money(for the reason she has given at least)because she alone has chosen not to have social media as her career any longer and that was solely her choice. Not just that but money is made off of ad-sense and clicks on both websites and YouTube (all be it a teeny tiny amount) but having a video that goes viral and creating a new website which has a lot of interest as a result will gain some revenue in itself (which totally goes against the idea of "quitting social media" btw anyway).

Look... each to their own - it's an individual's choice whether they want to donate money to Essena or not and I am certainly not judge and jury over what's right or what's wrong in that case... or what people should or shouldn't do with their own money but it is my personal opinion that while the original message was a strong one, and I, personally, can relate to the message in many ways as I've said (some days more than others, ha.) and I'm also sure Essena means well in her message and feelings behind the whole thing (she may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the attention it has since received..?) I do however feel in my gut that the end part makes the video somewhat hypercritical..

Anyway, that's my opinion on Essena O'Neill's video... now my opinion on social media in general...

There was a time when I thought I was a queen of networking and social media... for Ireland I was doing pretty well with regards to my online growth - facebook/twitter/my blog etc... however then two things happened 1) Instagram came a long and 2) I moved to Los Angeles...

Both of these things combined made me feel a tad more negative toward social media as a whole and here's why...

Because it became an uneven playing ground for work and work = money and money = surviving financially!

I'm not talking about money made off of views, clicks or endorsements.. to me that would never amount to being a job (not on the small scale that I'm currently on anyway) but jobs with regards to modelling and acting which I am pursuing here in tinsel town!

For example many vine stars are now landing movie roles... not for their love of acting or that they even had any interest in it before (don't get me wrong some have so there are exceptions) but simply because they have a large following they are handed it... tell that to an actor who moved here 5 years ago has worked their butt off to get into acting classes and workshops and lived off of very little in order to do so but when it comes down to the audition the vine star gets the job... that seems unfair?... because, basically, it is unfair! but that's life and that's the social media world that we live in. (I have met many of these actors)

I once read an article by the New York Post saying how in the world of modelling you need more than 10,000 Instagram followers to stand any chance of booking "the" job. And lets be real... 10,000 on Instagram is nothing these days when there are 'Instagram models' who were unknown but have carved a following of a million+ on their account. (To read that article click here)

Fair enough.. when it comes to modelling the larger the following the easier it is for the company to promote the product (for eg) and the more attention it will receive and I totally understand that from a business point of view and if you have put genuine time and effort into building your Instagram and real people are genuinely interested in following you then that's amazing and you probably should get the job!! however where it becomes unfair is where fake followers come into account: On Instagram, in particular, I would argue that there are so many fake followers everywhere you look...to me this is purely obvious based on the follows to likes/comments ratio.. I'm sorry, I realize that more people 'like' than comment on Instagram', but if you're picture has 2,000 likes and 4 comments I would call suspect on that one..
(the thing about fake followers is it attracts real ones because people think this person has a lot of followers so they must be worth following. Therefore i'd suggest we don't judge on numbers alone but on content and interest:)

What pisses me off is that numbers seem to matter so much so that someone with 100,000 fake followers would get a job over someone with 20,000 real ones? That just doesn't seem right...

BUT unfortunately It is a like game, it is a follow game and it is unfair and uneven. What hasn't been said it that it is also a rich persons game... even if you're not paying for followers a picture of your Louboutin shoes placed perfectly on the seat of your expensive car or on your sparkling white rug will gain attention because Instagram is also a dream world where ordinary people aspire to have those Louboutin shoes, drive that car or go on that exclusive Bora Bora holiday! put up a picture of your hatch back and crocks and you won't be getting as much interest that's for sure!! (haha)

There is definitely a downside to social media: the above with regards to jobs (particularly in the entertainment industry) would be a huge one for me but also I can see Essena's point of view with regards to it not being "real life" and it playing havoc on people's self esteem... Perhaps a young girl who looks at the likes of Jen Selter and comes away from her phone feeling shit about her own body..social media can definitely do that...however, it could be said that they are the downsides to an otherwise positive platform because it can also do the complete opposite and inspire - be it fitness,lifestyle or something else: it may set another girl/boys dreams higher, it may inspire them to eat healthier, workout or to travel etc... and It may give people who never had a voice the chance to have one...

I believe what is important is that when looking at social media nobody take it too seriously...A person is not defined by 'likes' and 'followers'..when judgement day comes and its all put in perspective what does that matter anyway? And definitely don't think your life is bad because your comparing it to that of someone you see on social media because you definitely don't see the half of it! Everyone wants to post their best pics, I don't think there is anything wrong with that, nobody is going to post pictures from the day they feel awful, haven't washed their hair in days and have been lazing around in sweats. I can give you a direct example: yesterday I was sick all day! I literally did not leave my house - I missed my audition due to a migraine, I also had bad cramps, was feeling homesick, lonely and extremely anxious..I didn't put on a spot of makeup or brush my hair, I ordered take out and ate fairly unhealthy: I felt horrendous on the inside and out and I cried a number of times (my hormones were all over the place to make things worse)... yet I also posted a "selfie" on Instagram that was taken about three days earlier - that selfie was not taken yesterday!! the last thing I wanted was any type of picture to be taken with how I was feeling yesterday but to the world or people who follow me on Instagram they probably thought that that picture was from yesterday and I had a much different type of day than I had in fact had! so there ya go!

My advice to people trying to build their social media organically:

Post content you actually like and believe in e.g. don't post about any brand just because they ask you to: if you don't like the brand.. don't post about it: simple.
Don't compete with others on social media - no good can come of it and it's impossible in a world where a lot (not all) is contrived.
Don't become consumed - it's true that it's not real life - make sure you are enjoying your real life first and foremost!
Use it as a form of self-expression!
Celebrate life - be proud of who you are and express the real you!!x!!
Think of followers like friends... it's better to have one real one than a hundred fake ones :)

So to conclude:

Social Media is Like Television, Stage, Radio or Magazines - There's really not a huge difference. It is basically "entertainment" so take it with a pinch of salt and ENJOY!

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Wonder Woman Outfit - Maxim Halloween Party 2015

2015-10-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So I don't know how many pics are too many to post from one night on social media so I'm going to post them here! lol!
Last night I dressed as Wonder Woman for the 2015 Maxim Halloween Party! It wasn't the most original costume idea but I loved being her for the night!
The party was held at Chateau D'Or (in Bel Air) It is truly one of my all time favorite homes! I was a part of an Akon video that we shot there years back and I'm so in love with the property! I was so excited when we pulled up! It was beyond amazing! there was a graveyard, a haunted house, fortune tellers, photo booths/red carpets, the best food and drink and a performance/club area - if my feet weren't killing me from the get go I would have definitely done more walking around but I spent most of the night in the club area... not to worry: there was a rocky horror performance as well as a performance by Nick Jonas - who was amazing! I never knew much about the Jonas Brothers but I'm loving his new material! Plus ladies we can't deny he's pretty cute!
Anyway, here are the pictures!

I had such a blast!!!

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

VIDEO - Revlon Colorstay Foundation: Review, Demo and Test

2015-10-08T23:30:00.002-07:00

HEY Everyone!

Sorry I missed a week last week as I had promised to post a video every week!

What can I say... my intentions are good but then life keeps getting in the way!

ANYWAY

Here is my latest video!

It is a Review, Demo and Test on the Revlon 24hr wear Colorstay Foundation!

I use the Oily/Combination version (dry skin version also available) and my colour is 240 medium beige!

Before applying my foundation I set a cream contour on my cheek bones, temples forehead and down the sides of my nose and I colour corrected with NYX colour correcting concealer in Orange.. I used this to combat both dark patches and redness under my eyes, on the nostril area, chin and wherever I had a blemish, I then applied the foundation on top (without rubbing in these products) and used my real technique expert face brush to buff in not only the foundation but also the colour correcting concealer and cream contour. Hence I started with the concealed/lighter areas of my face first and then moved on to the areas that had the cream contour.

Off Camera I then applied my ELF blush/bronzer duo in Antigua and set everything in place with a loose powder (mineral rice setting powder by youngblood cosmetics).

Please remember to subscribe to my channel and a thumbs up is always nice too :)

You can follow me/get in touch on Instagram/Twittter/facebook @ShahiraBarry

Hope you enjoyed the video!

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

HOMEMADE Ice Cream

2015-10-02T23:34:00.001-07:00

Hey Blog Readers,

So did you know it is really easy to make a healthy version of ice cream at home (granted you have to like the taste of Banana ice cream)... Well I didn't know just how easy it was until a couple of weeks ago! I saw a picture post about home made banana ice cream on (I think it was) Brooke Benson's page 'Shorething fitness' (follow her on instagram or facebook for daily fitness and health motivation) So I thought I would give it ago!
AND to my DELIGHT it worked out.. YUM!

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3

You cut up banana and put it in the freezer for at least two hours!
You blend it until it creates a paste in a blender or smoothie maker!
You scoop it out, put it in a bowl and enjoy!

It sounds like mushy banana but believe me it doesn't taste like it!

I added Honey and Peanut Butter to mine and it reminded me of Ben & Jerry's without the guilt! (no lie!!)

You may need to use a fork to make a paste and stop it sticking to the sides (when blender if OFF!)

(to make it look more presentable/like real ice cream use an ice cream scoop to round the mixture and even add sprinkles;)

It's cooling and yummy just like ice cream but it's a healthy option and it cures a sweet tooth! ;)

Try it for yourselves I think you'll be pleasantly surprised (just like I was!)

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Have you seen my most recent YouTube videos?

2015-09-29T00:07:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

SO I've become better at YouTubing more regularly and below are my two most recent - both are hair tutorials but that's just coincidence (not all my videos will be hair related;). One is How I cut my own hair at home and the other is an Ariana Grande Inspired hair style! Anyway I thought I would post them on here incase you missed them! ENJOY!x!

Let me know what you think or if you have any requests for future videos :)

AND Incase you missed the makeup tutorial I posted a couple of weeks ago...

Lots of Love!

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

When you lose your mojo... (Desire, Passion or Motivation!)

2015-09-06T00:09:00.001-07:00

Hey Blog Readers!

Sorry for the lack of posts over the past while but this one is for me (to take my own advice) as much as it is for anyone else reading this who might need it!

Over the past couple of weeks I've really lacked energy, found myself beating myself up so to speak and just in general being a bit of a depressed head and lacking my mojo!

Why you ask? well to be honest I'm not entirely sure! As someone pursuing a career in entertainment the press coverage I had in the month of August could not have been any better - I was in everything from Cosmopolitan magazine to NOW!, Elite Daily and many more as well as multiple radio interviews even as far as Melbourne Australia! and opportunities coming in from Germany and India!(i did feel a bit overwhelmed to tell the truth) From the outside looking in you'd think my August was amazing and from that angle I guess it was! but I don't know what it was..maybe everyone has to crash at some stage but I definitely found myself crashing.. energy wise and positivity wise! both mentally and physically! SO I am trying to change it around starting fresh for the month of September!

I always saw September as a fake beginning of the year because it's not the new year but it is a time when we've been trained to start a new - start a new year in school/college, a new course, get back to work etc.. and even though we all complain about the summer being over I think there is a secret sense of happiness because as humans we need a routine and some organisation in our lives and I think many of us associate September with that (even if we change our minds and wish for summer in the months following).

First things first - It's important to assess why it is that you feel you've lost your mojo?!
For me I think it can simply be put down to my full steam a head, adrenaline filled, hectic year - moving country is not easy!! and there are daily challenges that you have to over come in order to survive! I have had a blessed year to say the least but it has also been one of the most challenging, draining and difficult obstacles I have ever faced. and I have faced it alone. It's been quite a while since I've seen my family now and there are no immediate plans for visits so that is very tough! Also living in LA and working in entertainment offers extreme highs but what goes up must come down and it cannot stay that way all of the time - regular life must commence!

I have suffered with anxiety for many years now and while initially my anxiety was high upon moving and the scariness that that offered..once I settled in it soon subsided and I almost felt I had cured myself of my anxiousness (I think I wrote a blog on it?) Anyway then Que the entrance of a psychotic nutter into my life and my anxiety reached the worst it's ever been... I finally removed myself from that situation a couple of months ago and to be honest I feel I've been suffering from perhaps a less extreme version of post traumatic stress ever since! There is no reason for it anymore - I'm away from the situation and life is good but I guess it's waves of anxiousness and it was so high it's taken a while to come back down! Hopefully now that I've assessed what may have been bothering me and what might have been going on I can now try to pick myself back up, grab my mojo back with both hands and get back in the race of life!

🙌🏻 only ever compete with yourself 🙌🏻 #motivation #life good night✨ 🌝✨

A video posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Sep 5, 2015 at 12:59am PDT

Ask your self... why do you feel you've lost your mojo?
Is it because you were gong full steam ahead for too long? and not giving yourself a break?!
are you still interested in what it is your pursuing? or do you need to change it up?
are you bored? do you need to try something new?
are there legitimate reasons that have made you feel down and perhaps you haven't faced or over come them just yet?
Once you assess why it is you've been feeling the way you've been feeling you can work on putting it back together and starting again! regaining your positivity and your strive!

The Secret!
I very much believe in the secret aka the law of attraction! anyone who reads my blog regularly, keeps up with me on social media or knows me personally would know that! However-no matter how much you believe in submitting good energy and being positive we are all human and we are flawed! there are times when life for whatever reason, even a reason that doesn't make sense to others, can knock us down and we can get stuck in a rut and begin to work the secret against us.

So YEAH BABY here are my tips for those times in life when you feel you've lost your Mojo!

1) Re-evaluate, assess and get organised! As mentioned above once you figure out why you've lost your mojo you can begin to make moves to either get it back or change it! If you change it make sure you are definite that you no longer have a passion for what ever IT is and not that you are giving up when things get tough - everything worth achieving will have obstacles in the way - don't give up at the hurdle! Now it's time to get organised and put a plan in place! Having a daily routine is so important - it doesn't matter how much or little it is you have to do. Having a generally steady daily routine makes your mind so much clearer therefore giving you the space you need to concentrate and progress once again!

2) Get outside/change your environment! staring at concrete walls all the time won't help you to come up with new ideas or to become motivated once again - get outside! go for a walk, breath some fresh air! try something new! Your creativity will thank you for it!

3) Change Your Patterns Be brave! try out the for the weird class around the corner – give it a whirl. Go to the gym after work? Try pumping some iron before you get to the office. If you eat at the same restaurant for lunch all the time, walk a bit further to check out a new spot. See what happens by just sitting on the other side of your desk, looking at a different wall or out a window, bring your work outside-change up your perspective. It’s a variety of small improvements that will declutter your mind dramatically.

4) Change your attitude! If you'll believe it, you'll see it! if you can feel it you can achieve it! envision your finish line! imagine you already have it/you've reached your goal(whatever it may be) and then begin to work backwards to determine what you need to do to make that your reality! but always believe it is! Make lists, set a side some time in the day and make small goals for each stage! don't overwhelm your brain with too many tasks/goals at one time - simply start climbing the stairs, ticking off the tasks one step at a time!

5) To do list: Keep a list and change some priorities! (I'm not saying that if you have kids/wife/husband not to have them as your #1 priority) I'm talking about things/jobs/habits etc.. not necessarily relationships (although we'll get to that further down). If you have fitness goals and you find no time for them and yet seem to find time to sit down and watch coronation street every day at 7.30pm and get no personal gain or even enjoyment from watching but it's simply become a habit then change that!! leave Corry to the side and take that time to get some exercise in instead! Keep a calendar.. because your calendar does not lie about where your focus and priorities are, so make it clear that you value your own time for the categories you want to focus on. Block out time for activities requiring your attention and adjust the rest of your day accordingly! Make time for what you need to do!

6) Remember The people you surround yourself with heavily influence you. If you’re lacking motivation and feeling down on everything, it might be time to upgrade your sphere of influence. Negativity breeds negativity, but likewise with positivity, which is the good news!! Those closest to you should be the same people who bring out your best qualities, including your mojo for life’s adventures. You should lift each other higher rather than bring one another down!

7) Change Your Thoughts: “You are what you think about.” Instead of thinking you “can’t do X” or “won’t be able to do Y,” think about your ability to do them: you could do X if… Fill in the blank and then make it actionable. For example, thinking you’re “fat” doesn’t accomplish anything – even if it’s true. Instead, think, “my ideal body image would be…” and fill in the blank then work your butt off to get there!

8) Give your body the fuel it needs! Eat healthy: fuel your bod with nutrients and get enough sleep!ZzZ! for our brain to be clear and functioning at it's best, our body needs to feel awake and at it's best! how can we expect to get things done and to have a clear mind if we are physically exhausted! On a personal level and note I'm over alcohol and have been for the longest time! It can be ok in moderation but personally I don't get any gain from drinking alcohol-all I get is a blurred mind and days of feeling sick, unmotivated and feeling sorry for myself...give me a hike and some outdoor activities any day!

These changes aren't easy! but as Einstein said best...

Finally..I often turn to THE Tube! (YouTube) - YouTube is great for helping you on just about anything! Need to know how to do a certain hairstyle - youtube it, need to know how to bake a cake - youtube it, need some tips on getting motivated... youtube it!! Below is one of my favorites! ENJOY!x!

Please Share/Let me know if you have any tips/tricks on getting your mojo back ;)

As always you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!x!

BTW if you missed my most recent YouTube video catch it below :)

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

What I Wore... Black Cutout Dress

2015-08-16T22:23:00.002-07:00

Hey Blog Readers!

So last night (Saturday August 15th) I went to a Saudi Prince's graduation party. The party was at one of his mansions (he owns like three in a row). It was in the Hollywood Hills over by the Hollywood reservoir and I wore one of my new dresses so I thought I'd show it off here :)

I got ready in record time (under an hour head to toe) & I was really happy with how the look came together! The sad part is I feel this particular party was a waste of the dress! I feel this way because it didn't start until 2am so we went to 1Oak first which was jammed! It was so packed that me and two of the girls left the club and went to Rock and Reilly's (an irish bar in weho) to wait until everyone we were with in 1oak was ready to go to the party. The three of us were way to dressed up for a pub! Anyway, eventually we headed over to the party but the security was top-notch: There was LAPD blocking the streets surrounding the house and we couldn't take the limo we were in up there - everyone had to take designated shuttles. When we reached the house everyone's phones had to be checked in - this meant zero photo opportunities at the party! That's why I feel the dress was wasted on that party! Luckily I did take a couple of snaps before leaving my place but without a doubt you will see me wearing this dress (and likely even styled the same?) to a better event (where I can get some proper pictures) in the near future! (so don't judge the recycling of outfits:)

Here's some more of the dress:

This dress is from one of my new favorites The Kewl Shop.com! (retails for $149) and as you can see it is SUPER revealing! It's made from bandage material so it hugs and stretches in all the right places and has cut-out openings all the way up one side! You definitely have to be daring to wear this dress because it is a head turner and perhaps an opinion divider for sure but I think it's fab and so many people I met loved it and asked me all about it! I feel that although it is "risque" you can get away with it because it has a high neckline (your not showing any cleavage) and it also comes down to a reasonable knee length at the front! from one side it looks like an extremely elegant dress but from the other it's "sex bomb" all the way! I am in love with it and I already can't wait to wear it again!!

Makeup and Hair!

I knew as soon as I saw the dress that I would have to pull back my hair to show off this dress because my hair is so black and long that it would just blend in with the dress if I was to wear it down and it wouldn't do the dress justice! I thought about doing a beehive, a bun or sleeking it back but due to time restrictions I ended up just putting it in a french plait/braid and I think it worked pretty well! (I got a lot of "lara croft" comments on the night). For my makeup I decided to do a red lip, gold eye shadow and contour... I love the way red lippy looks on others but I've never been a huge fan of it on myself until now! Last night I was feeling it and I think it's because I've finally found a good red lipstick! 'Fire Engine' by Gerard Cosmetics (code 'Barry' = 25% off). I've used Ruby-woo, lady danger (both by mac) and a heap of other brands over the years in my search for the perfect red pout but none of them ever filled my requirements! Fire Engine though, as with all the Gerard Cosmetics lipsticks, ticks all the right boxes! <3

Here is a Makeup Video I did for this

Click here to see the perfect purple dress I also got from The Kewl Shop!

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Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

TODAY August 4th...I have been living in LA 1 YEAR!

2015-08-04T01:20:00.003-07:00

Hey Blog Readers,

TODAY August 4th marks my 1 YEAR anniversary since my move to Los Angeles!!!

A year ago I wondered what life would be like today! would I still be here in the city of angels and how would the past 365 days have gone! So I thought I would reflect!

I did write about my move to LA with a post that was very popular back in March! So click here to give that a read if you missed it because I'll try not to repeat myself in this blog post!

I don't really know where to begin... what a year! in one way it feels like I've done so much and been living here for so long but in another way it still feels so new and like I've only been here for a month or 2 max!!! I remember when I first arrived seriously questioning if I could in fact stay & live in this scary place??! I'd been in LA before so I had a very rose tinted view on it but now suddenly I was jumping when someone would walk up behind me on the street... Now with the prospect of living here it was a much more dangerous, big & scary place than I had remembered!! But somehow I overcame my fear & I did it! I've been here 1 year!!

I've definitely learnt an awful lot about life and I'm proud of myself! you don't even realise all the new information that's about to be thrown on you when you move country! every little thing is different! you have to get your social security card, your id, your new driving license(learn to drive automatic and on the other side of the road as well as navigating scary freeways), find somewhere to live without having credit history (extremely difficult), learn about doing your taxes and the new currency! as a budding actress learn all about SAG(screen actors guild) what it is, how to become eligible and how to join(had no clue coming from Ireland), buy furniture (every rental is unfurnished in LA=crazy!), move, decorate, buy/sell cars, deal with mechanics on your own! as well as the simple things...learn to cook(I'm getting there), do your laundry, find your way around!, socialize, meet new people every day, earn a living, learn the new culture(there is a difference!) and most importantly stay safe! It's all been a challenge!

With all that said it has been the best year of my life!!! However it hasn't been without it's difficulties so I would be lying if I didn't share them...

The hardest part..

Buying my first car here: having had a second hand car for years at home I didn't think getting one in LA would be too difficult (they say "everyone" in LA drives (hence the traffic!) so there must be millions of good second hand cars right?).. how wrong I was! I brought a 2008 Chrysler (yup everyone told me not to buy an American brand car and to go with something Japanese but I didn't listen). I paid for it out rightly in cash from a dodgy dealer and immediately there were electrical problems with it (immediately as in the first day I drove it off the lot!) within a week the car started to break down and that led to months of constant car trouble! I was so afraid to drive it as it would cut out even on the freeway! luckily in January I managed to get myself a brand new car-which is beautiful and safe! but thousands of $$$ were wasted on that stupid Chrysler both between the purchase of the car and the money shoved into it for various repairs that didn't work! Lesson learned!
A bad roommate situation for a period of time: I won't delve into it because frankly it's not worth it and I don't want to dwell on such negativity! It was a difficult time: I would go to work happy and find myself in floods of tears on the way home. Never the less I got out of the situation, learnt some harsh lessons from it and things are now better than ever!
Home sickness! Being that all I wanted since my very first visit (2012) and my 3 month visit (in 2013) was to be living and working in LA it was a shock to me that homesickness hit me at all! It was very tough at the beginning and it can still be tough from time to time! anyone who know's me knows that me, my sister and mum are incredibly close and I've spoken on here numerous times about how much it physically pains me to be away from them! I also miss my pets and wish they were here with me but it would simply be too difficult for me to have them in LA at this point... maybe in the future.. you never know!

Loneliness at times: the majority of the time I'm incredibly busy with work but at times it can be lonely here! while I have met some great people here everyone is still a relatively new friend! It's not really the same as people you've known for years or have a million mutual friends in common if they're a new friend like it would be at home in Ireland. Also 99.9% of people I make friends with here live the #setlife and with that comes a difficulty to plan as you have to be able to drop everything at a moments notice for a booking or an audition-at least there's a mutual understanding but it can be hard to keep in touch!

The good side!

I feel my career and dreams are going in the right direction! after all that's what I came here for and I have had a ridiculous amount of highs and been incredibly lucky so far! Sometimes I literally feel magic (I know that sounds silly) but the life I live today is chalk and cheese compared to the life I came from. Not that there was anything particularly wrong with my life at home in Ireland but sometimes I pinch myself at the amazing experiences I have had so far! I simply can't believe I'm experiencing them, if that makes sense! I'm not where I want to be just yet I haven't landed "the big role" or reached my goals but I definitely feel I am on the right track! This year has been about learning the ropes and I'm excited to see what this next year will bring!
I became SAG eligible really fast-which was amazing as I worked very hard and even today I meet people all the time who have been here longer than me but haven't managed to become eligible yet so I definitely got lucky with that one which is great considering I didn't even know what it was when I arrived this time last year.
The sunshine! though I haven't gotten to enjoy it as much as you might think (I spend a lot of my time inside freezing studios... why they feel a need to keep studios ice bucket cold I'll never know!). It's true it makes a difference to your mood waking up and there being good weather all the time! I've also developed a little beauty mark on my cheek that I don't think I had before.. if I did it's more noticeable now! Anyway developing a mark on your skin can be dangerous and I don't want anymore but I've always thought that they're cute! lol! so I don't mind it!
The house parties are incredible and on another level! From student accommodation at home to mansions up to the value of $85million here!! I feel so lucky just being there and it definitely makes you set higher ambitions for your own life! There's something to be said for seeing success with your own eyes! you become inspired!
I'm definitely an outdoorsy person at heart and the weather here makes that very easy - along with the beautiful hikes, beaches and so much more to explore!
There's an endless amount of things to do here!
Living the set life can have its lows but it's also full of Adrenalin.. you never know what call is going to change your day or your life for that matter!

So to conclude this dramatic change of scenery hasn't been without it's challenges and I have certainly had days when I've thought "what the frig'am I doing!! where is my life going!!". It can be difficult getting on your feet: not only in the entertainment industry but also in your personal life and discovering both a new city and a new country! It can knock you down time and time again! However, when I realise that this time last year I prayed and wished for everything I have right now! and when I see proof that I am making progress and getting somewhere, when I meet people who I once could only look up to and realise success is attainable for me as well then it makes any of the bad times 100% worth it!!

In 365 days I have accomplished things I once only dreamed! and I am confident in the fact that I am a much stronger, capable, happy and a more driven person than I ever realised!

Fear of regret always outweighs fear of failure so if you're thinking of moving abroad or starting fresh with something - I say go for it! Chase your dreams whatever they may be!x!

I am 1 year living in LA TODAY!!✨ just posted a blog on my experience so far! Check it out at www.shahirabarry.com (blog section) 😘🇺🇸🎉

A video posted by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Aug 4, 2015 at 1:15am PDT

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Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.