Outfit Wish List #9

1. MaxMara Pink Jeans

2. Miss Selfridge Jersey 

3. YSL Arty Ring

4. Zara Wedges

This is a nice casual outfit added by a touch of glam with those wedges. I saw these jeans the other day, love them! Shame they are so pricey. I have seen a few versions of the YSL Arty ring but this is the best so far! May have to find a copy somewhere.

Anything on your wish list this week?


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Nails: 17 Orange Soda & Orly VIP

Oh hello pretty outside pictures! I somehow managed to get this 17 polish for free. Had voucher for a under eye concealer with a 17 purchase so I picked up this and when I got to the till they were both free, I'm not one to knock a freebie!

I was expecting this colour to be a creamy pastel orange but in reality it's more tangerine and almost neon! Oh well it looks good anyway. It was a bit streaky and took 3 coats to be opaque. Painted last night and a chip has occurred already, boo hiss. I painted one nail (I believe it's called an accent nail) in another recent polish purchase in the form of Orly VIP. So preeeety! It's a rose gold glitter polish and two coats to add a bit of sparkle. 

Good combo? 

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Summer Veg Lasagne

This is a really tasty dish, bit lighter than the meat version and great for the warmer weather plus easy to make.

Ingredients

- Lasagne Sheets - Fresh or dried
- I used a 23" x 23" baking dish but use what you can


White filling
- 2 x Small Courgettes - Grated and squeeze all water out
- 2 x Garlic Clove - Crushed (add more if you are a garlic fiend like me)
- 200g fresh spinach - cooked (I stick in microwave for a few minutes) - squeeze all water out
- 250g Tub of Ricotta
- 250g Cottage Cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of Nutmeg - freshly grated or already ground
- 20g of Cheddar grated (extra for topping)
- 20g of Parmesan grated (extra for topping)
- Seasoning


Tomato Sauce  - You can of course cheat this bit and use a pre-made pasta/lasagne sauce
- 1/2  a Onion - Chopped finely
- 1/2 a Green Pepper - Chopped finely
- 1-2 x Garlic Clove crushed (I would probably add 4/5 but then I do love garlic)
- 1 x 400g Tin of chopped tomatoes
- Use the can and fill half with water
- Splash of red wine vinegar (you can also use Balsamic or white wine vinegar)
- 1/2 Tablespoon of Tomato puree or tomato sauce if you have no puree
- Herbs - a good size bunch -  I generally use fresh Oregano and Basil then add some dried Marjoram. You can of course just use dried and as much as you see fit
- Seasoning
(this is also great for a pizza base if you like to make your own)


To make the white filling
- Mix courgettes, garlic, spinach, cheddar,  parmesan, nutmeg, 2/3 of the ricotta and a good pinch of salt and pepper together


To make the tomato sauce
- Saute onion, garlic and pepper till soft
- Add the tin tomatoes, water, puree, red wine vinegar, herbs and pinch of salt and pepper
- Bring to the boil and put on a low simmer for 20/30 mins
- Blend with a hand blender

2nd picture is blitzed with a hand blender

Layer the bottom with lasagne sheets

Add half of the white filling on top

 Put on a layer of tomato sauce - approx 1/3

Repeat layers

 Add another layer of lasagne sheets and Tomato sauce

Add the remaining ricotta plus as much parmesan and cheddar as you like

Cook on Gas Mark 4.5 (180 degrees) for approx 40/45 minutes or until you have something that looks like below

Voila! Enjoy!

I accompanied it with some yummy crusty bread and salad  

Originally I wanted to start a food blog but other things came up and fashion and beauty came first. I feel it's about the right time to add a few other dimensions to the blog and so this is my first food post! What do you think? Something to carry on with? If you do make it please come back and let me know how you got on :)

Sorry the images are a bit blurry. Will work on changing them


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Gold Digga

Base: 

Ginvera BB Cream (Review here)

Collection 2000 concealer

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

Clarins Shine control powder

Eyes:

Urban Decay Eye Primer

Eyeko Fat Stick in Old Gold all over lid and blended out

Snakebite (N2) all over lid and under eye

Pistol (N2) inner corners

Busted (N2) far outer corners and crease

Blackout (N2) as liner for top lid

Bootycall (N2) under eyebrow highlighter
Eyeko Skinny liner in Powder Pink for waterline

Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara 

Eyebrows

Dark brown from a Daniel Sandler palette

Elf eyebrow mascara

Cheeks/Contour

Nars Blush Orgasm

No7 Highlighting Powder

Elf Cool Bronzer

Lips

Revlon Lip Butter in Cotton Candy

This face of the day was inspired from Vivanna's post here.  I have absolutely adored the Eyeko Gold Fat Stick that I received in January's Carmine box (RIP Carmine!) and have used it a fair few times but when I saw Vivanna's stunning makeup I thought I would give a shot at recreating it using the Eyeko and my Naked 2 palette.

What do you think?

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Revlon Lip Butters Review

Cotton Candy

Raspberry Pie

So I gave into the hype and purchased two Relvon Lip Butters! 2 for £10 at Boots, it would be rude not too..

I bought Cotton Candy and Raspberry Pie. More pinks to add to my obsession! Cotton Candy is a very light pink with a touch of shimmer. Perfect for warmer days when all you want is a natural look, this is what I veer toward when the sun is out. Raspberry Pie is a very pigmented deep pink, almost red when caught in a different light. A beautiful colour if when you want to make a statement with out the heaviness of a lipstick.

The outer packaging is a clear pink plastic cover. The shade of pink matches the shade of the lip butter inside. I like the fact that you can see what colour you have picked but I feel the plastic cheapens the product some what. Still it's what's inside that counts!

I must I am hooked! The moisturising balm in a lipstick form makes it easy to apply and married with super pigmentation is win win for me! They don't last too long on the lips but to be honest I don't expect balms to do so and Raspberry Pie fades to a stain which isn't the best look but if you don't mind reapplying these are great! I wouldn't pay the full asking price of £8 as I think that is a bit too much but Boots have them at 3 for 2 at the moment now (instead of 2 for £10) and it's a bit of a temptation to purchase a few other shades I am eyeing up - Somebody stop me!!

What are your favourite colours?

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Ginvera BB Cream Review

Before     After

I managed to grab a sample of Ginvera's BB Cream, a brand I have not heard of before. I love trying out base products as they are essential to me due to bad skin and BB creams have seriously intrigued me, they sound like amazing too good to be true products and I still haven't found one that has stood out. 

This product does have quite a runny consistency, but is easily blended into the skin and sinks in nicely. It leaves a lovely dewy finish and makes your skin feel moisturised with a light fresh feeling. There is a different smell to what I am used to, not unpleasant mind you. The colour is a touch too dark and would suit me more in the summer months when I have a bit more of a tan. It is a light to medium coverage and lasted around 6 hours. Unfortunately as with other brands it's just not enough coverage for me, I also don't think it is too buildable if you were after more coverage. 

I really liked this product but it's just not for me, if you are looking for something with a light to medium coverage or to even out skin tone then this is your man. 

I received the sample from Best Free Beauty Samples and you can also check out their blog here.

You can buy it from here for £15 instead of the original price of £20. 

Have you tried this?

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Jolie Box: March Edition

Put a Spring in Your Step..

Yardley Body Wash (200ml)- £5.99

Yawn, another body wash. This is getting a touch silly now. I received the Lavender scent which is really overpowering and not pleasant. I won't be using it anyway due to the SLS.

Davines Moisturising Balm (75ml) - £17.40 for 150ml

This is the only product I am really excited to see. It was in Glossy Box a few months ago but unfortunately not mine and no one would swap with me, yes you, I am looking at you! This balm which feels more like a cream is 98% natural and is multi purpose, smells pleasant and I can't wait to try it.

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner - £9.50

We have received a few Eyeko products recently and I am a bit over the brand. I received plum, luckily this is a colour I don't own ( I had 3 already!) It's a lovely darkish plum, not sure how much wear I will get out of it though.

LCN Nail Polish (8ml) - £5.50 

I have never heard of this brand and when I saw some spoilers before receiving my box I was excited to try it out but now it's here I am not so happy. I got a white polish with a iridescent tone. I just don't really like iridescent polishes, a white polish I would have tried. I have come to realise that I will never like a polish sent out to me (via any box), bad luck or are they just sending out crappy colours?

Bonus: Jolie Box branded makeup mirror

This is OK as an extra, bit cheapy and I did think it was the 5th product but seems there are only 4 this month. 

Jolie Box said they were sending out full size products this month, yippee and I took that as 5 products but there are only 4. Don't get me wrong I am appreciative of the full sizes but I think they let us believe we would get 5. I am sorely disappointed this month. I always really like the products we receive and last month was by far my favourite but where are the niche brands? I would have preferred their usual standard samples with exciting new brands to try.  I would go as far as to say this is the worst box I have received. Thank god for the Davines Balm! I think lets forget this month and roll on to the next..

What are your thoughts?

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Outfit Wish List #8

1. Marni for H&M 'Sandalettes'

2. E-Vintage Satchel

3. Marni for H&M Maxi Dress 

4. Bohemian Rose Bracelette

The corroboration between Marni and H&M is fabulous! That dress is pretty but has a touch of cool written all over it, and yes you did read right those heels are 'Sandalettes' ha what a bizarre name! The bracelet is very vintage and very pretty and the bag just brings it all together.

Anything on your wish list this week?


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Ethical Ethel

Top and Trousers: Vintage |  Wedges: Dune | Ring: ASOS | Earrings: Oasis | Bracelet: Present

I love vintage, I love that with some pieces you can imagine a wonderful story behind it. I have some lovely items, but not nearly enough! 

You can't go wrong with a bit of sparkle to brighten up your day and this top is from EBV (Everybody's Buying Vintage), they ALWAYS have some beautiful items and I could seriously spend some money. It looks ace slightly tucked into trousers, jeans etc. The trousers I bought from a vintage sale, they are on my shop to sell but putting them on now, hmm maybe I should keep them?! That is the down full from selling vintage as I generally just want to keep all the items! Must stay strong...

This is a giveaway entry for Ethical Fashion Blog. Wish me luck :)

  

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Olay Total Effects 7 In One Moisturiser Review

I had the opportunity to try out the latest Olay moisturiser through Savvy Circle. My skin as you may remember me mentioning in past posts is very sensitive, red and blotchy. Ugh. This moisturiser claims to fight age spots, pores, dryness, dullness, uneven tone, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles. It also has SPF15. It ticked all the boxes for me so I was dying to give it a try!

Savvy Circle sent me a full size 30ml bottle as well as 10 x 7ml samples to pass on to friends and family. Which is fantastic as my mum has similar type skin and uses Olay sometimes so I thought she would definitely appreciate trying this out. She also used to use it way back when it was called Oil of Ulay! Anyone remember??

The bottle design is fantastic, it pumps just enough to cover your face and neck. There is a very mild pleasant generic cream smell and sinks into your skin well without leaving any residue. I find it not too thick and a perfect medium creamy (pointing the obvious?!) consistency and very moisturising plus it did not irritate my skin which is a huge bonus! I have recently realised that thick creams does not necessarily mean soft and lovely skin, more likely soft and red skin.  

Before    After

I have used it now for approximately 6/7 weeks and feel that is enough time for form an accurate opinion of this product.I don't have any age spots (not that I can see anyway) and the main reason for trying this product was to even out skin tone, reduce pores and combat dryness, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. I pretty much used it night and day along side a new organic face wash as I am trying to cut out SLS to help improve my skin. There is a very slight difference in my pores and my skin is less blotchy, more moisturised and not as irritated, fine lines are still there but that I would say may take more time. My skin was particularly bad when I started using this, as it can be through winter and you can see from the photo (sorry the first picture is slightly blurry) it has definitely calmed my bumpy red skin, still slightly red but much more smooth and less angry looking. Before I looked at the before and after pictures I wasn't going to purchase this product as I felt it just wasn't the 'one' for me but WOW what an improvement! How did I not notice?! I certainly might have to now.

Has anyone else tried this?

Olay Total Effects 7 In One Moisturiser is available from most supermarkets and drugstores and Tesco's are selling it for £9.99 at the moment instead of £14.99

Disclaimer: This product was sent for my consideration. This has no bearing on my review and all opinions expressed are my own and honest otherwise writing my blog would be deemed pointless. 









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Max Factor Flawless Perfection Foundation Review

When I first saw this foundation I thought you mix the white product in with the darker colour to get your very own custom made foundation colour. I clearly wasn't looking properly as step one is a primer and then you follow up with step two which is the foundation. There are a couple of other shades I have seen but I got the shade 90 Toffee.

As you may imagine from the picture I was quite shocked and scared once I pumped out the foundation as it was so dark! Toffee really isn't a colour I would pick to fit my skin tone at all. Once I swatched the product on my hand and blended the colour seemed to disappear and sort of adapt to my skin tone. 

I applied step one, the primer to my face and it felt so lovely, smooth and velvety. I then applied a small amount of step two and buffed in with my Real Techniques buffing brush. You could literary see the very dark colour sink and fade into my skin, quite amazing! I felt it wasn't quite enough so I built up with a second  layer. At first I thought I had over done it and it was too dark but it soon settled and I was left with a pretty perfect colour and slightly dewy finish. I would say it was a medium coverage and I did need a touch of concealer for my red patches (namely those dreaded cheeks!). It feels very light on the skin and wear I would say was approx six hours.  

It is, I must say an odd product. I couldn't find too much information on it but there only seems to be 3 shades, I could of course be wrong. The really dark foundation tint would put off any lighter skinned  ladies but it just seems to adapt to your skin tone. It's a pleasant smell but I find the packaging old looking and not in a good way. I will definitely be using this up though, as I really do like the finish, much more than I thought I would to be honest!

Has anyone else tried this? 

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Nails: Topshop Windy City

My first Topshop nail varnish and it won't be my last! This is a beautiful spring colour. Great formula but it took a little longer to dry than what I am used too and the brush is slightly wider than I like but then so are most. It's been on for a few days with no chips so thumbs up from me. I can see me using this often throughout Spring and Summer.

What colours do you recommend from Topshop? 

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Smurfette

Playsuit: Ebay
Leather Jacket: Mumbai
Tights: Primark
Shoes: Stylist Pick
Bracelet: Pilgrim (present)
Necklace: Vintage (Nans) 
Earrings: Peacocks
Ring: Llymrs
Cutie with the curly hair: Mine 

This is what I wore yesterday for mothers day - OK I lie a little - I changed into flats and black tights as it got cold and I wasn't feeling so Springy! I got the playsuit from a lovely Twitterier (yeah I know that's not a word) I follow via Ebay. Thank you GVP! 

We went to my brother and girlfriend's place for a gorgeous 3 course meal! Homemade pate to start, Pork roast for main and lemon and raspberry cheesecake for dessert. Very yummy and very full, luckily there was enough pate and cheesecake for a doggy bag!

What did you lot get up to? 

Sorry I think I may be a little obsessed with collaging my photos...  Subscribe and Follow via RSS Feed - Bloglovin - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram Pin It Tweet

!QMSMEDICOSMETICS Hand Care

This hand care product was in my Latest In Beauty Red Carpet Box, see contents here.  I am not too keen on the packaging, the actual tube is great and easy to use but otherwise it's just a bit plain - this obviously doesn't distract from the actual product. 

!QMSMEDICOSMETICS claim their hand care is anti-ageing, intensely moisturising, uniquely protective and leaves no greasy residue.     

I assume they say hand care as it's not a cream but more of a balm. I wasn't too sure on it at first but I agree with them on that no greasy residue is left on the skin and my hands do feel moisturised after use. I have also washed my hands fairly soon after applying which did not rid of the effects unlike most hand creams - the uniquely protective element perhaps? The problem I find is that you need to use more than you would normally which I think is because it's a balm and not a slippery cream and also makes it's harder to spread evenly. I find to get into between my fingers where it's normally drier I have to apply separately as I just can't get into the crevices. I do quite like it, and feel it does the job it claims too plus the smell reminds me of my lovely Nan but at £20 for 75ml it's just too expensive and wouldn't last me very long. If money was not an issue I would gladly stump up the cost but as it were, I will stick my most favourite hand cream by Soap & Glory. 

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts? 

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MAC Creme Cup

Hello  Creme Cup! Oh how I love you so...

I wasn't too sure if this colour would be too light but it's perfect! It's a pinky nude leaning more towards pink - it's a cremesheen formula and quite moisturising and applies so smoothly. The Vanilla flavouring..essence..or what ever they put in there is so yummy I could just eat it! I won't of course...please not let me become addicted to MAC lipsticks...although I did manage to get this for just under £10 - yep I know, still not cheap!

This lipstick will fit nicely in my ever growing collection of pink lippy's which has completely over taken my reds!

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Outfit Wish List #7

1. Woven Flats

2. Oval Avon Ring

3. Ethnic Print Dress 

4. Drop Earrings

5. Floral Bracelet

The sun is out so this is a bit of a summer outfit today! Hooray for Spring!! All items are Vintage and from Market Publique  - my second favourite online vintage store to peruse. I have so much LOVE for the print on the dress, I think it would fit nice and snug in my wardrobe. 

Anything on your wish list this week?

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Sleek Blush By 3 - Pink Spirit

Pinktini    Pink Ice    Pink Parfait

I had only been using cream blushes for quite a few years now and admittedly just the one in the form of Maybelline mouse - stuck in a rut you might say. But since receiving TheBalm's Frat Boy in a beauty box I have realised powder blushes aren't that scary and will not make my dry cheeks worse and so I have opened my arms to array of colours and brands. The newest addition is my first Sleek Blush, Blush By 3 in Pink Spirit....Oh hello pretty palette, come to mama!

Blush by 3 is a a limited edition palette with erm 3 blushes. Walking into Superdrug I could not bypass the Sleek stand with the array of pink palettes. I obviously need to fuel my hot pink obsession so I went for this palette for Pink Ice!

Pink Parfait is the least pigmented but gives you a lovely natural flushed glow. Pinktini and Pink Ice are super pigmented and you do have to be careful with how much you apply, less is more! The two latter colours I may not really use that much...as beautiful as they are I prefer a more natural blush with emphasising my eye or lip colour. Although I may just try my stippling brush as that might do a better job at applying less.

Available in Superdrug for £9.99

Have you tried Sleek blushes? 





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