Urban Decay- NAKED Palette

I know I am a bit behind the times on the beauty range revolution, due to long working hours and tragically no shopping time but while on holiday I allocated shopping time and visited The Florida Mall. 

I came across the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I had heard about how good the quality of the brand was so I bought one. Oh my goodness! The texture and quality of these eyeshadows is phenomenal! Usually I have to reapply eye shadow several times a day as it never seems to stick. However with the Naked Palette it looked as fresh when I came to take it off, as when I first applied it. 

I bought the palette with the small bottle of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.This little cream is a big miracle in a tiny bottle.The primer evens out the skin and gives the perfect base for the eyeshadow to stick to.

The outside of the palette is a luxurious dark brown velvet with gold lettering.Inside the palette is mirror on the bottom of the lid and then a gold housing for the eyeshadows and brush.

Each shadow has a very imaginative name name as follows:-

Virgin- This is a very light base colour that once on the skin looks  like a very light silver.

Sin- This is still very light but a warm shimmery gold tint, again a good base colour.

Naked- This is a matte light brown I have used this as a base or for contouring when using a light colour range.

Sidecar- This is a medium brown shimmer eyeshadow, I like to use this on the lid for day wear as its a strong enough colour for impact but not to overpowering for work.

Buck- This  is a chocolate coloured matte shadow, I have used this as a contour with a shimmer on the lid for a lunch date with friends or for work. This is a lot more subtle on the eye than it looks on the palette.

Half Baked- This is one of my favorite shadows in this palette. It is a shimmery gold with caramel brown undertones. I love this as my main lid colour for day or night.

Smog- This is a very sexy colour and gives a smoldering smokey eye perfect for a night out or date.

DarkHorse- This is a dark chocolate shimmer shadow, I have not used it yet but it has lots of depth in the colour and would be high impact on the lid.

Toasted-  Another of my favorites this is a coffee brown shimmer shadow with bronze undertones. I use this as a contouring colour in the day and a lid colour at night. 

Hustle- This is a dark brown shimmer shadow with a purple undertone. I have used this as a lid colour for day mixed with buck to soften it a little.

Creep- This is a black shadow with silver flecks in it. I have  used this for a dramatic smokey eye. The colour is so pigmented it can be blended out to grey.

Gunmetal- I have used this Silver shadow for contouring, main lid colour and with Creep for a smokey eye. 

If you have not brought this product you are missing out! These can be found in most town centers in the Debenhams department stores.  

I'm back!!!!

Hey everyone! I know it has been a long time since my last post 7 months actually. Loads has happened since then.

1. We went to Florida for 3 weeks- it was amazing. I will write separate posts on different aspects of the holiday. 

2. We have moved 187 miles away from Wiltshire to the coast. We are in the process of doing it up I will post before and after pics when we have finished. 

3. We have just started our own business- again separate post on that later.

4. I have started a degree in Business and Management. 

We have the internet now, so let the blogging commence. 

What to ask your wedding photographer

We are excited to day that we have booked our wedding photographers! We first meet Glen and Colin at the Lackham House wedding fair and liked them from the beginning. Glen  is our lead photographer and so is our main contact.  Glen is funny, friendly and most of all creative.  One of the main reasons we choose them is because they take advantage of their surroundings, opportunities and make everyone feel relaxed and happy which all leads to amazing unique wedding album.  I would like to recommend some good questions to ask your photographer Please visit  http://www.yourdigitalmemories.co.uk/main-page.html the most talented photographers in Wiltshire, but just as important they know how to treat people, (a skill that is very important but some photographers lack):-

1.Whats your wedding style?

There is  more to photography than point and click, there are many styles of photography and its very important that you discover what style you like. Do you like traditional, fashion, reportage or modern /edgy.  Ask your prospective photographer what their style is and see if it matches your needs.

2. I have a few ideas, can you use some of them?

If there is something you particularly want it is worth asking as if they cannot or will not you may want to choose someone else. Alternatively they may have an equal idea they is tried and tested remember they are professionals.

3. Can I see a few complete wedding albums, ask for different styles of photography?

You should ask to see a complete wedding to see if they are good at shooting all aspects of the wedding. Also it will give you an idea on  how they shoot each section, if they capture all the little details or more of a highlight.

4. Do they belong to any professional photography organisations or societies?

If you’re paying for a photographer or two make sure they are qualified, you don’t want to pay all that money and then find out that your uncle could have done a better job.

6. Do they have a back up photographer?

Make sure that there is a plan B these photographs are one of the lasting parts of your day and without them you have to rely on your memory alone.

7. Do they carry spare equipment?

Do they carry spare cameras and components? Make sure they bring them along and not have to miss vital parts of the day to go and get a spare.

8. Do we have a rain contingency plan?

In the UK we have a high chance of rain so ask how they would plan to deal with it. Would they still take photos in the rain and then go indoors? What would you like?

9. Do you mind guests taking photo's?

Make sure your photographer does not have any issue with your friends and family taking pictures or the opposite if you don’t want your friends and family taking shots as your photographer to assist with this. I know a couple of friends didn't like that there were pictures on Facebook before the ceremony had finished.

10. How long will all the family or formal shots take?

If there are any “must-have” pictures on the day, just let them know. If there are a lot of “formal” group images to be taken, then please allow me a little more time within your planning schedule. After recently going to a wedding I might suggest doing two 'sessions' one at the ceremony venue and one at the reception venue, this will stop guests getting board and restless. Also a good idea to have the welcome drinks, seating and nibbles.

11. How long does it take for me to see my pictures, and receive my Album?

It’s a good idea to get a time line of how and when you will get your photos. Can you be involved in creating your album or will they create it alone. Are you having a formal album or dvd or both? Will the album ready for you after the honeymoon.If there is a specific type or even brand of album you have set your heart on ask your photographer if they can provide that or something similar. 

12. Ask if your photographer does a test shoot?

Your photographer will be a big part of your day so it is essential that you like them. Ask if they can offer a pre-wedding shoot you can get used to the camera and have an insight to what the day will be like. Many couples use this as an engagement shoot.

13. When do I need to book my photographer?

That is entirely down to you, but it’s such an important question, but general advice is to avoid disappointment the best ones get booked quickly so you should try to reserve your date as soon as possible.  Photographers were one of the really important aspects to us and we wanted to get the best. Ours already has 4 bookings for 2015 2.5 years in advance.

I have reworded the questions as these are similar to a photographers website and it effected their Google ranking. The answers have remained the same as they are 100% my own words.

Apologies

Hello everyone,

I a sorry I have not been able to blog everyday, I am having internet problems and could not use the blogger site. I have a few updates to give you all.

1. Paul and I have had to make a tough decision about our wedding. We have thought long and hard and we want a wedding to remember and so we need money to pay for it. We have put the wedding back to 2015 so we can afford it!!
2. On the 19th March I start my degree in Business and Management!!
3. We only have three months untill we go to Florida.

I cannot promise to blog everyday but I will certainly blog a few times a week. Sorry guys

Make up Monday- Big beautiful eyes

Step 1

Groom your eyebrows. Remember your eyebrows from your eyes and so they affect the way your eyes look. Even just tidying up the edges by removing stray hairs can make your eyes more noticeable.

Step 2

Get rid of bags and reduce any puffiness in your eyes  as any swelling around the eye will make them look smaller. Try these  handy tips  to reduce puffiness:

·         Get plenty of sleep.

·         Wash your face with cool water.

·         Place cold, used teabags over your eyes. The tannins in the tea act as an astringent, tightening the skin.

·         Reduce your salt intake. Too much salt leads to water retention, which leads to eye puffiness.

·         Exercise to increase circulation, which in turn reduces water retention.

Step 3

Long eyelashes make your eyes appear wider and add a bit of highlighter. To make your eyelashes look longer try the following:-

·         The white eyeliner tip also helps make eyes look bigger, also don't line all the way along your bottom lashes if you do use a dark liner, only go half way from outer to below the center of the pupil.

·         Curl your upper eyelashes with an eyelash curler.

·         Apply mascara.

·         Apply false eyelashes.

TTC Thursday Who's the Mummy?

As I have mentioned before Paul and I will start our fertility journey once we are married but that doesn't mean we don't think about babies and our future family. I go on a few forums and there is a big debate around egg sharing and who the biological mother of the child is. It all comes down to your school of thought on the meaning if the word biological. If you think biological is being related by blood then the egg recipient is the mother as it is her body and blood that's takes the egg from cells to a living baby. If you believe biological means related by genetics then the egg donor is the biological mother of the child aS her egg carries all the genes or blue print to create the baby. What are your thoughts?

Wedding Wednesday Cake maker meeting

We had our first design and taster meeting with our cake baker on Monday and we are so excited. We have chosen four flavours, and they are all gorgeous. We have a couple of ideas for the design of the cake on the outside and she is going to draw them up so we can decide. She is so easy to get on with which is nice as I don't want a battle or to feel uncomfortable with my suppliers. She has so many creative ideas and the taste if her cakes is divine. Can't wait for the designs to come back!

True Beauty Comes from Within

Fist I want to explain why my blogs have been appearing in groups, I seem to have a problem with internet connection and once it connects again it sends my blogs, but I can promise I have been writing them everyday.

Ok now on to today, its True Beauty Tuesday and I think it is important to remember that true beauty comes from within. We are surrounded by airbrushed images of perfect celebrities and we can start to get too focused on trying to look like them.  We need to remember that it is what is inside that counts, we all have talents and things that we can offer the world. You can look like a film-star but if you are a horrible person it will not get you far. Remember the people in your life love you for who you are and not who you want to be. I am not saying that goals and aspirations are bad I have many but please remember you are beautiful as you are.  I also understand that a little make-up can give you added confidence that others will give you a chance which is true, a well groomed person who obviously makes an effort gives a good impression.

I do believe in taking care of yourself and trying to keep your skin and body in good condition. I have been drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day and I have noticed a big difference in my skin, it is hydrated and blemish free. So girls drink up!

Maxfactor False Lash Effect,Maybeline- Bronze Drama

Make-up Monday's here again and I must share how pleased I am with two of my make-up purchases for my new years resolutions make-up routine.

First up: Maxfactor False Lash Effect Mascara I do not have incredibly long or thick lashes but I love the glamour  full long lashes creates. I have searched for a mascara that can give me my longed for look and at long last I have found one!Maxfactor False Lash Effect gives me everything I want that mother nature did not provide. This mascara gives volume and length from root to tip by wrapping each lash. 

Second to take the floor is : Maybelline Silk Glam Bronse Drama by Eyestudio

This eye shadow is flawless, I personally apply with a brush but this comes with a dual-ended applicator either of these applies colour evenly onto the lids, leaving you with the perfect coverage. I cannot put into words how great the texture of this eyeshadow is the  wet technology produces a creamy, soft shadow loaded with up to 50% gem-like sparkles, which gives a dramatic sheen. The colour lasts all day and has loads of combinations and effects.

Weightloss week2

So after last weeks 6 pound weight-loss I was not sure what to expect this week but 2lbs, I have had a couple of naughty days so I am happy with a loss, I will try and be 100% good this week and see what happens. We have decided to start only weighing and measuring once a month so next weight loss post will be 01/02/2013

Wedding Photographer

We think we have found our wedding photographer, I cannot explain how great these people are!!! Its all thanks to Paul we found them. We attended the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club wedding fair, we walked into the room and I spoke to two cake makers and a bridal consultant all lovely, but not too big an impression on both Pail and I. I was ready to walk right past a photography stand as I though we had found out photographer. Oh my goodness this husband and wife team are amazing! they are so creative and have done things I have never seen or heard of before- I am not going to spill all of them as I would like to leave some surprises but I want to share one thing with you. We have all seen wedding videos and can all put our hands up to our minds wondering not long after the bride arrives at the church, our prospective photographer has a slide show of pictures and in the appropriate places has 3-4 min video for example photos of bride and bridesmaids having breakfast,  hair and makeup and all the little details and then a video of her seeing the bridesmaids in full wedding outfits and them and mother/ father seeing her in complete wedding dress. I found that idea perfect mix of photos and video so as not to get board but catch all the details. We are making an appointment to see them in the next month and discuss our wedding and album etc. Have a look at their website 

www.nowfoto.co.uk

Fertility Code-breaker

As I changed the theme days this post is on the wrong day but as I did my fashion post yesterday I will do the TTC post today. Before I write osts I should fill you in on fertility jargon- 

2WW: Two week wait (before testing, not always 2 weeks)

AF: Aunt Flo, your period.

BD: Baby Dance. Have intercourse for conception purposes or by extension any form of insemination.

BFN: Big Fat Negative (pregnancy test)

BFP: Big Fat Positive (pregnancy test)

CD: Cycle Day

CH: Crosshairs- the lines drawn on the chart to indicate ovulation

CL: Coverline

CM: Cervical mucous, also known as cervical fluid. It is fluid produced by your cervix as you approach ovulation due to increased estrogen.

CP: Cervical Position

DH, DD, DS: Dear Husband, Dear Daughter, Dear Son

DPO: Days Past Ovulation

EDD: Estimated Due Date

FSH: Follicle Stimulating Hormone

GnRH: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

HPT: Home pregnancy test. Measures levels of the hormone hcG which are produced in pregnancy.

HcG: Hormone detected by pregnancy tests. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.

ICSI =  Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection

IUI: Intra-uterine insemination

IVF: In-vitro fertilization

LH: Luteinizing Hormone

LMP: Last menstrual period. The first day of your last period.

LOL: Laughing out loud

LP: Luteal Phase

LPD: Luteal Phase Defect

M/C: Miscarriage

O: Ovulation

OPK: Ovulation Prediction Kit. OPKs measure luteinizing hormone, the last hormone to peak before ovulation.

POAS: Pee on a stick

RE: Reproductive Endocrinologist- Fertility Specialist

TTC: Trying to conceive.

Blog Day Theses Revised

Hi everyone,

I hope none objects but I have decided to change the day themes, the reason for this is that Paul and I are on a fertility journey. We will be progressing this after the wedding which is why i did not have a tab or mention it much before, however it is a very important part of our lives and I have lots of information to share and so I am going to open that part of my life up to you too. So the day themes will now be:-

Make-up Monday

True beauty Tuesday

Wedding Wednesdays

Trying to Conceive Thursdays

Fashion Friday

Weightloss and anything else on weekends 

What to wear in the snow

We have all seen the forecast, snow snow and more snow. Although we would all like to stay at home and have a pj day we have to face the reality- that's never going to happen. So we must go to work in these artic conditions but want to be safe and stylish in the process, here are my top pics

Karrimor Quilted Snow Boots

Mason Bootcut Jeans

Kardashian leopard print top

Debenhams wrap cardigan

Grey woolen scarf

How to choose your wedding cake

Welcome to Wedding Wednesday first blog! On Monday we have our first consultation with our Wedding cake maker. I am so excited and can’t wait for us to be able to discuss our dreams and ideas and see if they can become a reality. I want to share some advice on how to choose your cake design, style, flavour and tips.

The cake is one of the most dominant symbols of your wedding. It will be featured prominently in your wedding pictures. You can use your cake to bring together your wedding colours and theme.

One of the first things you need to decide is how many tiers you would like. In order to make that decision you need to know, how many guests will you provide cake for? What is your cake budget?

Now you have the practical thoughts out the way now comes the fun, designing the cake. Do you have a vision of how you would like to look? What colours, themes or decorations do you want to include? Do you want a cake topper?

Once you know what you want it’s time to start the road on achieving it. Don’t leave it until the last minute you need at least 3-6 months to have cake made etc. You need to find a cake maker, find someone with proven reputation- ask friends and family.  Visit bakery’s and asks to see pictures or models of their work. Take pictures or drawings of things you like with you to consultations and taste, taste ,taste a cake should not just look good it should taste good too.

January Glossy box 2013

First Glossybox of 2013! Well detoxing and being healthy  are defiantly at the forefront of my mind so I am very grateful for the January 2013 Glossybox. I do love to have make-up in my Glossy box so I was a little disappointed that I didn't receive any in this one however as I have already said I am currently detoxing and trying to be a better version of me so this box is still useful. I have not done a feedback post for the November box or a review or feed back for the December box but I will do that soon. Back to the January box:-

Paul Mitchell Super Strong Daily Shampoo this shampoo helps to rebuild, protect and add shine to your hair. This shampoo repairs the hair from within- repairing the damage caused by dying,heat styling and the environment   Sample  size 100m £3.83  fullsize 300ml £11.50

Monu aromatic mask- this warm mask will refresh and rejuvenate your complexion. The mask deep cleanses while stimulating new cell growth.The smell of this product reminds me of Teatree oil which for me is not a nice smell but I like to try new products anyway. Face masks are great and I believe that they really benefit your skin and do what they say on the bottle. Sample size 30ml £8.31 fullsize 100ml £24.95

Elemis refresh skin exfoliator-the deep cleansing properties of cherry powder and jojoba gently polish the skin. The mandarin and aniseed soften and condition the skin leaving it clear and glowing. This smells delightful like fruit salad note to self must not eat!!! Sample size 30ml £4 fullsize 100ml £12

Jasonlips bee healthier- this lip balm is refreshing. The first thing I noticed when I opened the lip balm is the strong smell of mint ( these smell like after eights!). The word Jason means healer in Greek so straight away I have high expectations for this product.The beeswax, greentea and vitamin E trap moisture while the aloe vera helps heal and protect chapped lips. This also contains shea butter and sweet almond oil to moisturize leaving smooth, revitalised and most of all healthy lips.  Fullsize product £1.99

Duck island limited body lotion- this has a beautiful smell as soon as you open the bottle betterstill once on the skin it continues to release the smell. The sents and ingredients in this lotion will help you relax , stimulate your senses and moisturize your skin. sample size 30ml £ 1.55 fullsize 250ml £12.45 (2 for £24.95)

Last but not least a glossy dreams eye-mask. I need one of these but can never find one I like this one is perfect!

Total value of glossy box £19.68 ( without eye mask as unknown value) 

Blog Day Themes

I love to be fair and symmetrical so I have been thinking about my blog posts. I feel as though I do not do an even amount of blogs for each of my main topics- so I am introducing Day Themes.

Make-up Monday

True beauty Tuesday

Wedding Wednesdays

Total Style Thursdays

Fat Free Fridays (Weight loss)

The weekends I will leave flexible and Blog about anything I want. What do you think?

Week 1 of diet weight loss

I am so pleased after only 1 week of my diet I have lost 6 pounds, I am over the moon! I would usually only loose 3 pound if I was lucky.It just proves if you don't eat enough it's just as bad as eating too much when it comes to weightloss.

My Must-haves for 2012

For me January is a month of reflection partially because its my birthday month- which naturally makes me think of the past year. I really found my love of beauty and make-up this year so I want to share with you my favorites that I must have. It has been a hard decision but here are what I feel are the best items for 2012.

Razor: Gillette Venus Embrace

This Razor is great, I like a close shave and with 5 blades and built in moisture strip delivers the close shave I require without any cuts.  The sent is light and fresh and my skin feels silky smooth.  I like the fact that These come with a handy shower pod.

Body Butter: Body Shop Coco Butter

This is so luxurious. I have dry skin and the tops of my arms can get very very dry along with my knw=ees and elbows. This butter helps allot as  it soaks into the skin making it smooth and revitalized without the after greasiness.  I also love the smell of this product, the coconut makes me think of summer and brightens my mood.

Eye shadow: Body Shop Shimmer Cube Warm

I love this pallet  as it has so many colour combinations. They are completely blend-able, I can have a smoky eye, a bronze goddess shimmer or a natural day look. They are highly pigmented and last all day without re application. They are very easy to apply and very blend-able.  The other thing I like about them is they are easy to remove one wipe or a dab of cleanser and it's gone.

Mascara: Rimmel Glam Eyes

This mascara gives a natural look, no clumps or smudges under the eyes. I get a well defined from waterline to tip black lash. As the bottle says you get a very glamorous effect.

Dry Shampoo: Batiste Brunette

We all have those days when we don't have time to wash our hair, this shampoo can give your hair the lift and refresh it needs. This has no sent and does not leave your hair white!

Tool: Eye Shadow Blender Brush

As you have probably guessed by now I love the smoky eye look and this brush can give me that look time after time, no matter what the eye shadow. It is soft and non irritating. The best thing about this brush is the quality I have never seen a bristle fall out!

Well bring on 2013 and making new must have items.

Wonderful Weekend

This weekend has been a weekend of relaxation,fun and productivity. We had the girls this weekend which is always interesting! They had been given tomato soup for lunch which sounds lovely until I mention that I have no dining room and in the living room we have a cream rug. As you probably guessed the 2 year old and the 4 year old got bright orange stains on my rug, the joys of children ha ha. I had a sample of vanish stain remover through the post a couple of months ago so thought I would give it a try. It was brilliant! You can't even see the patches where the tomato was.

I had a huge spring clean of all my make up and beauty products. It is so surprising how much you can accumulate. I made room for all my new stuff from Christmas. I still have not got round to reading any of my books yet but I aim to read Cheryl tomorrow. 

My wonderful Fiancee let me have a weekend lying, I cannot function with out my sleep. I am still debating over starting a vlog on youtube I just can't decide.