2014 Blogger Challenge

Hey everyone. I have decided to take part in 2014 Blogger Challenge.

 The challenge is to write a blog-post twice a month on different topics. The 2014 blogger challenge posts will be posted on the  1st and the 3rd weeks of each month. The topics will be emailed to us. The topic ideas are  to  encourage us to write about things we don't normally write about.

I a so excited about this. Another challenge is Blogmas, let me know in the comments if you would like me to take part in Blogmas. This is where I post a new post everyday.

Take carex

This weeks Boots Star Gift:SensatioNail Deluxe Starter Kit

Hey everyone! This weeks star gift is SensatioNail Deluxe Starter Kit. I cannot emphasise enough how much of a bargain this is, it is usually £105 but until 5th December you will pay only £45!! This kit is enough to do over 20 manicures/pedicures. Although it states on the box lasts 2 weeks I have known them to last 4-5 weeks. 

The kit contains:-

• SensatioNail Pro 3060 LED lamp with mains adapter,
•  2 full size colour polishes - Taupe Tulips & Sugar Plum 
• a full size base/top coat
•  a full size Cleanser 
• a full size Primer 
•  pack of 12 Lint-free wipes 
•  nail file/buffer, 
•  the SensatioNail Removal Tool

This kit is easy too use and gives you a salon finish. How to use the deluxe starter kit step by step guide.

1. Ensure nails are free from polish and dirt. 
2. Using nail file, file nails to desired length and shape
3. Push back cuticles with manicure stick
4. Apply cleanser
5. Apply primer to nails around the sides and  above cuticle only, this will help when removing polish. Allow to dry for 30 seconds
6. Apply a thin layer of base/top coat, make sure you run the brush along the top of the nail to seal the base coat. 
7. Tip: Do your thumbs first this will allow your fingers to fit better in the lamp.
8. Put your thumbs/fingers in the lamp and press the  white button on the top. Remove fingers after 30 second beep.
9. Choose your colour polish. Apply a thin layer to each finger remembering to seal the nail.
10. Place fingers in thee lamp, press the white button. Leave fingers in for 60 seconds until light goes out.
11. Add another coat and repeat step 10
12. Apply the top coat and ensure the nails look how you want them.
13. Place fingers in the lamp,press button and remove at the 30 second beep.
14. Apply the gel cleanser to a wipe provided to remove the moisture layer.
15. Your nails are fully hardened/ dry and your ready to continue your day.

Have you tried any of the  SensatioNailgel nail kits?Do you use  another brand? Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Take care x

Rough Day

Hey everyone, I won't be doing any vloggs this week again as I currently have no voice due to being ill. This bug has lasted 2 weeks so far but hey I don't get ill often so i'm grateful.

As you know I live by the sea and we have amazing weather in the summer but in the winter it is bitter. I was walking Vinnie and thought I would take some pics to show you the sea on a rough day.

Here they are:-

Quick and easy dinner

Hey everyone, I thought I would share one of my favorite quick evening meals. Old el paso fajitas original smoky bbq flavor. 

This meal pack serves 4, you buy a pack and then have to add ingredients.

The pack contains:-

8 Soft Flour Tortillas, 1 Original Smoky BBQ Fajita Spice Mix, 1 Mild Original Salsa.

You add:-

Peppers,chicken and an onion.

First put a frying pan on with a little oil and allow to get hot. Add the chicken and cook until thoroughly cooked and golden brown on the outside.

While the chicken is cooking prepare your peppers and onion. I like to dice my onion and thinly slice my peppers into strips. This adds different textures to the fajita.

Once chicken is cooked and browned, add the spice mix, onions and peppers.

Once all is cooked and nicely mixed together, heat the tortillas and get ready to serve.

Spoon some of the mix onto the warm tortilla and add salsa as required, and enjoy.

Preparation 5 mins. Cooking time 15 mins

Has anyone tried this or any of the other Old el Paso range... leave a comment and let me know. 

My Dog Vinnie

Hey guys, since I mentioned my dog on my new Vlogs on you tube, I have been asked to tell you more about him.

Vinnie is a 2 year old Border Collie cross Flat-coated Retriever. We owned his mum, she had puppies and I had to bottle feed him and 2 more as they were small and needed the extra milk.  In October a relative that gave Vinnie a home could no longer cope, we always said if someone can't cope etc bring the dog back to us and we will re home it ( so we know it goes to the best home). 

We love Vinnie and he is part of our family so we will not be re-homing him. He loves to play with toys and thinks his ball is the best part of his walk!

Autumn Trend Favorites

Hey everyone, we have some amazing fashion trends this Autumn and I wanted to share some of my top picks.

Asos pencil skirt with ruffle front in tartan

£40.00. This is a fantastic work skirt, I would pair it with a white pussy-bow blouse and black suede court shoes.

 

Fashion union,black kimono with all over large floral print £18.00. I love to have a few items that I can layer. I would have a pastel coloured cami under this, with boot cut smart trousers and peep-toe heels.

Michael  kors, salon z dress

£86.42. This is a perfect transition dress, pair with simple  black heels for the day. For night time wow add a fitted blazer silver necklace, bracelet and blue heels. 

Black and white two tone molly jeggings river islannd

£15.00. My perfect Saturday casual, add a pair of uggs and a jumper dress with scarf and hooped earrings.

New look cobalt blue scoop neck mesh 3/4 sleeve top

Now £10.00.Again a great transition piece day time with smart trousers or skirt. Night smart jeans, dangly earrings and strappy heels. 

Spylovebuy jolie block heel concealed platform ankle boots - black suede style

£29.95. These are fashion classics  can be paired with almost anything for a dressed up or dressed down look.

Next Next animal knitted dress £40. I love animal print any time of year but this knitted dress is just right for Autumn. Pair this with brown leather knee high boots and you have a great look for cinema with friends or casual date.

Take care 

Grace x

Chocoholic ..

Hey everyone, So everyone knows I am a chocoholic- that is a person that loves chocolate and MUST have some on a regular basis! Having tried many different types (for research purposes of course …..) and personally think each ones tastes unique. In this post I am going to discuss some of the major brands in the UK.

First Cadburys, the smooth chocolate that has lots of variations by the brand from fruit and nut, whole nut and plain milk chocolate to cola pretzel and popcorn. My favourite however is the marvellous creations popping candy. This bar is great the mix of textures is so imaginative. You have the traditional milk chocolate but mixed in are jelly pieces, popping candy and tiny ‘smarties’.

Second Mars Galaxy, this is a much thicker tasting chocolate. I feel it is a lot sweeter but just as indulgent. The do some variation caramel, cookie crunch and the regular plain chocolate. The Galaxy chocolate takes longer to melt in the mouth so if you want your chocolate moment to last longer go for this!

Next we have Lint Lindor chocolate, this is heavenly! The smooth truffle centre just melts through as you crack the surface chocolate. They have a huge variety, white, milk and dark chocolate with flavours from coffee to peanut butter. This is a must try!

 Lastly we have Ferrero Rocher, Christmas is the perfect time to try these  nutty beauties. The shops are full of the assortment sets offering the complete collection. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and coconut. If you don’t have a nut allergy put these on your Christmas list!

What’s your favourite chocolate?

Take care x

PS4

Hey everyone! Something you may not know about me is that I love console games. I should make that more specific I love PlayStation Games. I am anxiously waiting for the arrival of the PS4 on the 29^th November 2013. The only problem is that I have moved house and you cannot change the store delivery address so I do not know when I can go and collect my console as I am working!

I will probably end up having it wrapped up for Christmas which seems ages away but it is only 42 days away!

The game I have pre-ordered with the console is Watch Dogs. This is a little like GTA (Grand Theft Auto) but it is set in the future and is basically about hacking into everything electronic, it has a great story but I will not spoil it for you.

My favorite series of games for the older Playstations is the Lara Croft Tomb Raider Games. Those games had story, action an array of weaponry and extraordinary cut scenes.

Other titles I am looking forward to are Assassins Creed BlackFlag, Order 1886, Infamous Second Son and Final Fantasy a RealmReborn.

Which games are you looking forward to and which console do you prefer and why?

Take care x

Toby Carvery

Hey everyone, I have always enjoyed food, baking it for others and enjoying it myself. I am going to start adding this interest into my blog.  I would like to stat by doing a review on Toby Carvery in Swindon. The one I have visited on many occasions is the one on Elstree Way by Asda Walmart. The car parking facilities are great, lots of room for ‘normal’ parking as well as, family, disabled and pick up/drop off allocated areas.

As soon as you go through the door you are greeted by friendly staff, who no matter how busy it is, always have time to be nice and have a laugh. If all the tables are taken you get given a remote that will flash and vibrate when your table is ready, you can wait in the bar or in the waiting area. The waiting area is comfortable with fires and sofas arranged in such a way as it has lots of little ‘living rooms’.

Once your table is ready the remote will flash and vibrate, you take the remote back and you will be shown to your seats. They will take a drinks order if you have one and show you to where the carvery will be served. When you are ready, make your way to the carvery! You have a choice of meats (this is the only part that is not all you can eat) Beef, Gammon, Turkey and Pies or a vegetarian option. Once you have your meat you self-serve you vegetables. These include carrots, roast potatoes, new potatoes, boiled potatoes, cauliflower, sprouts, beans, peas, onions, Yorkshire puddings, broccoli and sweet corn. You then move to the condiments section where they have various gravy and sauces to choose from.  Take your plate back to your table and your drinks will be waiting. You can now enjoy a roast dinner cooked to perfection!

If you can possibly eat any more, there is a dessert menu on the tables. When the waiter or waitress clears the table they will ask you if you would like a dessert, choose your option and it will be promptly brought to your table. There is a wide variety to choose select from cheese cake, ice cream and sorbet to sticky toffee pudding, fudge cake and pavalova.

To top it all the prices are incredibly reasonable, at £5.59 an adult you can’t go wrong!

http://www.tobycarvery.co.uk/

Take care x

This weeks Boots Star Offer

Hey everyone, this week’s Boots Star Offer is Champneys Complete Home Spa. Champneys is one of the premium brands at Boots. The product packaging has a luxurious hotel feel to it.  Champneys own a chain of high-end spas and these are the exact same products you would find in their spas. Therefore you really are getting the spa treatment at home.  Usually this gift is priced at £50 but the star offer price is £24!

This set is presented in a beautiful white leather case. The case can be used as a handbag, make up or toiletry storage case or even as an overnight bag.

The body scrub contains passion fruit and mango extracts as well as citrus oils. This scrub is creamy yet when applied to the skin seems to rub away any dry skin leaving soft smooth skin.

The body butter also contains mango and passion fruit extracts and citrus oils. Using this after the scrub is great if you want to continue the scent long after you have left the bathroom.  The body butter traps in moisture; this is great for anyone like me who lives near the coast as the sea air really dries out the skin.

The next item is spa treatment hand and nail cream; this is a light lotion that does not leave your hands feeling greasy. The lotion sinks into the hands and nails, to help your hands stay beautiful all year long.

The skin comforting bath milk contains sweet almond oil and chamomile  perfect to distress and relax after a long day.  Simply pour into a running bath and sink into peaceful bliss.

The citrus blush shower gel with energizing lemon, orange and cardamom is the perfect product to wake you up in the morning and get you ready for your day.  It will also leave your skin soft smooth.

The body polisher creates a rich lather to really invigorate your skin, it will polish away any dry skin and help repair dry skin too.

The final product is the citrus blush body lotion this contains lemon, mandarin and sweet almond oil. This will leave  your skin feeling soft , supple and smooth.

There is no doubt that after using these products you will feel truly pampered and ready to take on the world.

Take Care x

Internet Down

Hey everyone, sorry I have been away for a week but my internet provider  made a mistake and barred my services!! Anyway all sorted now and I am back online. I have been writing posts which I will upload shortly.

I have also filmed a few Vlogs, please bear with me I am very new at Vlogging. 

Take care x

Weight loss this week : 7 lbs!!

Hey everyone, just a quick post on weight loss. Last week I got back on the weight loss band wagon and I lost 7lbs. I really cant believe it. 

When we are told breakfast is the most important meal of the day it is true. Eating breakfast was my first change. Somewhere I read that if you want to loose weight you have to kick start your metabolism, to do this you have to eat breakfast within 45 mins of waking up. 

The second thing I did was walking the dog for an hour twice a day, this little bit of walking is all calorie burning.

My next challenge is to drink 2ltrs of water a day, this should flush out toxins and replenish my body constantly. This will also  keep me fuller for longer and therefore eating less. My skin should see a change too, I will let you know how it goes.

Take Care x

This weeks Boots Star Gift: 1st November

Hey everyone, this week’s Boots star offer is Ted Baker: The Great and the Gorgeous Cosmetic Gift Set. This is a fabulous gift set with everything you need to create a gorgeous look, be it soft daytime beauty or full-on night-time glamour.

The kit contains two lip crayons in pink and plumb. These crayons have small enough tips to line the lip perfectly but are long and thick enough to cover lips in seconds. I would use the pink for daytime, as it’s light and simple but also adds a splash of colour to the face. I would use the plumb for a night out the deep colour gives your lips a look of plump sumptuousness. The kit contains four makeup brushes 1 a fine brush for eye shadow contouring, 2 an eye shadow applicator this will be great for applying the eye glitter 3 a slanted brush great for shading in the crease of  the eye and 4 the blending brush to blend out the eye shadow to avoid stark lines between colours. The eyeliner pen is fab, you simply draw on your line, if you’re not too confident do it lightly and go over again and again bit by bit until you get the perfect line.

The next item is the false eye lashes, Ted Baker have got these just right. They are soft enough to be worn for work but long and thick enough to be noticed at night for an evening out. They are very lightweight so you forget you’re wearing them! The eye cream is in a cream colour! It is very pigmented and sticks to the eye even without a primer. Alone it is shimmery and neutral but combine it with the light pink eye shadow glitter and you’re ready to shine on the dance floor. Then we have the bronzing  compact, these gold brown tones give great colour to contour the fact or a warm glow to the cheeks.

We have two nail varnishes pale pink or sparkling gold. You can wear either off these separately for day or night but why not combine them for a fantastic nail art fusion. Last but not least we have the illuminating liquid in pearly pink and warm gold. These can be used to highlight the eyes or face.

  This fabulous gift set: The Great and the Gorgeous  by Ted Baker is usually £40 but from today until Thursday 7^th November you can pick this up for only £19 !!! THAT’S A SAVING OF £21!! If this is perfect for you or a great gift for a friend or relative get yourself down to a large Boots store or order at boots.com.

Take care x