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Friday 31 January 2014

The Anti Diet Post


You'll have seen it in the press this morning, and what a truly shocking suggestion for the dieters market, the which celeb are you weighing scales. 

In a nation that seems to be in an epidemic of fad dieting do you think these are a good idea or a real distasteful attempt at encouraging dieters to weight the same as their fave celeb? 

So many of my followers have been asking me how I've succeeded at loosing my weight, and the truth is... 
I QUIT DIETING! 
I enjoy a healthy clean and balanced variety of food, drink water and I exercise 5/6 times a week, that's it. 

I've been there, the low carb, low calorie, shake diets, I've done them all but I have to say since turning my lifestyle around I am now longer even in agreance with companies like Weight Watchers and Slimming world because both are guilty of taking a concept and making it a gimmick for people who are desperate to loose weight buy into them.

Weight Watchers has worked for me in the past, but I gained my weight back, and they really push the use of their own brand low fat (high sugar) diet foods, low fat options and their own branded stuff contains the real silent enemy...sugar!
In a nutshell Weight Watchers is nothing more than a calorie controlled diet, and they don't overly promote exercise in conjunction with healthy eating, which again doesn't set anybody up with the correct tools to go on in life and succeed to get to their goal. 
Slimming Worlds promotes eating as much of food as you like, again that's not teaching someone to be in control of their own portions and teaching then to learn the real tool you need to succeed in weight loss.. and that's willpower. 

If your reading this now and your thinking of embarking on your own weight loss journey, you'll need just a few things to succeed: 
  • The want to change, and I mean the real want, this isn't about a half assed effort it's about giving it all you've got. 
  • Willpower, you'll need this tool for life, not just for the initial stages, even I need to rely on good old fashioned willpower to not eat things when I simply don't need them. 
  • The understanding that you are wanting to change your life, not just 'go on a diet' for a few months, trust me you'll fail if that's the way your thinking. 
  • A gym membership, or even just some simple hand weights and some circuit exercises if you have to work out at home, now the summers on it's way a field will be helpful or even the area you live in, hit the streets and run, walk or jog, just get moving! 
In more recent months you'll have no doubt seen the latest addition to the 'fad' dieting world...
Juice Plus, nothing more than a marketing scam, a shake and capsule plan branded with the slogan
"The Next Best Thing To Vegetables" The next best thing?! what's wrong with (and lets face it a much much cheaper option is to just eat actual vegetables)
As my other half regularly points out people who are so desperate for a quick fix would be better of buying a decent tub of protein powder than drinking these sugar filled shakes.

Don't just take my word for it, I've used my own protein label and compared it to that of the Juice Plus shake label to show you just what I mean.
Packed full of unnatural  ingredients and chemicals, how can they be promoting a healthy image to people when their products are so artificial?! 

With sugar causing an obesity epidemic,not to mention the huge influx in people suffering from diabetes, when will this nation stop? 

Obesity is a huge problem for this country, and these fad diets, direct marketing and pyramid schemes are simply buying into to the empty space in the market that's being created by everyone eating too much of the wrong foods and by taking no notice of the hidden dangers in doing so. 

I feel so strongly about this, because I've personally experienced the struggle on both sides, the difference being that during my 'fad dieting' stage I always used to think 'oh it'll follow this for 6 months then I can eat what I like' I felt deprived, starved of my desired foods, and very unhappy.
It seemed such a long process that didn't really give me any results, and of course you hit the famous plateau stage where you either just give up altogether and end up back at square one, with even more weight to loose than you had to begin with, or you plod along miserable and feeling like your getting no where, and that you'll be on this diet forever.

 The truth is by dieting alone your never going to get the real results you have only ever dreamed of I'm your mind unless you combine them with exercise. Cardio exercise is brilliant if you want to increase your hearts strength, improve your stamina and generally just increase your overall fitness.
Weight lifting is brilliant for building muscle which in time speeds up your metabolism at rest, combine the two and you have a winning combination.

I can personally say also that by changing my life and developing a true love for the gym and exercise I am so much happier, everyone who knows me will tell you that, not to mention the lift its had on my general health and well being, the weight loss and toning is an added bonus. 

I used to suffer from anxiety, I couldn't leave me house at one point, I missed work for over 100 days, writing that now feels so surreal because I cant imagine that was actually me, feels like I'm describing someone I don't even know. 

I'm almost at my 1 year gym joining anniversary, and it feels so good to be beating the old me with each day that goes by, she will never come back, I have made way to much progress to ever let all the handwork I've put in go to waste.  

I have no qualifications on nutrition and I'm not a PT but I have tailored my own lifestyle change, and that's the only way your going to succeed you must have the mindset in the right place that in itself will power your drive and determination to get to your own goal, what ever it is you have all you need in your mind to do it, and it needn't cost you a penny in gimmicky diet products, or a weekly subscription to a club, you can do it if you want to do it. 

The comments and feedback I've received in the relatively short time I've been making my changes make it all the more worth while, I feel flattered that I've inspired some of you to achieve your own goals and it's been great hearing some of your feedback. 
Well done to all of you who've achieved what you wanted to achieve, and to those of you just starting out all I can say is, it wont be easy, you'll have days where you want to quit, but don't give up on yourself. You have to keep going. 

The process is simple...

Eat Clean + Work Out + Trust The Process = Your Goal 

It wont happen overnight, but it will be so worth it when you get there to know you've worked for it.


xXx

Sunday 26 January 2014

Beauty Works Double Volume Piece & 'How To' Application Video

Double Volume Straight Instant weave


I've tried bonded ones, wefts, weaves, and clip ins.
Yes I'm talking about hair extensions. 
The reality of bonded and permanent options isn't as glam as it may seem though, running the risk of damage to your hair, excessive itching because you can't wash your hair properly and not forgetting the look of rats tails that you've then gotta live with until you have them removed. 

Sound familiar? Then you need to get yourself one of these hair pieces from Beauty Works. The Double Volume hairpiece is a 3/4 hair piece which you can apply in minutes creating the Cheryl-esque look of a salon blow dry, whilst having the thickness and length you'd expect from a full head of extensions. 

This is the synthetic version of the hair piece and I have to say the hair quality is fab! This one retails at between £39 & £45 depending on colour, they even have ombré options. I recently wore my hair piece for the first time to my friends wedding, it was so comfortable I forgot I had it on, and everyone commented on how real and nice my hair looked.
My hair piece is the Hot Toffee shade which is 04, it has reddy tones running through it so matches mine perfectly.


Thanks to its clever comb and drawstring application it really is held firmly in place, and means its adjustable to any head shape or size.
I didn't even have to style this, took it out the box and gave it a shake, and voila... Perfect tresses even the most un hair savvy girls could apply this and create a look of hair that's taken hours to achieve in the salon, in under 5 minutes.
Of course you needn't buy any products to use along with this but if I had to suggest any here's my fave's to create a prefect look....

Umberto Gianini Backcomb In A Bottle spray, Bobby Pins, and my trusty TRESemme Salon Finish Hairspray (or your preferred spray, you'll also need a thin comb, or teasing brush, and I have an extension brush which I use to brush my hair piece without damaging it. 

I thought it would be easier to film an application video for you as it's easier than trying to take 'action shots' so I hope you find this helpful!
Do you have a fave brand of hair piece, or will you be treating yourself to one of these by Beauty Works?
Check out the full range right here at the Beauty Works Website
xXx

MAC Ruby Woo

MAC Ruby Woo is a VERY retro matte shade of Red gorgeousness. 
It's got a really blue undertone to it which looks great on most skin tones and really makes the colour 'pop' personally I'd recommend applying the Ruby Woo over a clear but not too greasy lip balm to help the colour spread evenly, and to prevent dragging on the lips, a good lip brush also helps application. 

It's a good dupe of the RiRi Woo that launched for her fall collection, you know the one that sold out in minutes. 
Pair it with Cherry lip liner from MAC they are a perfect match. 
Grab yourself one right now on the MAC Website for £15
xXx

Thursday 23 January 2014

My Best Friends Wedding & My OOTD 'That Dress'

I'm a hopeless romantic,  I love weddings, they get me every time. I well up watching them on TV, but the overwhelming feeling of emotion you get when it's someone you know and care about it's even more of an emotional event. 
Saturday the 18th of January was a very special day, a friend I hold very close to my heart got married, and I felt very honoured to be a part of her special day.
After the initial wedding dress shopping day over 2 years ago when she found 'The Dress' I cant believe the day has been and gone already. 

With the Bride's permission I'm allowed to share some pictures of her day, and of course she looked amazing.The bride is very quirky, and she loves more vintage things, as opposed to me being a really girly girl, her dress reflected her personality so well. Her dress is by Charlotte Balbier, It's called Flo and was released as part of the Tea Party Collection, it's no longer available but if your a bride looking for a dress look her up she has some beautiful dresses!

All the little touches of the wedding really were perfect, the button bouquet, the button topped wedding cake, the buttons on the name place cards really all tied the vintage/button theme together.
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So many of you have been asking me about my wedding outfit, I spent ages looking for the right dress, I am terrible planning outfits for occasions, I always change my mind and usually have to try on lots before I find the one, this was dress number three, which for me is actually pretty good!

The dress is by Lipsy and it's just been launched as part of their spring range for 2014, shop it on the Lipsy Website here priced at £58 it's pretty reasonable, although I do think Lipsy can be a little overpriced, especially the VIP range.
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It's perfect for a winter wedding, the black background really sets of the pastel flowers and the slight hints of neon make it perfect for spring & summer, I'll be teaming this with wedges when the sun makes an appearance. My hair piece is a 3/4 piece from the team at Beauty Works  and depending on your shade these come in at just under £40, I wont go into too much details as I have a post on my hair coming up really soon.
My shoes are Primark, and cost just £10, my hair Fascinatior is by Ben De Lisi and cost £15 I matched the whole outfit together with a beautiful clutch bag by Coast which I picked up in the sale for £19 (reduced from £50) I wore my Swarovski ring and cuff bracelet too.

My nails stayed neutral with pretty pearls and crystals to add a bit of detail...
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There's no 'official' photographs available yet, but as soon as they are I'll see if i can share some with you :)
xXx

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Bourjois Java Rice Powder

Bourjois have reinvented their iconic powder from 1879, and I am a firm believer of the old products work the best. Marking their 150th anniversary they have revamped Java Rice powder into the 21st century, yet leaving the label on the pot very vintage.



I am in love with this shimmery pink hue pot of loveliness and it's certainly helped me combat my dark circles to a point where I don't feel as self conscious about them.

It sets my concealer beautifully without settling in the creases, you can use it to highlight too although I personally don't think the shimmer is chunky enough for this and I'll never stray from my MAC skin-finish for highlighting.

If you prefer the more subtle look then go for this powder.
Think of it as a great all rounder for skin finishing and highlighting, so if your a gal on a beauty budget then you need to invest. 
I have to tell you about the smell, it's the same scent as that of the little round pots, sweet, floral and almost a powdery scent it's gorgeous. 
I cant say it'll be to everyone's taste but I think it smells gorgeous. 
The powder is really finely milled and goes on really nicely without looking cakey on your face, I personally apply mine with my Real Techniques Setting Brush, and I apply mine by tipping a small amount into the lid, swirling my brush through it, tapping off the excess and sweeping across my under eyes. 
I've spoken to the lovelies at Bourjois who confirm that the powder will not just be 
'Limited Edition' but that it's here to stay. 

Have you tried Java Rice Powder? 
Retailing at just £9.99 go on and try it, I'm sure you'll love it! 
xXx

Monday 13 January 2014

Revlon ColourBurst Matte & Lacquer Balm

If you didn't get hooked on Revlon's ColourBurst Butter last year, then maybe these will catch your eye....

Brand new from Revlon is the ColourBurst Balm Collection*
ColourBurst Balm, the collection will consist of 6 hot shades to take you right through spring & summer. Available in 2 on trend finishes, Matte & Lacquer, the Matte is for you if you want bold and velvety looking lips, go for the Lacquer if you want something a little more subtle with a moisturising feel on the lips. 

They come in a chunky crayon design, I find these really easy to apply especially as the matte shades are bold if you were using a traditional lipstick bullet you'd definitely need a brush and a mirror, yet this stuff glides on without any dragging or pulling. 

I've been test running these over the weekend and I have to say I'm so into the matte finish it's gorgeous, really does look like velvet on the lips, and unlike some other matte lip colours its not drying at all, and it wont flake or feather on your lips. 

'Matte Finish ColourBurst Balm in 'Unapologetic' 
Top Swatch: 'Lacquer Finish ColourBurst Balm in shade 105 Demure Reservee'
Bottom Swatch: 'Matte Finish ColourBurst Balm in shade 210 Unapologetic'
Swatches side by side, Right is the 'Lacquer' Balm & the Left is the 'Matte' Balm. 
These are not yet on sale here in the UK, don't panic though the lovely people at Boots have a wait list (exclusively) for you, so you'll be the first to get one as soon as they go on sale add your name to the list right here!

Price will be around £8 each, I think it's really reasonable as you'll get months of use from each one. 

Will you be treating yourself to Revlon's Colourburst Balm? 
xXx
*pr sample

Monday 6 January 2014

Maybelline Baby Skin

It finally here ladies! 
First the Baby Lips boom, and now Baby Skin, I LOVE cutesy packaging and this little tube is hard to resist, the sweet pastel colours are gorgeous. I cant stress how much I love the girliness of the Maybelline 'Baby' products, and they really will look fab on any of your dressers, or in your Muji.
I love a good primer and I'm conscious of my pores so anything that targets them is a big plus for me, it's a clear gel formula and it really transforms your skin into silky smooth goodness ready for makeup. 

I'm really surprised at how good this stuff actually is, 
it provides a kind of blurred effect on pores and imperfections on your face.
If your a fan of Smashbox Photo Finish Primer but you need a dupe, then this is it, for a fraction of the price too, this is just £7.99 a tube. 

Are you going to succumb to the latest addition to the family? 
If you missed my earlier review on Baby Lips catch up on it here
xXx

Sunday 5 January 2014

MAC Coral Bliss


When MAC released their Cremesheen + Pearl range, I made a wish list as you do.
I've been scouting the MAC counters near me to no avail, I managed to find this beautiful lipstick (it's one of the 2 I'm after) in Selfridges on Oxford Street.

The MAC site weirdly describes this shade as a 'frosty coral' totally misleading if you ask me as it's not at all frosty or shimmery. Just a pure and gorgeous creamy coral, which you can wear with anything! It's now my fave go to colour if I'm not sure what to wear on my lips. You can of course make it shimmery if you want by adding a hint of glittery lip gloss over the top. As with my other Cremesheen shades from MAC for me these shades never have enough staying power on the lips, you'll need to take it in your clutch bag if your wearing this on a night out.

Coral Bliss is on the MAC website, or keep your eyes peeled for it at your local MAC counter, I do think £15 for a lippie is a lot of money, especially at the rate I apply it, but I just cant resist a MAC they really are fab shades.
xXx

Benefit Agent Zero Shine 'Shine Vanishing Pro Powder'


Meet Benefit's newest addition... 
'The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine' Its a little tub of shine vanishing powder, and comes with a baby kabuki brush neatly tucked away in one end of the product. I love the packaging, it's quite a chunky tube with one end revealing the sifting end, so you tip a small amount into the lid,, and then untwist the baby kabuki, swirl, tap, and sweep it over your face. It's great to throw in your handbag as it wont spill. 

I use Benefit Porefessional in the tube on a daily basis and you definitely don't need to use both of them together. I don't think the powder has much of a difference on pore size so if your looking for a pore minimiser then stick the to tube formula. 

It's translucent and you cant tell your wearing it so it would be perfect if you have pretty good skin just to even out your complexion and keep any shine at bay. I have worn this as a primer before applying my foundation and really liked the blurred effect it had on my skin, and it really did prevent me from having to reapply powder throughout the day.

This picture shows just the Agent Zero Shine product on my skin, so excuse the dark circles and uneven skin tone, it's to show you the effectiveness of the powder on it's own. 
Have you tried this yet?
If not pop along to your nearest Benefit counter or grab it on the Benefit website now! all for £23.50. 
xXx

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