Monday, 16 August 2010
One of my beautiful friends got married this weekend. It was such a stunning stunning day. I had the best time ever, the sun came out so the wedding was outside in a bandstand, the food was amazing and she looked beautiful. It was perfect.
With it being a summer wedding I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to wear a more "weddingy" colour (i.e. a colour I wouldn't normally wear).
Here was the result...
Please excuse the child-like smile - I was very excited and nervous all at once haha!
The dress is £45 from Topshop and they have it in sooo many colours. I want it in red-orange next! Flower is from New Look - £3.
As I didn't do a full full-length shot all day I've taken a pic of the shoes I wore also. These are Karen Millen and were a gift about 8 years ago haha! They have had some use!!
Finally I had a nice shawl in cream to cover myself up which was £5 from Tie Rack.
With it being a summer wedding I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to wear a more "weddingy" colour (i.e. a colour I wouldn't normally wear).
Here was the result...
Please excuse the child-like smile - I was very excited and nervous all at once haha!
The dress is £45 from Topshop and they have it in sooo many colours. I want it in red-orange next! Flower is from New Look - £3.
As I didn't do a full full-length shot all day I've taken a pic of the shoes I wore also. These are Karen Millen and were a gift about 8 years ago haha! They have had some use!!
Finally I had a nice shawl in cream to cover myself up which was £5 from Tie Rack.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
I have been planning to do this review for at least a month, but I wanted to have used the product properly and provide pictures, but it's worth the wait I promise!
Now I'll be honest - I've never really understood the whole gradual tanners thing. To me if you want a tan get a self tan - not a moisturiser that gives you a hint of orange and makes you smell like curried biscuits!
However, the lovely people at Xen Tan sent this product to me to test and having heard soooooo many fab things about them I approached the product with an open mind.
What I found
Firstly, it smells divine. I mean I could sit there and smell it all day. It's kind of fruity and sweet but not too sickly. Even the boyf likes the smell. Result.
Secondly, it's so easy to apply. I just squirt a load into my hand and rub in. Like I would with moisturiser I suppose. It leaves my skin feeling a little tacky at first, but it dries quite nicely after that. I suppose it feels like a thick moisturiser on the skin.
Thirdly, it really is moisturising. My skin feels so much nicer for using this than my normal fake tans.
So, how it actually tanned my skin...
Hmmm, what can I say... AMAZINGLY! I am so impressed and a little shocked.
My first application was Saturday morning and then Saturday evening. On Sunday morning I reapplied, but seriously if you have fair skin I think you would stop there! Here is what my skin looked like after two applications:-
Definitely tanned!! Yipee!
I applied again on Sunday night and here is the result after applying last night:-
Amazing or what!? You can literally keep building the colour, but it's a nice colour too - not orangey or dirty looking. I love that my chest looks tanned for once! Usually self-tans don't work well on my chest or neck. My chest and neck are now a lovely tanned brown.
Also, I have been using it on my face which is now a lovely even golden colour, without the horrible blackhead effect you get from using brown based tans when it gets in your pores.
Conclusion
I am definitely not a gradual tan covert, but I am a Xen Tan gradual tan convert! This product can effectively be used like a self tan. As I like my skin to be quite dark, most tans don't show up to be the colour I want without a couple of applications in a row anyway.
My plan is now just to probably use this in winter alone and probably apply a self tan with this as a base or use it over the top the next day to prolong the colour.
Especially because by now I would normally be getting patchy skin as the normal self tan wears off!
I absolutely love this product and would recommend it without a doubt. I am now so excited to try other Xen Tan products, as I just think if the gradual tan works like this what must their self tans work like!?
If you fancy it you can purchase the gradual tan here for £14.95.
Now I'll be honest - I've never really understood the whole gradual tanners thing. To me if you want a tan get a self tan - not a moisturiser that gives you a hint of orange and makes you smell like curried biscuits!
However, the lovely people at Xen Tan sent this product to me to test and having heard soooooo many fab things about them I approached the product with an open mind.
What I found
Firstly, it smells divine. I mean I could sit there and smell it all day. It's kind of fruity and sweet but not too sickly. Even the boyf likes the smell. Result.
Secondly, it's so easy to apply. I just squirt a load into my hand and rub in. Like I would with moisturiser I suppose. It leaves my skin feeling a little tacky at first, but it dries quite nicely after that. I suppose it feels like a thick moisturiser on the skin.
Thirdly, it really is moisturising. My skin feels so much nicer for using this than my normal fake tans.
So, how it actually tanned my skin...
Hmmm, what can I say... AMAZINGLY! I am so impressed and a little shocked.
My first application was Saturday morning and then Saturday evening. On Sunday morning I reapplied, but seriously if you have fair skin I think you would stop there! Here is what my skin looked like after two applications:-
Definitely tanned!! Yipee!
I applied again on Sunday night and here is the result after applying last night:-
Amazing or what!? You can literally keep building the colour, but it's a nice colour too - not orangey or dirty looking. I love that my chest looks tanned for once! Usually self-tans don't work well on my chest or neck. My chest and neck are now a lovely tanned brown.
Also, I have been using it on my face which is now a lovely even golden colour, without the horrible blackhead effect you get from using brown based tans when it gets in your pores.
Conclusion
I am definitely not a gradual tan covert, but I am a Xen Tan gradual tan convert! This product can effectively be used like a self tan. As I like my skin to be quite dark, most tans don't show up to be the colour I want without a couple of applications in a row anyway.
My plan is now just to probably use this in winter alone and probably apply a self tan with this as a base or use it over the top the next day to prolong the colour.
Especially because by now I would normally be getting patchy skin as the normal self tan wears off!
I absolutely love this product and would recommend it without a doubt. I am now so excited to try other Xen Tan products, as I just think if the gradual tan works like this what must their self tans work like!?
If you fancy it you can purchase the gradual tan here for £14.95.
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Yesterday's makeup look..
I wanted a really natural look yesterday as I wasn't really doing too much, but I wanted to look nice for the boyfy when he got back from working in the morning. So despite the jogging bottoms I still applied my makeup hehe.
I used:-
Bare Minerals foundation, mineral veil, warmth and well rested.
Laura Mercier Concealer
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
MAC Viva Glam Gaga with Estee Lauder Vanilla Truffle over the top
Estee Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Spiced Peach
Revlon Fabulash Mascara
Eyeko Graffiti Pen in Brown
I wanted a really natural look yesterday as I wasn't really doing too much, but I wanted to look nice for the boyfy when he got back from working in the morning. So despite the jogging bottoms I still applied my makeup hehe.
I used:-
Bare Minerals foundation, mineral veil, warmth and well rested.
Laura Mercier Concealer
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
MAC Viva Glam Gaga with Estee Lauder Vanilla Truffle over the top
Estee Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Spiced Peach
Revlon Fabulash Mascara
Eyeko Graffiti Pen in Brown
Finally, I have got around to doing this post...
Quite a few of you lovely followers requested that I do a post on my weight loss, following my post in which revealed that I had recently lost 30 lbs. Basically I put on 30lbs whilst studying 3 years undergrad and then working full time whilst doing postgrad for 2 years following this.
Rather than go into an essay like post about this I thought that I would basically outline what I did, how long it took and show you some before and after pictures.
If you want any more information at the end of this post you can email me at giddyprincess@gmail.com or leave a message in the chat box at the top right of my page.
How did I lose the weight?
I had on numerous occasions decided I was going to eat healthily in the past and the most I had lost was around 6lbs, as I wasn't really dedicated and didn't really know what I was doing.
This time was different. Basically I had seen quite a few pictures where I didn't recognise myself anymore and felt that my health was beginning to suffer due to me entering the unhealthy weight range within my BMI. (You can calculate your Body Mass Index here.)
I took myself off to a weight watchers meeting near my house and begun the Discover Plan. To do this I paid £17.95/month for an online plan which also allowed me to go to meetings each week locally and get weighed.
Many of you have probably heard of weight watchers, but in case you have not the plan allocates a you number of points per day, determined by your weight, height and lifestyle (ie. active or not). As each food has a points value, you are then to try and stick within your points allowance.
Things like many vegatables have a zero points value and as such I found sticking to this plan pretty easy once I got going. To be successful at the plan, I believe that you need to be quite organised with your meals. As I am often out and about I found that I had to stick to similar meals regularly, but this did not bother me as I always ate things I enjoyed and the weight loss each week kept me motivated.
Typically, I ate crumpets with weight watchers jam or weight watchers yogurt for breakfast, weight watchers soup some low point crisps (eg. squares, french fries, snack a jacks) and count on us chocolate mousse for lunch, then a stir fry or meat and roast veg or pasta and a tomato based sauce for evening meal. Not too bad eh!
How long did it take?
I began the journey in September 2009 and reached goal at the beginning of February 2010. I ensured that the weight loss was gradual, but also steady. I lost weight nearly every week and I did not put weight on at all.
This isn't easy and I saw many others struggle with losing a couple of lbs and then putting the same back on the next week, and repeating this cycle a lot. I do believe determination is key in embarking on a journey like this and I kept motivated by setting mini goals of when I wanted to lose so many lbs by.
What I will say is that for the first couple of months I barely drank. To me it just wasn't worth it and I believe this had a massive impact on me having steady weight loss. (Not that I drink a lot generally). In additon, I took up walking 3.5 miles a day, which is my walk from home to work. It takes me 50 minutes. It took me that long queuing in traffic so I was so glad I began walking in the end. And yes, I did it through all the snow and ice. Now that's determination
Tips I would give?
Enjoy it. If you don't see it as a chore and see it as a change in lifestyle, which results in you feeling happy with increased self esteem, you really will succeed. It's all about having a positive mental attitude towards eating better and losing weight. And of course the joy with weight watchers is that if you do have events coming up when you know you will be eating out, drinking etc you can save your points by eating well in the week prior to it. Therefore you don't feel guilty when you do have a bit of a binge.
Where am I now?
I am maintaining the weight loss and finding it pretty easy. I am around a size 6-8 depending on where I shop and wear petite clothes wherever I can. Previously I was around a size 12, which is course pretty average, but with me being small in height (5 foot 1) I was still overweight for my height.
Quite a few of you lovely followers requested that I do a post on my weight loss, following my post in which revealed that I had recently lost 30 lbs. Basically I put on 30lbs whilst studying 3 years undergrad and then working full time whilst doing postgrad for 2 years following this.
Rather than go into an essay like post about this I thought that I would basically outline what I did, how long it took and show you some before and after pictures.
If you want any more information at the end of this post you can email me at giddyprincess@gmail.com or leave a message in the chat box at the top right of my page.
How did I lose the weight?
I had on numerous occasions decided I was going to eat healthily in the past and the most I had lost was around 6lbs, as I wasn't really dedicated and didn't really know what I was doing.
This time was different. Basically I had seen quite a few pictures where I didn't recognise myself anymore and felt that my health was beginning to suffer due to me entering the unhealthy weight range within my BMI. (You can calculate your Body Mass Index here.)
I took myself off to a weight watchers meeting near my house and begun the Discover Plan. To do this I paid £17.95/month for an online plan which also allowed me to go to meetings each week locally and get weighed.
Many of you have probably heard of weight watchers, but in case you have not the plan allocates a you number of points per day, determined by your weight, height and lifestyle (ie. active or not). As each food has a points value, you are then to try and stick within your points allowance.
Things like many vegatables have a zero points value and as such I found sticking to this plan pretty easy once I got going. To be successful at the plan, I believe that you need to be quite organised with your meals. As I am often out and about I found that I had to stick to similar meals regularly, but this did not bother me as I always ate things I enjoyed and the weight loss each week kept me motivated.
Typically, I ate crumpets with weight watchers jam or weight watchers yogurt for breakfast, weight watchers soup some low point crisps (eg. squares, french fries, snack a jacks) and count on us chocolate mousse for lunch, then a stir fry or meat and roast veg or pasta and a tomato based sauce for evening meal. Not too bad eh!
How long did it take?
I began the journey in September 2009 and reached goal at the beginning of February 2010. I ensured that the weight loss was gradual, but also steady. I lost weight nearly every week and I did not put weight on at all.
This isn't easy and I saw many others struggle with losing a couple of lbs and then putting the same back on the next week, and repeating this cycle a lot. I do believe determination is key in embarking on a journey like this and I kept motivated by setting mini goals of when I wanted to lose so many lbs by.
What I will say is that for the first couple of months I barely drank. To me it just wasn't worth it and I believe this had a massive impact on me having steady weight loss. (Not that I drink a lot generally). In additon, I took up walking 3.5 miles a day, which is my walk from home to work. It takes me 50 minutes. It took me that long queuing in traffic so I was so glad I began walking in the end. And yes, I did it through all the snow and ice. Now that's determination
Tips I would give?
Enjoy it. If you don't see it as a chore and see it as a change in lifestyle, which results in you feeling happy with increased self esteem, you really will succeed. It's all about having a positive mental attitude towards eating better and losing weight. And of course the joy with weight watchers is that if you do have events coming up when you know you will be eating out, drinking etc you can save your points by eating well in the week prior to it. Therefore you don't feel guilty when you do have a bit of a binge.
Where am I now?
I am maintaining the weight loss and finding it pretty easy. I am around a size 6-8 depending on where I shop and wear petite clothes wherever I can. Previously I was around a size 12, which is course pretty average, but with me being small in height (5 foot 1) I was still overweight for my height.
I do eat healthier now but I also have treats most days but I make sure I remain active and if things start to feel a bit tight I don't buy anything new, I eat less and exercise more and find the next week everything feels a good fit again. It really is about changing your lifestyle.
Pictures
*Goal Weight*
Pictures
*Goal Weight*
*Goal Weight again*
Weight at Uni around 3 years ago
I would like to finally add that the reason I felt that this was a necessary path for me to take was because I was always petite and quite athletic in build training in sprints and long jump, whilst also being heavily involved in lots of other sports when I was younger. Therefore I feel much more like my normal self now and quick myself for not having done this sooner. But better late than never.
Hope those of you that were interested found this post useful or informative. I hope I didn't offend anyone and if you do wish to ask any questions about any of it please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sorry it ended up being an essay anyway!!
Saturday, 7 August 2010
I purchased Grazia this week and as I was flicking through I found a sample of TRESemme's colour protection shampoo and conditioner inside.
I didn't have high hopes for the products, only because I don't tend to steer away from Redken shampoo and conditioner because I have been left disappointed in the past. Also, because my hair is Afro-Caribbean it has a tendency to snap and get really dry which means I need to really look after it.
As I coloured my hair around 2 months ago I decided to give this a try anyway and see just what kind of effect it would have on my hair.
The first thing I noticed was that the shampoo smelt lovely although it was a little reluctant to lather. I had anticipated this and have experienced it before so I kept some shampoo back and once I had rinsed out the first lot, the second application of the shampoo lathered nicely.
The product is thinner in consistency than my normal shampoos and therefore I think I would have used a little more product than that supplied with the sample to know that my hair was really clean. That said, my hair was perfectly clean when I came to dry it.
In relation to the conditioner, I was happy with this. It was thick and my hair felt smoother and silkier as I rinsed it out.
Despite this I still felt that given my hair can require a lot of styling it would probably be unmanageable as a result of using this.
How wrong I was! Shocked. My hair dried as normal and straightened as normal if not better. It felt soft and smooth and looked shiny, richer in colour and healthy. Normally I am left with a frizzy unmanageable mess if I try something new!
Here's a pic of my hair after straightening it. (It's not the best at showing the shine because it was taken with my phone, but I am away from home at the moment and cannot use my camera).
Still though, I think it looks good all the same ;D and 12 hours later it still looks good and and feels divine!
I would definitely recommend this product I feel that it left my hair feeling soft and manageable and also enhanced the colour highlighting the different shades of browns. I am definitely much more open to trying cheaper shampoos and conditioners after this little joy of an experience!
I didn't have high hopes for the products, only because I don't tend to steer away from Redken shampoo and conditioner because I have been left disappointed in the past. Also, because my hair is Afro-Caribbean it has a tendency to snap and get really dry which means I need to really look after it.
As I coloured my hair around 2 months ago I decided to give this a try anyway and see just what kind of effect it would have on my hair.
The first thing I noticed was that the shampoo smelt lovely although it was a little reluctant to lather. I had anticipated this and have experienced it before so I kept some shampoo back and once I had rinsed out the first lot, the second application of the shampoo lathered nicely.
The product is thinner in consistency than my normal shampoos and therefore I think I would have used a little more product than that supplied with the sample to know that my hair was really clean. That said, my hair was perfectly clean when I came to dry it.
In relation to the conditioner, I was happy with this. It was thick and my hair felt smoother and silkier as I rinsed it out.
Despite this I still felt that given my hair can require a lot of styling it would probably be unmanageable as a result of using this.
How wrong I was! Shocked. My hair dried as normal and straightened as normal if not better. It felt soft and smooth and looked shiny, richer in colour and healthy. Normally I am left with a frizzy unmanageable mess if I try something new!
Here's a pic of my hair after straightening it. (It's not the best at showing the shine because it was taken with my phone, but I am away from home at the moment and cannot use my camera).
Still though, I think it looks good all the same ;D and 12 hours later it still looks good and and feels divine!I would definitely recommend this product I feel that it left my hair feeling soft and manageable and also enhanced the colour highlighting the different shades of browns. I am definitely much more open to trying cheaper shampoos and conditioners after this little joy of an experience!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Morning ladies!
I know this is a slightly unusual post, but like a lot of you I am sure, I struggle with finding a well fitting bra.
So today I googled a few queries I had in relation to why my bra behaves in certain ways!!! In doing so I stumbled across a fabulous section on Bravissimo's website that I just had to share with you.
Basically there is a section on their website called the perfect fit. It's really really good. Gives you great information about what a bra should fit like exactly and information like why your straps dig into your shoulders.
It also gives you info on what bra style you should use depending on the type of neck line you are going to wear. Sounds obvious, but actually, it's not. Particularly when you use a one type suits all approach like me!
I have found it to be really useful and now know where I am going wrong, so I am off to try and find a smaller back and bigger cup!
Link to the website and all the info is here.
I know this is a slightly unusual post, but like a lot of you I am sure, I struggle with finding a well fitting bra.
So today I googled a few queries I had in relation to why my bra behaves in certain ways!!! In doing so I stumbled across a fabulous section on Bravissimo's website that I just had to share with you.
Basically there is a section on their website called the perfect fit. It's really really good. Gives you great information about what a bra should fit like exactly and information like why your straps dig into your shoulders.
It also gives you info on what bra style you should use depending on the type of neck line you are going to wear. Sounds obvious, but actually, it's not. Particularly when you use a one type suits all approach like me!
I have found it to be really useful and now know where I am going wrong, so I am off to try and find a smaller back and bigger cup!
Link to the website and all the info is here.Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Last week, after reading a couple of posts on Primark's autumn 2010 collection I was ready to don some ski boots and take a trip to the mountains!
There was a real wintery feel about it with the chunky knits and fur collars. I'm all about wrapping up in winter so I love it when fashion allows for stylish warmth.
Anyway, as a result I planned a winter trip to Center Parcs (I can't really afford skiing at this stage) and had a look at what the high street is offering my winter wardrobe this year.
Here is what I found:-
Primark
*my favourite of all*
Topshop
River Island
Miss Selfridge
New Look
See why I am excited!? I am absolutely loving all the fur look coats and chunky knits and then all the beautiful dresses at Miss Selfridge. I seriously cannot wait.
For me I am most impressed with Primark. They have more than out done themselves this year with looks that could compete with the other high street stores. We all love a bargain, and I know where I will be heading to pick up some bargainous woolies!
There was a real wintery feel about it with the chunky knits and fur collars. I'm all about wrapping up in winter so I love it when fashion allows for stylish warmth.
Anyway, as a result I planned a winter trip to Center Parcs (I can't really afford skiing at this stage) and had a look at what the high street is offering my winter wardrobe this year.
Here is what I found:-
Primark
*my favourite of all*
Topshop
River Island
Miss Selfridge
New Look
See why I am excited!? I am absolutely loving all the fur look coats and chunky knits and then all the beautiful dresses at Miss Selfridge. I seriously cannot wait.
For me I am most impressed with Primark. They have more than out done themselves this year with looks that could compete with the other high street stores. We all love a bargain, and I know where I will be heading to pick up some bargainous woolies!
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