Healthy Living | My Fitness Plan 2014

I've been meaning to do this plan for a very long time now. Ever since my friend Emma (YouTube here) got me out extremely early one morning for a swim and sauna, I've been wanting to continue the habit and get into a proper fitness buzz. I do barely any exercise, bar storming around the shops and so 2014 is my year. Yes, I've said this every year up until now and nothing has changed, but this year I'm determined. Quite honestly and most probably like most of you out there - it takes a lot of motivation to get me to the gym. I just quite honestly don't want to do it, but something in me is pushing me to continue. Maybe it was the hefty amount thats left my account because of joining a private health club? Who knows... There's just a little bit of determination in me which is slowly but surely turning into motivation.

I love swimming.

This week  (20th-26th) was my first week back joined up with the Health Club since we stopped being members as a family around two years ago. Getting a job (and let's not forget being pushed by my dad to join with him) was the first step in this new found fitness kick. I signed up on Saturday and Monday was my first day in. So far this week, I've been very proud of myself. Here's how it's gone:

Monday 20th: 1000m - 30 mins

Tuesday 21st: rest day

Wednesday 22nd: 500m - 15 mins

Thursday 23rd: 700m - 20 mins

Friday 24th: Huge meal at Frankie and Benny's - oops! Drank water - so feeling kinda good. 

Saturday 25th: 500m - 15 mins

Sunday 26th : Bought myself a swimming costume and goggles - this girl means business!

Monday 27th: 1000m - 25 mins
Tuesday 28th: rest day
Wednesday 29th: 500m - 12 mins
Thursday 30th: 1000m - forgot to time myself... Oops!

I am so proud of what I have managed over the past couple of weeks - changing my habits and actually pushing myself to get fitter. It's been difficult but I'm glad I've done it, I've been sleeping a lot better and feeling much better in myself!

I've also just bit the bullet and signed up for a Personal Training session with one of the Health Club's Personal Trainers, to get myself into the hell that is the gym. I thought doing it properly and having a set programme (when I'm paying for it) would be a much more worth while idea than just hopping on the bike when I felt like it and swimming most of the time. I'm aiming for full body fitness here, not just massive legs and arms from the breaststroke!

Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with myself for the progress that I've made so far. It'll be difficult to stick to, but like I said before - I am determined to make the most of the money I have spent. I plan to update you on how I'm doing over the next couple of weeks. My aim isn't weight-loss as such as I feel like I am a healthy weight - losing anything more than a stone overall would be too much for me to lose, to the point where it would be unhealthy - but I am looking to tone up and be a fitter person. I've already noticed a dramatic change in my eating habits as a result of starting to do exercise again which is such a bonus as I need to become healthier with what I eat as well - Another post will follow shortly with my healthy eating plans! 

Have you made a resolution of joining the gym?

Have you done anything about it yet?

Let me know in the comments below...

xox

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Guest Post | Mac Makeup Lust List

Hi, my name's Hannah and I blog over at Cosmetic Crave (www.cosmeticcrave.com), and I suppose it wouldn't be hard to guess that with a blog name like that, I might have the tendancy to ..crave cosmetics? Hey, some people crave chocolate.. some people crave fried food.. but my ultimate vice is a brand new lipstick, or three. I can crave and crave all that I want but most of the time I can't just give in and splurge until my heart's content because of a little thing called a bank balance and sadly mine isn't bottomless :( (If only!!) ..so until I win the lottery, I've compiled a little 'Lust List' of some make up that I have my eye on at the moment. For the sake of simplicity, I've stuck to just Mac. 

Mac Strobe Lotion / Strobe Cream I've never really been too sure what the difference between the lotion and the cream are with this one, and I had a little browse on this forum here where the difference is discussed and I got the gist that the lotion is a light version and is for oily skin, where the cream is for drier skin ..but I have oily skin and most people say that the strobe cream is generally all round better than the lotion, so I'm still stuck on which one I'd pick! It's a luminating and brightening formula that can be used as a base or mixed with foundation to give a bit of a boost. (£23.50)
Mac Studio Fix Foundation (NC20) Generally the most favoured foundation that Mac has to offer, but can you believe I've never tried a Mac foundation?! I've always been a Clinique kinda girl, personally. It's supposed to be a long-wearing semi-matte foundation with medium coverage and contains SPF 15 too, so it sounds pretty perfect to me. Mac also says that it 'absorbs and disperses oil' too - Ooh, perfect for an oily gal like me! (£21.50)
Mac Pro Longwear Concealer (NC15) It seems like all of my favourite beauty YouTubers use this concealer in their make-up looks and every single one of the looks flawless! It's supposed to be a lightweight concealer with full coverage and I love the pump dispenser bottle of it too. (£15.50)
Mac Powder Blush - Harmony Dubbed as the perfect soft contouring shade, this blush is top of my hit list! It's a matte brown toned blush and I can imagine it coming in useful in more ways than simply as a blusher. (£18.00)
Mac Mineralise Skin Finish - Soft and Gentle A perfect finishing touch to a make up look can be this gorgeous subtle metallic shimmer highlight. Ever since I used one of my friend's MSF I've have been fully obsessed with it and feel like my life wouldn't be complete without it. (£22.00)
Mac Brow Set - Beguile As my brows are my pride and joy, I like to keep them in tip top shape and looking their best. But they're a naturally bushy pair and need regular good grooming and a good dose of taming to keep them in check so this tinted brush on gel should set my brows in place. A good 'brow gel' is something that I've not really found yet and none of the the highstreet offerings have really done it for me with either being too wet or too crispy! (£13.00)
Mac Brushes - 239 Eye Shading Brush, 217 Blending Brush No, I don't have any Mac make up brushes either, can you believe! Basically, I'm lacking a whole lotta essential Mac in my life! I think I found a good 217 brush dupe from ELF for just £1.50, but can that be too good to be true? It's gotta be £18 and a worldwide favourite for a reason; I need to see what all the fuss is about! (£20.00 / £18.00)
Mac Eyeshadows  My wishlist for Mac eyeshadows extends to as long as: Jest, Plum Dressing, Cranberry, Pink Freeze, Beauty Marked, Coppering, Twinks, Mythology, Antiqued, Sable, Mulch, Woodwinked, Honesty, Mocha, Expresso, Sweet Lust and Smut. So.. All of them then? Ha! I've only got a handful already but I'm thinking of maybe getting a 15 pan palette and depotting the ones I have into that and then I only have to buy in the pan refill size from now on. (£12.50 / £10.00)
Mac Lipsticks As with the eyeshadows, I feel like I've got a lipstick wishlist that goes on for eternity. I feel like I can't go anywhere without ending up walking home with a new Mac lippie! The ones still on my lust list are: Honey Love, Fan Fare, Morange, Chatterbox, Speed Dial, Speak Louder, Cross Wires, Candy Yum Yum, Rebel, Brick-o-La, Hang Up, and Ruby Woo. Phew, that's a lotta lippies! (£15.00)
Thank you Beky for allowing me to post on your blog today :) I hope any of you reading come and pay me a visit at Cosmetic Crave soon.  

♥
Absolutely love this post? Let us know in the comments or visit Hannah on twitter and let her know!

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FOTD | Everyday / Work Makeup

I don't think I've ever done a 'Face of the Day' post - so it's about time, don't you think? I have a friend who is in the process of starting up her photography portfolio and when she asked me to be her model I jumped at the chance! Not only is it such a flattering thing to be asked, but she's also allowing me to use all of the photos I like on my blog. Being a little restricted, lets say, in the department of good quality photos and the ability to take such photos for FOTD, OOTD and so on, this has been such an amazing collaboration for us. If you want to take a peep at Ammie's photo's and see her amazing work, you can click here or check out her instagram here

For this FOTD I've used my basic foundation and have added a pop with the eyes. I recently purchased the coveted Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette and have been obsessed with experimenting with colour matches. For this look I started with Strange in the inner corners, Mugshot on the outer corners and buzz blended into the main body of my lid. I then used Dark Side on my Real Techniques Angled Liner Brush as an eye liner under my bottom lashes and Soap and Glory's SuperCat liner over the outer half of my top lash line. 

I love mixing three neutral colours on my lid throughout the week - I don't think that it should be 'saved for the weekend' at all. A strong eye can be great any day as long as you match the colours well. I tend to use more nude shades in the week for work for a more subtle smokey eye and then more vibrant or darker colours for the weekend if I'm going out. I paired this look with my Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Luna, for a peachy nude lip to offset from my eyes and make them stand out more. 

For me, this is the perfect look for an everyday look or a look for Work. Not too much and yet still perfectly tasteful for a professional atmosphere or relaxed day. 

.

Close up of my eyes - so blue!

Loving my Naked 3 Palette and Apocalips in Luna

Sun shine in January?

What are your favourite shades from the Naked 3 Palette?

Do you like to dress up your eyes?

Let me know in the comments below

xox

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OOTD | Winter Chills

Before this whole 'American cold front' came along, these past couple of weeks hadn't actually been too bad on the weather front. It's been quite nice to not have to wrap up like a mummy every time I stepped out of the house. Even a mere fortnight after New Years, I managed to have these amazing photos taken by the gorgeous Ammie (you can see more of her photos here). I love this outfit for a day-to-day look with how simple it is. 

The New Look patterned skater skirt brings in the waist nicely and is a great shape for many different figure shapes and sizes. I think that a staple bottom piece can be really effective if everything else is kept quite plain and matchy. I paired mine with a simple Burgandy Cropped Cami from BooHoo, which I tucked in to exaggerate the waistline that the skirt enhances. Adding a cropped denim jacket with tights and my Puma's completed the look for this time of year.

Don't forget to leave me a comment telling me what you think

xox

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Review | NARS Sheerglow Foundation

I was naughty. I impulse bought this foundation. I have no idea what spurred me on to 'Impulse buy' a £30 foundation, but it happened. And I will never look back. This foundation has honestly become my favourite and even with the hefty price tag, I'm definitely not going to be over thinking the decision to repurchase this when it comes that time.

I'd read a lot of reviews on the NARS Sheerglow foundation, so many people singing it's praises. I was skeptical at first... Do I really need another foundation? I was perfectly happy with the ones I was using, my Benefit Oxygen Wow foundation has never let me down before - In fact I still adore this foundation too and use it every other day, don't knock what you know and all. But there was just something drawing me closer and closer, tempting me more and more every time I read about this foundation. Then one day I was in Harvey Nichols in Bristol, sat at the NARS counter being colour matched by the lovely sales lady. Turns out I'm matched to Mount Blanc. It looked so good and felt like such a good coverage that I didn't even think and my card was in the chip and pin machine before I'd even realised what I was doing. £30.50 later and no regrets, I walked out of the shop, Space NK bag in hand.

So what do I think of it? Honestly, I'm not great with descriptions, but this foundation is the best I've tried. It covers my skin so well and doesn't feel heavy - which is a massive bonus for me, because the last thing I love is a weighted foundation covering my skin. The lady had matched me perfectly and the colour blends well with my skin when used with my Real Techniques Stippling brush. The only one downside I can find with this foundation is that it is really dewy - it definitely has that 'glow' as the name states, but with a nice cover of my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder and my Benefit Porefessional Zero Shine powder around my t-zone, it's a problem that's easily dealt with.

Even the bottle is slick and gorgeous. So simple and yet brilliant, although again, this has a downside too. I hate the pour effect this bottle has, I much prefer a pump for foundations like this one. Sadly, when I was in Space NK they'd sold out of the NARS foundations pumps that you can buy and I refuse to buy one online with a hefty postage price of £7. I find it quite disappointing that NARS don't offer this pump with the foundation / provide one with the original product like most other brands, but a way to make money is a way to make money I guess. I applaud them on that.

Overall, I really love this foundation, I've seen a lot of reviews where people say that they don't quite get along with this foundation as well as they'd hoped, but for me... Let's just say I'm glad my little impulse buy gamble paid off. I'm in love and unless anyone can tempt me with a better one, this is the one I'm sticking to for now. Well done NARS, Well done.

Have you ever tried the NARS Sheerglow foundation?

Let me know what you think of it in the comments below

xox

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Saturday Spending | Mini Haul

Pay Day for me, at the moment is every Friday. As much as I thought this would be amazing, knowing that I have money every week - It's not been as great as I thought. It literally just means that I spend more every week. This weekend, has been no exception. Firstly, £100 was bitterly taken from me for rent this month by my parents... I never knew how difficult it would be handing over that amount. I'm so grateful that my Dad doesn't ask for more.

Secondly, my Dad has decided to join our local gym again, it's a private, members-only health centre, hidden in the countryside behind our house. More money than I care to think of has left my hands because of this. I'm determined to make the most of it. Gym and Swim at least 3 nights a week it is. More on this in my 'Healthy Living' posts though...

With a blink of an eye and a single transaction at the hole-in-the-wall , half of what I'd been paid Friday is now gone. Yet I still couldn't help myself when I traipsed into New Look and saw these gorgeous shoes.

I am not the normal party-girl teen that goes out every weekend. Don't get me wrong, I love a night out and every couple of months I will go out, have a great night and get absolutely obliterated. But because of my not so adventurous party life, I don't feel the need to go spending ridiculous amounts on shoes. I know - What kind of girl am I? But honestly, I don't. I own about 6 pairs of shoes in total - 7 now, but apart from 2, they're all flats. 3 pairs of Vans, a pair of Puma's and a pair of brown suede ankle boots.  So when I bought my first 'proper' pair of heels, Miss Selfridge ankle boots, that are about a million inches high, that was me sorted. They cost me £30 in the sale and have lasted me a good two years. And will keep lasting me...
But now I have these bad boys. You know when you just get drawn to something, try it on and never had a doubt that you wouldn't buy it anyway? Yep, these platform heels did that to me. Even sat on the seats in New Look, buckling up the straps, I already knew they were going to be in my possession very soon. And I was right.

The last thing I bought this weekend was the EcoTools starter set. I already have one of their brushes and couldn't resist when I saw this kit in Boots. Such a bonus that they're all brushes that I've been 'needing'. The kit includes a Blush Brush, Concealer Brush, Angled Liner Brush, Eyebrow and Lash Groomer and an eye shadow brush. I already have the EcoTools Tapered Blush Brush and as I use that solely for my blush, this second blush brush is perfect for my bronzer. Although I also have many eye shadow brushes, you can never have to many, especially if you're as lazy as me when it comes to washing them!

I've been good in the long run, this weekend, but have still spent a hefty amount - oops. 

What have been your naughty purchases recently?

Let me know in the comments below

xox

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Guest Post // How To Style: Plain White Tee

 Hello lovely Beky Lou followers! I am here from my blog A Simple Melody

Ok, so I can't be the only girl out there who starts to get ready for a day/night out, and thinks ''I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR'' ..... right .....?

So I have put together a day and night outfit, all based on a plain white tee. I have gone for a cropped one, just preference really. I hope you enjoy! 

Firstly I have paired this top with some high wasted skinny jeans, I personally like this combination because I feel like you don't show too much skin between the jeans and the top. I then went with a red theme, so red nails, lipstick and matching bag to complete the look. I love red paired with navy and white. I feel that it just looks so classic. Finally for this look I have put a silver chain and some simple black converse to give the outfit a bit more of an edge. 

The next look I have created is a night out look. I have paired the same crop top with a leather skater skirt. I'm quite a fan of skater skirts, I feel like you can literally wear them with everything and they are so flattering on everybody. I have then paired this whole outfit around the colour blue. I just LOVE having a plain monochrome outfit and putting a pop of colour in it. I think that it just looks lovely. So I have chosen a royal blog bag, belt and a deep navy nail polish. To finish off the look I have popped in a nudey peach M.A.C lipstick. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and if you get a chance I would love it if you could check out my blog!

Which of these two looks do you prefer? 

Do you think they would suit your personal style? 

I would love to know in the comments! 

Also please visit my other sites :) 

♥

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Guest Post | Holy Grail Products

So girls we have all those holy grail products.  Those products we continually buy and are to scared to try something new just in-case we don't like it, Helllo, I stuck with the same foundation for 6 years as I was to scared try a new one, I know right, it's only makeup duhh!!!

But these products have had and will have a firm place within my makeup bag!!

So I've had a real good think about my holy grail products and what I would be lost without and here are my top 5 products I would lost without:

My first product would be the Maybeline Falsies Mascara. I would be LOST without mascara, this is a life essential. This mascara seems to be universally loved by everyone. Every since it came out I have been obsessed I recently bought the Benefit They're Real mascara and in my opinion I don't think its any good!! The Falsies gives my eyes a instant boost, makes my lashes look full and longer. Mascara is 100% an essential, it does wonders to any girls face.

Secondly it would be the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. I'm going to say it BEST high street powder out there!!! Its keeps my face looking matte and keeps the shine at bay. I have never looked back. I always keep one in my bag for touch ups, such a handy thing to keep in your bags! 

Thirdly, Like I said it took me years to man up and change my foundation and when I did take the plunge I went for the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation and I don't know what I was scared about..... This foundation has impressed me, it keeps my skins looking fresh and awake. I've really invested in Rimmel products lately and I'm really enjoying using them. Rimmel just keeps on impressing me.

Coming in at number four is Coco Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick. This holy grail product is of the high end variety. I've strayed away from the Chanel lipsticks but have always returned and this is why it is in my holy grail products. I know a £25 it is expensive, but it somehow has me grovelling back for forgiveness when I've cheated on it with another brand *Sorry Coco* . This product keeps your lips hydrated and gives them a glossy finish which I love. There super pigmented and I keep on going back

My last holy grail item is not a product but more of an essential piece of kit to have..... The Real techniques brushes;  I simply can't just choose one brush, but the Real Techniques brushes are a holy grail item. They're so affordable and do the job. If I had to choose one o be my favourite it would be the foundation brush, its blends perfectly and gives your foundation a lovely finish. Yes I've used the MAC brushes, which I think are over priced and quite frankly can live without them, but these on the other hand are different, I've recommended them to a lot of my close friends and have had great reviews from them.

The products are not rated by how much i need them, I just decided to put them in that order. All of those products are loved all the same & are products I use on a daily basis. 

So these are some of my holy grail products. These are a firm staple within my makeup bag and handbag! 

I know some of these are definitely in my holy grail products as well!

What products do you count as your 'holy grail's ?

Let us know in the comments or send us a tweet.

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A Year In Rewiew | 2013 | TAG

The gorgeous Kimberly tagged me to do this post, so I thought I'd give it a whirl!

There are just a few simple rules: 

1. In your post, be sure to link back and thank the blogger that previously tagged you

2. Answer the questions below and tag at least 5 other bloggers and; 

3. Include the badge in your post

Lets get started!

1. Your top 5 new favourite blogs to read in 2013 

I've honestly only properly started reading blogs in 2013. Shameful, I know. But, I've managed to find a tonne that I love - but 5 of my favourites, that I read regularly have to be:

Couture Girl

Bird's Words

Kim Radley

Thumbelina Lillie

Sprinkle of Glitter 

2. List Your 5 most read blog posts in 2013

1 - My 200 Bloglovin Follower Giveaway

2 - Review | Trevor Sorbie Straight Shampoo and Conditioner 

3 - My Journey with Anxiety and Depression 

4 - My October Giveaway

5 - How to get Long Hair | Blogmas Day 21

I'm most proud of my Anxiety and depression post - I'm so glad that it made it into my top five! It means so much to me as it's such a widespread and touchy/ difficult subject to talk about - let alone think about!

3. Name one blog you wish you had found sooner

I honestly wish that I'd found Thumbelina Lillie sooner. I love her outfit posts and her style of writing. It's such a breath of fresh air and she is such a cutie!

4. Your favourite blog post of 2013 

Again, I'd have to say my post on Anxiety and Depression. It took me a very long time to feel strong enough to click on that haunting little 'publish' button. I was so proud of myself the day I managed to post it. I hope it helped a lot of other people going through the same thing realise that it can be beaten. 

5. What would you like to improve (if anything) on your blog next year?

I would love to improve the quality of my photos. That's such a cliche thing to say, I know. But, hey, grainy pictures suck and I'm determined to save for a good camera and lighting!

6. Name one blog you have a blog crush on

I'm a little bit obsessed with Bird's Words, I love every post and just how much detail Beth writes into them. I am one of those people that normally shy away to hefty posts but I adore reading hers. None of it's mumbo gumbo like some peoples!

7. How often do you post? 

I post three times a week. Over December it was different, as I took part in Blogmas. But now, I'm back to my usual scheduling of Tuesday, Friday and Sunday!

8. Share your first post of 2013

I have a couple of 'first' 2013 posts. But the one that I truly re-started my blog with is this one. 

9. Name one thing you would be doing if you weren't typing this post right now.

Snuggling up in bed, reading a book and then tucking into a couple episodes of Gossip Girl! 

10. What have you loved the most about blogging this year?

It got me out of a really bad place. I was depressed, going through an extremely rough time which I'm no where near ready enough to talk about (I'm itching to put it into a post though) and was unemployed. When I started blogging properly and gave my all to it, I fell in love. It got me out of this terrible rut and gave me a new leash of life - as tacky as it is to say that. It's really made me find something I'm so passionate about and has completely distracted me from everything that was shit in my life and has made me some great friends. 

I tag the following bloggers:

Kim Radley, 

Danielle Saint,

 A Simple Melody, 

Beki Lousie

Cee Beauty

What have been your favourite bits from 2013?

Let me know in the comments below

xox

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Girly Night in with Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato*

Brand New Year... Brand new attitude. Break ups and a shitty almost - start to a relationship for me and Danni and we are definitely in need of a girly night in. Enter Danni ringing my doorbell with a Large Dominoes and Chicken Strippers. Plenty of Garlic Sauce. Bottle of wine at the ready, it's into bed with pj's on, face masks on and 'Bridget Jones' Diary: The Edge Of Reason's' perfectly timed start as we turn on the tv. Could tonight get any better? Oh wait... We have a copy of Cosmo's Cosmosutra. Night Sorted. 

Bit Blury, but this is us. 

I remind my self of someone, but I just can't think of who...? Shrek maybe?!

You know that friend who you don't see for ages and then can see millions of times in a few weeks? Danni is that friend. We're always there for each other and tonight completely proves that. Pile on a couple of problems (boys being d*cks - and looming drinks with one of said guys) and we're even more in-tune. Add this lovely new wine from Gallo Family Vineyards and we're giggling away stupidly to Ms Jones, singing along to the incredible soundtrack.

Wine, blogging and Cosmosutra. Sorted. 

Step 1 to a slightly Tipsy Pamper Night / Pitty Party for 2 - Or one.. who are we to judge?!

Get your best friend to come baring gifts. The gift of Dominoes more precisely. Eat until you can eat no more. 

Step 2 

Jammies on, Makeup off, cleanse that face and slap on a mask. I prefer Lush's 'The Sacred Truth' - but you feel free to use what you may. 

Step 3

Wine out of the freezer and snuggle up in bed. TV on and either chuck in your fave Chick-Flick or have the best luck ever like we did!

Step 4

Get remarkably sozzled, bitch about said boys (or girls) and cry at above movie until you fall asleep - depending of course on whether you have remembered to take off face mask, you should have gorgeous skin by this point!

I absolutely love nights in like this and I'd like to thank the lovely ladies that sent me this gorgeous bottle of Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato* - and it arrived just at the right time! It's such a fruity wine, the hints of peach and orange blossom come through strongest with pineapple making a subtle appearance. I think this wine would be perfect for a spring / summer garden drink as it's crisp, fresh and full of citrus-y goodness! I can quite happily say that myself and Danni really liked this wine, although not normally huge fans of white, it's definitely given us something new to think about! My Mum howeve, thoroughly enjoyed this bottle, saying it's the perfect wine for all year round just sat in front of the TV of an evening. Very impressed as she normally hates white wine! This gorgeous Moscato is available in a variety of stores with an RRP of £6.79.

Along with the beautiful bottle, I was also sent this fab recipe for Spiced Orange Blossom Punch using this Moscato, which I think is a great idea to warm you up on those January / February evenings as we eagerly await spring.

Spiced Orange Blossom Punch

You'll need:

• 2 bottles of Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato
• Half a lemon, half an orange & 4 kumquats
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water
• 80g sugar
• 6 whole allspice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Twist of orange zest and physalis

How to:

• Thinly slice the lemon, orange and kumquats, discarding any seeds. Quarter the orange slices.
• Put the fruit into a pan and add honey, sugar, orange blossom and allspice. 
• With a knife, cut the cinnamon sticks lengthwise into thinner strips & add to the pan.
• Add two cups of water to the pan, bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes
• Pour both bottles of Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato into the hot citrus base and heat until steaming for about 8 minutes
• Pour into martini glasses with a twist of orange zest and a physalis for garnish.

Do you ever have nights with these?

What's your favourite drink to pair with a night in with the girls?

Let me know in the comments below

xox

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#BristolBloggerMeet - A success!

Yesterday I held my first ever event along with my long time friend and fellow beauty blogger Danielle. It was a last minute decision that we had around a month and a half ago and so I was beyond nervous driving into Bristol yesterday - Would anyone actually turn up? It was nerve-wracking but turned out that there was no need to be so nervous, I don't know why I worry! We had a great bunch of girls come along and with a total of 13 of us, had a great day.

After meeting on the Central steps of Cabot Circus in Bristol, we made our way through Broadmead into Lush. We were greeted by the lovely Megan and her manager Becky who took us around, showing us the wondrous bath ballistics and trying out all of the great face masks and massage bars on us. We spent just over an hour in there, shopping and learning and were given some great little goody bags as we went to leave- so generous of them!

4/5 of the Lush goody bags! 

Shortly after leaving Lush we all went our separate ways for a spot of sale shopping (how could we not allow it in Cabot straight after Christmas?!) and a couple of us popped into Frankie and Benny's for a very filling Linner - yes that is a thing, lunch/dinner combo. Meeting back at the steps for 5.30, Danni and I handed out the goody bags that we had managed to make up for everyone and then we traipsed along to Debenhams for a little shop in MAC and then headed along to our final destination of the day. Benefit.

Couldn't help myself!

Shroom was also a cheeky purchase!

After first deciding to arrange and organise this meet up in Bristol, I walked into the Boots store in Broadmead one day on the off chance to have a mooch around their Benefit counter. Myself and Melody got talking to Ashton, one of their lovely makeup advisers and began chatting about the meet. Soon enough we had started planning an adventure into the store for part of the meet up to be held there. Well, Ashton went all out for us, booking out their staff room and  decorating it pink and girly, including a spread of pink drinks and mini cakes and treats. She'd planned it out so well and we had an amazing time learning tips and tricks (I was the very willing model and guinea pig) , giving it all a go on ourselves and getting very competitive in a Benefit themed quiz that she's typed up for us, with some very generous prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! We had a great time and the session ended with a little Benefit goody bag handed to us all filled with many samples and mini versions of products - including a special code (BB0243) which any of you lovely lot can quote at the Benefit counter in this store (if you say you were pointed in their direction by my blog) and receive an exclusive trio-mini set with any purchase you make. I can definitely say that we were spoiled rotten today and it was such a great success! So much love goes out to Ashton for helping me so much with this section of our meet up!

Goody bag goodness from Benefit

Group shot - I don't think I was quite ready for this one!

I'd like to just say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and to all of the brands (listed below) who donated generously to the goody bags and to todays event. Nothing would have been the same without them.

The Goody bag myself and Danni put together. 

The meet up's Goody bag gifts donated by:

Neal & Wolf

Pearlys

Pearl Drops

Batiste

Nair

Braw

St Moriz

Benefit

Also a huge thank you to Lush Bristol and Benefit - Boots Broadmead. 

I'm hoping to arrange another Blogger meet up towards the end of summer. I'd love to know how many of you would be interested so I can start searching for locations. Let me know in the comments below or pop me an email over to beky.lou94@gmail.com !

xox

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