Diet Update #1

Image from Google. It's not my stomach. I wish it was!

Those of you who have been reading my blog since I started will know that early on in the year between March-May, I went on the Cambridge Weight Plan and lost 35lbs. I was doing it for Summer and didn't get down to my goal weight before Summer due to a few weeks of low losses so I decided to stop for Summer then get back on it! Due to lots of fun, seeing friends, drinking cider, going to a festival, and then cocktails in Jamaica, I obviously put some weight back on, plus the 7lbs of water weight that goes back on!

It was fully expected, so now I'm back on the diet, not Cambridge, but one similar, Slim and Save. They are pretty much the same except Slim and Save is online and you don't get a consultant to weigh you each week. I had my first weigh in today, and pleased to say I've lost 7lbs in my first week :) Whoop! I've got a little bit to go until I am at my goal weight, but would like to hit it before Christmas ready for parties, New Years Eve and my birthday in January!

I'll be updating each week like I did before, so onwards and downwards it is!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Jamaica Holiday Pictures

Room with a view... Dress :: H&M Wedding Gazebo Beautiful Beach The sea was SO warm! Sunset

I'm back from a fabulous work trip to Jamaica! I just thought I would share some pictures with you all! I stayed at the Sandals Montego Bay and the Sandals Grande Riviera and both hotels were absolutely stunning. The staff are fantastic and the resorts are beautiful. We also got the opportunity to visit the Sandals Carlyle, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Royal Plantation and the Sandals Golf Course too. Clothes were kept to being simple and light due to the weather - 37 degrees most days left us all rather sweaty!

Thanks for looking!
Shelley xo

I'm off to Jamaica!

Well, after a long countdown the time is finally here where I can say, I'm going to Jamaica tomorrow! It's a 5 day work trip to the Sandals resorts, but I am really lucky to be getting some free leisure time there too! I have a few products I'll be trying out while there, so expect some product reviews and outfits from the holiday!

See you next week!
Shelley xo

Saturday Sale Shopping #1

I LOVE the sales! In my opinion you can't beat a bargain so here are my top picks from this week's online sales.

1. Miss Selfridge Jacquard Prom Skirt :: WAS £35.00 NOW £7.00
Now I know this skirt isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I love it! I think paired with black tights and black vest top it makes such a cute outfit! I love skirts and think one with detailing like this are lovely. Such a bargain as well!

2. Topshop Swirl Mesh Dress :: WAS £45.00 NOW £15.00
I wish this had been in the sale when I was looking for dresses for Ladies Day last month! It's gorgeous! I find skater dresses to be really flattering for my shape so think I will snap this up!

3. ASOS Oasis London Landmark Shopper :: WAS £12.00 NOW £6.00
I have been feeling very patriotic with the Olympics and Jubilee this year, so love this canvas bag which pays homage to our capital city!

4. Blue Banana Iron Fist Digi Skull Shoes :: WAS £34.99 NOW £20.00
There is a love/hate relationship between me and Iron Fist. I love pretty much ALL of their shoes, yet hate the prices - Y U SO EXPENSIVE IRON FIST?! Considering I wear flat shoes 99% of the time, these are PERFECT for me. To buy or not to buy?

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

NOTD :: Revlon - Minted

Revlon Minted | Poundland - £1

I was LITERALLY on my way to buy the Barry M Mint Green nail varnish when I remembered that A Thrifty Mrs mentioned that Poundland had some bargain brands in stock - glad I did, as I found this little gem!

I do really like the Revlon nail varnishes, I just find them a little pricey so to find this one for a quid pleased me immensely. Sure, the brush is a little long for my liking and its quite watery on application, but it dries to such a lovely colour that I can forgive this little niggles! I'm going to paint this on my toes for Jamaica next week!

Have you had any bargain brand name beauty products from Poundland?

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Beauty Review :: Clarins 3 Dot Liner

Clarins 3 Dot Liner in Black | C/O Clarins | RRP: £20

When the press release for Clarin's Autumn Make-up Collection dropped in my inbox, one product in particular caught my eye and that was this unique Limited Edition 3 Dot Liner. At first it reminded me of those crazy felt tips I used to use when I was little, but as I read on I realised there was a lot more to this eyeliner than childhood nostalgia!

The unique triple point applicator fills the tiny space inbetween each lash, dot by dot which gives you the illusion of a fuller looking lash line. I would say its a more subtle look than normal liquid eyeliner, and it lasts for ages! It's perfect for a daytime look, or, as you can see from the above pictures, you can use it as a conventional 'felt tip' eyeliner. This lasted me all day as well, which is unusual for me as make up seems to disintergrate on my face within hours!

Note: Apologies for the 'bleed' on my hand... that's just my skin unfortunately and nothing to do with the eyeliner - safe to say it doesn't happen on my eyes! Once I've mastered getting flattering close up shots of my face I'll post more reviews with the products actually where they are meant to be!

Have you tried any of the Clarin's Autumn Make-up collection? I have my eye on the Colour Accents Face & Blush Palette!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Reading Festival 2012 & What's to come!

Long time no speak! Apologies for the delay in this post! I had an awesome time at Reading Festival this year with all my friends - the weather wasn't too bad and a good time was had by all! As you can see by the picture above, we did a themed day and for someone who doesn't like leopard print, it was hell for me - I am the one kneeling by the way!

Music wise, the highlight was by far the surprise set by Green Day. By surprise, I mean everyone knew about it! They were on form and played some of my faves!

I have some very exciting things coming up, one of which I can't tell you about just yet, but the other is that I am off to Jamaica next week for a short trip with work. I hope to do some on location OOTD's but not sure what my internet connection will be like so can't make any promises!

I hope to be back to business with beauty and fashion posts imminently!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Festival Essentials #2 - Make Up

I probably take more make up to a festival than is completely necessary, but I feel its essential, seeing as I need to attempt to hide the fact I'm hungover every single day :( sob! These are my festival make up essentials!

As you can see, the key to my face make up is longevity! I find the mini Porefessional makes any foundation last longer, and when used in conjuction with Max Factor Lasting Performance, Collection 2000 Concealer & Lasting Perfection Powder my make up should last the hours of festival fun! I'll be taking my mini High Beam and I like to use a cream blush such as Maybelline Dream Touch Blush to save taking another brush!

I love my Mua Heaven & Earth Palette - I know its pretty large, but I'm gonna take it anyway! I have eyelash extensions in at the moment so not taking a mascara, but will take this Elf Clear Brow & Lash Gel to keep them seperated and looking nice. I'm also taking along my Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner and Mac Smoulder Kohl as I just look ill with no eyeliner on! This Soap & Glory Arch de Triumph is perfect for keeping my brows looking neat with minimal effort (I'm not taking my beloved HD palette incase I lose it!)

I'm going to keep it fairly simple with my lips, with the standard Vaseline Cocoa Butter and two of my beloved Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains as these last for ages!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

OOTD: Heart's all gone

Well hello SUNSHINE! How gorgeous is this weather!? Just hoping it holds out for Reading Festival next weekend! I've been busy busy this week so I apologise for being a rubbish blogger! This dress was a bargainous £12 from ASOS in their recent sale. I love heart print and couldn't resist!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum

I rarely dip my toe into the sea of higher end skincare products. I've only recently started a regime after years of using facewipes (I know - slapped wrist!), however recently I've noticed my skin becoming incredibly dry and I knew it needed something more than my standard moisturiser. I decided to shop my stash of Beauty Box samples and came across the Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum is a highly hydrating serum, and is suitable for all skin types. There are lots of hydrating ingredients included organic grape water and hyaluronic acid, and regulates water exchange and restores moisture balance in your skin.

Let me tell you this... this is one of the best products I have ever used on my skin. When I put it on (morning and night before my normal moisturiser) my skin breathes a huge sigh of relief and is instantly soft, smoother and really well hydrated.

Would I pay the £26 for 30ml of this product? Yes! As soon as I have the funds, I'm going to buy it as I think the price if fully justified for what you get!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Festival Essentials #1 - Cleaning & Hygiene

If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know that I have been banging on about going to Reading Festival for months now! It's easily one of the highlights of my year and this will be my 7th year that I have been. It's over the bank holiday weekend so just over 2 weeks to go so I thought I'd do a little series of posts to show you what I'll be taking, what I'll be wearing, how I'll do my hair and what make up will be coming with me.

First up it's my cleaning and hygiene essentials. All I can say is if you don't pack anything else, above all pack wipes and hand gel!

Sunscreen
Sunscreen is so important. We usually have a hot day at least one day of the weekend and I do not tan, at all, so its factor 50 for me!

Body Spray
I like to take body spray rather than perfume. You're also not allowed to take glass bottles into the site, so these little plastic ones are great. This is a minature from the Ted Baker range.

Nivea Deodorant
Hopefully I don't need to explain this one - but again this is a travel sized can - there is no point making your backpack heavy by taking full size products!

Mark Hill Quick Fix Dry Shampoo
Another travel size product (FYI there are usually great deals on the travel sized items in Boots - like 4 for £5 or 5 for the price of 4 etc!). Dry Shampoo is one of my best friends at a festival - a quick spritz of this in the morning and you're good to go!

Soap & Glory Hand Maid
I actually use this year round as I just LOVE the scent and its useful when going out for meals to just pop in your handbag. I go through a lot of this over a weekend at Reading Festival as the hand gel they provide usually runs out on the Thursday before the bands have even started!

Primark Anti-Bacterial Wipes
These can be used for lots of things at a festival! I also take baby wipes as well, but wet wipe showers are the way forward haha!

Boots Cleansing Wipes
Going to a festival is no excuse not to remove your make up! It's so refreshing at the end of a day of drinking and dancing to remove all the make up and grime so face wipes are a must!

Kleenex Tissues
I take several packs of these bad boys and have a pack on me at all times! Much like the hand gel, toilet roll does not last long so its best to be prepared at all times!

I hope you enjoyed this post, look out for the next post in my Festival Essentials series for more tips and advice!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Catch up & What's to come!

Hi Everyone!

Just thought I'd a bit of a catch up post on what I've been up to as I've been a bit missing in action on the blog for a week or so!

So, as per my opening image, I went to see Blink 182 last week at Brixton Academy. I managed to bag myself a front row spot, with a clear view of my one and only, Mark Hoppus. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that Blink 182 are my favourite band of all time, so you can imagine my excitement at this! I also got Mark Hoppus' plectrum which made my day (life..) The day after, since we were in London anyway, we headed to the Olympic Torch Relay Finale at Hyde Park and saw You Me at Six, Rizzle Kicks, Katy B, Mark Ronson and others which was a fab day out although I got extremely sunburned - booo to my fair skin!

I'm back on the diet and fully focused for another month ready for Reading Festival. I'm aiming to lose a stone before then, and have already lost around 3lbs in this stint - only 11 more to go! The thought of being able to actually wear shorts is keeping me going!

Speaking of Reading Festival, I'm going to have a little theme for my posts this month, so look out for festival themed make-up, hair, skincare and fashion in my Festival Series. I also hope to do a few more outfit posts, although I'm feeling a little 'bleugh' about myself at the moment, hence being back on the diet!

I hope you're all well and enjoying summer and the Olympics!

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Sally Hansen Salon Effects - Numbskull

I've never really been a fan of nail wraps or anything on my nails that isn't nail varnish - until I saw this design! If you know me you'll know I love skull patterns, so these instantly stood out to me!

I've used Sally Hansen products for quite sometime now, and although the brand is known for it's nail products, I actually swear by the Airbrush Legs!

The nail wraps were relatively easy to apply - as you can see by my picture, I haven't made the neatest job in the world of it! I can't say if they last the advertised 10 days as me leaving the same nail varnish on for 10 days just doesn't happen however they were easy to remove with nail varnish remover.

These were priced at £3.99 from TK Maxx which isn't too bad as you get 2 sets of wraps in the box.

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Honey

Revlon keep getting it right this year! With the ever popular Lip Butters still getting great reviews, they have struck gold again with the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

Revlon say:
It’s a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lipstain in an adorable chubby crayon. Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood.

I would have to agree wholeheartedly with the above statement! I went for a 'safe' colour in Honey and absolutely love it! It's perfect for everyday wear - I'm going to have to buy a couple of the other colours as I've never had such a moisturising long lasting colour.

I love the packaging - it is VERY similar to the Clinique Chubby Sticks - I think that is what drew me to it as I've had my eye on the Chubby Sticks for a while but at £16 cannot really justify the price, especially as I would need a couple of the colours! The Revlon version is just £5.99 which I think is a very fair price, I'll be getting a lot of use out of mine!

Next on my list to try will be Smitten, Darling and Rendezvous! Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Tell me why I don't like Mondays?

URGH. Today the weather is depressing the hell out of me, and it's Monday, I'm on a comedown from an awesome weekend, so what better to do than window shop online at stuff I cannot afford! Yay!

1. First up is the highly unaffordable Samsung Galaxy S3. I have an iPhone 4 which I am REALLY bored of. I may call Orange and see if they can hook me up and sort out a deal. I love the screen size of the Samsung Galaxy range - I've had 2 iPhones and because they don't really change anything major on the updates, I get bored really quickly!

2. I've had my eye on this bag for a while now and I may get it next week. It's from eBay and it's just been reduced from £19.99 to £15.99 (I know... even more reason to buy it!). There is a lighter tan colour which is the one I think I would get. I really like the shape of it!

3. I used to collect Beatrix Potter when I was younger and still have all my collectibles... these bought on a wave of nostalgia and I think they are lovely!

4. I live in Converse. I have grey, black and lilac, however I still feel I need a pair of grey Vans in my life.

5. I love the skater style of dresses and have been looking for a black skater skirt for some time now - I love this one from Miss Selfridge which is matt black. It's £22 which isn't too bad for something I think I would get a lot of use out of!

Do you window shop on a Monday to cure the Monday Blues?

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Lily Loves Lola Bracelets

Lily Loves Lola was one of the first blogs I ever discovered and I have been an avid reader ever since. From her adorable two little pugs to her gorgeous choice in footwear, the majority of Victoria's posts are right up my street. (I'm still fighing the urge to buy the Custard Cream Cushion). I didn't even realise she sold jewellery but I'm so glad I found her Etsy shop.

Victoria sells lots of different bracelets and they are all so lovely, it was difficult choosing, but in the end I went for the Heart Bracelet and the Cross Bracelet - I don't really wear 'costume' bracelets, I like to have bracelets that I wear every day until they fall off, and these do just that! The cross symbolises my family (my last name is 'Cross' and the heart symbolises my friends and boyfriend! Victoria ever so kindly also included this gorgeous little Star Bracelet as well, which I adore - I LOVE stars! Thank you so much Victoria!

These make fantastic presents for anyone, including yourself. You can read the Lily Loves Lola blog here and visit the Lily Loves Lola Etsy shop here.

Thank you for reading!
Shelley xo

Mobile Apps: Pink Mothballs

I love my iPhone. I love my friends. I love borrowing clothes from those friends, and what better way to keep track of what I have borrowed and lent out than on a shiny new app called Pink Mothballs?!

The app was created by Amanda Baker, who after the classic cry of 'I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!' before a birthday party, had a brainwave and started looking at what her friends were wearing in photos on Facebook, found an outfit, called her friend and hey presto! She had a new outfit to wear without hitting the highstreet and saved time and money by borrowing the outfit.

Amanda's philosophy is that you can see your friend's wardrobes as an extension to your own, and of course, vice versa. Pink Mothballs keeps track of who's borrowed what and sends a reminder to get it back. Your friendship circle each has a profile where you can all upload pictures of your outfits to see who's got what, making it easy to browse your friend's wardrobe.

Aside from the quirky name, I love the branding of this app - its cute, girly and pink (in my world everything would be these things!) and looks incredibly easy to use. I frequently borrow my friend's clothes and frequently forget to give them back - this app is perfect for me as it reminds me to do it!

What do you think of this app idea? You can sign up to the Beta version here.

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo

Sunday Shopping... Boots.

I don't know about you, but I love shopping on Sundays. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and I don't find myself getting as stressed out as I would on a weekday or a Saturday. I needed to pop to Boots and get a few other things in town - as some of you may sympathise with me, one does not just pop to Boots and leave empty handed!

I love this Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid. I think its such a lovely low priced foundation at just £7.99 and its actually the lightest shade I can find in Light Porcelain, so it works well with my ghostly skin tone. This is probably the 2nd or 3rd time I have repurchased it and I actually prefer it to my now deceased Mac Studio Fix Fluid. I also went against my own rule of no more nail varnishes and bought these 3 Barry M gems at the usual £2.99 each. My excuse? Er.. I don't have a Denim, Lemon Ice Cream or light blue nail varnish? I DO NOW!

I don't really have a skin care routine, I am one of those lazy people who just uses 3 in 1 facewipes - but all that is about to change! I love the Botanics range at Boots and always have so I thought I would start my new regime with these well priced products. I got the Gentle Cleansing Cream to remove my make up, the Soothing Eye Make Up Remover and the Rosewater Toning Spritz. They are all on 3 for 2 at the moment so I think I only paid about a tenner for all 3. I'm going to try them then hopefully let you know how I get on!

Lastly were some essentials. I use cotton buds for loads of things, but mainly wanted them to tidy up my messy nail varnish application! The plasters and skin closures were new necessities after an incident this week involving me, a sharp knife, a tomato and lack of concentration... oops!

Do you have a preferred day for shopping, or do you shop online to avoid the crowds completely?

Thanks for reading!
Shelley xo