Inspired...

Hello beautifuls!

This edition of inspired is a classic, she has to be in my opinion one of the most beautiful women of the world, It is of course Marilyn Monroe.

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”   

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”   

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”    

"I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who and what I was. Instead they would invent a character for me. I wouldn't argue with them. They were obviously loving somebody I wasn't.”

“What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course”

Thanks for checking in and please comment and follow my blog, It really makes me happy! :D

Until next time..

Ciao for now World

xoxox

Spring trends

Howdy Beautifuls

I'm feeling poorly again :( sniffles galore and cheese grater throat like you wouldn't believe! (there's a pretty picture for ya!)

But not being able to blog has been like seperating me from my child (but not as dramatic! hehe).  So as I sit in bed feeling very crappy I thought why not bang out a quick blogpost.

As the title suggests this is going to be about up and coming trends.  Now I never really cared for trends until I started working in Topshop (westfield white city London) where trends were very prominent and keeping up with all the names gave me a headache.  and what with LFW just gone I think everybody's a little bit trend conscious.  Here's what will be 'in' this spring and summer...

Florals - Yup apparently florals are back yet again.  You can't beat a good floral, after all Cath Kidson based her entire line on pastel floral designs.

White and lace - There was an obvious white and lacey theme this season with very complimentary simple glowy makeup to give an overall very innocent look which I'm loving but again it's nothing new.

Asymmetrical - Asymmetrical hem lines and necklines are something that's more of a recent trend.  Done right and it can look very elegant and chic, but dont wrong in my opinion it can just look a bit frumpy and old lady-esque.

Colour blocking - Again this trend has made more of a recent comeback but this time last year which is around the time I started at Topshop was when Colour blocking was very much 'in' however last year I think we saw more vibrant colours with neons and this year there are slightly more pastel shades mixed with brights (otherwise known as the Neon/Nude trend. So much better than last year!

Peplum - I'm a bit on the fence about Peplums.  They can give you the illusion of a tiny waist but stick the ruffles in the wrong place and u have a frumpy beer belly sorta look going on.  I am however preferrig the jackets to the skirts or dresses. Very modern chic.

Orange - Along with the colour blocking trend last year it was mainly bright orange that was prominent and I for one am loving the orange trend.  I think this trend is what I'm most impressed with and glad that it's here for S/S 2012.  Contrary to what some people may think I think most people of most colourings can pull off a bit of orange.  If you're not feeling a neon orange coat then maybe just some accessories like a nice bag or even just some gloves or a scarf (yes im being pessimistic in thinking we'll still be needing our scarfs and gloves in spring but hey....we are in England after all!)

Polka dot - This is a trend that always seems to claw it's way back in every now and again but I'm not really feeling it...It always reminds me of this black and pastel pink polka dot dress I bought from primark a few years ago and although I loved it at the time I look back and cringe because I just looked like a little girl with it on.  Hmm what do you guys think?

Well guys I realise its a very last minute post and I will do a better one maybe a bit more makeup trend based but Im waiting to feel a bit better first. :(

Please let me know what you think, what trends are you most excited about and what have you seen that I've missed out due to a severe case of sniffle-itis

Thanks for checking in and please follow my blog for more posts :D It makes me so happy !

Until next time ciao for now world!

xoxox

Healthy Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday...

Howdy beauts! just thought this post would something a little different but fun for you all.

Here are some healthy pancake recipes and ideas for those that love their pancakes but dont love the extra calories.

This basic pancake batter makes 10 pancakes and if that's not enough to feed the family just double it for 20!

Nutritional Info based on each individual pancake...

Calories (kcal)	66
Carbohydrate (g)	9.4
Protein	3.1
Fat (g)	1.8
Fibre (g)	0.2

What you'll need... 

• 4oz/112g Plain Flour
• 2 Med Eggs
• 7fl oz/210 ml Semi Skimmed Milk
• 3fl oz/90 ml Water
• 20 sprays low calorie Olive Oil Spray

And here's how you make them...

• Combine the milk and water
• Sift the flour into a bowl.
• Make a well in the middle and break the eggs into it.
• Begin whisking the eggs incorporating flour as you do so.
• Gradually add the milk and water mixture, still whisking, until all the liquid has been added and you have formed a smooth batter.
• Heat a frying pan over a high heat until hot.
• While the pan is heating, measure 2 tbsp of batter into a ladle ready for making your first pancake.
• Once the pan is hot, reduce heat to medium.
• Spray pan with 2 sprays of oil per pancake.
• Add the pre measured batter mix to centre of pan, and tip from side to side to evenly coat the bottom.
• Check when edges become loose (about 20 seconds) and the batter has solidified, then with a pan slice, turn the pancake over.
• Cook the second side for few seconds.
• Remove from pan onto a plate and keep warm* whilst you make remaining pancakes.

*(Layer pancakes onto a plate with greaseproof paper between and place plate over a pan of simmering water).

And now for some healthier filling ideas...

Sweet fillings...

• Caramelise some apples in a little bit of honey and add cinnamon for taste, serve with Frozen yoghurt.
• Add a twist to the classic lemon and sugar but substitute the sugar for sweetener or honey.
• Add lots of fresh berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries with some low fat ice cream.

Savoury fillings...

• Add some smoked salmon and chives to low fat cream cheese.
• Chop some avocado, which is full of healthy fats for skin hair and nails, tomatoes and add a touch of herbs and vinegar to make a quick and healthy salsa.
• stir fry some bell pepper, red onions and chicken strips and add some spices for lovely fajita style pancakes.

Personally I think you can't beat a good old lemon and sugar pancake! Can't wait for Tuesday (21st Feb).

Happy Pancake flipping everybody, do you guys have any healthy pancake recipes to share?

ciao for now world!

xoxox

My Lipstick collection...

Hey there Beautifuls,

So this is a quick insight into my lipstick collection, I have a lot of cheap lippies ranging from a few years back...Yes I know I should get rid! But I hardly ever wear lipstick, I prefer balms and glosses but I'll let you guys in on what my favourite ones are when I am feeling in a lippy sort of mood

First of all here's my collection...too much or not quite enough? lol

 From left to right in the above picture I have...
Body Shop lipstick in 01 (discontinued)
Body Shop lipstick in 03 (discontinued)
Loreal Glam Shine Cream in 100 sweet nude
Sally Hansen Colour Comfort Lip Colour in Pink Blossom
17 lipstick in Beehive

In the Above Picture from top to bottom I have NYX round lipsticks in...
546 - Ceto
504 - Harmonica
582 - Frosted Beige
628 - Tea Rose
550 - Indian Pink

From top to bottom I have...

Maybelline Colour Sensational 630 - Velvet Beige

Maybelline Colour Sensational 553 - Glamorous Red

Maybelline Colour Sensational 420 - Coral Pop

Maybelline Colour Sensational 812 - Delicate Pearl

Revlon Colourburst Lipstick 040 - Soft Rose

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick 671 - Mink

Look Beauty Double Hit Lip 5 - Rose Riot

And this my friends is my pride and joy, It's my only 'High End' Lipstick in my collection so far.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Platinum Blush.

It has a lovely creamy sort of consistency, non drying with average colour pay off, but then again it is a pale colour.  It's scented which I dont really like but I definitely show this TLC. I've even kept the box and I've had this for over a year I'd say.

I'll be doing a favourite lipsticks post soon so you'll get more of a review on some of the other lipsticks I have but feel free to ask any questions and leave me your comments, I always love reading them.  If you've just stumbled across my blog then please follow for more beauty and health posts.

What are your lipstick recommendations? I'm sure I've got space for a few more in my collection!

Ciao for now world.

Disclaimer: Each and every product mentioned in this post was purchased by myself with my own money.  All opinions are my own and are 100% honest.

Favourite Lip Balms

Hey there beautifuls,

This is going to be a quick round up of my favourite lip balms.

Now I have quite an extensive collection of lip related things (balms, sticks, butters, glosses etc...) so this was actually quite difficult for me to round up but I thought there's no point reiterating my love for carmex and vaseline because we all know they're great.

These are three of my favourite more exotic shall we say lip balms...

So, as you can see I have the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in the flavour Mango, the Sanctuary lip balm and the Body Shop Guarana Lip Butter.

I think the Guarana lip butter must have been limited edition because I haven't seen it in store or online for quite a while.

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 - This stuff is amazing, it's lightly mango scented but has no colour or tint to it. Comes in quite a thick solid consistency and feels like silk on the lips. Lasts a fair few hours even after eating and drinking and leaves my lips feeling soft and smooth and crackle-ness free! :D I do find this quite rich and thick so I tend to use this on 'dryer' days and mostly at night before bed. Priced at £9.50 its definitely a step up from yer vaseline and carmex but it's totally worth it in my opinion and I'm quite tempted to try the pear flavour....(yes I have a bit of an obsession *angel face*) can be found at department store Kiehl's stands such as House of Fraser and John Lewis and online HERE

Sanctuary Lip Balm - This Balm is passion fruit scented and leaves a gorgeous silky sheen to the lips.  It claims to also have menthol oil which tingles on application but I have to say I've never really noticed that much.  This has a vaseline like colouring and consistency and leaves you with a buttery feeling which lasts up to 2-3 hours I'd say.  Now I've been on the sanctuary website and they are sold out and I've been on the boots website and they claim they no longer stock this item but I have seen this in my local boots in the sanctuary section so maybe give that aisle a browse if you're looking for this.  I think this is priced around the £5-£7 mark so slightly cheaper than the Kiehl's one but just as good I'd say.

Body shop Guarana Lip Butter - Now this particular 'flavour' you can no longer get from the Body Shop but they have quite a wide ranger of different 'flavours' that you can try (Mango, Lemon, Coconut and Grapefruit just to name a few, they also have a new Chocolate flavoured one which is gorgeous!).  This just happens to be my favourite.  I can't describe the scent except to say if I knew what Guarana smelt like or tasted like then this would probably be it. The Body shop don't often get their scents too far off the mark.  This comes quite thick and solid in the pot but melts at skin temperature and applies like a butter should leaving a glossy sheen.  It lasts about 2 hours before you need to touch up but mine tends not to last too long because I'm always licking it off! (it tastes yummy).  All Body Shop lip butters are priced at £4 so totally worth it and apart from the stores can be found online HERE

Sorry about the state of my grubby pot, you can tell this is well loved!

What are your lip-related recommendation be it a balm, stick or gloss? I'd love to know :D And please follow my blog if you like what you read.

Ciao for now World

xoxox

Inspired....Valentine's day edition.

Howdy Everybody, I Thought I would get out a quick Happy Valentine's to you all.

I dont know about you all but valentines day isn't all about the husbands/boyfriends for me. I tell my friends i love them, I give my mummy and daddy cuddles and I shower my family with love.

I usually spend Valentines day with my two besties in the whole wide world but as it so happens circumstances have it that we can't be together today but I'm sure we'll pull something out of the bag soon.

Believe it or not I don't have anything red to wear so I'm thinking of red lips instead...

Here're some inspirational red lip looks

 Tulisa of NDubz

 Megan Fox

Kim Kardashian

Kate Moss

And of course, saving the best for last - the beautiful Marilyn Monroe

What kind of valentines day looks inspire you and how're you showing your lovey dovey side today?
My favourite Image has to Marilyn, she was just simply beautiful. What's your favourite image?

Ciao for Now World!

xoxox