Skimlinks Test
Skimlinks Test

Thursday 28 July 2011

Models Own Smash Up and Fuzzy Peach

Afternoon everyone, I hope you have been out enjoying the brief spell of sunshine we have had today, here it has now gone away and is cloudy again.

I had a recent trip to Boots and picked up a few bits and pieces when I wandered past the Models Own nail polish and decided now was the time to try out their Smash Up collection. I already have the Barry M Black Shatter and Boots 17 Gold Shatter, so had high hopes for the Models Own Smash Up collection, so I picked up the purple and couldn't wait to try it out! 


I chose Models Own Fuzzy Peach as my base, which is a gorgeous coral peach colour that applied like a dream. Next up came the Smash Up polish, I waited until the base was totally dry and then applied one thin layer and watched as it started to break up. 


What struck me most is that this didn't break up as well as the Barry M does, it goes sort of streaky which was a bit disappointing. Next I found that the shimmer that is in the Smash Up polish doesn't translate to the nail, and it become more Matt.

I don't know if this is because I needed a really thin layer or what but I think I need to try it again to see if I can get it to shatter better or if this is how it is.

I'm going to try this again in a few days and see what happens and then will report back. What experiences have you had of Models Own Smash Up? 

Tuesday 26 July 2011

A Square Peg in a Round Hole

Evening all, I hope this post finds you well and having a good week.


This weekend, I've read lots of blogs with a contrasting ring finger manicure and I have tried it a few times without posting too much, so I thought I would show you what I did! 



I used OPI Suzi says Da and Barefoot in Barcelona as the contrast. I didn't want to go all out just yet, but I think it turned out really well. Next time I think I want to try it with brights and a contrasting colour.


What colours would you put together do you think?

Saturday 23 July 2011

A small haul :S

Ok so the title is a bit of a lie, but this is really 3 shopping trips all rolled into one - I've just been too busy to get things photographed and posted! 


I was very lucky to recieve a large amount of tax back from Inland Revenue as I had paid too much so I decided to put 3/4 of it away and spend 1/4 on myself, and where better to go then straight to Primark! 


So here it is, just a small haul! 




Floor length, burnt orange maxi skirt with rope belt - £16.00. I can't wait to wear this with a royal blue top or another colour, any suggestions of what?
Blue and Burnt Orange shirts - £8.00 each. These are going to be great for the summer with my black maxi skirt, as well as for back at school in September ( yes I know I have 6 weeks off, but I like to plan ahead!)

Aztec Print T-shirt - £3.00. A total bargin, will be living in this when I go into school over the summer with my jeans or shorts.

Blue top - £4.00. I love the front and back detailing of this top, I want to wear it with my orange skirt above, but also with my black maxi skirt.

Sheer blue Shirt - £10.00. This picture doesn't do the shirt justice, a gorgeous oversized shirt which I want to layer over black or orange tops for the summer, a slightly smarter option.
Aztec print scarf - £3.00. I love a good scarf, especially in an Aztec print! 

Cranberry Red Satchel - £7.00. Bang on trend this season is my new going out bag, so excited to have a small satchel as I really like the trend.


Tribal sandals - £8.00? I can't remember how much these were but they are so very comfy, and look really good with all sorts of outfits. There is a slight defect between the two sandals, some of the stones are not the same but you can't tell and I guess that's what low cost products result in!

Over all I did quite well, I also picked up some basic tops which aren't very exciting. Tomorrow I'm hopefully going to the Spitalfield Markets so I'm sure I will have other things to show you from there! What things have you been buying recently?


Friday 22 July 2011

Six weeks of Summer Challenge

Can you change your body in 6 weeks? This is something I really want to find out, and so this is become a bit of an experiment for the summer.


I have 6 weeks off work (thank the lord for summer holidays) and I plan to use this to get to the gym every day.


I aim to start making changes to my figure, not drastically but in a healthy and safe way that is possible for the average, working person! 


To help I have signed up to Weight Watchers online to track what I eat and record my achievements.


So, the all important measurements, this is what I am looking at but I will be tracking my weight on the scales! 


Currently I measure in at 14st 7lbs (3stone heavier then this time 5 years ago :( )


Thighs -  26.5inch
Bum - 46 inch
Hips - 43 inch
Waist - 36 inch
Bra Size - 36E
Arms - 14 inch
Clothes Size - 16 on bottom, 14 on top.


I will be measuring these once a week on a Tuesday, as well as weighing in! I have no idea what effect this will have on my body, but I don't want to go back to school in September as big as I am.


Is anyone else on a health kick like this, if so what are you planning to do and how are you getting on with it? I'm going to do a weekly update, please comment and let me know how your getting on! 

Sunday 10 July 2011

Les Mills - Body Jam

Afternoon lovelies, hope your having a good weekend. I'm just cooling down after my spinning class, in a world of unimaginable pain! I've really fallen in love with spinning, however I do get a bit bored and needed a new class to try.

I really love the Les Mill classes, I have tried every single one of them, and I will try to write a post about each class. So when I saw a new class on the list at the gym,I was intrigued. 

Body Jam is advertised as 'the cardio workout where you are free to enjoy the sensation of dance. An addictive fusion of the latest dance styles and hottest new sounds puts the emphasis as much on having fun as on breaking a sweat. Funky instructors teach you to move with attitude through this 55-minute class. So grab a friend, get front and center, and get high on the feeling of dance. Like all the LES MILLS™ programs, a new BODYJAM™ class is produced every three months with new music and choreography. Each new class will be a different dance experience depending on what’s current and hot.'


My first class


As it's a dance class, I dressed in light clothing and lightweight trainers. I knew it was going to be hot so packed lots of water and a towel. I arrived at the class and met the instructor, who was friendly and instantly put us all at ease ( it also helped that he was very good looking!) As soon as the music started, I knew I was going to enjoy it, loads of pop music, both current and old school (think N*Sync Bye Bye Bye!!)


About half way through I realised that I had not stopped smiling, and got a bit lost, but the instructor soon slowed the steps down for us, talking us through the steps, changing the view he gave us (not a bad view either!) We only did about 3 different routines in the hour class, but each one was really easy, and there were options for those new to dance and those who are more confident. To really enjoy it, you need to leave your insecurities at the door and just let your self go - everyone looks as red and sweaty as you! 


By the end of the class, I was ready for the cool down, I have honestly never sweated so much in my life! Talking to others, they were feeling nicely tired like me, as well as bubbling with adrenaline from the class. I'm already looking forward to my next class! 




Rating


Instructor: 9/10
Music: 8/10 ( would have loved some really old school pop!)
Calorie Burn: 8/10
Enjoyment: 10/10!!!




I would really recommend this class, it is really enjoyable and I smile every time I think about it! If your planning to go you will need:



  • Water - lots of!
  • Loose clothing - you need to be able to move freely
  • Lightweight shoes - less tread on them
If you get the chance to try this class, let me know! Are there any other classes you would like to see a post on?


Sunday 3 July 2011

Sale Shopping - Topshop, New Look and River Island

Evening all! Another week and I have managed to blog no times! So I have quite a few to catch up with, but sometimes life just gets in the way.

Yesterday I went to London to meet up with my mum and my sister. We planned on seeing a show, and heading for a day of culture at some of the art galleries, sadly this did not happen :( 

We couldn't resist a browse through the sales. We met at Topshop so it would have been rude not to look! I did really well and got quite a lot for few pennies! So here is what I got!

Topshop
I love that the big trend is for mismatched earrings, this is all I have ever worn, I love to have random earrings in! I got all of these for £12, they were all half price! 

River Island




The above skirt is gorgeous, a mid-length stretch skirt, it will be my go to when I am on holiday and can't be bothered to wear shorts or jeans. The top was a total bargain, a gorgeous coral, with a cotton front and like a silky back, another summer cover up! The shoes were a total surprise, I wasn't even looking for some shoes, however these called my name! 

New Look





I kinda cheated here and used my store card! I got all of this for £54.00. The blue sleeveless top is gorgeous, great with my black high-waisted wide leg palazzo trousers from Matalan. The orange t-shirt will be a wear with jeans or shorts over the summer - however I'm tempted to DIY this, shortening the sleeves. 
The striped tie-side top was in the sales, and will be a beach cover up.
I needed some more smart trousers for school, and these wide legs are great. The come with a tan twisted belt. Only down side is how quickly they crease up - these are creased just from putting them in the bag!


So these are my most recent purchases - what about yours?!