Leibster Award

 

 

Hey bloggers, I have been nominated for the Leibster Award by the lovely Emily: http://pumpkinemilysmiles.blogspot.co.uk/ thank you for nominating me and as a newbie blogger it is great to find out things about other bloggers and I am looking forwards to answering Emily's questions! This is great idea!

 

Also, just want to say THANK YOU for those of you who are following my blog and for those who have viewed and read my posts!

 

Ok so... THE RULES:

 

1. You must link back to the blogger that nominated you.

2. You have to answer 11 questions that were given to you by the blogger who nominated you.

3.You have to nominate 11 other blogs and set 11 questions for them to answer.

4. You can't nominate the person who nominated you.

5. You have to tell the nominees that they have been nominated by you.

 

Emily's questions and my answers:

 

1. If you can take a picture of anything what would it be?

Now this has been the hardest question to answer, really got me thinking, if I had the chance to take a picture of ANYTHING I would choose to take a picture of a whale! I have never seen one but if I was too it's definitely a picture moment! Would need a larger camera though!

 

2. Who is your favorite band?

I don't really have any current favourite bands as the bands here in the UK are awful at the moment! I prefer solo artist's!

 

3. What's your favorite album?

Mmmmm... would have to be Beyoncé's new album! I am not a fan of mainstream music but if I had to choose it would be hers! She has an amazing voice and I think she would be so entertaining live!! Shame I haven't had the chance to see her live!  

 

4. Favorite song?

'Earth song' by Michael Jackson it's an EPIC song and really paints a picture of the world! I guarantee every time I hear it my hair stands on end and I get a little tearful!

 

5. If you could meet anyone who would it be?

Tom Jones!! I have a complete crush on the man! He is so charming and you can tell he knows how to treat a woman! Ok I know I'm 22 but still he's what you call a REAL MAN! (If anyone agrees who reads this please comment on this post so I don't come across as a weird 22 year old with a crush on an old man!)

 

6. Your favorite thing to do.

Is to spend my free time with the people I love (my family, boyfriend and friends) and usually with them I would go out and grab some food!

 

7. What's your favorite animal?

I have two! I love all types of cats (I have a white cat her name is Dory) and my other favourite animal is a Hippo! I think they are amazing animals and adorable with their little stubby legs! Well they are adorable from a far distance!

 

8. What's your favorite flower?

I like Orchids, they are beautiful flowers and come in lots of bright pretty colours. They are also easy to take care of and can last ages!!

 

9. What's your favorite shirt?

I think I am answering this question correctly if I'm not Emily please let me know :).. my favourite shirt would have to be my denim shirts (plain denim & acid wash). I love them they are really comfortable to wear and look great as a quick outfit idea, thrown on some leggings and a nice bright scarf.

 

10. What is your favorite clothing item? 

At the moment I would have to say my Zara black and sheepskin gilet, it keeps me nice and warm and looks great thrown over any outfit!!!

 

11. If you were trapped on an island, what five items would you like to have with you?

My mobile phone, if there's signal on the Island it would have to be that I can't live without it. My Liz Earle face wash, ok I know I'm trapped on an island but I still need to wash my face! My laptop so I can blog my whereabouts and experiences, hopefully the island has wifi! A razor! You never know how long I will be trapped for I don't want to be mistaken for a hairy beast! Final item would have to be a good lip balm, unfortunately for me my lips get soooo dry in Winter and in Summer got to keep those lips moisturised!

 

 Thanks Emily for these questions, got me thinking!!

 

My 11 nominees are:

 

Lauren: Laurencthornton.blogspot.co.uk

Lydia: bellatula.blogspot.com 

Hannah: northernhannah.blogspot.co.uk

Tonia: toniatheauthor.blogspot.be

Hollie: its-hollie.blogspot.co.uk

Rachel: smokeandmirrorsblog.co.uk

Lauren Ashley: thefashionistasdiary.com

Shannon: lifeinthefashionlanee.blogspot.co.uk

Naomi: naomioxoxo.blogspot.co.uk

Laceandlovexo: laceandlovexo.blogspot.com.au

Charli: girlonthemoon.co.uk

 

My 11 questions to you are:

 

1. What is your favourite perfume at the moment?

2. What are the 3 main qualities you look for in a partner?

3. If you wear make up, name one item of make up could you not live without?

4. Which do you prefer Bags, shoes or clothes?

5. If you had the chance to meet someone famous who would it be?

6. Favourite season & why?

7. Who is your favourite style icon?

8. If you had £100,000 what would you do with it?

9. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

10. What is your favourite clothing brand?

11. Describe yourself in 3 words?

 

Thank you :) x

 

Selina.x

 

A Summer Getaway

Woke up this morning and started thinking about my holiday's from last year, you know those days? Wishing you could close your eyes and magically open them and be there looking out at the blue sea and feeling the gorgeous hot breeze, well that hasn't happened yet but there's still hope! 

When I choose my holidays I like to go to countries where there is lots of history, where it looks old and rustic and you know there are fascinating stories behind the place. I enjoy walking in old towns and stopping to try the different types of food. I can't lie by the pool all day I'm like a child I want to explore.

 

 I thought I would post some pictures and share the beautiful views me and the boyfriend miss so much from 2013.

 

Alcudia, Northern Majorca, Spain

 

 

 

Tenerife, Canary Island, Spain

 

 

I would definitely recommend Alcudia and Tenerife, especially for couples, t's cheap but such a beautiful place, we chose an area away from the hustle and bustle and it was simply bliss.

 

I would love for you to share the places you have been to or wish to go to. Ok, I want to book a holiday now!

 

Selina.x

 

In my shopping bag I have...

*A little Retail Therapy*

 Passing through town and I just couldn't resist....

 

 

It is difficult to walk through town to get home and not walk into a shop! I just couldn't resist. To be honest I haven't been out shopping in so long, because I have been so busy, so considering it has been a while I didn't buy as much as I would, so I am proud of myself.

 

Primark therapy:

 Love going to Primark for little bits and bobs. I came across this lovely thin scarf in there for only £4.00, absolutely love the tartan-esque pattern with the red roses. Scarves like these are great to jazz up an outfit, I would wear this scarf thrown over a black midi dress or over a black baggy jumper and skinny jeans, it is the statement piece to an outfit.

 

I also bought those funky rings from Primark, the red ring is a beaut such a bright red and looks lovely with the gold, I adore big bold rings and I think it would go lovely with my new scarf :). I am also loving midi rings and I thought this set is so cute and for £1.50 you can't go wrong. I find statement jewellery can really change and switch up an outfit, you would never see me without statement jewellery on!

 

 

Boots therapy:   

I haven't bought a nice nail varnish in ages and I have never tried 'essie' and I have heard lots of good reviews about the nail varnish so when I saw this great offer in Boots I had to get it. Not only is this Essie Fiji/ A Cut Above, A Sprinkle in Pink Gift Set £12.99 for 2  (standard Essie size bottles) but also it's 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment, BONUS!

I really like this diamond glitz effect at the mo, its so sweet and really adds a touch of sophistication on a classic mani. The colours are great together, it features Fiji (left: the soft pink) and A Cut Above (right:sparkly pink glitter). You could wear the Fiji as a stand alone polish but I prefer it with A Cut Above, especially using A cut above just on my ring fingers.
This product is good value for money and a great little gift idea. To be directed to the Boots site click here.
 
 Max Factor Elixir Lipsticks:
 
The 3 for 2 offer was screaming at me and I new I wanted some new lippies so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to buy some. I love Max Factor make up and have always got on really well with their lipstick's. I haven't got the best lips, they are always dry and peel (worse in Winter) and because of this my lipsticks doesn't stay on for long. So I'm intrigued to see how I get on with these two.  

(Left: Max Factor colour Elixir's 'Angel Pink', Right: Max Factor colour Elixir's 'Pink Brandy')

 

As my lips seem to lack moisture Max Factor Elixir is supposed to act as a moisturising lipstick, not only leaving a gorgeous colour on your lips but also 'visibly moisturise lips', I hope this is the case! The colours caught my eye, firstly because I've been wanting a coral pink lipstick for a while now and thought this one (Pink Brandy) was perfect as it's not too bright like some of those coral lipsticks out there. Also, I have so many shades of pink lipsticks (clearly I adore pink lippy) and I love the shimmer to the light pink (Angel Pink) it definitely looks angelic, sweet and pretty. I also am a bit weird but I have to smell my lipsticks if they have a nasty, fake, strong smell I just wont buy them and what I particularly liked about these lipsticks is the smell, it's quite floral...I don't mind my lips smelling of flowers! So for only £7.99 for these beaus you can't go wrong, plus it's 3 for 2 don't miss out guys, if you like the look and sound of these click here to be directed to the site.

 

What have you bought recently? Have you bought any of the above, if so, how have you got on with them?

 

Will be nice to hear your thoughts.

 

Selina.x

Sinister Smoothie

Friday 21st February, 2014

*Sweet and Sinister Smoothie*

 

 

 

Got way too excited making smoothies so I decided to make an evening Sinister Smoothie. I'm a sucker for chocolate and any chocolaty dessert out there, this smoothie has definitely hit the spot and goes down a treat!

 

 

 

The Eight Deadly Sins:

 

1 or 2 Bananas (depending on how thick and bananary you want it)

3 to 5 oreos

4 Ferrero Roche

1 Kinder Bueno

3 scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream

A cup of Milk

A tspn of Hot Chocolate powder

1 tbsp of Peanut butter

 

Just a note:

When I first made it the smoothie was too thick so milk really helps reduce the thickness.

 

 

& Blend it together :)

 

 

You can really go to town when making smoothies, it's fun, exciting and there are so many flavours you could make from Saintly smoothies of healthy fruits & veg or Sinners with as much naughty ingredients you could think of!

 

Hope you enjoyed this post!

 

Selina.x

  



Saintly Smoothie

   Friday 21st February, 2014

   * Sweet & Saintly Smoothie *  

 

          

 

Ok so I haven't been very healthy this Winter and I guess comfort food is just the cherry on the cake when it's cold and horrible outside, but today I woke up and my mouth watered to the thought of a Fruit Smoothie and the boyfriend loves them...so I got the blender out.

This Fruit Smoothie is sooo easy to make and tastes sooo delicious.

 

 

       

     

      

 You can use so many ingredients to make an amazing smoothie but this one is so refreshing and a great start to the morning or as treat and boost throughout the day.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 Bananas
• A bowl full of frozen forest fruits (raspberries, blackcurrants, strawberries, blackberries, redcurrants, blueberries, cherries) or you can use fresh fruits!
• 1 peeled Apple (you don't want peel in your smoothie!)
• 3 to 4 ice cubes
• 1/2 cup of water 

                                       Throw that all in and BLEND AWAY!

 

 

         You can add more if you wish its completely up to you

and if you

want to add some sugar just for extra sweetness then go ahead but it's quite sweet as it is and completely natural!

Some of the frozen forest fruits are seeded (raspberries, blackcurrants, etc...) which adds a little bit of texture but if you want your smoothie really smooth then I would recommend to use non seeded fruits.

 

Give it a go! Or let me know of any other YUMMY smoothies you like :)

Experiment and have fun!

 

Selina.x

 

Easy Peasy Scrubby Squeezy

Thursday 20th February 2014

 *DIY: Olive Oil & Brown Sugar Scrub*

 

 It is Winter and some of us neglect our bodies and wait until our legs and arms come out in the Summer and then go crazy on our scaly, dry skin with a harsh exfoliating glove or we just cannot wait and grab some of our dads sand paper....I hope not. Anyway I digress, so I'd like to share with you all that we shouldn't have to go to the best store and buy the most expensive scrubs to make our skin feel smooth, soft and tempting to touch, when really we would most likely have the best and most natural ingredients at home!

 

I came across a TV program and they were discussing how Olive Oil is useful for many reasons and not just as a cooking ingredient, many of us are unaware of the benefits of Olive Oil for our well being so I thought AH-HA I'll put it to the test and made an

Olive Oil & Brown Sugar Scrub:



Step one: 

You will need:

 

- 3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

-  2 large table spoons of Brown Sugar

- 1 stirring stick or just something to stir it with

- 1 squirt of Lemon Juice.

 



  Step two:

 

 - Mix the Brown Sugar into the Olive Oil container

 - Add a squirt of lemon juice (just a little) as it makes it smell nice and fresh and moisturises your skin

 - Do not worry to much about the amounts just adjust proportions as needed

 

 



Step three:

 

 - Mix this luscious goodness together in a bowl until the consistency is slightly thick. (Add more if necessary)

     

 

Step four:

 

 - Add small amounts (like in the bottom picture) into your hands and rub together

-Then gently remove the scrub with warm water

- Pat your hands dry with a towel and then add your preferred moisturiser

                                                             

 

A little extra:

 

This scrub is perfect to use on any part of your body, hands, feet, face, legs and also on your lips! It is a great exfoliator, easy to use and does the job! If you love it why not make lots of it and store it in a container, but do not put this scrub in the fridge it will only go and harden the mixture!

 

A just in case:

 

If you do make this scrub please please please stick to sugar when using it on delicate areas such as your face and hands as sugar granules are round and much gentler on your skin, only use salt when you want to smoothen rough skin like on the backs of you heels.

 

Also, constant exfoliation can damage your skin so I would stick to once a week :)

 

Hope you enjoyed this post, let me know if you try this or have any scrub recommendations!

 

                                                                              Selina.x

The WONDERS of Liz Earle



 

Thursday 20th February 2014

 *Liz Earle's Daily Essentials *Review*

 

     (Left: Cleanse and Polish cleanser, Middle: Instant Boost Skin Tonic & Right: Muslin Hot Cloth)

 

Just a little love for Liz Earle <3

Talking facial cleansers, I have always grabbed a cheap facial cleanser from any drugstore and never really thought about it's effect on my skin until I came across Liz Earle.

One Christmas as I received gifts from my family my auntie gave me a Christmas gift bag full of lovely goodies and inside it included a Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish with a lovely muslin Cloth. Struck by the very posh packaging compared to my usual cheap skin care creams I thought I'd give it a go... and how very happy I was indeed. I cannot describe how amazing these products are and leave me feeling awake and refreshed every morning!


Liz Earle have products for those daily essentials and have a three step routine which I am more than happy to share with you all!

Ok so first of all:

 

Step one:

CLEANSE and POLISH, HOT CLOTH CLEANSER:

(left of photo + muslin cloth, far right)

 

This cleanser is fantastic it smells absolutely gorgeous and every time I use it I feel like I have stepped into a very posh SPA and then I open my eyes and I am standing in my bathroom !! It has natural active ingredients: Rosemary, Chamomile, Cocoa Butter and Eucalyptus essential oils all of which you can smell as you gently massage it into your skin.

 

The cleanser works in two actions: cleansing and polishing. Its rich and creamy texture massaged into the skin lifts and removes all daily grime, make up and wait for it... YES stubborn Mascara too !! Then use the pure muslin hot cloth to polish off the cream to gently lift away dead skin cells leaving you with soft, radiant skin.

 

I use this every morning and every night without a doubt! I am a total mess if I have forgotten to pack it away with me whenever I am not at home. I have had times where I have forgotten or simply run out and my face becomes a hot, sticky and oily mess, my face has definitely become dependent to it!

 

 

Step two:

 

INSTANT BOOST SKIN TONIC:

(Middle of photo)

 

Straight after I have used the Cleanse and Polish I towel dry my face and splash on some Instant Boost Skin Tonic it also has amazing, gorgeous natural ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera, Calendula, Rose-Scented Geranium, Cucumber and Natural Vitamin E.

 

It works beautifully with the cleanser and really makes your skin feel so fresh and revitalised. I twist the cap and add a generous amount of the tonic onto a cotton bud or pad and dab onto my face, it really does wonders and definitely helps sooth those puffy dark circles under my eyes!

 

One thing I would have to disagree with is the Instant Boost Skin Tonic bottle you can really over do the pouring and lose a good amount on your surfaces ! That's a definite 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO' moment! So be careful.. do pour generously!

 

 

 

Step three:

 

DAY & NIGHT

 

     (Left: Liz Earle Super Skin Concentrate & Right: Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser)

 

 

Ok so these two beauties are the products I use after step 1 and 2, I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser in the mornings and the Liz Earle Super Skin Concentrate at night time. I have done it this way as I felt this worked best for my skin, however, you could use the moisturiser both day and night.

 



SKIN REPAIR MOISTURISER:

(Right of photo)

 

This delight is also rich in natural goods: Borage, Avocado Oil, Echinacea, Beta-Carotene and Natural Vitamin E. These ingredients work wonderfully with our skin's natural oils, it leaves your skin feeling extremely moisturised (that's that good old Vitamin E for you). Its another creamy texture however it's lovely and light and does not feel heavy on the skin and leaves your skin feeling silky and gives you this glowing feeling.

 

It works well with my make up too once left to dry my make up stays on for hours, whereas, I noticed before I started using Liz Earle that my other creams and moisturisers do not keep my make up on for long and would become a gucky mess! Yuck! Who wants that?

 

 

SUPER SKIN CONCENTRATE:

(Left of photo)

 

This is from Liz Earle's Superskin range, I cannot...wait let me emphasis 'CANNOT' go to bed without rubbing this baby on my face, after doing steps 1 and 2 before bed time I roll this beauty on my cheeks forehead and neck. I take my finger tips and massage it into my paws, it is heavenly, its aroma is gorgeous I just want to eat it! It has beautiful ingredients of: Organic Rosehip oil, Argan Oil (which, can I add, I adore!) Neroli Oil and Natural Vitamin E (here he is again). It is an oil based product but it leaves your skin feeling so soft and the blends of the aromatic oils help soften dry skin, normal skin and oily to combination skin. Another thing I absolutely love about this product is that the smells really relax you and helps you have a lovely nights sleep... BONUS!

 

I really cannot emphasis enough how amazing these products are they work on all skin types and they are a high end product but compared to other high end products they are quite affordable which is even more of a reason to try it out!

 

I have become hooked and my Liz Earle products are increasing, I have other products and if you would like me to review them than I would be happy to just let me know :)

 

 



 

 

Have you tried these products? What were your thoughts? Or are there any products you just cannot live without? Let me know!!!!

 

 Selina.x