Friday 31 May 2013

Holiday Outfit Inspiration

So I'm jettng off to Tunisia in less than 3 weeks (yipeeeee) and all I've been doing recently is scouring the internet for inspiration!!!

I've put together 4 outfit ideas that I think are perfect for a bit of sun, sand & sightseeing!

Holiday Outift Ideas Inspiration



Holiday Outift Ideas Inspiration Beach Poolside


Holiday Outift Ideas Inspiration Night Out




Holiday Outift Ideas Inspiration Date Night


What's your favourite look?
Stevie
xoxo

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Product Review - NYX Pure Nude Lipstick


I stumbled across NYX about a year ago while at The Beauty Trade Show in London...boy am I glad I did!

I seem to have an ever growing collection of Nude/Peach lipsticks so it was only necessary to add another little baby ... DRUMROLL ... NYX Pure Nude Lipstick


NYX Pure Nude Lipstick


Pure Nude is from the 'Round Lipstick' Range and retails at £3.50. These lipsticks apply like a dream - they are smooth, pigmented and moisturising. I suffer from really dry lips which are 10 times worse when I put on lipstick but I can wear NYX Lipsticks for hours on end and not feel the need to bite my lips off (gross I know!)

Overall I have to give this product 5/5.  I am really impressed with these lipsticks and the fact they are only £3.50 is amazing! The only negative I would say is that NYX can be quite hard to get hold of... If you're like me I love to sample things before you buy them rather then ordering them online.



NYX Pure Nude Lipstick Swatch


NYX Pure Nude Lipstick Swatch

Have you tried many NYX Products?

Stevie
xoxo


Friday 24 May 2013

Wish List Edit #1

Main Entry:          wish list 

Part of Speech:   noun
Definition:          things wanted
Synonyms:           laundry list, shopping list, want list



I've been perusing a few online sites recently preparing for my holiday in June. Please tell me I'm not the only one that ends up spending a whole evening sat on my bed with my laptop lost in the world cyber shops?!











What are you currently lusting over?

Stevie
xoxo

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Product Review - Benefit Fake Up Concealer

Benefit Fake Up Concealer Review Swatch

Finding the perfect concealer is one of my goals in life. Even when I think I've found it...  (Bobbi Brown Corrector/Creamy Concealer I'm looking at you) I still insist on sampling others just incase there's something more perfect!

If you took a peek at my Boots 3 for 2 Haul you would of seen I picked up Benefits new FAKE UP Concealer. This concealer promises to hide dark circles, diffuse fine lines, and give you a silky smooth, hydrated look.

Benefit Fake Up Concealer Review SwatchI've been using this for around a month now and am really loving it - it's smooth to apply, and covers dark circles really well. I thought the hydrating ring might of been a bit gimmicky but it actually works - it makes the stick apply easier then any concealer I've used before and makes it really easy to blend.

I apply it in 3 lines under each eye and then either blend out with my Mac 187 Brush or just using my fingers depending how much of a rush I'm in!

On weekends when I'm heading out I apply my foundation/powder and then add a touch or YSL Touche Eclat/some kind of highlighting concealer under my eye - this isn't necessary but I just find it gives a perfect airbushed finish!

Benefit Fake Up is priced at £18.50 - I feel this is a reasonable price to pay and I will be repurchasing when I run out! This product covers those horribe bags well and doesn't feel make you feel like you pulling at your eyes when applying (less wrinkles for us yeyyy!) I've seen a few bloggers use the Dark shade as contour which I'm quite interested in trying too!



Benefit Fake Up Concealer Review

Have you tried FAKE UP Concealer yet?

Stevie
xoxo

Monday 20 May 2013

Cheesy Quesadilla Recipe

Cheesy Quesadilla Recipe How To

Mexican food is literally my favourite. I'm always trying different recipes in the kitchen, I thought I'd share this one with you as it's quick, delicious and a perfect lunch to share!

Quesadilla's are tortilla wraps filled with yummy gooey cheese and then any other fillings you desire!!! I whipped up 2 different types yesterday both using mild cheddar cheese (it melts better) - Ham, and then Crispy Bacon & Caramlised Onion.

Although these weren't spicy they were delicious. My favourite was definitely the Crispy Bacon & Caramelised Onion - the flavours worked great together, next time I'm going to crumble in some Goats Cheese!



Cheesy Quesadilla Recipe How To
Ingredients
 
Lay your greated cheese on one half of the wrap - not too close to the edge of it will leak!


Add your desired filling! This is my first one, wafer thin ham torn into shreds. 


Cripsy Bacon with Caramilsed Onion Chutney ...


Smeary goodness!!!


Press the side together so that then wrap is flattened.


Place in a hot, well oiled griddle pan (or a normal frying pan)


Cook for 4 minutes - then flip and cook on the other side for another 4 minutes


Cut each quesadilla up (I cut one wrap into 3 triangles).

Cheesy Quesadilla Recipe How To

Serve with a cold drink and some sauce for dipping!!!

Cheesy Quesadilla Recipe How To

Other fillings I can't wait to try...

- Mozerella & Chorizo
- Fajita Chicken & Peppers
- Pulled Pork & Barbeque Sauce


Whats your favourite filling?

Stevie
xoxo

Friday 17 May 2013

Polka Dot Spring Nails

Sping Polka Dot Cute Nails Nail Art Barry M

Sping Polka Dot Cute Nails Nail Art Barry M


Happy Friday Girls!!! Hope you're all looking forward to the weekend and got lots planned?... Topping my list is introducing my boyfriend to the film Matilda. How can anyone never of experienced the love for Ms Honey? The fear of The Chokey? Or the laughs when Danny Devito's hat sticks to his head?!


I recently purchased the new Barry M Nail Art Pen and wanted to give it a whirl! I picked out 5 colours that I thought would compliment each other and applied a different one to each nail. I then added dots to each nail - the best way to do this is to work in diagonal lines, that way the dots remain even, kinda like a brick pattern. Don't forget to add top coat to make sure the polka dots don't rub off/scratch!

I'm right handed and to be brutally honest the left hand looks fab... the right hand not so much, I'm definitely not one of these ambidextrous kids, but hey we can work at this!!!




Nail Varnishes Used:

Barry M Gelly - Pink
Barry M Gelly - Lilac
17 - Mint Choc Chip
Barry M - Mint Green
Barry M - Peach Melba

Sping Polka Dot Cute Nails Nail Art Barry M

 

Have you tried the Barry M Nail Art Pens?

Stevie
xoxo

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Product Review - Barry M Gelly Nail Varnish

If you saw my recent Boots Haul you would of seen I picked up a few of the new Barry M Gelly Nail Varnishes, I can openly admit I am addicted loving them! There's been quite a lot of love for these Nail Varnishes in the world of blogging and I can completly see why.

The nail varnishes are a joy to apply, they're really workable, dont streak and are well pigmented. Some shades you could even just apply 1 coat but I always like to have 2. Once the nail varnish is dry I apply topcoat and the finished look is perfect, they look like a gel manicure but at a fraction of the cost as each nail varnish is only £3.99.

I'm really looking foward to using these and sharing my Nail Looks with you! If you saw my most recent Nail Look (HERE) you can see how gorgeous Gelly looks on!

I've already seen the new Spring/Summer shades that Barry M are releasing and I CAN'T WAIT, they look delicious. Now we just need aother Boots 3 for 2!!!


Barry M Spring Jelly Nail Varnish Swatch

Barry M Spring Jelly Nail Varnish Swatch

Whats your favourite Gelly shade?

Stevie
xoxo

Monday 13 May 2013

Bristol Grillstock 2013

This Saturday we popped down to Harbourside in Bristol. They were holding the annual event called GRILLSTOCK. Grillstock is a 2 day Festival with live music, chilli eating competitions and endless meat!

When we arrived we had a wander round to check out all the stalls, there were a few companies selling BBQ's but this wasn't what we wanted to see... we followed the smoky scent until we found the food stalls!

The choice of what to eat was endless... Traditional BBQ food, Mexican, Caribbean and even a cheeky glimpse of Levi Roots!!!

I opted for a burger, but don't worry, this wasn't just ANY burger. It was topped with chorizo, cheese, red onion marmalade and a generous helping of jalapenos... a true art work!! It was one of the best burgers I've had and I can't wait to re-create this at home. As well as the burger we wanted to try some of the Pulled Pork from the Grillstock Kitchen but this had sold out by 3.30pm... this was pretty disappointing as I love pulled pork, you'd think for a BBQ Festival they'd be a bit more prepared.

Once we had eaten we wandered over to the main stage to catch a glimpse of the Chilli Eating competition. There was around 12 brave contestants that had to munch their way through chillies ranging from popular Jalapenos to the FIERY NAGA!!! There was also a Rib Eating competition but we left before this, I'm sure that would of been pretty saucy though!

Overall this was a great afternoon out, but be prepared for the cost. The entry was £12.50 (£10 if you had booked online in advance) but for this entry you didn't actually get anything. Most of the food was around £5/£6 and beer & cider £4... you could easily spend £50 each without realising if you were there all afternoon.


(Sorry for the quality of pictures they were taken on a phone not an actual camera!)

Bristol Grillstock 2013

Bristol Grillstock 2013 Brooklyn Brewery


Bristol Grillstock 2013 Jamie Oliver Stone Pizza Oven
Jamie Oliver had a stand selling Stone Pizza Ovens... they even had free samples!!!
 

Bristol Grillstock 2013 Soul Food Burger
Serious Food Porn


Nom Nom Nom

Crepes for pudding anyone?


Bristol Grillstock 2013 Chilli Eating Competition
The brave souls in the Chilli Eating Competition.


Stevie
xoxo

Saturday 11 May 2013

Face of the Night #1

Last Saturday I headed out for a few tipples... before I left I took a quick snap of my makeup to share with you all! It was a really summery look only using 2 eyeshadows!

Enjoy...





1. Ardell Demi Whispie Lashes ...................................................... BUY
2. Benefit They're Real Mascara ................................................... BUY
3. Benefit Fake Up Concealer - Light ............................................. BUY
4. Miners Eyeshadow - Stardust ................................................... BUY
5. NYX Liquid Eyeliner ................................................................ BUY
6. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Tease (used from Naked 2 palette) ...... BUY
7. NYX HD Eyeshadow Base ........................................................ BUY
8. Miners Blusher Brick - Browns .................................................. BUY
9. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - Shade 54 ............................... BUY
10. MAC Eyebrow Pencil - Lingering .............................................. BUY
11. Rimmel Lipgloss- Non Stop Glamour .......................................... BUY
12. Miners Lipstick - Barely Buff  .................................................. BUY
13. Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer ..................................................... BUY




♥ My gorgeous friends Izzy & Jayne (Jayne En Mode) ♥

Stevie
xoxo

Friday 10 May 2013

Product Review - Miners Blusher Brick

Miners Blusher Brick Pinks Browns


I recieved these blushers from Miners a while a go but recently they've been my go to blush. I thought I'd do a review on them to let ya'll know why I'm loving them! YEHAAWWW!!!

The Blusher Bricks come in 2 shades - Pinks & Browns (I see it more as Peaches tbh)

They're perfect to pop on individually or swirl all 3 together for a mixture of the colours! I have been using the Peach shade everyday but I just mix the 2 light shades together - if I was going for a darker peach I'd use all 3, or you could use the darket as a coutour! The Pink Blusher Brick is slightly more pigmented then the Peach so really gives you that cute flushed look.

The only bad point of these is that they are quite powdery so you need be careful where you apply them... you wouldn't want any addittions to your carpet!... Also make sure you tap off your brush before applying to get rid of any excess product.

The Blusher Bricks are £4.49  - CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS


Miners Blusher Brick Pinks Browns


Miners Blusher Brick Pinks Browns


Whats blusher are you loving?

Stevie
xoxo



Wednesday 8 May 2013

Product Review - Lee Stafford Argan Oil

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Review


I bought this Argan Oil when Boots had their 3 for 2 offer on... until now I don't know why I had never used it before!

I've always loved Lee Stafford products - I remember when I was about 12 I used to steal my sisters Shine Spray just to spray it because it smelt AMAZING. I now religiously use the Beach Blondes Shampoo/ Conditioner and the Hair Growth Treatment (I always feel like a middle aged man when I talk about that product!)

I apply this every time I was my hair - 

1. Towel dry my mane
2. Brush through with a paddle brush to ensure there's no knots
3. Pump twice into my hands and smooth through root to tips
4. Brush my hair again so that it's all evenly spread
5. Continue to add volumising mouse, blow dry etc....

The first time I used this I couldn't believe how well my hair styled it looked  so glossy, smelt incredible and was so smooth. Since then I haven't skipped this out of my hair routine once. I used to use the L'oreal Oil that came with a Glossybox but this is 100 times better!

You get 50ml for £11.99 which is quite expensive compare to other Argan Oils on the market (VO5 sell 50ml for £5.19) but this honestly is so great I would say it's worth it. This will definitely be a re-purchase!

CLICK HERE TO BUY ON BOOTS


Lee Stafford Argan Oil Review

What's your favourite hair oil?

Stevie
xoxo

Monday 6 May 2013

Grand Cafe - Afternoon Tea Darlings?

Grand Cafe is a beautiful restaurant based in one of Southampton's oldest buildings - South Western House. Built in 1872 South Western House was the most lavish hotel around, first class passengers who were boarding the Titanic stayed there, as did J Bruce Ismay - the controversial head of the White Star Line.... in fact if you look very closely in the film Titanic, you can see South Western Hotel in the background as the characters board the vessel! Now days this building holds apartments and the restaurant - Grand Cafe.



This Saturday the sun was shining as we wandered over to Grand Cafe. We were heading there for a spot of afternoon tea and a catch up with some family. As you enter the huge doorway you are greeted by high ceilings, sash windows and a colourful interior! We were seated at a round table and offered various types of tea - unfortunately I am not a lover of tea (I've been told many times this is weird!!) so I opted for a hot chocolate. 

The sandwiches and sweets were all served together and we dug in! The sandwich fillings were: Pate, Salmon, Ham & Cream Cheese. For sweets we had Chocolate Brownies, Coconut Cheesecake, Scones with Cream and Jam of course, Lemon Sponge and also some 'Mint Choc Chip' Cupcakes... in all honestly these didn't get eaten - they tasted like toothpaste!!!

Once finished we were able to take anything we didn't eat (there wasn't a lot!) home - also great news for tea & coffee drinkers... that's unlimited!

For £14.50 this was a great afternoon out and I would definitely recommend it! It's in the City Centre so easy to get to, the atmosphere is lively but not in a TGI's way.. just perfect for giggling, gossiping girls!!!

I'm heading to Chewton Glen today for MORE Afternoon Tea... this is one of the 
top spas in England so will report back to you all with how it goes!



Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Such an Amazing Building

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Entrance

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Tea Menu

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Lavish Lights & Windows

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Entrance & Seating Area for Larger Parties

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Gorgeous Bar

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Champagne anyone?! 

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Beautiful lights above our table

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
The Spread

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Yummy!

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Me & my Hot Chocolate!

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Hollie (my sister) - Ashleigh

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Gorgeous Mummies

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Ashleigh - Mum - Shannon 

Grand Cafe Southampton Afternoon Tea Review
Demolished
 Have you been anywhere nice for Afternoon Tea?

Stevie xoxo