Sunday, 30 June 2013

FOLLOW ME ON BLOGLOVIN'

Morning ladies!!!

So today is the day that Google Reader goes... I'm going to keep this short & sweet as I'm sure you've read a lot of these.

To keep up with my antics and beauty obsessions please follow me on Bloglovin'... it will mean the world to me!!!




Stevie
xoxo

Saturday, 29 June 2013

Holiday Outfits - Tunisia

Following a week in the sun I am feeling fresh, relaxed and tanned!!!

We stayed in Riu Palm Azur which is a gorgeous hotel on the Island of Djebra - just off mainland Tunisia. The hotel was so lovely and you're spoilt for choice for dipping your feet - 3 pools AND a private beach ... this is where we spent most of the week, it was so calm and had the most perfect breeze to make sure you don't overheat!

There were a handful of excursions to choose for and we opted for Quad Biking. This was SO fun and only £20. We had an hour driving round the island,  we went along the most gorgeous beach with a bright blue Lagoon! I also popped into the Spa and had a divine massage, I left very oily and sleepy!!!

The only let down was the food, chips, pasta and bread becomes so boring. I gave a few traditional dishes a try but I wasn't a fan, I always find that meats abroad are very unattractive and bad quality!

I packed what I thought was a limited selection... but I still ended up coming back with 3 dresses unworn. I've made a little collage of all my evening outfits for you to take a glimpse!



Outfit 1 - White Primark Dress
Outfit 2 - Black All Saints Bandau Dress, Miss Guided Kimono, Dorothy Perkins Necklace
Outfit 3 - Primark Cami, Primark Maxi Skirt, eBay Silver Collar Necklace
Outfit 4 - Primark Orange Pleat Dress (old), John Lewis Gold Collar Necklace
Outfit 5 - H&M Neon Dress, Topshop Rope Necklace
Outfit 6 - In Love With Fashion Dress, Necklace bought in Tunisia








Have you booked any 
holidays?

Stevie
xoxo

Friday, 14 June 2013

Holiday Essentials - MAKEUP BAG

TED BAKER MAKEUP BOW BAG


As the weekend approaches I am in such a great mood! It's my Birthday on Sunday and the I'm off on holiday next week. I've made a delicious Lemon Drizzle Cake & Brownies for work and I definitely feel the sugar overload is contributing towards my happiness!

Here's my final instalment in 'Holiday Essentials' and today I'm sharing with you my makeup bag! I've been so reserved when packing this, resisting taking every highlighter and gold eyeshadow with me!


SUMMER BOURJOIS BENEFIT MAKEUP SUN HOLIDAY

FACE PRODUCTS


Fake Up Concealer - Still loving this, smooth to apply and moisturisers those pesky bags

Bourjois BB Bronzing Cream - Cannot get enough of this. This year I'm not taking ANY foundations, just this little gem

Benefit High Beam - This only liquid highlighter I've chosen, a gorgeous pinky shade

Bourjois Cream Blushers - Shade 01 & 02. I try to use as many liquid/cream products as possible. These are so easy to use and give you a gorgeous glow


SUMMER MAKEUP BAG ESSENTIALS MAC BOBBI BROWN POWDER BRONZER


POWDERS


Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick - I have picked the shade Beige to take with me, it's made of gorgeous Bronze, Gold & Champagne colours!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish - Standard powder in all girls makeup bag. Shade Medium. Perfect for setting makeup and apply when looking a tad shiny

Sleek Contour Kit - I always use this for contouring in the shade Light. I work the matte brown shade into the hollows of my cheek & temples

Bourjois Bronzer - I finish off my bronzed look with this powder in shade 52. It has a slight shimmer to it so I don't go too mad. Gives you a really warm colour


ESSENTIAL SUMMER MAKEUP NAKED MAC MINERS STARDUST NYX

EYE PRODUCTS


NAKED PALETTE - It was a tough decision between Palette 1 & 2! I opted for Palette 1 as it has more warm shades in so will look great against a tan

MINERS EYESHADOW - I love this eyeshadow and use it constantly! Stardust is a gorgeous champagne gold and is perfect for the inner eye

MAC EYESHADOW  - I'm going to be taking All That Glitters, Coquette & Satin Taupe. My favourite look to do with these 3 shades: All That Glitters all over the lid, Coquette blended in the crease and Satin Taupe on the bottom waterline

NYX JUMBO EYE PENCIL - I use this everyday, quick and easy to apply to your eyelid and blend in. Great for an eyeshadow base or just alone to make your eyes look more open!


MAC EYESHADOWS ALL THAT GLITTERS COQUETTE SATIN TAUPE


SUMMER EYES YSL BENEFIT MAC NYX

YSL Touch Eclat - Used to brighten up under my eyes, above brows, down the nose, cupids bow... this Holy Grail product really has endless uses

Benefit They're Real Mascara - I have raved about this A LOT. Favourite mascara ever... review here

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara - I know it sounds weird but for my bottom lashes I like to use a drier mascara. This must be about a year old now but still has some life in it.

NYX Eye Shadow Base - Can be used before eyeshadows to ensure they last as long as possible

MAC Eyebrow Pencil & Brow Set - I've chosen to take my brow pencil out of all my brow products just because it's the smallest and lightest. I use shade Lingering

NYX Liquid Blank Liner - Love this liquid liner, super fine brush, easy to apply and perfect for a sexy cat eye.. review here

MAC Eye Pencil - This is in the shade Coffee is warm dark brown. Looks great in the water line or smudged on the upper lid

17 LIPGLOSS LANCOME LIPSTICK TOPSHOP MAC RIMMEL

LIPS


17 Ultimate Volume Lipgloss - This in shade Peachy and its a shimmery bronzey nude

Lancome Bois De Rose Lipstick -  I saw this on the Sales Assistant on Lancome and fell in love instantly. I've always loved nudes but this is a bit more of a warmer shade that is perfect with a sexy smokey eye

MAC Sandy B - This is a peachy gold shade and really tops off the bronzed holiday look. I would never of picked this up but the MAC Makeup Artist put it on me and I had to have it. I top it off with the 17 Lipgloss.

Topshop Lipstick - Shade Brighton Rock is my favourite Topshop lipstick, creamy and pigmented. It's a warm cerise pink that suits everyone

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss - Shade Non-Stop Galamour, I picked this up after it was featured in Tanya Burr's Kim Kardashian video. It finishes off the Nude lip and gives it a hint of shimmer


17 LIPGLOSS PEACHY MAC SANDY B

RIMMEL STAY GLOSSY NON STOP GLAMOUR LANCOME LIPSTICK

TOPSHOP PINK LIPSTICK BRIGHTON ROCK SUMMER FESTIVAL

What are your plans this weekend?

Stevie
xoxo

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Holiday Essentials - BEAUTY

Holiday Essential Beauty Makeup Products

Out of everything I pack in my suitcase my beauty products are always the heaviest and take up a far bit of space! I always look at it all and think 'how the hell can I cut this down, I mean, I need everything!!!' I went on a holiday for 7 days once and packed 12 belts, unnecessary you'll agree!

I've compiled together a few things that I think are essentials in the beuaty department for any break away in the sun. You'll see I've mentioned a few bits on makeup but do not worry... I'll be giving you a full glimpse into my Holiday Makeup Bag this Friday!



SUNCREAM & AFTERSUN

Now this might seem a bit obvious but Sun Cream is SO important - it protects you from burning and stops any nasty rays hitting your pores. The lobster look is not good, it hurts and will age you.

After doing a bit of research I went with Piz Buin Tan Intensifier. I kept my eye open for an offer and managed to get it half price at Superdrug! I'm going to start my week with Factor 30 and then move down to Factor 15. I've been using the Factor 30 already at the weekend because it's been so freakin' hot in England and it's worked perfectly, not a single red tone in sight!

I really wanted the After Sun from the Tan Intensifier but my boyfriend put his foot down with this one - I tried reassuring him it wasn't tinted moisturiser but he wouldn't have it. After Sun is perfect to apply after the shower to keep your skin soft and moisturised , it will also prolong your tan and make you smell divine!


Holiday Essential Makeup Beauty Products

BRIGHT NAILS

I love a good summery manicure! I've picked out 2 of the Barry M Gelly shades (Papaya & Pink) that will look perfect with the rays bouncing off them. I'm having a Gel Manicure for my holiday but if this is out of your budget then Barry M Gellys are perfect. I can't wait to pick up the new summer colours!!!


SHIMMER BRICK

Shimmer Bricks are available everywhere now days! I got my first one nearly 3 years ago and still love them! They contain about 5 similar shades that you can use individually as eye shadows all sweep all together along the cheek bones. They give you a gorgeous sunkissed glow and last for ages.


BRIGHT LIPS

From corals to reds, a bright lip really gives you that POW! Matched against your gorgeous tan and a white dress you'll look like the next Beyonce!

I'll be packing No13 YSL Le Orange... ok I'll admit it... I bought this because Kourt Kardashians always wears it and looks amazing!!! It's super moisturising and a perfect little treat.


LIP BUTTER

The sun can really dry out your lips and leaving them looking flaky. I've mentioned before how much I love Korres Lip Butter, it's really moisturising and gives your lips a hint of colour. I'll be taking this everywhere with me - especially on the plane!


WATERPROOF MASCARA

Now I am certainly not one of these girls who wears a full face of makeup on holiday. Ew. Just the thought of it makes me cringe, hot sweaty dripping foundation. However if you are out on a day trip I think a touch of mascara can never go a miss, especially if you're like me and have blonde eyelashes! I love the look of the Lancome Waterproof mascaras but I don't wear Waterproof Mascara on a day-to-day basis so can't justify the price tag!

Miners waterproof mascara its brilliant, bright packaging and a great fibre wand (review coming soon!)



Holiday Makeup YSL Le Orange Barry M Jelly Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

Holiday Essentials Sun Hat Bumble & Bumble Sea Salt Spray Ray Bans

Finally a few miscellaneous items that are again ESSENTIAL

SUN HAT

Whether it's to go on your head or cover your face when sunbathing (I seriously do that) a sunhat is important. I picked up this Panama hat from eBay, it's perfect as if it gets wet it will dry really quickly, it's a bit wider then a Trilby hat and looks great on!


SEA SALT SPRAY

Sea Salt Spray basically gives you that gorgeous beach look without much of an effort! If you've got my hair wet in the sea you can literally spritz this in your hair and you're good to go. If you're a bit more of a perfectionist like me you can use a large barrel curling tong to chuck in a few random curls, I also like to neaten up the front of my hair as its a frizzy mess!


SUNGLASSES

This is a no brainer! I've got with my trusty Ray Ban Wayfarers!


This post has turned out a lot longer then expected!!! I hope you've enjoyed it!

What's your #1 item when hitting the sun?

Stevie xoxo

 

Monday, 10 June 2013

Holiday Essentials - FASHION

what clothes to wear on holiday fashion

I've been busy preparing my suitcase over the last couple of days - I love the excitement of packing all your new clothes ready to show them off in the sun!!!

I've put together a series of HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS which I'll be posting this week, starting today with FASHION!

I've picked out a few of my favourite items that I think you couldn't travel without, obviously I'll be taking more than the 7 items above but these are the most important to really help you get in that holiday spirit (if the cocktail list isn't enough!)


Topshop Summer Coral Crochet Maxi Dress

 THE MAXI DRESS

A Maxi dress can be worn by anyone and look gorgeous & elegant. There's so many different styles available everyone can find one to flatter them.

I instantly fell in love with this Topshop Coral Crochet Maxi. It is available in Turquoise & Coral and has beautiful crochet detail on the straps and back. This style of dress is flattering for me as it comes in at the waist and has a V-Neck. The dress will look perfect when I've got a bit more of a tan!

It's just about the right length for me - I am 5'4 so anyone who is shorter would need to wear it with wedges.


White Summer Primark Dress

 THE WHITE DRESS


A cute, comfy white dress for holiday will always get more wear than you anticipate! They're so easy to chuck on top of your bikini, perfect for walking to the beach/pool or they can be easily dressed up at night. This dress was a bargain at £5 from Primark!!! It was available in a few colours (Blue, Mint, Pink) but I opted for the white as I love it for summer... you just need to avoid dripping your chocolate ice cream on you!


Bright-Colourful-Summer-Fun-Bikini

THE PERFECT BIKINI

Finding the 'perfect' bikini is always a mission every year. You need good support, a flattering style and the perfect colours for your skin tone. I've bought 2 bikini tops & 3 bikini bottoms but I wanted to show you my favourite.

The bandeau top is from Victoria Secrets, the colours are so bright it's a real eye catcher. It fits perfectly and gives really good support (I got Large) it also has a halter strap which you can attach. I've purchase black & mint bikini bottoms from ASOS to match. I love the ruffled edge on the bottoms and they're super comfy!



Topshop Crochet Beach Coverup Kaftan

 

THE BEACH COVER UP


I love this crochet style cover up from Topshop. It's really pretty and looks gorgeous on. It's always nice to have something to chuck on top of your bikini to take a stroll in, or pop to the bar - I'm not one of these Baywatch Babes that feel happy running around in my bikini!


The cover up has a slight A line fit so sits comfortably and has a deep V so shows of your bikini and looks flattering on. I can't wait to wear this with a bright bikini underneath and a messy bun on top of my head!

It's available in white & black - I opted for white as I try to steer away from black when on holiday.

It was priced at £32 which is quite a lot for something for around the pool but this can be worn time after time and I really don't think it will date.


Topshop Rope Statement Necklace

THE STATEMENT NECKLACE

This necklace ... I cannot tell you how long I've been waiting to get my hands on this necklace! It was in Topshop last year and sold out, I was watching a few on eBay but they were going for silly money but then one sunny day I was strolling through Topshop and my boyfriend pointed out that they had it back in stock... I haven't stopped wearing it since.

I love it for summer, the white and silver look so pretty and it goes with EVERYTHING! I think this with the Topshop Cover Up will look really pretty together and basically it will go with most of my outfits.

There's 2 items I haven't yet mentioned... the DENIM JACKET and the SANDALS.

In summer I always have a Denim Jacket at hand, so perfect to chuck on top of a summer dress if it gets a bit nippy. My one is from Primark about 2 years ago. It around £16 and I've already spotted they've got them in stock again this year. Honestly this is one of the best investments I've made, I get so much wear out of it.


Lastly are the sandals - these are inspired by the Kardashians as all last year I saw them in gorgeous sandals with a metal bar down the front. I managed to get these on eBay they look really good on but I've found the metal bar digs in a bit, also if left out in the sun the metal could get a bit hot!


I hope you enjoyed the first instalment of Holiday Essentials, what do you HAVE to take away with you?

Stevie
xoxo

 

Sunday, 9 June 2013

Fathers Day Gift Ideas

As much as we all adore our Dad's buying them the perfect Fathers Day gift can be a pretty tough nut to crack. Every year I ask my Dad what he would like and every year I get the same answer 'ohhh nothing big, just a few beers will do me!'.

Unlike girls you can't buy them makeup, hair products & pj's which are always the most fun gifts to give (and recieve!) I've compiled a few gift ideas below for what I think would make a fab present and would please any man!


Fathers Day Present Gift Ideas


Obviously some of the gifts are a tad pricey but if you've got siblings you could all club together. We all bought my dad an iPad for Christmas and he literally hasn't put it down since (how is it possible for a 56 year old man to be so addicted to Candy Crush?!)







What are you getting your dad this year?

Stevie
xoxo

Friday, 7 June 2013

Barry M Gelly Lilac & Heart Decal Nails

Finally Friday is upon us! After endless days of delicious hot sunshine it appears to be raining today... this is not ideal as I'm currently sat writing this in a cami vest & maxi skirt! I don't think it's possible for me to look more desperate for the sun... perhaps if I chucked on some flippers & a snorkel? Too much?!

Onto the nails...


Barry M Gelly Lilac Nail Varnish Heart Decal


Continuing my recent obsession for Barry M Gelly I reached for the shade Lilac. I gave each nail 2 coats and they were perfect! I wanted to jazz my nails up a bit as I always feel really bring just having 1 shade (unless it's just a classic red!). My friend kindly gave me some Nail Decals to give a whirl and I loved the outcome! I finished the look with OPI RapiDry Top Coat.

Nail Decals are so simple to use and the finished look is great! A touch of nail art easily done. I'm going to be doing a short tutorial on Nail Decals so keep your eyes peeled as I've just bought the cutest Moustaches & Tuxedos and can't wait to share them with your guys!


Barry M Gelly Lilac Nail Varnish Heart Decal


Have you tried Nail Decals?

Stevie
xoxo

Thursday, 6 June 2013

Celebrity Style - Caroline Flack Red Damask XFactor Dress

Caroline Flack XFactor Red Damask Dress


As soon as I spotted the pictures from the first day of filming for the new XFactor I had to hunt down Caroline Flacks gorgeous red damask dress.

Caroline's style is always flattering, bright and more importantly affordable! I love that she shops in High Street stores as it means we can all achieve her look!

I hope you agree that this dress is a real stand out - at first I thought it was from Topshop and was going to be around £75 but it's actually from the online company Closet and is £48 - paired with the strappy nude heels from Zara (£39.99) it makes the perfect out for any Wedding or Summer Garden Party (just keep off the grass!)


Stevie
xoxo

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Product Review - Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation Review



I recently reviewed Rimmel Wake Me Up Highlighter - when I purchased that I also picked up the new Wake Me Up Foundation. I've waited a bit longer for this review though because I really wanted to give it a good go before giving you a review! I have bee using shade: True Ivory

The foundation comes in glass packaging which I love, a lot of drugstore foundations come in plastic containers which are lighter for your makeup bag but I personally think the glass bottle adds a bit more of an expensive feel!
The foundation is a liquid formula - when pumped onto the back of my hand it is runnier then most foundations but not in a bad way... it's not running down your hand and dripping on the floor!

This foundation is Medium coverage - it feels amazing on, really light and breathable and doesn't look caked on. Mmmm cake.  I apply mine with a Mac 187 brush which really helps blend it in to get a flawless look but you could use your fingers, beauty blender or whichever method you prefer!

I don't really reapply my makeup throughout the day but what I like about this foundation is how fresh and natural it looks as the day goes on. It really sinks in and lets your natural skin glow through. I know it sounds corny but this whole Anti-Fatigue stuff really does seem to give your skin a gorgeous healthy look - lets be honest when I just wake up I do not look great (more like a freshly bitten zombie walking through my house!)





Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation Review Before After
Before - Just Foundation (please ignore my wierd facial expression!)
 After - With a full face!




Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation Review Swatch
Swatch on my hand



Rating 5/5

I am reaching for this foundation more and more, it's even over taken my Mac Tinted Moisturiser because it has such a great natural look for every day. So glad I purchased it and would highly recommend it, great value for money.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation 30ml
6 Shades Available
RRP £8.99

CLICK HERE TO BUY

What's your favourite foundation currently?

Stevie
xoxo

Monday, 3 June 2013

Snickers Cookies Recipe

Snickers Peanut Cookies Recipe

So you've been seeing a guy you like for a while... you want to take it to the next level and become official BF & GF but you're wondering how to do this?! The answer is SNICKERS COOKIES!!!

Everyone knows the way to any guys heart is through their stomach and with these chocolatey, chewy delights you will be firing the cupids arrow directly into it!

I came up with this recipe about a year ago... I asked the boyf what he wanted me to bake and he simply said 'Snickers Cookies pleeasssse'. I looked at a few recipes online but in the end I mixed up my favourite Hummingbird Cookie recipe and they turned out amazing. The recipe makes approx 24 and I promise you they won't last long then 48 hours, they're far too yummy!

 

INGREDIENTS

8 Snickers Bars
225g unsalted butter at room temperature
350g light brown sugar
400g plain flour
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
4 baking trays lined with greaseproof paper

 

METHOD

1. Cut the 8 Snickers into cubes - place in a freezer bag and pop in the freezer for 60 minutes. This makes the Snickers extra cold so when you when their cooked they remain quite chunky rather then melting

2. Cream together the brown sugar & butter - make sure the butter is at room temperature otherwise it's really hard work. I popped mine in the KitchenAid on speed 2 for about 3 minutes

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping any unmixed ingredients from the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Turn the mixer down to slow speed and beat in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda and mix well until a smooth dough is formed. Stir in the chopped Snickers.

5. Arrange 6 equal amounts of cookie dough on each baking tray. Make sure there is enough space for them to spread out while baking as they will expand quite a lot!


6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 - 12 minutes, they should look golden! I like to take mine out when they're still quite pale that way when cooled they are soft and chewy, if you leave them longer they will be quite crumbly.

7. Leave the cookies to cool slightly on the trays before turning out onto a wire cooking rack to cool completely.



Cutting up the snickers... 
 
 Cut length ways aswell! 

 Whoops a bit of Snickers fell in my mouth! 

Pop the bag in the freezer for 60 minutes... 

Place butter and brown sugar in the mixer 

While blending add all the ingredients (except Snickers)

 Mmmm... cookie dough. Avoid finger dipping! 

Pour in the Snickers and mix by hand (this does take a bit of muscle) 

Arrange cookies on tray and bake... my mix made 22 cookies

Sit down and enjoy! 

Snickers Peanut Cookies Recipe

What have you been baking recently?

Stevie
xoxo