What I'm up to Friday!

'Cheers to the freakin' weekend'

Here's what I'm up to lovelies...

READING
One of my work buddies gave me some books she had just finished reading (this is something that NEVER happens these days, thanks to Kindle) so I'm going to start one tonight it's called Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris, there's a series of four books so I better get cracking!

LISTENING to keep the BF happy, I have refrained from playing Taylor Swift over and over and over again this week!!
I had a little throwback moment and currently it is Amy Winehouse -Frank I'm listening to I have loved this album since its release back in 2003!!!

LOVING
Maybeline Color Tattoo 24hr
I have oily, hooded lids wearing eyeshadow is a problem, unless I have a good eyeshadow primer (I usually use UD primer potion) a friend of mine with a similar eyelid issue suggested the Maybeline Color Tattoo, it's a gel cream shadow, I used it as a base for my shadow and can honestly say it did not budge!
I bought it in 40-Permanent Taupe to try it out but at only £3.99 in Superdrug I'm going to pick up some more shades over weekend!!

NOT LOVING
Our Internet is not working properly, without sounding like a complete diva...it's such a nuisance!
*I tried to upload this on Wednesday and failed, so I'm trying again now it's 6pm on Friday, who knows when it'll appear!!!


WISHING
I was tall.
I had a 'short person problem' today. I went to the supermarket, threw all my groceries in the carboot, then couldn't reach the lid to close it, I jumped a few times and even tried a (slight) run and jump. NO JOY!
Eventually a guy came over and helped me out! Highly embarrassing!!! - Although he did ask for my phone number... Single ladies, who are on the lookout, take note: Guys love a damsel in distress ;)


THINKING
I have party outfits that are compatible with snow, going round my head just now after having a short notice invite to a party on Saturday (tomorrow!!!!!!!!)...really need to recycle an outfit as I'm trying to save money! No fun!!!


FEELING
motivated, working out a bit more has given me so much more energy and motivation!!!


WEIGHING
*weigh in was Tuesday
I worked out 5 times in the past week 2spin classes, 2Metafit classes and 1BodyAttack class and skiing on Saturday was a pretty good workout too. Regardless of this, the scale did not change.
I admit I was very annoyed at this and felt a bit cheated but to be honest my healthy eating was ditched at 5pm on Friday until Monday.... I guess I only have myself to blame! Damn you rosè wine for being sooo good, yet soooo bad!!!!

On a positive note, I lost 2inch from my hips and 1inch from my waist, so definitely toning up...ever so slightly!!


WANTING
Christian Louboutin Diptic SS13
I've been torturing myself after downloading the Louboutin app for iPhone, why, oh why would a shoe addict do this to herself!
I have fallen in love with these ones in particular

WEARING
Finally, an actual outfit to share in my catch up, casual tonight, I'm heading to the BFs parents for a Burns Supper

Since its Burns Day here in Scotland, I'll leave you with a quote (lets see if any of you can understand the scots tongue ;))

“Oh would some power the giftie gie us, To see ourselves as others see us.” - Robert Burns


I'd love to hear what your up to?
Have a fab weekend lovelies!!

Keep smiling:D

Winter skincare!

The winter elements combined with cranked up heating systems in the home, car or workplace can cause problems for us 'lucky' people who suffer from sensitive skin!

I suffered pretty bad with eczema when I was young, now I tend to get the odd dry patch here and there, eczema flare ups are few and far between (usually only if I've been in contact with something that irritates it) in the winter however my skin tends to dry up pretty bad and make me look, ghastly!!!

I'm in no way a specialist I'm just here to share what's been working for me this winter....

Lips
Every time the temperature drops even half a notch my I end up with very sore, chapped lips.
Recently I've been putting Elizabeth Arden 8 hour Cream on them before bed and can honestly say I barely need to use a lip balm during the day, I've always loved 8 hour cream for any eczema flare ups or dry patches and it works the same magic on my lips! I always have lip balm on me just incase and currently it's Carmex.

Face
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, this little gem is new to me, I got it for Christmas in a gift set from a friend.
I started using it only 2 weeks ago my skin feels the most hydrated, smooth and moisturised it has ever been, even after 6 hours skiing with a forceful, cold, wind in my face I had no tightness or dryness.
This stuff is fantastic!
I put it on in the morning, you only need a tiny amount, it's very light, doesn't feel greasy on your skin at all and it smells amazing (I wish I could add scratch and sniff here)
It is marketed as an anti-ageing cream, which to be honest, I can't really comment much on as I don't have any wrinkles to iron out just yet, although the very slight 'laughter lines' at the corners of my eyes do seem slightly less noticeable!
There is unfortunately a downside to this product, I got a 30ml tub in the gift set, to purchase it solely it comes in 50ml or 100ml and I priced the 50ml in John Lewis at a whopping £79.00, so I doubt I will repurchase this.
Any suggestions for alternatives would be greatly appreciated?

Hands
I almost always forget to put gloves on, I'm always running late and generally find them a pain, having to take them of to do the simplest of tasks (like operate my phone for example) so as you can imagine my hands get rather weather beaten also.
I've tried lots of hand creams and always go back to Soap & Glory's Hand Food I can't really say its far better than any other, but it is a great hand cream and also smells really really good (that is perhaps why I keep going back to it)
I actually like to use this on my feet as well, don't be leaving your tootsies out this winter, people!!

Body
I use the Palmers Cocoa Butter almost all year round as I mentioned I have sensitive skin so if I find something that works, without irritation I tend to stick to it and this one works for me.
I put it on after my bath or shower before bed, it is pretty thick and greasy. I know a lot of people who don't use it because of this, my sister being one, but I have to admit I quite like the way it feels.

So there you have it my holy grail, winter skin products!

As well as moisturising, help your skin out during the winter by

Drinking water - it's an obvious one but I am the type of person who does need reminding! It's cold your going to want hot drinks but try to still drink plenty water!

Don't have showers or baths too hot - yes when you come inside from freezing your butt off you will want a hot shower or bath, DON'T! Hot water can remove natural oils from the skin which will result in dry skin, stick to warm baths/showers!

Sunscreen - Nope I've not gone mad, winter may mean little sunlight, you wont be outside for as long or often and if you are out at all you'll be all wrapped up but please don't think that means your immune to sun damage!!!
Even if its just your face that's exposed make sure you have sun protection, a moisturiser or foundation with SPF - I'm currently using Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua which has an SPF 15, I wouldn't go below SPF 15.


I'd love to know how you cope with winter skin?
What's your favourite winter products?


Stay moisturised and
Keep Smiling :D

Rock, Paper, Scissors...

Hey lovelies,

Why is the weekend always over so quickly?


On Saturday, I made the most of the snow and headed to the slopes with my friends, Cheryl and Martin and their 6 year old son Logan.

We had a fantastic time, even though I spent most of the day with face or butt in the snow...

Thankfully no serious falls and I seem to have kept everyone amused by falling over, crashing into the same fence post three times and stepping in snow that was up to my waist and getting stuck, oops!
It was my first time skiing for 3 years so I guess it was to be expected, once I was back into the swing of things, it was great

It was really cold, which is why I didn't take many pictures (I think I only managed two in the car park before we headed up) it was too cold to take my gloves off!!!

My little buddy Logan sat in the back of the car with me on the way home, we played some car games, which didn't go to well either...

I Spy
I spent 20 minutes trying to guess something beginning with 'mmmmm'... it turned out to be 'steering wheel'
I told him that begins with 'sssss' he said....
'I know, I was tricking you!!!'

Rock, Paper, Scissors
That went a bit better, for around 10 minutes until I drew rock, he drew scissors, apparently he wins that.... 'because his scissors weren't scissors it was actually a double laser gun, and that beats everything!'

Outsmarted by a 6 year old...I gave in and let him play Angry Birds on my phone!

Sunday I had a lazy day at home watching the snow fall in the comfort of my cosy sitting room, blanket, hot chocolate and chatting with my sister...bliss

Then in the evening the boyfriend and I had date night, we went to the cinema to see The Impossible
It was a great movie, however I would NOT recommend it , unless you are comfortable with crying your eyes out in public!

I have my weekly weigh-in tomorrow and if I'm being honest I'm not feeling very confident about it.
I done really well all week, then at the weekend I had Chinese take-away food with friends, some wine and then my sister made yummy cupcakes which meant I had to have a couple it would be rude not to, right!?
I'm hoping all the working out I've been doing will make up for the treats....fingers, legs, arms all crossed!!!


I hope you all had a good weekend!
Are you enjoying winter or wishing spring was here?


Keep Smiling :D



“There is no gain without struggle.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

What I'm up to Wednesday!

Hello lovelies,

Before all the holiday fun and Christmas countdowns I had promised I'd do a weekly catch up where I'd share what I'm currently reading, listening to, loving, wishing, thinking, feeling and wearing, I failed at keeping this promise :( but I'm back on track so here we go....

READING A Thrifty Mrs - 15 Days to an organised you!

A Thrifty Mrs has started a new series that she provides us with all the information we need to become more organised.
I'm hoping this works, I am so unorganised it is a little frightening, scatterbrain is what my sister calls me.
I have some form of small chaos every day due to my lack of organisation, like today for example I forgot to take my lunch to work after spending 20min preparing it!
Check it out and take part here:

http://www.athriftymrs.com


LISTENING to the beautiful Taylor Swift, her album Red has been playing constantly in my car this week.

LOVING Chanel Chance perfume it's my new fave!!

WISHING I hadn't slacked so much with the housework this week, now my whole evening is going to consist of cleaning, vacuuming and washing, Rock'n'Roll!!

THINKING about getting a new hairstyle, but not sure what yet...

FEELING a little sore, I done a Metafit class last night, it was pretty intense. Ouch!! Overall though working out again is making me feel goooood!!

WEARING an evening of house chores, I'm a scruff tonight. Sorry!

Some new additions...

NOT LOVING having to scrape ice from my car! I ran out of de-icer yesterday morning so had to scrape an inch (slight exaggeration) of solid ice from my windscreen, broke my favourite Hello Kitty ice scraper AND was late for work. Grrrr.

WANTING (this is for things I dream of having, my expensive taste doesn't quite match my bank balance) one of my dear friends works on the Chanel counter and let me have a sneek peek at the new spring collection, available from Friday, oh my I want it all!

WEIGHING I mentioned in my last post that I'm having a weigh-in with my friend every week (supposed to be Thursday now changed to Tuesday) so I'm going to update you on this here every week!
Yesterday we took our starting weight and measurements. I'm not going to share my actual weight but my target is to lose 10lbs and achieve a body that I'm not ashamed to put in a bikini (it needs a serious amount of toning up), so every week I will share any lbs and inches lost or gained (hopefully none of the latter)

I'd love to hear what you are up to!!

Keep Smiling :D

'Nobody puts Baby in the corner' and some other random rambling

Hello lovelies,

I hope you've all been having a lovely weekend!

On Friday evening my mum, sisters and I went to see Dirty Dancing on stage in Edinburgh, I had got mum the tickets for Christmas as she loves the movie, like most of us girlies do, it's an epic chick flick afterall (although I did find out recently that my friend Jade has NEVER seen it, how is that even possible!!!?!).

It was such a good girls night, the dancers were fantastic, the music was great, the acting, ok it was a little cheesy but what else can we expect from the ultimate chick flick!!
The only downfall for me was Jonny, he just wasn't Jonny, I wasn't feeling it for him at all, I guess no-one but the late, great Mr Patrick Swayze will ever be Jonny Castle!

Last night I went for a lovely meal and drinks with some friends, I nominated myself as driver as I'm trying not to drink any alcohol for as long as I can in a effort to shift some extra weight I've been carrying around. (I'm not an alcoholic, honest)

Which brings me to my next ramble, my friend Gemma and I are going to have a weigh-in every Thursday so we can record how were getting on with our bikini body mission.
I'm actually really excited about this and think it will motivate me to eat healthy and work hard at the gym as I hate to fail.
I am not dieting, I eat pretty healthy meals I just have a few extras I need to cut out like cupcakes, chocolate and Friday nights, wine time.
I'm hoping to lose 1lb per week which I think is achievable, obviously anything extra would be great!!!
Let me know if you'd like updates on how I get on?

After the theatre on Friday night, I left my iPhone and camera in my sisters car she has been at her in-laws since and I won't get it back till later tonight. I seriously did not realise how much I am addicted to my iPhone, WOW I feel a bit lost! Far too dependant on it, this I must change!!!!!

So I've no pictures to share other than a couple my little sister took on her phone at the show :(

What was life like before smartphones?
What have you been up to this weekend?

Keep Smiling :D

Little Beauties

Hello lovelies,

This week is my first full week at work since before the holidays and it has been looooooong, however its almost the weekend, Hallelujah!!


Today I thought I would share a few little beauty goodies I got for Christmas, yes I know Christmas was a lifetime ago but I've been so busy at work I've barely even looked at these myself!!!

Sorry about the quality of the pictures, it's dark when I leave for work and its dark when I come home so lighting is problematic, well that and I'm not the best at taking pictures in the first place!

Elemis Think Pink Beauty Kit (supporting breast cancer awareness)

This really is a little beauty I love the pink bag it is soon to be my actual make-up bag and inside

 

50ml Elemis spa@home Relaxing Bath Elixir -Quiet Mind

15ml Elemis Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment -Neck and Bust

30ml Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream - Anti-Ageing

 

Actually cannot wait to start using these!

MAC Lipstick (Amplified Creme) -Girl About Town

 

I'm normally a boring nude lip kinda girl so excited about trying this!

Benefit Mascara -They're Real

 

My sister uses this and well what ever she has, I WANT, haha, so she bought me my own for christmas!

Nail Polishes

Calvin Klein -218 heiress, a shimmery, rose gold colour (likely to be from a very old collection, my mum got it at a charity sale)

Barry M -353 Ruby Glitter, a clear polish with black and pink glitter

Barry M -320 Foil Effects, gold foil effect

Barry M -251(limited edition) clear polish with green, blue, pink and purple glitter

 

Haven't tried them yet as I had shellac done by my beautician friend!!

Chanel -Intense Radiance Lipgloss -347

Chanel -Mirror Shine Lipgloss -671

Chanel -Powder Blush -73

Chanel -Natural Finish Loose Powder -57

My friend works on the Chanel counter can you tell!!!

Eyelure pre-glued lashes -050

 

I love false lashes, these pre-glued ones i have tried and I think they are amazing if your in a rush or not too confident about applying lashes!

Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad

 

 (again from charity sale so a very old collection)

Colours

Ember/Sand Dune

Sand Castle/Cool Blue

Although I haven't tried these yet they do look pretty wearable and are highly pigmented.

Superdrug -self grip bedtime rollers

 

I was looking at sleep-in rollers but really don't believe I (or anyone else) could sleep with them in, it takes me to sleep on the softest of pillows!! My sister put these Superdrug ones in with my present as a bit of a laugh, I may as well give them a go!

BIBA -square cosmetic bag - leopard print

 

I love it but isn't it just too cute to end up covered in make-up?

Let me know if you have tried any of these goodies and what you thought?
I'd love to see any new beauty products you got for Christmas too!!

I should get to try them out at the weekend and hopefully I'll love them!!!


Keep smiling :D

Who's that girl? Random facts about little, old me...

I am truly thrilled to have gained some lovely followers, so I thought I should share a little bit of me, to see if we share more than blogging in common, I do warn you though I am a bit.. some say weird, I call it random...

I have had crushes on David Beckham and Will Smith for most of my life!!!!
Will since around age 8 and David since age 13.
I do have other celebrity crushes these are just the longest lasting!


I am terrified of sharks I cannot even look at a picture of them, I can't really remember when this started but if I had to guess I'd say watching the movie, Jaws, as a child had something to do with it.


I am a Harry Potter geek, books and movies I loved them all.


I'm 4'11, I wish I was taller which is why I wear heels everywhere!!!!!!


I look about 15years old, unless I have full make-up on, then I look about 16, I get asked to show ID, All.The.Time!!!!

Mentally however, I am about 12 years old(maybe even younger) I love cupcakes, Tinkerbell, Harry Potter, Disney movies, One Direction and I'm afraid of the dark.

In reality, unfortunately, I am 29 years old and turning 30 this year, I have not yet decided how I feel about this...


My sisters are my best friends I have one older and one younger!


I have a very vast taste in music, my iPod has everything from Girls Aloud to Nirvana, Lil' Wayne to Jonny Cash, David Bowie to Mumford and Sons and Ray Charles to Lady GaGa to name but a few.
But mostly I LOVE rap, HipHop and R'n'B!


The first record I owned (yes I'm so old it was on vinyl) was by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince and the last I bought was Taylor Swift - Red (via iTunes, 3 cheers for technology)


I'm a shoe addict. I have size 3(UK) feet which comes in handy during the sales!!


My driving is not good my parking skills are actually embarrassing, I think I'm the reason women drivers have a bad reputation!!


I love chocolate. Oh and Wine. And cocktails. Oh yeah and champagne. I over indulge in all of them from time to time.

I am terrible at singing and dancing. Although after some wine I think I am Beyoncè!


I am Scottish, I love this country, the history, the scenery maybe not so much the weather, however I dislike the sound of bagpipes, tartan(unless its on a man's kilt), whiskey, ceilidhs(I can't dance), Scottish accents on TV or movies and the movie Braveheart (although I blame Mel Gibson for this)


I am a GEEK I was very good academically at school and I wore glasses (still do although mostly I wear contact lenses)

I wasn't always a girly girl, I am a farmers daughter, before high heels and lipgloss I was most comfortable in old jeans and wellies(rain boots) and didn't mind rain or mud!!


I love going on holiday, exploring new places and cultures, the last holiday I was on was Egypt where I went inside one of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Amazing!


I am not a good swimmer. I think this relates to my fear of the 'big fish with lots of teeth' as soon as I get in water (yes even the local pool) I think of scary fish, hence inducing panic-stricken splashing rather than an actual swimming technique!


I don't use the phrase 'blonde moment' as I am brunette and have more of these than your average blonde girl!!!


I am not very good at applying make-up i don't wear it often but I love playing around with it and trying new products and colours!


I am a country girl, but my favourite place I've visited is New York City!


I love going to concerts and gigs and go to T in the Park music festival(Scotland's version of Glastonbury) every year!


I am allergic to everything I like, I love summer but I get hayfever and have a sun allergy, I love horses but I'm allergic, even my boyfriend, he's a mechanic and I'm allergic to engine oil (he has to be squeaky clean before he comes home from work)

My mothers maiden name is Hepburn, she used to pretend that Audrey Hepburn was my auntie, which I obviously believed....oh how I wish it were true!


I smile all the time :D



So there you have some random facts about me, do we have anything common?
I'd love to read random fact about you!

Hope you've all had an amazing weekend!!

Keep Smiling :D

Cheers to Twenty-Thirteen

Happy New Year!  I wish health and happiness for everyone in 2013, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous time bringing in the New Year.

Today I packed away the Christmas Tree and decorations and had my first day back in the office, for me the festivities are over... awwww!

I mentioned briefly in a previous post that I will, for the first time ever, have some New Year Resolutions, for motivational purposes I thought best to share them with you.


1. Make more time for friends and family
It can be difficult to get all the girls free at the same time or all the family in the same place at the same time (excuses, excuses) I've realised its pretty easy if I get off my butt and organise in plenty time. 

2. Get Fit
January at my local gym is crazy busy, I guess everyone has this on the list.  The last 6 months I have gained a bit of weight, as I'm short, every extra pound is noticable. My current 2-3 times a week at the gym is being pushed to 5-6 times...I WILL get back into my favourite skinny jeans!!!

3. Raise money for charity
There are thousands of charities I wish I could help them all however I am going to do what I can for two in particular that have affected my life personally.
My Dad has Multiple Sclerosis(MS) an illness that desperately needs more research and sadly back in October a friend of mine lost her battle with cancer. I am hoping at some point this year (if resolution #2 works out) to do a run for either MS or cancer research as well as organising charity parties or fun days. 

4. Become better at saving money
SPENDING money is a talent I didnt have to practise much, I'm a natural (ha ha).  I have come a long way from my shop-a-holic days, unfortunately I am still not very good when it comes to saving money.  From today I am saving for my 2013 summer holiday, goodbye nights out and shopping trips!!

5. Learn Spanish
I have started Spanish lessons 3 times and I am extremely annoyed at myself for giving them up 3 times, so this year its a must!

6. Use my sewing machine
My sister bought me a sewing machine 2 years ago for Christmas,  I had full intentions of doing some dress making....the machine hasn't made its way out the box yet!!


I'm going to stop now, I don't want to make it too difficult (ha ha) although there are things I should do but won't promise...

drink, less wine and more water
eat, more fruit and less chocolate
look after my hair and skin
give blood


Do you have any resolutions 2013? Were you successful with your 2012 resolutions?

Keep Smiling :D

357 sleeps till Christmas (haha just kidding!!)