tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31266922886113103912024-03-14T04:55:01.889+00:00Beautiful ConfessionI have a confession to make..... I'm addicted to beautiful things, it may be the latest beauty product, jewellery, bags or crafts, just about anything, as long as it's sparkly and pretty really!
I hope you will find my reviews and experiences helpful.Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-89540894160556526152012-08-03T15:26:00.003+01:002012-08-03T15:26:46.824+01:00Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Sticks<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cant believe it's been so long since my last post ! Where did that time go ? it's scary!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, today I have some Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencils to show you,</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRTNYU_ac0g/UBvYzxwoBXI/AAAAAAAAATY/2YqR02nk3iA/s1600/DSCN0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRTNYU_ac0g/UBvYzxwoBXI/AAAAAAAAATY/2YqR02nk3iA/s320/DSCN0084.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I picked these up during a recent co buy on <a href="http://www.buyapowa.com/" target="_blank">BuyaPowa</a> , for the grand price of £15.45 including postage, not bad at all !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are 5 travel size pencils, designed to give waterproof and crease free and blendable colour that lasts, it was the crease free aspect that appealed to me because, having quite oily lids, I find it hard to get shadow to last and do suffer a lot with creasing.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mf6lmixyC0g/UBvY3uv4NUI/AAAAAAAAATg/Ef5fLNXDkjA/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mf6lmixyC0g/UBvY3uv4NUI/AAAAAAAAATg/Ef5fLNXDkjA/s320/DSCN0085.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> My initial impressions were excellent, the colours are lovely, from bottom to top we have - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Juju, a soft taupey beige,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sin, champagne beige</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rehab, mid brown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Delinquent, Vivid purple</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and Clash, bright turquoise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The colour pay off is excellent and if you work quickly the colours do blend nicely before setting on the skin, the picture below was taken after rubbing firmly over the colours and as you can see they haven't budged.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDIXr1gfOF4/UBvY4w7LUOI/AAAAAAAAATk/X3HVOaa18zs/s1600/RSCN0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDIXr1gfOF4/UBvY4w7LUOI/AAAAAAAAATk/X3HVOaa18zs/s320/RSCN0087.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I mentioned I do have oily lids and when using powder shadows, I find I can virtually eliminate creasing by using a small dab of No7 Shine Free Face Primer, available from Boots, on each lid, followed by an eyeshadow primer, I'm currently using an MUA one, online or in Superdrug stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because these shadow pencils emphasised that they were crease free, and the test on the swatches was so successful, I chose to try them on my eyes with just the No 7 Shine Free primer and unfortunately after about 2 hours I did notice quite bad creasing, I used the lightest two colours, so it wasn't too noticeable but I think with the darker shades this would be a problem for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will try them again with an eyeshadow primer as well, and I really hope that works because I do love the colours, I'll let you know how I get on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you tried the Urban Decay 24/7 pencils, how did you get on ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nicola </span></div>
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<br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-35560922842518327132012-03-15T10:00:00.002+00:002012-03-15T10:00:33.661+00:00Cards<div style="text-align: center;">
I hadn't made a card for ages, mostly due to the fact that all my stash had been moved to the garage ! </div>
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But I recently got around to tidying to make my tools etc accessible again, so I decided to make my Mother's Day cards this year, and here they are....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFe57VlJ968/T2G7dY9tk5I/AAAAAAAAASg/XMl3JkylsZ8/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFe57VlJ968/T2G7dY9tk5I/AAAAAAAAASg/XMl3JkylsZ8/s320/photo2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the first one I made, I decided to do some quilling as that was also something I hadn't done for ages, I'm quite pleased with how it turned out !</div>
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The torn strip of paper is a <a href="http://www.pinkpetticoat.co.uk/cc_daisy_bouquet/cc_daisy_bouquet.php" target="_blank">Pink Petticoat </a>design., I love digital downloads and the Pink Petticoat range come in such an amazing array of colours, the image stamps are beautiful as well !</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0VdQC3pwik/T2G7YweAhXI/AAAAAAAAASY/JYh2ySlGYOI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0VdQC3pwik/T2G7YweAhXI/AAAAAAAAASY/JYh2ySlGYOI/s320/photo.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
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This is the second card, again a quilled design but a bit more simple this time, you can't see from the picture but there is a trail of glitter between the butterflies, and the edge of the card is finished with faux stitching.</div>
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I printed the sentiments on both cards using a font from my computer.</div>
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So, there they are, my first attempts at card making in quite some time, but I really enjoyed making them, hope you like them !</div>
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Nicola</div>
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<br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-79018449698273518572012-03-12T10:44:00.003+00:002012-03-12T10:44:44.213+00:00Update<div style="text-align: center;">
I know its been a while since my last post, so I thought I'd give you a quick update on what I've been up to.</div>
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I've been thinking for a while of training as a Make Up Artist, as a bit of background, when I left school I was accepted to train as a Beauty therapist, however I also got offered a place to do my Nursing Training, I plumped for the Nursing, did my training and qualified as a paediatric nurse, I never really enjoyed it though and ended up leaving the profession, I always wished I'd done the Beauty Therapy instead.</div>
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Fast forward many years ! and now both my children are at full time school, I've been wanting to do something for myself and in the process hopefully find a career that I actually enjoy.</div>
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So, I've been researching different Make Up Artist courses, I've signed up to do an ICS distance course which will, hopefully, result in me gaining a BTEC in Make UP artistry.</div>
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Ideally I would have loved to do a hands on course but where I live, there just don't seem to be any schools, and travelling any distance is impossible whilst having to work around the school run!</div>
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I'm waiting for my course materials to arrive, then I'll be roping whoever I can in, to model for me !</div>
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If anyone has any experience of this type of course, I'd love to hear from you, any advice is welcome !</div>
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Nicola</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-89531030877395541482011-12-19T12:04:00.000+00:002011-12-19T12:14:05.808+00:00December GlossyBox<div style="text-align: center;">
So, its been ages since I last blogged, but here I am again !</div>
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I recently subscribed to GlossyBox, I'd been debating if I should for a while and after reading positive reviews of the December box, I thought the time was right !</div>
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Here is the box I received</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Un7JpjN0wWw/Tu8hOBZ4s-I/AAAAAAAAARs/jNvqcSLHewo/s1600/DSCN0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Un7JpjN0wWw/Tu8hOBZ4s-I/AAAAAAAAARs/jNvqcSLHewo/s320/DSCN0042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The packaging was lovely, a sturdy, red Christmas edition box, printed inside, with the contents hidden under tissue paper tied with black ribbon.</div>
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The contents of my box were</div>
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Blink + Go Hi-Definition mascara full size</div>
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Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Tokyo 0.45g</div>
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Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish with Stripped to Go Sachet</div>
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MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Facebase 10ml</div>
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Rituals Foaming Shower Gel in Fujiyama full size</div>
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I have to say, I'm impressed with the contents of this box, it is excellent value, with the two full size products alone having a value of over £20.00.</div>
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I love the MeMeMe facebase, it is a lovely light texture, that glides on easily and leaves my skin feeling soft all day, and as it is designed to do, it creates the perfect base for applying make up, the only (tiny) concern I have is that it has quite a strong citrus fragrance, now this doesn't worry me at all, but if you're not keen on fragranced face products, its something to be aware of.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHV3wjUwO5M/Tu8k5O3z_OI/AAAAAAAAAR0/zf7Ie6hOCMM/s1600/DSCN0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHV3wjUwO5M/Tu8k5O3z_OI/AAAAAAAAAR0/zf7Ie6hOCMM/s320/DSCN0044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Rituals foaming shower gel is also lovely, you only need a tiny amount to create a rich, moisturising lather and the fragrance is beautiful.</div>
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I have yet to try the Deborah Lippmann polish but it is very pretty and I'm sure this will be my Christmas polish as it is so sparkly and festive !</div>
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This picture doesn't do it justice</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfuLXEgQrwo/Tu8lf6yd8TI/AAAAAAAAAR8/THJPtHLi0uI/s1600/DSCN0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfuLXEgQrwo/Tu8lf6yd8TI/AAAAAAAAAR8/THJPtHLi0uI/s320/DSCN0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Cargo lip gloss is also very pretty, a slightly peachy pink that feels moisturising on the lips,</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJaHQMf_hsA/Tu8l7VHKE6I/AAAAAAAAASE/iKqX3TvrzeU/s1600/DSCN0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJaHQMf_hsA/Tu8l7VHKE6I/AAAAAAAAASE/iKqX3TvrzeU/s320/DSCN0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, the Blink + Go Hi- Definition mascara, I have used this a few times now and it does lengthen my lashes and is definitely flake free, and although I don't think it will be replacing my favourite Rimmel mascara, it seems a good product that does what it says and will be a good alternative for times when I need a waterproof mascara.</div>
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I should also mention that the card received with the box, has discount codes for three of the products and I will definitely be making use of a couple of those !</div>
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So overall, I'm really pleased with this box and I'm very glad I signed up to GlossyBox in time to receive it, I can only hope future boxes are as impressive !</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-71219122676362451232011-09-15T14:02:00.001+01:002011-09-15T14:02:40.012+01:00Max Factor Ageless Elixir<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been a member of the website <a href="http://www.supersavvyme.co.uk/home.aspx">Super Savvy Me </a>for some time, I recently upgraded my membership to join the Savvy Circle, here you can apply to take part in projects to trial new products etc.</div>
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I was lucky enough to be chosen to take part in the trial for the new </div>
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Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2in1 Foundation + serum.</div>
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I was excited to receive my starter kit a few days ago</div>
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The kit contained a full sized product for me to test, as well as lots of samples to give out to friends and family, money off vouchers, feedback sheets and a product information guide.</div>
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Here is some information about the foundation</div>
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'Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2in1 Foundation + Serum combines a foundation which instantly helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with a unique serum with SPF 15 which protects your skin against signs of ageing'.</div>
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I received the product in Shade 50 natural, here it is on my hand</div>
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I don't normally use a cream foundation as in the past I have found them too mask like, I prefer the natural finish of a mineral powder, however I have been really pleasantly surprised by this new foundation.</div>
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I have applied using my fingers and the foundation blends across the skin nicely without settling into fine lines (of which I seem to be getting quite a few !), and the shade is ideal for my medium to light skin tone.</div>
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I should mention that whilst my skin has become drier over the years, it can still tend to be a bit shiny around my nose and chin, but this foundation seems just right for me as it leaves a nice soft matt finish, but my skin feels moisturised and soft.</div>
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I applied quite a light layer and the finish gave perhaps slightly more coverage than my usual mineral powder, but I have found you can increase the coverage by applying another layer.</div>
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I like the fact that it has an SPF 15 , although because I worry about sun induced damage I will still use a higher protection day cream underneath.</div>
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As yet I can't comment on the anti ageing benefits of the serum but overall I am very impressed and would definitely recommend this product and continue to use it myself.</div>
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Well done Max Factor , you've managed to convert this non foundation wearer !!</div>
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Here's a quick pic after I'd used the product, I find it so hard to get a good picture, but hopefully you get the idea!</div>
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Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-15646069244670984802011-08-30T13:39:00.001+01:002011-08-30T13:39:30.480+01:00I won !!!! And quick nail updateI'm so excited, I had an email this morning letting me know I had won the Caudalie giveaway over at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lauraloubeauty.blogspot.com/">Laura Lou</a> blog, I have never tried this range before so I'm looking forward to trying it and being able to review it for you, a big Thank You to Laura Lou !<br /><br />I also wanted to give a quick update on my nail SOS project, I have been using the Leighton Denny Bio Build range to try and strengthen my nails following the removal of my acrylic overlays.<br />My nails were left so thin and bendy but after about 2 weeks of using the Bio Build products my nails are so much stronger, they feel a lot less bendy and actually a little thicker, a big success !!<br />I started by using the shield and serum, but then I saw Leighton on QVC and he mentioned the intensive 14 day routine of using the serum twice a day on bare nails, so this is what I have been doing since and will continue to do until the damage seems to have grown out, then I will probably start using the shield as a base coat under polish, and the serum when I have bare nails.<br />I would definitely recommend this range to anyone with thin, weak nails, if you do try them, let me know how you get on.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-21355302215045796602011-08-25T14:31:00.000+01:002011-08-25T14:31:08.555+01:00Not strictly a beauty product.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PK8-R146g0/TlZISqwpJzI/AAAAAAAAARI/Exzwfx5qc3Q/s1600/Vitamix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PK8-R146g0/TlZISqwpJzI/AAAAAAAAARI/Exzwfx5qc3Q/s320/Vitamix.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but definitely good for the skin !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have recently got in to juicing and smoothie making after following Jason Vale's ( The Juice Master ) 3 day detox plan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I lost 4 pounds in those 3 days and have continued to drink juices or smoothies about twice a day since, one of the benefits I have noticed is that my skin seems brighter, a bit more 'glowing' than before, I put this down to the extra nutrients which I have to admit my diet was seriously lacking before !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway on to my new Vitamix blender, I have known about these for a while, you can learn more <a href="https://www.vitamix.co.uk/">here </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">basically it is a very powerful blender with a 2 HP motor that allows it to blend whole fruits and veg, the downfall is the price, they are a very expensive piece of kit !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My old blender was starting to give up on me so I was looking at getting a new one, I was flicking through the shopping channels and noticed that <a href="http://www.idealworld.tv/">Ideal World</a> had a Vitamix as their pick of the day, it was a refurbished model, so a bit cheaper than usual and on Flexi Pay , yaaay !!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wonderful husband treated me to the Brushed Aluminum one as a early Christmas present (for about the next 5 years I think !!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have played with it a few times, made a few smoothies and I'm very impressed !, today I thought I'd have a go at Tomato soup, yes, the friction created by the blades and motor allows you to make hot soups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soup was delicious so I thought I'd put the recipe on here in case anyone wanted to try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOitO4DOhc8/TlZMFRrHREI/AAAAAAAAARM/ZbBJdrMiCIA/s1600/tomato+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOitO4DOhc8/TlZMFRrHREI/AAAAAAAAARM/ZbBJdrMiCIA/s320/tomato+soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Vitamix Tomato Soup</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Makes 1 large serving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 box of chopped tomatoes with garlic and olive oil (or your choice of flavour)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 Large fresh tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quarter of an orange or red pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thin slice of fresh ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Splash of soy milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Handful of unsalted Cashew nuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">About 1 Tbs of tomato sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small piece of a sweet chilli from a jar (optional)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Halve the tomatoes and remove the seeds from the pepper, place everything in the Vitamix , wetter ingredients first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Start on Variable one, increase speed to 10 then switch to high, blend until hot, I then switch back to variable and reduce the speed until a small vortex appears in the mixture and I can see bubbles, I leave it on this speed for a few moments to allow the bubbles to spin out, I read that this means the liquid is less frothy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy a beautiful silky soup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-62493942928872361392011-08-15T11:27:00.000+01:002011-08-15T11:27:22.620+01:00Tanning Lauren's Way<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was first introduced to the Lauren's Way tanning range through Twitter, my Xen Tan was nearly finished so I decided to try the Lauren's Way Mousse as so many people were raving about it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I didn't really know what to expect but when I received the tan and tried it I really, really liked it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The mousse applied so evenly, and whilst it dries quickly it still gave enough time to allow it to blend really well, and the dark guide colour makes it really so easy to see if you have missed an area.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The initial smell was pleasant, although as with all tans I've tried, after warming on the skin for a while, that familiar smell appeared, but was in no way overpowering.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It really was the application that sold me on this tan, I have never had such an even result before and it is for this reason that I have just placed my second order, this time for the tanning kit which consists of the mousse and lotion.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <a href="http://glamcard.mybigcommerce.com/">Lauren's Way</a> site currently has this kit on offer, reduced from £33.90 to £25.00 whilst stock's last, and the<a href="http://mischiefandmakeup.blogspot.com/"> Mischief and Makeup!...</a> blog is also offering 25% off Lauren's Way to all their readers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So grab a bargain whilst you can and try it for yourself....</span></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-65067244875257817422011-08-13T16:32:00.000+01:002011-08-13T17:03:07.671+01:00Nail SOS !<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">So, in January I decided to try Acrylic Nails as I was having such problems with my nails peeling, it was to the extent that I had to keep them filed really short all the time and yet they would still peel, and I couldn't wear polish because it would chip within hours.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I was actually really pleased with the acrylics, my nails looked so smooth and polish would last until I was bored and decided to change it, but the one problem was the in-filling, my nails were growing so quickly that they only looked nice for a week or so until I got that gap and ridge at the bottom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So last week I decided to have the acrylics removed, I was aware my nails probably wouldn't be</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">brilliant underneath but I really wasn't prepared for quite how bad they would be, they are extremely bendy and weak and very thin, its quite a shock after the strength of the acrylics !</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">These are the products I have decided to use to try and strengthen my nails -</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOZ0xdy6YZs/TkabOnK7dUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/zEE_Fbq9wDo/s320/P1000692.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640366258663421250" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The Leighton Denny Bio Build range.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Here is what the <a href="http://www.leightondenny.com/">Leighton Denny site</a> says about the range-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(95, 95, 95); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">"Thin, soft nails like fine, fragile hair, tend to break, peel and split and are usually not strong enough to grow long. They need the nail equivalent of an athlete's high calorie supplement to build them up and improve their strength. BIO-BUILD draws on ingredients from nature and medical science to help reinforce and support the nail while caring for cuticles too."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The range consists of a serum, applied twice daily, a treatment shield that can be worn alone or as a base coat and a polish remover.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; ">Here are my nails after using the range,</span></span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLaBRUoyiOw/TkaeTEci_YI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/qJgJSorqh8M/s320/P1000695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640369633776303490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 21px; font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I applied the serum, allowed it to dry, and then applied 2 coats of the shield, as you can see the shield initially dries with quite a shine but after a while this softens to give a more matt but buffed look.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 21px; font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I really hope these products help my poor nails !, I'll try them for 6 weeks and then update you on the results.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial;color:#5f5f5f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 21px;font-size:12px;">
<br /></span></span></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-3976190095404992142011-08-12T14:18:00.000+01:002011-08-12T14:56:38.942+01:00Rimmel Lash Accelerator<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought I'd start my reviews with my favourite type of product- mascara.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have tried so very many mascaras over the years, always searching for the perfect one, for me a mascara should provide length, believable volume, and most importantly a smooth application with no clumps.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the past I have tended to go for the more expensive makes thinking they would be more likely to deliver, but then Rimmel brought out their Lash Accelerator mascara with 'Grow Lash Complex', this appealed to me as I like the thought that a mascara could actually help your lashes get longer, although to be honest I wasn't expecting too much as I have found Rimmel mascara to be clumpy in the past.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, I found the mascara to be a lovely texture, thin</div><div style="text-align: center;">enough that it applies smoothly with no clumps but thick enough to provide length and volume.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a pic showing the mascara applied to one eye only-</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 121px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL9Gr025n5A/TkUsIkJ31XI/AAAAAAAAAQc/qxxWiBxdXgo/s320/P1000676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639962634007074162" /><div style="text-align: center;">uughh, what a horrible pic, I can see I'm going to have to perfect these a bit !!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But as you can see the difference is noticeable but quite natural as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been using this for a couple of months and I do have to say, I haven't really seen any change in the length or thickness of my lashes, so I can't really vouch for that side of Rimmel's claims, although others may have a better result.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The shade I used was Extreme Black, pictured below</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIKJ1sozv1E/TkUukL_QjsI/AAAAAAAAAQk/LgBY40UF8CQ/s320/P1000700.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639965307579698882" />Yes that photo is taken on our patio slabs !! I struggle to find a suitable plain background !!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, that's it for my first post, any suggestions to help me improve my posts, pictures or reviews would be much appreciated as I' am new to this .</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nicola</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126692288611310391.post-41420349899554854992011-08-10T15:47:00.000+01:002011-08-10T16:07:16.481+01:00Welcome<div style="text-align: center;">Hi, I'm Nicola.... Welcome to my new blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I'm probably talking to myself at the moment but hopefully you will find me soon !</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have always loved beauty products, and it is to the detriment of my bank account and my husband's dismay that I can't seem to stop buying them, even when I don't really need them !.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A new product display is like a magnet to me, and the one thing I find really hard not to try is a new mascara.</div><div style="text-align: center;">However my buying habits are not limited only to make up and beauty, I also absolutely love a bit of glitz, I must have been a magpie in a past life, I find it near impossible to walk past a jewellers without staring longingly at all the sparkly things !</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have recently joined Twitter, I know, I'm behind aren't I, and I must say it's bad for my bank balance ! I keep reading about amazing new brands and products that I just have to try.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway by doing this blog I hope my beautiful confessions will maybe help you when faced with all the products out there and possibly allow me to justify my buying......<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lol</span></div><div>
<br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15617341674552376514noreply@blogger.com0