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Fitness Update

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Recently I have received some messages with questions about how my gymming has been going and what I have been up to since I last posted about fitness.

I started going to the gym around March time and you can read my first post about it here. Basically since then not much has changed however, I have gotten more consistent with going to the gym and I am still with my Personal Trainer. I haven’t hit my goals yet, but I am well on my way there.

Fitness

Today I wanted to write about my brain in relation to getting up and going to the gym. I figured that as soon as I started seeing results that my motivation would grow and grow and I wouldn’t need to force myself to go. It’s quite the opposite. If anything I am struggling more with finding motivation to attend the gym and go to my classes, etc. but what keeps me going is how I feel after. I may feel like shit before I go or before I even leave the house, but what gets me up and at it is how free and good in myself I feel when I walk out of the gym knowing that I have accomplished something. That is the feeling I have been focusing on for the last few months. That is what keeps me motivated.

I will put together a list of what I do in the gym if that is of interest to anyone, more so to anyone who is a gym novice and maybe wants a few quick things that they could add into their own gym routine.

Diet

It’s not just going to the gym though, I have spent a lot of time looking into my diet and making changes to each meal to make it a healthier version. Now, I am no nutritionist and I genuinely know nothing other than the basics when it comes to food but I have tried to familiarise myself with the foods I should be eating and what I shouldn’t. I have stopped reading into fad diets and shakes and bullshit teas and created a healthy , enjoyable meal plan for myself.

The biggest change I have made is actually eating breakfast. For someone that loves food so much, I honestly don’t know why I skipped a meal. If I would have eaten anything, at most I would have had a Belvita bar which is basically a glorified biscuit. What’s crazy is that at the time I would have thought that a Belvita biscuit was healthy but now that I am familiar with macros and what I should and shouldn’t be eating in terms of carbs, etc now I know better.

I have become obsessed with porridge. Like, I get genuinely excited by porridge. I used to think of porridge or oats as something that people in prison would have eaten because it look so uninviting but oh my GOD, I was wrong. I love mixing different things into it to jazz it up a little, like banana and a spoonful of Nutella, or some berries and honey, or peanut butter and anything. The list goes on. One of the mistakes I was making with my diet is shockingly, I wasn’t eating enough and to be honest I’m still not but I am getting better!

If I have a little more time to make my breakfast I love some sourdough, avocado, bacon medallions and poached eggs. A few months ago that would have sounded like too much effort and my worst nightmare but now I swear, it makes me salivate. Before, when I would have had breakfast I would have had pancakes or toasted soda drenched in butter or cheese, still sounds great but these other things I am eating are making bigger changes and keeping me fuller for longer.

I could keep going about what I have been eating but that’s another post for another day.

Results

Similar to my most recent fitness related post Gym Update – One Month In I have laid out my results in the same way – like before and afters.

Weight
Starting weight 89kg – 14.01 stone
Updated weight 76.2kg – 11.9 stone

Measurements
Neck – 37cm – Now 35cm
Chest – 113cm – Now 101cm
Waist – 97cm – Now 89.5cm
Hips 116cm – Now 105cm
Thighs – 70cm – Now 63cm

If you are starting a fitness journey, I highly recommend writing your results down somewhere and measuring yourself. When I stand and look in the mirror I genuinely don’t see much of a difference but when I look at the above results it’s clear to see that there is a difference.


Top 5 Face Creams for Normal/Dry Skin

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Here we are again, another instalment in my Top 5 series where I, yes you guessed it, list my top 5 products in a category. Skincare is a tricky one to get advice on over the internet so I would always recommend that if you are looking a new serum or moisturiser, etc to go in and visit your local store and get some samples or more information from the guys and gals that work there. Everyone’s skin is so so different and can change on the regular and so these creams may. be my favourite creams, they may not work for you. That being said, I am obsessed with all of these and would definitely recommend them for anyone with skin similar to mine!

Kiehl’s Ultra Face Cream

If you follow me on Instagram it is no secret that I love this cream. It’s relatively affordable, I would say middle of the road price. It’s a wonderfully light cream so for those of you who don’t like anything too thick or heavy then this one is perfect for you! With 24 hour hydration this cream is perfect for dryer skin types but is perfect for everyone. For me personally, I just love how this product feels, it melts onto my skin and leaves my skin looking nice and healthy. It’s one of the products that Make Up by Mario swears by and uses it on his clients before makeup. For that reason I now have a tub that lives in my kit, if it’s good enough for Kim it’s good enough for me. You can also get it with SPF30 – I use the one without in my kit as we don’t want flashback!

Available in 28ml for £16, 50ml for £24.50 and 125ml for £45

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Well, what can I say about this multi award winning, fantastic, loved my models and celebrities, luscious, gorgeous and hydrating cream? It has genuinely changed up my skincare regime for the better and if I HAD to pick it would probably be named my ultimate favourite. It’s the cream that I know I can trust and that it’s going to do exactly what it says on the tin.
The cream itself it packed to the gills with Hyaluronic Acid which is going to seal and lock in that moisture leaving your skin supple and dewy. Vitamin E makes dull and tired skin happy and healthy while Vitamin C brightens and evens complexion.

Charlotte first curated her ‘magic’ cream when she was working backstage and doing makeup for models. Think of models skin, yes they are gorgeous but they are busy, up late, at that time perhaps didn’t have the best diet, etc so that has an effect on their skin. Charlotte created something that she knew would completely transform them before they got their make up on and so, this cream is the ultimate backstage secret product to make your skin Hollywood ready.

Available in 30ml for £49, 50ml for £70 and 150ml for £180

Estee Lauder Re Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Creme Rich

24. Karat. Gold. That’s what is in this cream. I mean, a whole host of other things too, but when I use this cream I feel so smug because I am essentially rubbing gold on myself. Plus, the gold adds radiance, so winning. This cream is so velvety and I swear it changes the texture of your skin immediately. Black Diamond Truffle extract helps to firm skin, ticking the boxes for any of you that are concerned with ageing. If you have the chance to try out this cream – or any of the other products in this range you should take it, they are outstanding. Also, it comes with a gold spoon so you can spoon out the exact amount that you need for you face… like, hello? How extra!

Available in 50ml for £280

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, £28

This cream is my OG, original, first ‘proper’ face cream I ever used. It was life changing and every now and then I always go back to it. As well as the Kiehls, it lives in my kit for clients as it’s perfect for the body, cuticles and works wonders for dry lips – just don’t lick it or swallow it!
Elizabeth Arden got the name ‘Eight Hour’ from a die hard client who used the cream on a child’s grazed sore knee and eight hours later it was magically better! So if it can help a child’s knee, it can help my dry face!

No secret that I have dry skin, but every so often my redness in the centre of my face and cheeks flares up and that’s when I pull out this cream for my face. It is amazing at calming down my lil rosy cheeks and I find it really soothing! The fact it’s so versatile makes it a shoo-in for my Top 5.

Available in 50ml for £28

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche

The odd time my skin can be sore, especially in Winter when the harsh elements irritate the skin. If this happens to you or you have skin that is easily irritated then look no further than this intense cream. It is so comforting and soothing and doesn’t sting when it is applied. You know that tight skin feeling when you get out of a really hot shower? If your skin feels like that then this cream will be perfect for you.

Available in 50ml for £16.50

What are you go to face creams? I would love to hear and maybe try them out myself. As always, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

If you like this Top 5, click here to view other posts in the series

Gym Update – One Month In

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Following on from my last post, I Joined A Gym I have received several messages asking questions about what I am doing, what I am eating and how I’m feeling and whether or not I have seen any changes so I thought I would post a little update.

In case you haven’t read my last post, I’ll catch you up. Basically, I woke one day and decided I needed to do something regarding my lifestyle and exercising. I joined a gym and started with a fabulous Personal Trainer, Ryan Spence and have been going there for a month exactly now.

While I am wholly aware that a month is not a very long time at all, I have learned a lot about myself and my body in that short space of time. I learned that exercising is difficult but also extremely rewarding. I have never felt as good in my life and while some days it can be hard to fight a chips craving, that good feeling that I get makes it all so worthwhile.

So, what have I been doing? I have been doing 2 PT sessions each week and attending the gym as often as I can outside of that. In my PT sessions, Ryan has mapped out exactly what I should be doing and he takes notes on weights each week on what I have been lifting, etc. I love having someone there that knows exactly what they are talking about and I am so thankful for him as he puts so much energy and time into creating this workout plan for me as well as taking a great interest in my diet and giving me lots of helpful hints and tips along the way. I have found a love for certain machines that I find fundamentally bizarre. When I think back to a few weeks ago, the very thought of a rowing machine would actually make me GAG. Now, I can’t wait to get there and have a little cardio workout on it. There are a few things that I outright just don’t enjoy doing, stair master for example. Ryan had me on it and I really, really, really struggled on it and told him – without being too much a whine, that I didn’t like it. I was scared of his response at the time, like it was really bad of me that I didn’t want to do it, but he was like ‘okay, no sweat.’ There is not point in doing something if I am not enjoying it because I’ll not get that good feeling at the end of my session. I am still learning and have no idea what half the machines are called, so when anyone asks me what I’m doing I am like ‘the thing you climb up onto and kneel on and pull up with…’


What have I been eating?
The biggest and best change that I have made to my diet is actually eating breakfast. Like, what the hell why have I never done that before? Being someone that loves food so much – why on earth would I skip that meal? Working somewhere where my shift pattern changes every day it can be hard to eat at the right times of the day. For example, when I used to work 10.30-7 I wouldn’t eat before work and the first time I would eat that day would be about 12 or 12.30. Even then, it would be something straight from the vending machine and something quick like a sandwich or something from Cafe Nero, because I was lazy and it was close. Now before I start I have had breakfast, something relatively healthy and filling and my lunches are healthier choices too. Anything is better than a chocolate bar and a packet of crisps.
I am still struggling to hit my calories each day and eat as much as I should be but at the same time, the things that I am eating aren’t leaving me hungry. For breakfast, I have become obsessed with oats. Like, I must have had them every day now for the last few weeks! I love chopping a banana into it and a wee teaspoon of Nutella or peanut butter in there too to bulk up a little. Even a drop of honey, just to sweeten it up! For something bigger or more filling I will have some avocado on toast with some bacon medallions and a poached egg. My lunches are more about chicken with veg and brown rice and don’t vary too much. Or I have the rest of last night’s dinner. Dinner’s haven’t seen much change as Joel and I tend. to eat relatively healthy dinners anyway. It’s more my habits for my daytime eating and be prepared to bring things to work, having it ready to go the night before that has helped me the most.

Results
I had my measurements taken at the start, before I started any exercising and had my second measurements taken again last week. I can’t see any difference in myself, but looking at yourself every day, it can be hard to see the small changes. I have been taking photos of myself – before and after styles but they are not ready to be shown to the world just quite yet! In the meantime, I am happy to report that I have lost weight and my measurements are going down!

Weight
Starting weight 89kg – 14 stone
Updated weight 82.6kg – 13 stone

Measurements
Neck – 37cm – Now 36cm
Chest – 113cm – Now 104 *I did have an extra sports bra on so I think I was just squished!
Waist – 97cm – Now 94cm
Hips 116cm – Now 114.5cm
Thighs – 70cm – Now 67cm

Isn’t it amazing what not eating shite and exercising does for you, isn’t it?
I am still learning, there are probably things that I am still not doing right but the main thing is that I am progressing.

As always, I would love to hear from you – you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

If I Was A Rich Girl… na na na na na na

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If you didn’t read the title of this post to Gwen Stefani’s Rich Girl you have to exit now. Seriously.

This is a list of things that if I were a rich girl, I would certainly be popping out and buying. These are things that are on my Wishlist and at some point I will own. Some people like saving for holidays or saving for like, life and stuff but me? I enjoy designer things that are pretty and are expensive. Let me live. I will also direct everyone who ever needs to buy me a present to this post.

Gucci Jordaan Loafer, £540

At the rate I go through shoes this would probably not be a wise investment however, I don’t care. I have bought enough of the H&M dupes of these shoes that I probably would have been able to afford the real deal. I love a brogue, they can be styled so easily and worn with any and every outfit. I will have these, with fur and without. One day…

Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé Shoulder Bag, £1690

I legit just want this because it’s a cute, black, leather bag that is a good size. Do you know how hard it is to find a black bag that can fit all your makeup, phone and purse and still goes over your shoulder? Yeah, it’s probably easier than I think but I still want this bag. Plus, Gucci Gang Gucci Gang Gucci Gang.

Vivienne Westwood Star Orb Pendant Gold, £245

So, I am not one for jewellery. I am Joel’s worst nightmare when it comes to Christmas and Birthday presents because any piece of jewellery just isn’t going to excite me. I wear the same rings and rarely wear necklaces because they aren’t dainty enough. However, I just adore Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery, the pieces are both understated and eccentric and I love it! I love the earrings too, I have a pair of studs that I wore to death but this necklace is next on my list!

Valentino Garavani Patent Rockstud Caged Pump 100mm, £650

When I worked with Estee Lauder, I went with them to New York and of course, I went to Saks Fifth Avenue. I was walking around and all of a sudden, a glimmer caught my eye and I was drawn towards these shoes. These beautiful Valentinos, so gorgeous and shiny and I wanted them so bad! I couldn’t afford them and I genuinely think about them all the time. Nude are of course, my favourite but I would settle for any colour!

Chanel Long Necklace – Metal, Glass Pearls & Diamantés, £1260

Remember when I said I liked understated jewellery? Well, that was clearly a lie. There may not be anything understated about this Chanel piece but I am dying to live out my Andy Sachs Devil Were Prada fantasy with a Chanel necklace. The point is, if I had the money I would 100% buy this. I would buy two.

That’s all for now, but there are plenty of other things that I would love… I will no doubt constantly update this wishlist. What goodies are on your wishlist, I would love to know!

Top Topshop Picks

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Topshop is one of those shops that I have always loved and seem to never be able to afford but still end up spending half my wage every month. I actually ended up getting a job in Topshop years ago and when asked why I wanted to work there my answer was to pay off my Topshop credit card. Amazingly, I was hired. Spring/Summer is one of my favourite times of year in terms of fashion because you can still get away with wearing your gorgeous Winter finds and pair them with what’s coming out next. I love being in between seasons!

Anyway, Topshop have some beautiful pieces in at the minute and I thought I would share my favourite bits.

Coats

Relaxed Coat, £59

I have been dying for the coat for ages but my size isn’t online and not in stores. Topshop sort it OUT! Anyway, this just looks super comfy and I am lacking in ‘throw it on’ coats. You know those coats that go with everything that you throw on? Yeah, it’s one of them.

Belted Trench Coat, £69

I love trench coats and the colour of this coat is just stunning! I have a wooden orange coat from Topshop years ago and I wore it all the time, it just added something to each outfit and I was so wary of it when I bought because I thought I would never wear the colour. I was so shocked at how many outfits it went with! So I may just have to purchase this beauty!

Tops

Satin Shirt, £32

I love my Topshop shirts, they are the most amazing quality and last for so long. I still have Topshop shirts that I got years ago and they still look as good as new. I have my eye on this one as it will go with lots of little trousers I have picked up recently. Plus, I want a salmon shirt so I can be like Ross in Friends.

Suits/Co-Ords

Wide Pinstrip Suit, £111

If you know me at all you’ll know that I am an absolute sucker for a co ord. I don’t know what it is, but when I don a co order I immediately feel like the ultimate boss lady. I spotted this suit recently on Melissa Elliott and I just have to have it. At some point. If I bring home any more suits I think my boyfriend might make me move out.

Asymmetric Blue Suit, £79

Not only do I want this suit, I want the hair and the red lip to match. I am living for the pastel colours recently and they look so good, especially this time of the year.

Jumpsuits

Jacquard Jumpsuit, £55

Gimmie it. I want it. Gimmie it. I want it. I would have bought this by now only for I seem to have bought a lot of green items recently… but I want it.

Dresses

Geo Border Tie Neck Dress, £49

I absolutely love this dress! I am all for a clashing of prints this season, and this dress is the perfect Segway in to the trend. As soon as I seen this online I just had to order it. I love the front of it as for chesty, booby people like myself it sits really comfortably and not too tight. This will be coming with me next week for a trip to Liverpool!

Teal Animal Print Shirt Dress, £49

Another recent purchase, similar style dress to the previous one but I just love the subtle play on animal print. Animal print is here to stay but I am living for the understated hints rather than the loud prints at the minute. When I put it on, I lost my waist in the dress a little so I put a belt around it and it just nips you in in all the right places. I have paired this dress with these gorgeous Topshop Boots – see below. Also available in a shirt if you didn’t want a whole dress!

Boots

Babe Block Heel Ankle Boots, £29

Comfiest. Boots. Ever. Every other pair of Topshop boots I have had have been a nightmare to break in, these were just automatically super comfy. I love the colour of them, and they are on offer too! So that helps!

MARIO Western Boots, £89

So, I have yet to buy a pair of western boots. This trend has been around for awhile now and I don’t know why I have been sleeping on this but these boots caught my eye as soon as they came out. There’s just something about spending £89 on a pair of black boots when I own at least 15 pairs of black boots already. That being said, I am sure I will crack soon and end up buying them.

Have you bought any of the items in my Topshop Top Picks/Wishlist, or are they on your wishlist too? I would love to hear! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Make Up Wishlist

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Does anyone else spend hours browsing through Instagram or Facebook and see gorgeous makeup pictures or stunning flat lays or products and think ‘ooh, I want that.’ Well, I do constantly. Even though I am a makeup artist with a fair bit of makeup in my drawers and kit, I still see things and I can’t help but add them to my wishlist.

My beauty wishlist is a list of products that I wouldn’t normally just go out and buy and I save them, for days where maybe I am feeling a little down, I’ve had a bad day and I want to cheer myself up. Or I have had a really good day and I want to treat myself. I mean, there’s really plenty of excuses we can come up with for buying makeup. Anyway, here’s what’s on my list and if anyone wants to treat me to them then please feel free!

Melt Cosmetics Dark Matter Eyeshadow Stack, £40

Melt Cosmetics, made known to me via Instagram had always seemed so unavailable to me until very recently. Good old Beauty Bay have started stocking them and I shrieked with happiness. Yet for some reason I still haven’t bit the bullet and bought them. Maybe one day… I also have my eye on the Rust stack, they look like such beautiful colours and to be honest, anything Jamie Genevieve touches basically goes straight to my wish list.

Flower Beauty Supernova Celestial Skin Elixir Primer, £14.99

Ever since I watched Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix I just had to know what Drew Barrymore was using on her skin because good Lord she looks unreal. She literally looks so amazing. I don’t know how I didn’t know this then but she has her own beauty brand called Flower Beauty. I remember thinking ‘oh I must research this brand more sometime’ and put it on a list somewhere and never did. Enter Jamie Genevieve’s YouTube video with Drew Barrymore where they used her products. I was hooked from the get go. The way Drew talked about her skin elixir and the love she had for it, sold it to me there and then. Her brand is now available in Superdrug so this one will be getting purchase very soon I feel. You can watch Jamie & Drew’s video here.

Benefit Roller Liner, £18.50

I’m a sucker for a hyped up launch and Benefit are no stranger to such a thing. I have been sucked into every mascara they’ve launched and haven’t been overly excited by them but this, this I am excited to try. This is normally something I wouldn’t think twice about buying then and there but I promised myself I wouldn’t buy any more liquid liners until some of the ones I have run out. I seriously have about 7 on the go at the minute. A quick dry, waterproof, 24 hour lasting liner that’s matte?! Yes please.  I’ll take two.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brushes

So, I have a love hate relationship with make up brushes. I have so many but as a Make UP Artist, you honestly just cannot have enough and it bugs me buying so many. So I hate that, but there’s nothing as satisfying as having a brush that perfectly executes a product. I recently attended a MMMMitchel Masterclass with BPerfect Cosmetics and he mentioned a few of his favourite brushes. Naturally they have gone straight onto the wishlist. The A25 Tapered Blending Brush, £24 is a beautiful looking brush that I can’t wait to finally buy! The A23 Illuminator Brush, £26 is a beautiful highlighter brush but can also be used underneath the eyes for setting powder.

BUXOM Cosmetics Full On Plumping Lip Polish, £15

Literally any and every shade is on the wish list. I love lip gloss and am so glad to see the back of matte lipsticks for awhile. I have heard so many amazing things about BUXOM’s lip products. These lip gloss are plumping as well so there’s an added bonus of your lips looking nice and full. I love the look of the shades ‘Princess‘ so it could be the first purchased…

Farsali Unicorn Essence, £50

You know all those Instagram videos where these beautiful girls with gorgeous skin do the weird thing where they drip serum down their face instead of just putting in on their fingers and applying? Yeah, they do it with this and I want it. Another elixir on the list I know but I still want to try it. This serum primer hybrid product completely took the beauty world by storm and I have FOMO.

Iconic London Prep – Set – Glow, £18.50

One look at these sprays and my eyes light up. Not only does this set makeup but you can use it to refresh the skin while it moisturises and leave you with an insane glow. I had sprayed this once when it first launched and I have never regretted not buying something as much as I do this spray because it’s been insanely popular since and haven’t managed to get my hands on it. The mist contains a mix of cucumber and chamomile as well as antioxidant-rich green tea and vitamin E – and even a burst of revitalising caffeine! What’s not to want?

I would love to know if you have tried any of these products or what beauty products are on your wish list? Let me know your thoughts.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Lip Fillers | Therapie Clinic Belfast

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Hello gorgeous readers,

If you have been following me and my ramblings for awhile now you’ll probably know that I got lip fillers a little under a year ago now and I absolutely love them. Whether you are for or against cosmetic work, fillers or whatever – I believe that if it makes you feel better then who cares what anyone else thinks. That’s my standpoint on it, thought I would just get that out of the way. If you don’t like them, then thank u, next. You can read about my first experience with fillers here.

This time I went to Therapie Clinic, a clinic that is widely known throughout the UK for it’s amazing service, great deals and great locations. My local Therapie Clinic is on Ann Street, Belfast. From the moment I walked in I felt welcomed and was greeted with friendly faces, I felt as if I was walking into a friends home. Upon arrival and after giving my name, I was asked if I was there to see the doctor and asked to fill out a form.

I was taken into a beautifully clean room and the doctor was so lovely and friendly again, I felt completely at ease. I got up on the bed and the doctor had a really good look ay my lips, asked me lots of questions about what way I like them, what style of lips I like and how big I would envision them being.

The same way as I explained the last time I got my lips done, I said that I didn’t want that ducky style of lip. I don’t like that really obvious ‘I’ve just had my lips done’ look, which sounds stupid considering I am about to get them. I like lips where you look at someone and you like ‘have they or haven’t they?’ Basically nothing TOWIE or Pete Burns. I had 1ml of filler the last time I got them done and I had it in my head that I would just get 1ml of filler in again, but after talking to the doctor she had a little feel and was able to tell me that there was still a good bit of filler left and that she would only recommend a 0.5ml. I was sceptical as I had wanted 1ml but damn am I glad she only put in 0.5ml. I can’t recommend enough to listen to the professionals when they are telling you what’s best because if I had have asked for the 1ml I would have crazy lips right now. They are the professionals for a reason, please do your research wherever you go and I am so happy with my results and couldn’t recommend Therapie enough.

As well as talking to me and keeping me relaxed, she gave me a little stress ball, which I thought was a really nice touch. I don’t find it an overly sore or painful procedure but if you are somewhat squeamish or uncomfortable then this will be great for you – better than someone’s hand for sure.

Before

After

Later That Night – Don’t panic, the swelling goes down after a day or two! I was so stressed the first time I got them done, I thought that this was going to be my life now with puffer fish lips! Even though you are warned that this will happen it is still a shock seeing them so big.

2 Days Later

So this makeup might be a dramatic way to show off the lips, but I don’t care. I had new makeup that I wanted to play with. Anyway, I love how they turned out and I am so pleased that my doctor at Therapie was so honest about what would be best for my lips and I trust her so much that I can’t wait to go back. I would recommend Therapie to anyone and everyone who is interested.

If fillers aren’t your thing then fear not, they do so much more than just that. They are so well known for their facials and laser hair removal services and actually have an offer on at the minute that I would love to share with you.

With every area of laser hair removal purchased you get a second area for only 1 penny. A PENNY! Plus, as if that’s not enough they offer a payment plan at 0%. You honestly would be mad not to try it.

All prices are available on their website here.

I’d love to hear if you are interested in anything I have mentioned, please let me know!

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Dermaplaning

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Dermaplaning – first of all, what is it?  Basically, it’s a physical exfoliation procedure where a scalpel is taken to remove the top layer of dead skin, including the peach fuzz leaving a glowing, healthy complexion. This treatment has seriously helped my post Christmas skin and it’s honestly never been clearer. I have had a bit of a breakout recently and I have these blackheads that are a constant annoyance on my chin and they have started to clear all thanks to the treatment. After the dead skin has been removed it allows your skincare products to work faster and a lot more effectively so that you get the best possible results from your products.

I had Dermaplaning done a week ago at LH Beauty, Hollywood Belfast and I want to share my results with you, including some answers to the questions you were all asking over on my Instagram.

Before

I don’t have the worst skin in the world but I certainly don’t have the best skin!  My skin would be on the dry, dehydrated and sensitive side and my makeup always looks dry throughout the day. I wanted to do something that allows makeup to sit a lot better and where I can feel like I can wear less makeup.

After

After the process my skin felt unbelievable, on the train home I couldn’t stop feeling my face and I think I was starting to creep people out.  I want to leave my thought process after the dermaplaning so that if you get it done you know what to expect.

Day One – Oh My God, my skin looks so dry it didn’t work for me

Day Two – Oh Shit, there’s a few marks on my skin that weren’t there before, I look glowy though

Day Three – Oh damn, I am glowy AF.  Feeling’ it, and make up goes on really easily now, this is great!

Day Four – My skin looks awesome, dermaplaning was worth it.

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FAQs

Does it hurt?

Not at all!  If anything, it might feel a little uncomfortable but I am a total weirdo and I enjoy things like that, so I loved the experience.  It feels like when you are buttering toast, or at least that’s what it sounds like!

Does your hair grow back weird?

No, I think this has to be the most asked question I have had!  It doesn’t grow back weird and I am not expecting to have a beard anytime soon.  If I do grow a beard, don’t worry I will let you all know immediately.  Your hair growing back thicker is a total myth!

How much hair came off?

A good bit of hair came off, I don’t have the hairiest face ever but if you have a good bit of hair you’ll really notice a difference! Hair is normal on your skin, don’t ever be ashamed of it, that being said my skin feels amazing!

Is it okay for different skin types?

Totally fine whether you are oily or dry like me. Only if you have severe acne there may be some doubt but just go in and have a chat with your beautician and they can inform you of what’s best.

How did it feel putting makeup on?

I didn’t expect there to feel like there was much difference but honestly, it felt nice using a brush to put makeup on.  I don’t now how to put it into words, but it just felt really smooth plus makeup looks so much better without all those little hairs!

Would you get it done again?

Oh, absolutely!  It was a satisfying feeling to get done and actually quite relaxing, so for that reason alone I would get it done.

Where did you go?

I went to the fabulous Louise in LH Beauty, you can find the salon on Instagram and Facebook.

How much does it cost?

Depends on where you go but make sure and do your research on prices as some places could charge a lot more for the same treatment.  I was kindly gifted this service, but the entire treatment I received would have cost £60, £40 for the actual dermaplaning and £10 for each optional add on before and after the treatment. Louise gave me a Hyaluronic Sheet Mask which restores hydration after the treatment which I would highly recommend as I could actually feel it working on my skin. Without that mask, I think my skin would have been a lot drier for a lot longer after.

I absolutely loved Dermaplaning and I can’t wait to get it done again. Is this something that you would be interested in getting done or have you had it done already? I would love to hear!

What It’s Like Being The Biggest Girl At The Party

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Before you jump straight to the comments section to compliment me about something, that is not why I am writing this post. I am not fishing for you to tell me that I’m pretty or that I look good for my size or anything like that. I am simply here to talk about why sometimes I can feel down on my size and why it’s hard knowing you’re the biggest girl at the party.

When I say party, I don’t literally mean a party. I don’t think I’ve been to a ‘party’ since I was 11. I’m talking about being in work, on a night out with friends or even just meeting someone for a coffee (I actually don’t drink coffee, but Hot Chocolate doesn’t have the same ring to it). I am so comfortable with the size I am, for those of you that don’t know me or have never seen me before I am a size 16, give or take a size.

Now, size 16. I know that that’s perhaps not very big and that there are women who are larger and there are women who are smaller. I’m just talking about this from my perspective.. I am confident and comfortable knowing that I am that size and have no immediate plans to change the size I am.

That being said, that’s my thought process right up until I am standing beside someone who is considerably skinnier than I am or is wearing a top I like but couldn’t wear because of my boobs or anything like that. It’s so easy for me to get myself down about how I look and I work so hard at building my confidence up so that it doesn’t get to me but every so often those thoughts creep in. It gets to the point where I will look around and I know I’m the biggest person there, which I’ll admit is a horrible mindset to have. I’ll sometimes decide not to go somewhere with a group of people because I know that I’ll be the biggest out of that group. I have toyed with the idea of not going on a night out this weekend because of the same thing. That same thought process of ‘oh my God, there are going to be photos of us together’ or ‘I don’t look as good in night out clothes as them.’ It’s not a nice way to feel – and yes, before any haters come and say ‘well of you don’t like feeling that way then go lose weight.’ I don’t want to lose weight. I am happy the way that I am. Usually I have the mindset of that ‘everyone is beautiful no matter what shape or size they are’ and do truly believe in that. Sometimes that mindset shifts when you’re standing in front of the mirror.

I want anyone reading this that has ever had a worry about their appearance, or thought they are bigger than they should be or are bigger or smaller than their friends that it is okay to have these thoughts. Just know, that it is true that everyone is beautiful no matter their size or shape, it’s okay to have the odd thought about your appearance but trust in yourself and wear your confidence with pride. Your confidence is the best thing that you could ever wear, no matter the size.

Do any of you ever feel this way or go through that mindset? I’d love to hear how you deal with it.

Belfast Fashion Week | What I Wore

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Belfast Fashion Week… a fashion week that’s right on my doorstep that I can see what all the local designers and stores have to offer this season.  I have always been an advocate of supporting local and this is why Belfast Fashion Week is one of my favourite events to attend.  Any of you that are local or at least follow me on Instagram you can’t have missed that I attended this glorious weekend of fashion.

Friday Night

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I have received an overwhelming amount of love for this outfit I wore to the first night of Fashion Week, considering I really only put an idea for it together the night before and got the shoes and shirt a matter of hours before the show.  Normally I spend days and sometimes weeks planning out what I’ll wear for events such this, but in an outfit I threw together I’ve never felt more comfortable.  Plus, it’s a suit.  I always feel BOSS in a suit.

Topshop Petite Double Breasted Check Jacket, £65

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As someone on the curvier side I am a massive fan of Topshop and their tailoring as they seem to get it right with every garment I try on, which is so important especially when you are looking at getting a suit.  Yes, their items are a little on the pricier side but it’s worth it to know that it will fit your body well.

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Topshop Petite Belted Trousers, £42

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The petite range in Topshop is spot on for me however the items are available in Regular and Tall as well, for those of you in the world that aren’t 4 foot 11.  The trousers sat perfectly around my ankles and weren’t too flappy, which is common in larger sizes (I’m a size 16).  I am obsessed with this suit right down to the colours that run through it because I know I’ll be able to wear it with different colours and accessories.

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Dunnes Stores Savida Ruffle Bow Blouse, £25

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Bought a few hours before the show this little blouse was not only a perfect addition to the suit but a perfect addition to my wardrobe.  If you do not own a classic, white blouse then trust me my friends, go out and treat yourself to one.  You will thank me.
Anyway, I spotted this shirt just as I was leaving and as I walked towards it, not only was I praying that they had my size but that the bow was detachable.  I was in luck.  This little bow comes off allowing more versatility with it.  I was sold!  I have actually bought another one since I bought mine for Fashion Week.  No, I’m not crazy but I will wear this shirt to death!

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Belfast Bow Company Harris Tweed Bow Tie, £22.50

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The reason I hoped that the navy bow was removable was so that I could slot this little guy in.  Belfast Bow Company is home to the most amazing selection of homemade bow ties and pocket squares that I have ever seen.  Displayed so delicately they are sure to add a pop of colour to any outfit.  I am obsessed, I think it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever worn and I have a few other designs on my wish list.  Questions about this bow tie filled my Instagram DMs so fast, so here you go!

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New Look Dark Red Suedette Ankle Strap Pointed Courts, £19.99

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I have a confession… these aren’t the shoes I wore however, they are basically the same.  I can’t find mine online, the only difference is mine were black at the back and had snakeskin pattern along the side.  For £3 less, these ones are pretty great though and are by the way, the most comfortable heels I have ever worn.

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Saturday Brunch

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On Saturday morning we witnessed a stunning collection brought to us by Max Mara Weekend all while enjoying a fabulous brunch in Café Parisien.  I was again, very last minute in my wardrobe choices having only bought my ticket the previous evening!  Lucky me, I knew I had a few Boohoo items that hadn’t seen the light of day yet and even better, they were on sale!

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Boohoo Wrap Balloon Sleeve Dogtooth Culotte Jumpsuit, £18

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I’ll be honest, I had a laugh when I first put it on when it arrived.  I thought, nahhh I can never wear this.  Once I got over the loudness of it, I actually really liked it and Dogtooth is always eye catching!  I removed the belt that it came with however and wore my fake *GASP* Gucci belt from Ros Oir Boutqiue (£36, barg!) which instantly gave the jumpsuit a new lease of life.

Boohoo Velvet Flat Heel Sock Boots, £17

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I could have worn regular black boots, but I thought I would inject a little colour to this outfit to perk it up a little.  Enter my new green boots.  I’m going to go ahead and be honest with you, these are probably the most uncomfortable boots I have ever worn and I only wore them for few hours.  That being said, they were in the sale, they were a barg and I’ll probably wear them again and suffer because I love them.  They would look great with Friday night’s suit too…

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Debenhams Red Herring Green Faux Fur Coat

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I’m not going to spend a whole lot of time mentioning this coat as it was last years, it’s out of stock and I bought it two sizes too big because I convinced myself it looked good oversized.  It didn’t.

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And there you have it, the clothes I wore for this seasons Belfast Fashion Week.  I love Fashion Week, I love how it brings everyone together and we celebrate each others outfits, bounce fashion ideas off each other and view the top designer and high street picks on the catwalk.  Already looking forward to next season!

Amy xo