I liked a video! Huge HAUL & GIVEAWAY!

01/07/2013- Summer!

Hello everyone.

Its finally here!!!  Well at least for this weekend and today its here.  Sorry I look so ticked off in todays pictures- I have no idea why!

I love this top and have wanted it for ages and it was down to £3 in the H&M sale when I popped in there last week- happy days!  The top underneath is also H&M.  Its a basic white vest top and was just £3.99.  The jeans are my normal skinnies from New Look that I wear all the time and the flip flops are cheapies from Primark that I got years ago and I still have floating around my wardrobe.

Have you got anything in the Summer sales?  Let me know in the comments below.

Jen xoxo

25/06/2013- Minimalist Summer Shoes

Hello everyone.

Sorry there's no full outfit shot today- we had a bit of a fail on that front.

Does anyone else plan an outfit around what they are wearing on their feet?  I really wanted to wear these simple, gold flip- flops (from Asos) so I threw on my New Look skinny jeans and my H&M plain black t-shirt.

For jewellery I put on this necklace that I got in Dorothy Perkins last year that reminds me of bunting, my Primark leaf ring and this multi metal chunky statement ring also from Dorothy Perkins.

On my lips I am wearing this beautiful limited edition Avon Colortrend lipstick in Wild Plum (£2 in brochure 12) and I kept the rest of my make- up super simple.

What is your go to Summer shoe?

Jenny xoxo

24/06/2013 Wet Hot English Summer

Hello eveyone.

I think wet and hot are very accurate descriptions of this English summertime- muggy would be another appropriate word.

Anyways- more of a formal look today.

Even though its not sunny I didn't want to lose the Summer feeling so I put on this black pencil skirt (homemade), red t-shirt from Oasis, black heels from New Look and then I popped on this beautiful lace blazer that I picked up the other day from a concession stand in New Look called Blue Vanilla.

For jewellery I have on a snake bangle and a leaf ring that actually goes over two fingers (both from Primark).

Whats the weather like where you are?

Jen xoxo

23/06/2013- Get Caffeinated

Hello everyone.

Yesterday I threw this outfit together before grabbing a coffee with a friend (even though I actually ended up having a cup of tea).

I can't believe I'm back in boots (from Matalan) but it was so cold I had no option but to dust these off.  I kept it comfy with my New Look skinny jeans and my big Matalan batwing cardi then to add some interest teamed my summer baroque print t-shirt (from Matalan) with this chunky necklace (from F21).  

What did you get up to yesterday?  Is anyone else back in their boots like me?

Jen xoxo

22/06/2013- Summer Thrills?

Hello eveyone.

Its cold again.  I'm not happy.

I tried to keep my outfit as summery as possible whilst being warm so I started with this purple floral skirt (from Matalan) and a bright white t-shirt (from Dorothy Perkins).  On top I popped this little black jacket (which is from Topshop but I picked it up on Ebay).

For accessories I put a larger feather necklace (from Primark) to contrast with the white t-shirt, a delicate ring (also Primark set of 4), my zebra print bag (from Matalan) and some black pumps to try and keep my toes warm (from Primark also, and no my feet were not warm).

What have you been wearing today?

Jen xoxo

21/06/2013 What I'll Be Wearing This Summer

Hello everyone.

Sorry I've been MIA recently but I am back!!!

As I was getting dressed this morning I realised that I was putting on my summer staples all in one outfit so I thought I'd show you in an outfit of the day.

Outfit

Its gotta keep me cool in the summer.  I live in denim shorts and flowy sheer tops especially on a day like today when it is ridiculously muggy.

I've kept it super simple on the accessories side- leather flip flops that are so comfortable, an animal print bag and a simple anchor necklace.

Make- Up

Metallic nails always looks fresh in summer- this is the Barry M Special Effects Silver Foil.

Make- up wise again I've kept it simple.  Foundation is dewey (Benefits Hello Flawless), simple eyeshadow (S&G's Vanilla), metallic eyeshadow (Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds in Golden Diamond), the best mascara I've ever used (Benefit's They're Real), beautiful matte bronzer (Benefits Hoola) and on the lips a pinky nude (Avon's Kiss 'N' Go Lipstick in Lioness).

Hair

I should have put my hair up it was so warm today but I didn't want to play around with it so after washing I spritzed my hair with Tresemme Heat Defence then ran some Tigi Glaze Haze Serum thorough the ends.  After blow drying I sprayed on a light mist of Tresemme Touchable Finish Hairspray.

I also had my fringe trimmed today at a local salon so I can see (yay!).

Perfume

Pue Blanca from Avon.  It smells like the bottle looks- clean and fresh.  The perfect daytime scent.

What will you be wearing non- stop this Summer?

Jen xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Vintage Sunglasses

Hello everyone

Just wanted to share this fabulous pair of vintage sunglasses that I picked up for just £3.99. 

My local second hand shop has a vintage section and a couple of weeks ago I spotted these little babies but was a bit strapped for cash so left them sat on the shelf... looking at me...  As soon as I had the cash I ambled back to the shop only to find they had gone!  I was gutted but knew it was completely my fault.  A few days ago I went back to see if any more amazing vintage sunglasses were there and lo and behold- they were back on the shelf!  Clearly they wanted to be owned by me.

They are in pretty good nick apart from a scratch on the left hand lens but I can live with that.  With vintage I always try to imagine the people that have worn them before and I see these on a most glamorous lady shielding her eyes from the sun whilst reading her Vogue magazine in a fitted one piece, on the beach.  I know I romanticize but I don't care!

I had a little look on Ebay at vintage sunglasses and there is a great variety at all price points.  Have a look here. 

Thanks for reading!

Jen xoxo

What I Ate Wednesday: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Ice Creams

Hello everyone.

Oh my!  This.  Ice.  Cream.  Was.  Delicious!

I picked it up on a whim as a treat for our family dinner time.  I really wanted the Banoffee Ice Cream but it had gluten in :( so its a no for me but when we dished this up- well it was like heaven in a bowl.  I love the combination of the sweet and sharp in the Salted Caramel.  My Dad was initially a bit skeptical of the this flavour but a couple of mouthfuls in and he was sold.  The Toffee and Honeycomb was also delicious- very sweet and smooth.

I'm not gonna lie- these ice cream tubs are not cheap but I picked them up on offer at 2 for £5.  They are normally £3.89 and I do think as an occasional treat they are a good buy.

Enjoy!

Jen xoxo

My Skincare Favourites: Avon Clearskin Clear Emergency Instant Spot Treatment

Hello everyone.

This little tube is a staple in my skincare arsenal for when my skin is going a bit bonkers and breaking out.  Its a targeted treatment so I just dab it on to blemishes (or under the skin blemishes) at night before my serum and face cream and leave it on to do its thing.  The next morning the blemishes always look better.  

It has 2% salicylic acid in the formula which is obviously what's working for me.  I feel like its drying the blemishes out which is why I apply before serum and cream.  

Obviously this may not work for your skin just because it works for mine but in case you are interested I have combination skin in the usual fashion of oily t- zone and drier cheeks.

As you can see from the above picture my skin is looking pretty good at the moment and I do put it partly down to this little skin miracle.  

If you want to get hold of this then it's available in Avon Brochure 10 for £4.50.  There is an an accompanying intensive cream cleanser which I haven't tried yet and in Brochure 10 when you purchase any product from the Clearskin range you can order a free Clearskin Pore Penetrating Invigorating Scrub worth £4.

If you having skin problems then I hope that you are able to find your own hero product too.

Jen xoxo

My Make- Up Essentials: Avon ColorTrend Lip Stix

Hello everyone.

I know you are probably sick of me raving on about how much I love these Colortrend Lip Stix but as its about to be on offer I thought I would rave about them some more.

They are the most pigmented lip colours I've ever used and are totally buildable.  The two shades I currently possess are Coral You Later (a very bright orange) and Think Fast Pink (a very bright pink).  It comes in 3 other shades- Reddy To Go, Gone Pink and Nude Flash.

Its quite matte which I love with the brightness of the shades but if you wanted to gloss it up you could pop some clear gloss over the top.  

So- the offer is 2 for £4 mix and match over the entire ColorTrend range in Brochure 10 which is a fantastic offer considering that purchased on its own, the Lip Stix are £4.50 each.  Don't you just love a bargain!?

Jen xoxo

My Make- Up Favourites: Mosaic Effects Top Coat

Hello everyone.

I love the fact that its now so easy to give yourself a nail art style look without the hassle!  I remember when these crackle/ shatter/ mosaic effect nail varnish top coats first came out and just being so excited (and then buying a ton of them...).

Avon do the Mosaic Effects Top Coat in a number of colours and I can tell you its one of those things that does exactly what it says on the tin.  Very easy to use and dries quickly.  The 3 colours I have- and that are demonstrated above- are Plum Illusion, Black and Blue Flash.

They dry fairly matte looking so if you like matte you can leave it like that or pop a clear top coat over your nails like I have.  The Plum Illusion and Blue Flash have a slight sparkle shimmer effect which is very pretty whereas the Black is very plain.

The Mosaic Effects Top Coats are in Brochure 10 and are priced at £6 each.

Jen xoxo

My Beauty Favourites: Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder

Hello everyone.

Today I want to show you the newest addition to the Avon Ideal Flawless range- Loose Powder.

This is a real beauty staple and is perfect for looking great this summer.

Its designed to be worn over foundation to make your base last so I have tried it for the last 2 days and I found it nice and light.  

It comes in 3 shades- fair, light/medium and toffee.  I am light/medium.

It gave an even finish and I only had to reapply late afternoon to my chin.  I wasn't so keen on the powder puff applicator as I felt it needed quite a lot of blending out with but you could easily switch it for a brush.  

The Ideal Flawless Loose Powder will be released in Brochure 10 and will be priced at £4.99.

Contact your local Avon rep to order.  If I am your rep then contact me!

Thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

Casual Friday: Shopping for Clothes in Sainsburys with My Mum

My Mum was in desperate need of a couple of new smart skirts so she asked me to join her yesterday to Sainsburys for a little shopping trip.

We have quite a large Sainsburys near us and I was very impressed with the huge choice and low prices in the clothing/ shoes/ accessories section so I embarrassed my Mum thoroughly by running around with my camera taking photos to share with you guys.

Love, love, love the Gok Wan range modelled very nicely by the fabulous Ruth Crilly.

Mum picked out this beautiful top- how pretty is the button down back?

I spotted this gorgeous dress in a muted tangerine orange.

The formal wear is perfect for work and looks perfect for the hot weather.

I really liked the fact that on the end of each aisle there is a little outfit put together.  This was my favourite in store...

The accessories are definitely worth a look.  I loved the scarf selection and the wellington booties were the cutest thing in the whole store.

Mum and I were both having a little fashion crush on these floral printed shoes.

And then right on the way out I spotted these little beauties that I am going back to get when its pay- day.

You need to check out your local Sainsburys clothing department and if you prefer to shop online then have a look here.

Jen xoxo

What I Ate Wednesday: Twinings Peach & Cherry Blossom Green Tea

Hello everyone.

A couple of months ago my skin had a bit of a "moment" and was an absolute nightmare so I did a bit of research in to what natural things I could do to improve my skin and one of the suggestions that came up was green tea. 

Now a few years ago I had a friend who went through a stage of drinking green tea and I tried it once and it tastes like bark.  I was very aware of this went I went green tea shopping in my local supermarket so I decided to go for a green tea that was flavoured.  After a few extremely bark tasting and disgusting tries I discovered the Twinings Peach & Cherry Blossom Green Tea.  

I have found the trick to drinking green tea is to wait until its cooled a little.  I don't know why but when its hot it tastes very bitter and bark- like.  It does still taste a little bitter but this flavour by far tastes the best of all I've tried.  It reminds me very much of a a bakewell slice.  Don't ask me why because there's no almond in it but that's just what it reminds me of.

As well as being good for your skin I have done a bit of research in to the other benefits of drinking green tea.  Here's what I found out...

Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 24 times better than vitamin E. This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer. 

Green tea is a superb fat fighter. Its active ingredient, EGCG, increases the rate at which fat is burned in your body.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

It has been used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

I found out a few things I didn't know and I am really pleased that I've now included green tea in my daily routine.  If you are on the fence have a read through above and it might help you make your mind up. 

You can get Twinings Tea in most supermarkets and health food stores  for about £1.39 but just in case you can have a look on the Twinings website here.

Do you drink green tea?  If so do you drink it plain or flavoured?  Comment down below.

Jen xoxo

What I Wore Saturday: London Calling

Hello everyone.

I spent the day in London yesterday and whilst I was there I got my ever enduring family to take some OOTD photos.

From top to bottom- my earrings are from a market in Tanzania, the sunglasses are French Connection (from Avon), pink dress is from Dorothy Perkins here, belt is from Oasis, jacket is vintage, scarf is also from Tanazanian market, leggings are from Dorothy Perkins, canvas pumps are from New Look and bag is from Matalan.

Hope you are having a fabulously sunny weekend!

Jen xoxo

What I Ate Wednesday: An OOTD?!

Hello everyone.

I has today's What I Ate Wednesday all planned.  I was going to tell you about my favourite dinner (which is Pesto sauce with gluten free spaghetti) but I was so hungry I ate it all and realised I had not taken one picture before I scoffed it down!

So I did an OOTD instead.  Enjoy!

Its been soooo sunny today so I had my red dress I brought in Mexico on and my wicker earrings I also brought in Mexico.  Flip flops are from Asos, sunglasses from Avon, black vest top is from Dorothy Perkins and scarf is from H&M.  

I hope you have had an amazing sunny Wednesday.

Jen xoxo