What I Wore Saturday: Walking On The Wild Side

Hello everyone.

Bit of a wildlife inspired look today with my animal print scarf and floral vest top.

I'd like to tell you I was lovely and warm but I realised quite soon after this picture that flip flops were a mistake as it is far too cold!  At least it was bright.  I wore this whilst on my rounds and during a lovely family lunch we had.

I do wish it was warm enough for me to keep my flip flops on.  Soon hopefully...

I really love this floral top.  I got it a couple of weeks ago in Dorothy Perkins.  You can find it here and it currently has some money off.  

The rest of the clothes you have probably seen before in other OOTD's- the jeans are from Oasis, the jacket La Redoute, the scarf was a gift, the black t-shirt (just seen) is H&M, flip flops are Primark (part of a set of 2) and the leather bag is from Mexico.  You can't really see them but my earrings are a dark wood and I got them in a market in Tanzania when I visited there some years back/

Thank you very much for reading today's post and check back soon for more posts.

Jen xoxo

Casual Friday: Keen on Lime Green

Hello everyone.

Just wanted to share this top I picked up yesterday in H&M for just £3.99.

Despite my best efforts I could not find this top on the H&M website but you can check out the full H&M basics tops range here.

There are so many ways you could style this top.  I'll be putting mine with denim shorts and a black bandeau top under it.  I think white accessories- like white trainers and a white Ice watch would look amazing with it.  

How would you style this top?

Jen xoxo

Throwback Thursday: 1970s Farrah Fawcett Make- Up

Hello everyone.

Today I tried a make- up look similar to Farrah Fawcett in her Charlies Angels days.  The 1970s was all about looking glowy and healthy and Farrah was a perfect example of that.  Tanned, toned and highlighted she was the icon of her era.  The make- up was very bronzed with lots of eye- shadow and shiny healthy looking lips.  I think its the perfect look for this beautiful Spring day.  What do you think?  

Jen xoxo

What I Ate Wednesday (on a Thursday): The Humble Muffin Has a Secret...

Hello everyone.

Sorry this post didn't go up yesterday.  Blogger was apparently having an issue with uploading my pictures, so its going up today instead.

As you may remember from previous posts I have coeliac disease which means I can't eat Gluten which is a natural component of wheat.  This means I always get really excited when people bake me cakes, biscuits and muffins using gluten free flour and other gluten free ingredients.  My sister made me a batch of the above blueberry muffins using gluten free ingredients but it has a twist...

It has courgette in it.  I know what you are thinking- "surely that tastes disgusting?!" but it doesn't.  They taste delicious.  My sister has a knack of making cakes with odd vegetables in them and they always taste amazing.  Whenever she presents me with a one of her home baked goodies we always have a game of "Which Vegetable" before I can finish eating.  

Delicious!

Thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

3 Tips For Conquering Mondays

Hello everyone.

Today I'm starting a new series of blog posts entitled 3 Tips for Conquering Mondays.  

I am very fortunate in that I actually don't mind Mondays but I know a lot of you guys despise Mondays with a passion.  Enter my new series of blog posts!  If nothing else I hope they will at least make you smile.

For my very first in this series I decided to ask some of my friends what they do to conquer Mondays.  Here are the top 3 tips I received:

1. Make believe its Tuesday- Hilda

I'm always up for a bit of make believe although I'm slightly concerned this might make the week seem longer.

2.  Eat chocolate- Lisa

Not specific to Mondays- this is good for conquering any day of the week!

3.  A hot chocolate and carrot cake at around 3pm listening to the Thrift Shop song- Rute

"I'm gonna pop some tags, got twenty dolllars in my pocket...."

I hope that your Monday has not been too bad and that you have enjoyed today's post.  Do you have any tips for conquering Mondays?  If so comment below.

Jen xoxo

Casual Friday: Avon Colortrend Lip Stix in Coral You Later

Hello everyone.

I love love love this Lip Stix from Avon.  This is a fairly new release from Avon and is very pigmented and very bright.  I've worn it a couple of times and it goes on really nicely and wears evenly for hours.  Its perfect with dewey summer skin, a little bit of blush and black mascared lashes- you really want to make your lips the focus.

The packaging is very cute too with the bullet being exactly the same colour as the lip product which means its easy to find in the depths of your make- up bag.  I like the ColorTrend range very much as its great for experimenting with.

This is available in Brochure 8 and is a very reasonable £3.15.

Have you tried this lip colour?  If so what do you think of it?  Do you like this shade?  What do you think of lipsticks in pencil/ crayon format?  Let me know in the comments below.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

What I Ate Wednesday: Sweet Treats from Scoobys

Hello everyone!

Today is my parents 42nd wedding anniversary so when I went to my local sweet shop I asked for £1's worth of lovey themed sweets.  Here's what I got:

My favourite were the strawberries on the right hand side!

The shop I brought them from is a family run, independent old fashioned sweet shop called Scoobys.  Its the coolest shop with jars of sweets on the shelves, a slushie machine, ice cream, fudge (which is delicious) and retro sweet gift packs.  Its in Winton, Bournemouth and you can have a look at Scoobys website here.

And you get your sweets in a proper old fashioned striped bag...

What's your favourite sweet?  Comment below and let me know.

Thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

P.s  If you were wondering my Love Hearts said:

Lucky Day

True Lips

Say Yes

Relax

Forever

Wicked

Say Yes

Spring Make- Up

Hello everyone.  

To celebrate the fact that Spring is finally here I wanted to show you my make- up look today which I feel is very Springlike!

I used products from three make- up ranges:  Soap & Glory, Benefit and Avon.

I'm quickly going to run through which products I used and how I used them. 

Soap & Glory.  I used the Kick- Ass Concealer in Medium on my under eye- circles and blemishes then patted the powder over my foundation to set it and take away shine.  I used two colours from the Tricks of the Shade palette-  I used Vanilla as a base then used Wild Blue along my top lashline and blended it in to the crease.  You can get the Soap & Glory range from Boots, have a look online here.

Benefit Cosmetics.  I stupidly threw the empty container away before I took the above picture. It was the Hello Flawless Foundation in Ivory.  I used the Bad Gal Waterproof Extra Black Eye Pencil along the waterline both top and bottom to give my eyes some definition.  On my cheeks I used a pink cheek and lip stain called Posietint then popped some Watts Up highlighter on the cheekbones.  You can buy Benefit Cosmetics make- up online here.  It is pricey but really lovely make- up.

Avon Cosmetics.  I used the SuperExtend Extreme Mascara in Black on my top and bottom lashes (£10 or 2 for £12 with other selected make- up in Brochure 8) and for my lipstick I chose Perfect Kiss Lipstick in Natural Glow (£8.50 or 2 for £10 with selected make- up in Brochure 8).

I also did my nails in a really pretty shimmery peach colour.

This is the Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Painted Peony (£2.99 in Brochure 8).

I hope you've enjoyed this post and that you are enjoying this beautiful weather we have had the past couple of days.  

Jen xoxo

I Love Spring!

Hello everyone.

Guess what?  The sun is shining!!  Birds are chirping!!  It finally feels like Spring.  

That being said I thought today I would do the questions from the "I Love Spring Tag" that is flying around the world of Youtubers at the moment.  I don't have a nice camera to make Youtube videos (although I'm looking in to it) so you'll have to do with pictures and text instead.

1.  Favourite Spring nail polish?

Fairly obvious answer this one as I put this in my favourite Spring products post.  Its the Avon Nailwear Pro + in Romance.  A super pretty pink colour with a hint of purple in it.  I love nail varnishes so it was a toughy to narrow it down to just one but I think this is my favourite.  And its only £2.99 in Brochure 8.

2.  What is your must have lip colour this Spring?

Its got to be pink, pink, pink!  I already showed you one pink lipstick so these are two more I really like.  On the left (and swatched bottom) is Avon Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Sparkling Warm Rose.  Very pretty, neutral, metallic pink lipstick that gives a nice voluptuous look.  Its just £3.99 in Brochure 8.  The second is on the right (and swatched top) Avon Lip Stix in Think Fast Pink.  A bright pink that is perfect for Spring nights this wears evenly for hours.  Its just £3.15 in Brochure 8.

3.  Show us your favourite Spring dress!

This dress is a semi denim dungaree dress and I've never seen another like it which is why I love it so!!  When its warms up a little more I will pop sandals or flip flops on with it instead of boots.  Its an AX Paris dress I picked up a few years ago in New Look.  You can have a look at mroe AX Paris dresses here.  

4.  What's your favourite flower?

Snowdrops!  These were the first to bloom in our garden so I know that Spring is coming when they pop up.  I do love Daffodils too.  

5.  Favourite Spring scarf/ accessory?

These are the same sunglasses as in the photo of my favourite Spring dress.  They are from French Connection and were gifted to me by Avon not long after I became a representative for them.  They are the nicest sunglasses I have ever had and are a fixture in my bag all year round so that if I'm driving and it gets sunny I'm not blinded.  They go with pretty much everything and can be worn with smart and casual outfits.  Avon don't do them anymore but French Connection so a really great range of sunglasses that you can look at here.  A really good investment piece.  Just don't sit on them.

6.  What Spring trends are you most excited about this year?

Firstly in fashion, I'm really excited about black and white.  Its not what I would normally pick but I love to try something different which is why I'm excited about it.  It means a range of clothes in the shops to experiment with.  I have been having a good ol look at the floral trend that is floating around at the moment too- I like how pretty it is!

On the beauty end of things I love the mod, hippie, flower power nails and make- up trend.  Its kind of a cross between Coachella and 60's.  

7.  What's your favourite Spring candle?

I like the humble tea candle.  I know its boring but I like to jazz it up in different tea light holders.  This holder is currently my favourite...

My sister brought this back from a holiday- I think Greece- ages ago and it resides on my bedroom desk.

8.  Favourite body spray/ perfume for Spring?

I've picked a body spray for this one as I find them light and fresh.  This is the Viva by Fergie Perfumed Body Spray.  I even love the pale purple packaging and I have the full EDT too if I want to intensify it for the evening.  Its been discontinued :( so I am going to use it sparingly.

9.  What is Spring like where you live?

Its been pants!  Its very sunny today and a little warmer so I am hoping that means real Spring is starting... finally....

10.  What's your favourite thing about Spring?

I know it leads to summer and everything feels fresh and new and clean.  There is new trends starting which I always find exciting.

11.  Are you a Spring cleaner?

Oh yes.  So far I've sorted out my wardrobe and shoes, reorganized by underwear, leggings and socks drawers and I've even sorted my subscriptions on Blogger and YouTube.  I LOVE Spring cleaning.  It makes me feel great!

12.  Any plans for Spring Break or an upcoming vacation?

We don't have Spring Break in the UK and my next holiday is not planned until September.  Don't get me wrong I am really looking forward to it.  About 10 of us have rented a cottage in France.  Its gonna be good fun but just seems like a very long way away.

So that is the end of the tag.  If you have done the I Love Spring Tag on YouTube or on your blog let me know in the comments below so I can have a looksy or if you want to answer the questions in the comments below feel free.

I hope you have all had a lovely day and that you all have a lovely evening and thank you so much for reading.

Jen xoxo

Spring Favourites

Hello everyone.

Another Spring themed post today!  I know the weather is rubbish still but it is officially Spring so I'm going for it!  This post is all about my favourite Spring beauty products.

Firstly I have two nail polishes...

First on the left is the Barry M Nail Paint in Mint Green.  I know this is an obvious choice for Spring but there is a reason- its so pretty!!  And fresh!! And Springy!!  You can get Barry M products in pretty much all Boots and Superdrugs but if you prefer to buy on line then you can have a look here.  On the right is the Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Romance (£2.99 in Brochure 8). This is a really beautiful colour and would translate very well from day to evening.  They last very well too- 12 days is what Avon promote.  Not bad for a £2.99 nail varnish.

Next is a really great body lotion that I am in love with!

This is the Avon Care Fresh Hydration Cooling Body Lotion.  It has a really lovely fresh smell and is very hydrating without being too greasy or taking forever and a day to sink in!  Really, really lovely body lotion that I would highly recommend.  Its not back until brochure 9 and will be £2.40 or mix 'n' match with other products from the Avon Care range at 3 for £5.

The next two items are for facial skincare.

I'll start with the Avon Vibes Wake- Up Eye Roller which is the tube like thing along the bottom of the picture.  Its hard to tell but this product gently vibrates once switched on and is for tired eyes.  The new version has a different packaging which is green and white but the product is the same and is in Brochure 8 at just £5.  Its really easy to use- just switch it on and roll under your eyes.  I'm always slightly suspicious of putting anything electrical on your face but this is so gentle I didn't mind.  I actually find it quite funny to use because of the vibrations.  Just me... 

Above that is the Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It.  I use this every other night before bed and my skin has been really fab.  I cannot completely give this exfoliator all the credit for that but anything that gets rid of all the dead skin cells on your face is going to be good.  It has a nice refreshing smell to it and I don't find it too abrasive like I have with other facial exfoliators.  I concentrate on my t-zone area and just very lightly go over my cheeks so as not to do any damage.   

For hair products I just have one Spring favourite and I've mentioned it before so it will be no surprise to you.

Surprise, surprise its the Avon 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Leave- In Treatment!  You know I love this and I know lots of others love it too.  I just smooth a couple of pumps on the ends of my hair and I find it makes my hair feel healthier once blow dried.  The nice thing is you don't need an awful lot so although its a small tube its lasts ages.  After the Winter months of heating, hats and windy days my hair needs some tlc!  Its £3.50 in Brochure 8.

Finally make- up products.

First on the right hand side is the Benefit Sugarbomb Face Powder.  I wear this nearly everyday as I find 4 colours in the box swirled together give a really nice glow to my cheeks.  Its matte so if you like some shimmer you may want to get some highlighter powder too.  Most department stores and larger Boots have a Benefit counter or you can order it online here.  Its quite pricey at £23.50 but I think its a piece of investment make- up that is well worth the splurge.

Then on the left hand side is a really pretty pink lipstick- Avon Perfect Kiss Lipstick in Pink Prance.  Its a pretty, pastel, rose pink and it has a lovely moisturising smoothing consistency.  Loving the mirrored packaging too.  All the Perfect Kiss Lipsticks are £8.50 or 2 for £10 with other selected make- up in Brochure 8.   

What products are you loving for Spring?  I'd love to know so please leave a comment below.  I hope that you are enjoying the Spring wherever you are.  I think if you are not in the UK you are probably having great weather so enjoy it for us!

I hope you enjoyed today's post.  See you soon!

Jen xoxo

What I Wore Saturday: Neutral Make- Up

Hello Everyone

Today I decided to wear a very different make- up look than I normally do- a more pared back, neutral look.  I normally wear quite heavy make up on the eyes or a really bright lipstick but I had some new make- up to try and I wanted to try something a bit different for me.  I was a bit nervous as I'm so used to my "normal" make- up being quite dramatic but I love to try something new and I wanted to see if people responded to me any differently or would comment that I looked different so I gave it a go.

I started with the Ideal Flawless Skin Loving Beauty Balm in Shell from Avon (£12 in brochure 8 or 2 for £12 with other selected make- up).  I have been loving this BB cream recently, I think I can even say I have used it everyday this month.  I always wear an SPF on my face and this has SPF 15 in it so thats a bonus for me.  If you haven't read my post on these BB creams then check it out here.

I'm going to scare you all now with a before make- up photo and an after make- up photo.

I find this BB cream really evens out my skin tone and I also used a little bit of Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer under my eyes and on my blemishes to give me a fresher look.  I like this concealer as its more like a concealer palette with a under eye concealer, blemish concealer and a powder so you have it all in one place.  My shade is medium.

On to the eyes.  First I added a wash of the new Avon Glow Multi Stylo in Shimmering Bronze across my lids.  When I originally planned this make- up look I was just going to leave it at that shadow wise but on its own it looked a bit... meh.  So I grabbed my trusty Soap & Glory Tricks of The Shade eyeshadow palette and and patted a little bit of the Wild Blue colour on to the outer third of my eyelid to give me some dimension.  This palette was a limited edition Christmas gift set so you can't get it any more but it is in the Lid Stuff in Off The Wallflowers which you can get from Boots here.  The mascara I used is the new Avon Colortrend Lash In A Flash Mascara in Black.  This doesn't get released until Brochure 9 and will be £2.25.  This was the first time I used it and I really liked it.  I really felt like it made my lashes look nice and long and its stayed on all day with no smudging or flaking so I am happy!

I used the Avon Glow Multi Stylo again on my cheeks.  It was very subtle and looking back at these pictures I think next time I would add some powder bronzer or blusher over the top but the consistency was nice and it was easy to apply.  I put it directly on to my cheeks from the tube then smudged with my fingers (my brushes are still drying from their deep clean yesterday so it was all done with my fingers today).

Lastly my lips.  Surprise, surprise I used the Avon Glow Multi Stylo again.  I loved this colour on my lips.  It had a kind of peachy goldy colour on the lips which I really loved.  Overall I do really like this multistylo.  I don't think you could solely use it with no other make up but its a bargain at £3.25 in brochure 8 and I'll be taking it on holiday with me so to save space in my make up bag.  

So the big question is- what did other people think of my pared down make up look?  I waited to see if people noticed and.... nothing!  One person said I looked different but didn't make any specific comment on the make up.  How do I feel about it?  I quite like this look.  It certainly took me barely any time at all compared to how much I normally spend playing around with different colours and eyeliner and contouring etc etc so for me I think it'll be one for when I am in a rush or maybe on holiday when I don't feel like putting a lot on.  I don't think I'll be wearing it every day  but its nice to know that I can wear this pared down look and still feel comfortable to face the world. 

What kind of make- up look do you like?  Comment below as I would love to know.

Thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

My Spring Accessories

Hello everyone.

Today I want to show you the accessories that I am trying to put in to outfits (when its not pouring down) for the Spring.  None of these are very new to me but I really wanted to do this post as I am sure that Spring will arrive sometime soon.  Are you there Spring?  Its me Jenny...

First... bags.....

First is the Faye Cross Body Bag (at the bottom) which is from Avon (£12 in brochure 8).  Its a very pale pink colour which is super cute.  Its on the small side but ideal for a day when you don't feel like lugging a huge bag around with you or a night out.  I like the fact that its got the long strap to wear across body so your hands are free or you can shorten the strap and make it a regular shoulder bag if you want.

Next bag is the one on the right hand side which I picked up from Per Una at Marks & Spencers about 2 years ago.  Its a peachy orange colour and I just love the big bow on the front.  It just has little handles but colour in my mind is just so beautiful and unusual that it cancels out the little handles.  It was quite expensive for me (I think about £25) but the quality is great and because I spent more I really take good care of it.

Next is my wicker bag which is on the left hand side.  I picked this up at a market in Mexico and its so pretty!  Its more structured than I would normally go for but its like nothing else I have and it carries so great memories from when I was in Mexico.  Obviously I can't give you a link to the market online but there are lots of lovely wicker bags on Ebay which I have linked here.

Next up... scarves...

I have quite a lot of scarves and last year in the Spring I had a real cull so my collection is now quite pared down.  I spent all Winter (and the last couple of months) wearing thick woollen scarves so now its slightly warmer I am going to delve back in to my scarf box and I'll be wearing these lovelies. They are all of a lightweight material and "spring- appropriate" if you know what I mean.  I'll describe them left to right.

The first scarf is from Forever 21 and I brought it last year in Austria.  It was a real impulse buy (it was by the checkout) and I am so happy that I picked it up.  I love the Aztec print in light colours and it has a bobble trim in all different colours so it has a little twist to it.

The next two were presents but I do know that the darker blue floral print is from H&M.  I love the print, I think its so springtime.  The leopard print/ tiger print scarf is gorgeous too and very pretty.  I think the colour combination is unusual.  There are plenty of leopard print scarves out there.  Have a look at these on Ebay.

The next two scarves are from Avon.  They are quite different to each other- the first is red with little heart butterflies on it.  I think I would style this in to a nautical inspired outfit and the other is a soft ombre in pinks and purples.  They have both now been discontinued :( which is a real shame but I am pleased that I snapped them up when I had the chance.  

Lastly... shoes!

These two pairs could not be more different if they tried.  I got these dark pink high heels from New Look a couple of years ago for a wedding.  They are SUPER high and I look like a giant in them but they are so cute that I don't mind.  Can you see the little ruffles on the back?  They are getting a bit grubby which is a real shame.  Its one of the downsides of satin shoes :(.  But I will wear them until they fall off!  

Then the opposite to the pink heels... my yellow Converse.  I have found a pair of these in Office reduced to £15- bargain!!  The link is here- check them out.  Mine aren't from Office- my friend Emma was having a wardrobe clear out and knows how much I love Converse all stars so she gave them to me.  Thank you Emma- you're the best!!  She gave them to me when I was having a really rubbish day and they made my week!  I think the colour is a really nice Spring colour and I've worn these already with my Shaper jeans.  (Check out yesterdays post if you don't know what Shaper jeans are- they will change your jean life!)

There are a couple more accessories that I really want to get soon- I want a couple of neon skinny belts that I can pop on to cinch in the waist and add a pop of colour and I always buy new flip flops every year as I wear them to death every summer.  I want a silver and gold pair with little rhinestones on them but I haven't seen any yet.  Probably because most people are wearing boots still!

So those are all the accessories that I'll be wearing this Spring.  What are you wearing?  Comment down below.

I hope you enjoyed this post and thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

Casual Friday: Jenny's Shaper Jeans

Hello everyone.

Today I want to show you the best jeans I've ever had.... the New Look Shaper Jeans.

Why I love these is probably given away by the name- they give you a great shape.  

You can view the whole Shaper range here and they are a bargainous £15 to £22.99.  

I've been wearing mine today out on my deliveries.

What's your favourite pair of jeans?  Comment down below.

Thanks for reading.

Jen xoxo

P.s Sorry for the upside down shot.  I had no happy helpers to take my picture today!