From Couch to 5K Week 2 and 3

On 13th May I did a post on my latest app purchase "NHS Couch to 5K" and how my first week went. I explained in that blog how much I disliked running and how hard I personally find it to run for anything more than a bus (and even then I pant for at least 5 minutes after). Well, my first week went well and I was really impressed with the app.

 

Today I completed Week 3 and am heading for Week 4 on Monday. I struggle with running, and often see photos of people running long distances saying how hard they first found it. I still doubted myself but decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.

 

Stick with this app. I know it is hard and I really struggle running but it gives me a focus. Laura talks through the app motivating you and giving you little tips which really help.

 

The Weeks consist of Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 and it is suggested you do this app with a rest day in between. I have to admit that I have been repeating the days 5 days a week as I have found myself slightly addicted. I never thought I would ever say that about running but it honestly gives you a sense of achievement and makes you smile (running can actually make you smile!).

 

Week Two

This entailed the following, which was repeated on Day 2 and Day 3:

• Brisk 5 minute warm up walk
• 90 seconds of running alternated with 2 minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes
  
  
  

  
  

I do the app on a treadmill as I after I have completed the run I then do weights which helps with my weight loss journey. I know how hard it is to get on the treadmill when others around you are running faster and for longer but once you have your headphones in you don't notice them. You are there to get fit so forget everyone else. I know it is hard but when I get nervous I just think of how far I have come in just a few weeks. Plus they are in their zone too so stay motivated.

 

Week Three

This was scary for me as it meant I would be running for 3 minutes and this just felt like such a challenge. I was really worried I would have to stop but even though you feel out of breath and your legs ache you must keep going. The app has been designed by the NHS and follows a programme. Stick with it and you will feel the benefits. After 2 1/2 minutes I was struggling but I kept going and just stared at the screen on the treadmill. By doing this I forgot about running or the timing and just kept going. 

 

In Week 3 I completed Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 doing the following:

• 5 minute warm up walk
• 2 repetitions of 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running and 3 minutes walking

I felt so proud of myself each time I did each day in Week Three and that is what motivates you to start the next week.

 

Also the app includes 'Laura Diary' so if you are struggling then read her journey. It keeps me motivated and reminds me that others feel the same I do.

 

Week Four entails running for 5 minutes which is again really scary but I feel that the app prepares you for the next stage so I will let you know how it goes.

 

A couple of people have asked me to show the weight loss over the past few weeks, and I will do at some point. Just not quite there yet :)

 

Have you tried the app? Maybe you have always wanted to be able to run but not been able to get the stamina? Get in touch :)

 

LJ xxx

 

Hen Party Organising (Part 2)

Following on from my post yesterday I wanted to give you some hints on how to plan the perfect hen party. The hints and tips that will make it stress free for you and will ensure that the bride to be has the best time and the hens love it too.

 

1. The Guest List

For any hen do you will need the Bride to give you a lost of who they want to invite. You can use email address, contact numbers or Facebook. In this case we used Facebook for main arrangements, plus a WhatsApp group for up to date info as it is much quicker. Remember this is a list of people the Bride is suggesting and they aren't your social circle (although you might know them) so you might not please everyone but as long as you do your best that is all you can do. I would suggest texting everyone first and asking the best way to contact them and once you get this back from everyone make a note and proceed that way. The overall opinion was WhatsApp so we went with a group chat on this which meant you could easily give everyone information. Don't add the Bride to this so you keep things a surprise

 

2. The Budget

Everyone has different lifestyles and this will mean everyone will have a different expectation of budget. Firstly, individually and not in the group chat to avoid embarrassment ask everyone what they are able to budget. Don't leave it so open that you get budgets that are completely different from everyone. I suggest something like "Hi ladies, I am going to start organising the hen do over the next few weeks and wanted to get an idea of budgets. I have a couple of suggestions up to £100; up to £150 and up to £200" This gives everyone the opportunity to be honest from the start. Make a note of this and then start investigating options. Remember it is unlikely everyone will be able to spend the same so don't panic and use this as a guide. From this you can suggest options and people can always extend their budget as long as it isn't a lot more than what they expected

 

3. Don't Go It Alone

Organising a Hen Do cannot be done by one person and it will mean lots of stress, however too many cooks can cause arguments. I would suggest one person finalises the main event (possibly maid of honour) and then you can involve other girls along the way. Perhaps, one person could do party games; another could finalise a club; one girl could sort out transport; and one could sort out fancy dress. This means everyone feels involved and it also means that one person isn't left with the whole responsibility. If the bride has more than one bridesmaid then it stops people feeling left out or like they don't matter

 

4. Pleasing the Bride To Be

The purpose of a hen party is for The Bride to have a fabulous time with her closest friends and family. You are not going to please everyone but your focus is her and it should be everyone else's too. Before you start organising get an idea of what the Bride To Be wants. For example, if her main focus is going out and getting drunk in fancy dress then you need to organise this first and then arrange everything else. If she wants a 'ladies day' then arrange the day plan first and go from there. It is all about prioritising and it will allow you to utilise the rest of the budget for adding in the extra parts that will make it even more special

 

5. The Location and Getting There

Most hen parties stay overnight somewhere, and some even stay over two nights. This will be determined by your budget and also whether all the girls are able to stay one or two nights. In our hen party one girl only came for the day and didn't stay over and we made allowances for this in terms of room allocations and what she paid.  Once you have decided the location look into rooms and the cost. We were staying over on a bank holiday weekend so we chose a hostel to save on money, so do remember to research this. It was also the semi final of the rugby so travelling there was a nightmare and the traffic was awful. This is something you should think about and make allowances, if this is the case then a train might be better to avoid long traffic jams. I would suggest offering the girls some options for stay, for example we were in a hostel that was a few miles out of town so relied on taxis. This also meant we were away from bars when we were there so it can affect the atmosphere so you need to think about things like this. If you are going to be out of town do you have alcohol you could take, what about food and games. A hotel in town may be more expensive but you will save on taxis and if people get ready before others they can always go on to a bar to save sitting around

 

6. Food

Remember at most hen parties there will be alcohol involved and it is easy to forget feeding everyone. The last thing you want is lots of drunk girls who by 5pm are ready for bed or being sick. We had afternoon tea during the day, which is really popular now for hen dos, but remember this isn't actually a lot of food and your girls will need feeding in the evening. Most hen dos are at the weekend so remember to book somewhere. I would suggest Pizza Express, Slug and Lettuce or Prezzo. They have wide menu choices and are not adverse to hen party bookings so if a few willy straws are on the table they wont cause too much of a problem

 

7. Dress Code

Our Bride To Be wanted fancy dress and she is marrying an Australian so that was the theme. You need to find this out first and decide what you are going to do in terms of fancy dress. I get married in August and I have specified no fancy dress to my bridesmaids, however fancy dress isn't allowed in some places so double check when booking. Also remember to allow for this in your budget. Don't make it too complicated and use websites like eBay for cheaper alternatives for fancy dress. Also think about whether your hen party can provide things to assist with the fancy dress which will help with the budget. We worse Floral dresses to the afternoon tea, and most girls already had them so it saved on money

 

8. Itinerary

The day needs to run smoothly so do an itinerary and tell the girls what the plan is. This needs to be something to follow but don't stress about timings if you don't have too. A good example is:

 

1pm - Afternoon Tea

 

3pm - Bars

 

6pm - Go Home and Get Changed

 

7pm - Table books for dinner

 

10.30pm - Guest list at a club

 

Remember that if you are staying out of town you need to allow for taxis. I really suggest booking a table at a restaurant for the evening, as we had pizzas at the hostel and it meant that we had no structure for getting ready. If we knew we had an hour to get changed it would have meant that some of the girls weren't sat around waiting for those that took longer

 

9. Don't Forget About You

You have done all you can and the girls will have a great time. The last thing you want is to spend the day stressing about it going wrong. I suggest giving everyone an intinary of timing so they know the plan and don't stress if they take longer in the bar etc. You cannot babysit everyone and they will soon sort themselves out once they see they are late for things. Your main concern is the Bride but if she gets to drunk then don't panic as everyone else can help too. You have spend money as well so make sure you have a good time as well. You cannot control everything so don't worry. It will be fine and you will have done a fab job

 

Have you arranged a hen party recently? How did it go?

 

LJ xx

 

Hen Party Organising (Part 1)

On Saturday 6th June one of my oldest friends is getting married. After going to school together we went on to attend the same university and went and explored South East Asia together.

 

 

 

She has seen me go through my emo stage - where my height of fashion was pink buffalo boots, Marilyn Manson hoody and pigtails. I was never really popular with the boys and I cant think why. During university she partied hard with me at student nights and I think most nights ended with dancing to the Baywatch theme tune (standard uni tune). After finishing university we decided to go travelling together and we left with our backpacks and a bag full of Primark vests and skirts. Four months later and we were still going strong until my bank card got stolen and I had to come home. She carried on though like a trooper. We are now both getting married this year and will be bridesmaid for each other so this weekend we went to Bath for her hen do celebrations and I was in charge of party bags and games.

 

Have you been on a lot of hen dos and now suddenly you are in charge of the finishing touches and not sure what to do? Here is how I put together a little something for the hens.

 

 

 

1. The Party Bag

I went with a brown paper bag which can be purchased from here Brown Paper Bags and I chose medium size so as I could get everything in but also be able to transport them easily. By having brown paper bags it meant I could personalise them myself by individually stamping each bag.

 

Getting married this year means I have invested in an alphabetical stamp which you can purchase here for £7.99 70 Piece Stamp and the rubber stamps you can buy from WhSmith or find them on eBay for £1.99. I chose to stamp the bags with 'Charlies hen do' however you can pick anything you want. I added small pink hearts in pink pen with baby feet on one as one of the girls is pregnant so her party bag was slightly tailored.

 

I also added some cute little brown kraft tags that I found here Love Brown Kraft Tags and they had two different styles. You could add the name of the person to the back of the tags but I chose to use something else for this so they were more of just an extra crafty accessory.

 

 

 

2. Badges

I wanted everyone to have their own hen badges but I really don't like the loud pink and red ones you can buy in the shops. We were going to be having afternoon tea at The Pumps Rooms in Bath so I wanted something that wasn't as garish. I found these on eBay and they were really lovely and all the girls commented on them Hen Party Badges You can add what their names are of all the hens and I even added "bridesmaid" etc to them to make them ever more special. They are pastel coloured and have small hearts on them so they really do look cute. I attached these to the front of the bags so everyone knew whose was whose

 

3. What to include

• 

  Games : You don't want to spend the whole evening playing games as the result will be that the bride ends up very drunk and possibly going home early. I included a Mr and Mrs quiz, plus some dare cards which could involve everyone. The Mr and Mrs quiz I ordered online and was only £3.99 Hen Party Quiz and then asked the groom to be the questions before hand. You could make these yourself and find the questions online however to save time I just ordered them straight from online. These questions were stored in a big envelope marked TOP SECRET and every time she got a question wrong she had to drink. 

 

Ideally she got a mixture of questions right and wrong so she was comfortably drunk but not paralytic. The dare cards can be bought online (again I got them from eBay) and I put a bundle in everyone's bags. They were great for in the club and ensured all the girls were involved in the fun

  

 

• Willies : My bride to be requested lots of tack so we had a good balance. Inside were willy straws for all the girls to use and glow in the dark ones were also provided for in the club. You could also add shot glasses and sashes if you wanted, however I chose to do badges instead and the bride to be had a nice big sash to wear for the evening. I did put in some whistles that were pink and feathery and were awesome in the club. I found myself thinking I was at a rave

 

• Cakes : I love cake and everyone that knows me knows I love cake. Cake of all types. I am not fussy so I had to add some cake somewhere. I found these cute boxes on eBay (insert link) as well as these really cute cake toppers which arrived the next day (insert link). After tracking down some fairy cakes in Sainsburys' for under a £1 I iced them with some icing sugar and water and added the cake topper. These were a hit with the girls and great when you have had a little bit to drink

 

• Sweets : Fill the bag with some sweets as they are great for the morning, plus you can get big bags from Poundland and they give people something to munch on during the day. I chose Haribo and some chewy sweets
• Hangover Cure : You can buy these pre-made online however I saved money doing it myself and it meant they mirrored the rest of the style of the bag. I had some wedding favour bags which I was going to use for the wedding and now haven't. The link is here Silver Organza Bags but you could also use an envelope or some zippy bags. I also had some brown Kraft labels from the wedding left over so I stamped each one with "Hangover Cure" and put these inside. Each one had: Chewing gum, ear plugs, ibuprofen and a little chocolate bar
• Baby on Board : One of the bridesmaids is pregnant but don't panic as you can tailor the bag for them. I added in a rattle from Poundland and a dummy with a moustache on it, plus instead of the 'hangover cure' I changed it to 'baby on board' which had them same things inside

Organising a hen do is fairly stressful and I think any hints and tips are really good for making sure the bride and the hens have a great time. I was very lucky as one of the bridesmaids is pregnant so she did a lot of the organising, however stay tuned for "part 2" where I will give you some hints on how to make sure it runs smoothly and things to avoid.

 

LJ xxx

 

 

Superdrug Solait Holiday Glow

Saving for a wedding kind of sucks your holiday funding away from you so I have ben relying on fake tan for my summer glow over the last year. Don't feel too sorry for me though as I am jetting off on a fab honeymoon in the autumn.

 

I am a regular user of Palmers Cocoa Butter with its buildable tanning agent. This is a moisturising form of a fake tan and I will do a blog about this next week so I can talk you through the product in more detail.

 

Have you been recommended Superdrugs Solait Mousse? I have many times. I even had a lady suggest it is the best tan she has used and her job is fake tanning lovely people so I had to give it a go.

 

Superdrug has two variations of this product: Light and Medium/Dark and both of them are what they call "wear off " tan. They are priced at £6.99 and at the moment you buy one and get the second Solait product 1/2 price. I have posted the link here for you http://www.superdrug.com/Solait/

 

 

 

If you don't have a mitt to apply with then I suggest using the offer to purchase their Solait tanning foam glove. It will stop you having that dreaded orange hand and stops the tan sinking into your hand and not creating an even application to your body. The link is here http://www.superdrug.com/Solait

 

 

 

 

You can buys something similar from Primark, however I recommend this one personally as the Primark one is very flimsy and tears easily and I have found it does leak through onto the palm of my hand. To use just place your hand inside the glove and apply the mousse to the foam side then just massage into your skin.

After use just wash through and leave to air dry. They should last at least 6 weeks so you will get lots of use out of them. Don't worry about buying two either (like some people suggest) just swap hands.

 

The Solait Mousse Tan Review

As with every time I fake tan I shower first and as normal I did it in the evening to ensure I got the deepest tan overnight. I exfoliated using my Primark exfoliating gloves which are 99p and I ensure I pay close attention to my elbows and knees. Just small circular movements to make sure that the tan does not gather in those areas.

 

After fully drying myself I then apply moisturiser to my elbows, knuckles, wrists, ankles, knees and toes. I will be honest I don't normally do this but for this I did and it did help with even application.

 

I then pumped one pump worth of the mousse onto the mitt and applied over the top half of my body. 

This is for sake of this review so I can show you the difference in colour. After covering from my chest area up I didn't put on any form of top for 30 minutes to ensure it was fully dry. I would recommend this but if it isn't possible then a baggy strappy top would be fine.

 

An hour later I was in bed.

 

I wanted to keep this review true to what I would normally do and also who ahs time to walk around basically butt naked for 4 hours to let it dry evenly? If you do, then can I swap lives with you please?

 

The results

Firstly, what about your bed linen? Well I took a photo of the results of sleeping in the tan and I can say that this isn't that bad for a tan. Wow when I used to use Fake Bake the results were much worse. I can also assure you that I washed my bed linen and everything came out cleanly so you are good to go.

 

Secondly, what were the colour results? Did I look like I had spend 3 weeks in Barbados lying on the golden sand and hearing the sound of waves gently rippling around my feet (sorry I lost myself then). Anyway, once awake I took a photo of my arm next to my leg. The difference is very noticeable and my pale leg is very pale. 

Yes this is normal and yes I am practically see through. Good job the weather wasn't that nice so I didn't have to get the ol' pins out. This colour is darker as in order to get the true colour you need to have a shower.

 

 After showering the colour is slightly lighter and to be honest I would probably put another coat on as I don't feel quite TOWIE enough. This is a natural glow though and my skin felt really soft.

I also had no streaks and I even applied it to my face to see if it left it dry and it didn't. Massive win from me. Fake Tan can be so drying so it is great to find one that isn't.

 

I applied this tan on Sunday and it is now Thursday. My tan has worn off evenly and I have no streaks or patches. Most tans wear off with awful discoloured patches and become really dry and flaky.

 

I will definitely be using this tan again for this weekend. My best friends hen party warrants a bit of tannage.

 

I rate this Solait Medium/Dark Mousse 9/10

 

LJ xxx

 

 

Style Choice for Wedding Post Celebrations

With pay day nearly upon us it would be rude not to start shopping online for where we are going to spend our hard earned cash.

 

I have a busy month next month as my best friend if getting married and I am one of the bridesmaids. Hooray! In all the celebrations I need a new outfit for the day after party. Investigations have started and shopping basket is full, and here is my look:

 

Lincoln Loafers (Topshop) £32

These are a beautiful suede shoe that is really soft and perfect for keeping your feet warm as the night draws in and cool for those hot summer days. They are coming the weather man has promised! These are from Topshop and are perfect for dressing up and dressing down. I find loafers uncomfortable but these felt really comfy and they are a staple item http://www.topshop.com

 

 

 

 

Petite Blue Tile Slim Leg Trousers (New Look) £19.99

I love these as they are great for work and for social events. This style of trouser I can dress up with a nice oversized shirt and heels or dress down with some flats and a cut top. At only £19.99 I think they are a bargain and I love the print! http://www.newlook.com

 

 

 

Structured Tee in Baby Pink (Motel) £12 WAS £35

I cannot believe this is only £12 and students get 20% which is a bargain. I think this would look great with jeans too and a pair of converse. The material isn't too heavy that you over heat and start sweating by the BBQ but it is also not flimsy so as the night gets cooler you are hunting down a blanket to hide your goosebumps http://www.motelrocks.com 

 

 

 

Cream Stipe Tassel Beach Bag (River Island) £37

I saw this bag on River Islands Instagram a while back and have been talking about it ever since. I love it. I am not a huge fan of River Island being written all over their bags and wallets, however I love the design of this bag and I love the colour. This will look great at this celebration, but I can also take it on honeymoon with me to wear with jeans and a white shirt as we hang out by the beach http://www.riverisland.com

 

Have spotted some perfect BBQ outfits or new arrivals online? Let me know

 

LJ xxxx

The F.A.M.E. Team Shoot With ghd

Rain did not dampen my day today. The gale force wind that turned my umbrella inside out could not turn my smile into a frown. Why? Because today was shoot day. 

I made my way to London this morning and bounced up Oxford Street to The GHD Studios. Down in the basement were the fabulous Fame Team from The Fellowship.  This Team are incredible. The talent they have has been developed by opportunities provided by The Fellowship and they are able to work with the industry's finest. I feel honoured just being there observing. 

Firstly I feel I should introduce the rest of the team from today:

Joining The Team was Andreas from GHD who was on hand to support The Team and the shoot. He has such a vast knowledge and a wealth of knowledge. 

Introducing the photographer, David Mannah, who exudes professionalism. All the way from Australia this guy is pretty awesome.  Check him out here http://www.davidmannah.com

Next up, Bernard Connelly who I just simply think is wonderful. As a stylist he is one of a kind and you will have seen much of his work without probably even realising. See what he does here http://www.bernardconnolly.com

And Krystle was on hand for beautiful makeup to compliment the hair. Shoots can be so stressful and I really saw a sense of teamwork from everyone. See more from Krystle here http://www.krystleg.com 

Being on a shoot like this reminds you of the passion that drives this industry. The hair looked effortless and that was conveyed by how The Team approached each look. It is so important to know your vision to be able to execute it and they knew. I even got involved with passing up and holding styling equipment, although I don't know if I was assistance or hindrance. 

The GHD Studios are pretty swish. You arrive to a vast building in Soho, London and you are surrounded by fantastic tools and bespoke interiors. 

I was educated in my first casting day that "straughteners are not just straighteners" anymore. You can tong with them and create so much more. The guys showed me how versatile  things are and more importantly how prep contributes so much to the finish. Next time try flicking your hair at the ends with your GHDs or curl the ends to create some movement. Just remember to use heat protection first and a hairspray to set the hair. A brush can assist for creating a softer look if you don't want the curl too defined. 

Today was a great day and I felt just as welcome as at the casting day. Having only been in my role 7 weeks I already feel part of The Fellowship family. 

Are you dying to see the images? Can't wait to see what the concept is? 

Follow me to keep updated :) 

LJ xxxx

Afternoon Tea with the WOW Factor

Ironically I am currently on a get in shape mission for my wedding in August, however I also love Afternoon Tea and I wanted to share some of my favourites with you. It's an ideal read for anyone planning a special occasion made better with cakes, tea and sandwiches. These are my favourite four for the perfect celebration and have that wow factor.

1. Roman Bath Pump Rooms, Bath Spa 

I was lucky enough to be taken here as a surprise for my birthday last year and I wasn't disappointed. Seated in a beautiful hall surrounded by wonderful architecture and with a pianist playing it really was special. Afternoon tea is served from 2.30-5pm and you do need to book a table as it gets really busy. We chose the Celebration Tea and bubbles which was £37, but there is other options available including Searcys Champagne Tea priced at £30. This is an ideal suggestion for Mother's Day or a birthday surprise with the girls. It was quite noisy so I was pleased we were seated on the outside so it wasn't as loud or feel quite so crowded. 

The pastries were lovely, and they regular came round to ask if we wanted a top up of tea or coffee. The fresh fruit tart was my favourite and I sneakily ate two before my boyfriend had chance. We were there for the weekend so after tea we went to the baths themselves and they were amazing although I do feel silly when my boyfriend realised I had my swimming costume with me. Wrong spa! For more details on afternoon tea here visit http://www.romanbaths.co.uk

2. Fawsley Hall, Northampton

As one of the amazing hotels offered by handpickedhotels.co.uk the setting is a beautiful country house set in 2000 acres of formal gardens. It boasts 2 rosettes for their dining so afternoon tea there filled me with high hopes. My mother and I chose The Knightley Afternoon Tea at £23.50, and again there are plenty of other options including a young guests afternoon tea which I haven't seen at many places. The presentation is slightly different and although looks beautiful it isn't your traditional three tier stand. The pastries do alter but we were treated to a lovely lemon curd pastry with a soft mousse filling and a curd like topping which was amazing. The only criticism would be that you cannot book The Great Hall (pictured) and seating is allocated on the day with no guarantee of location. The day was beautiful so we were outside in the patio garden, which was our choice and it made for a lovely afternoon. 

The hotel offers gardens which you can explore and walk off your cakes, as well as hotel and spa facilities. I just love the overall feel and look of Fawsley Hall and I am going back for a mother and mother in law wedding celebration prior to the big day. Click here to see more http://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk   

3. Ruston Hall, Northamptonshire

This really is speculator and my favourite setting for a Traditional Afternoon Tea. Rushton Hall is a picturesque house situated in grounds comprising of groomed gardens and even tennis courts. The Tea is served in The Great Hall amid old paintings, grand features and on huge sofas. 

For £25 per person you are treated to an exceptional array of pastries that provide a selection of tastes suitable for everyone. I was concerned when booking that it suggests only 90 minutes is allocated per seating but this was more than enough time and we didn't feel pressured at all which is important during the experience. We made a girly day of it and stayed over with use of the spa. The hotel do a Sunday Special offer so if you are able to I really recommend combining the two. This is what an afternoon tea should be and I wasn't disappointed. Visit http://www.rushtonhall.com 

4. The Sanderson, London

The Afternoon Tea of all photographed Afternoon Teas. I think Instagram is full of this Alice In Wonderland inspired offerings from The Sanderson, which is priced at £48. I was lucky enough to go for a good friends 40th and seated in the conservatory it was a light and summery setting. The seating plan means that although it is very busy you don't feel crowded and the service is incredible considering how crazy it must get. The selection of tea is more than I have seen and I went adventurous and chose an Apple Pie Tea, however when I stated I didn't like it they offered me a second choice to ensure I enjoyed the experience. Everything is thought of and the jewellery box for sugar and the plates with cute designs add to the whole concept. Tip from me would be to save the "drink me" bottle until last because it is amazing! Great idea for a big birthday celebration with friends and don't forget the camera. If you want to know more  visit https://www.morganshotelgroup.com 

Have you been to a fabulous afternoon tea? Let me know about it please as I will venture far and wide for scones :) 

LJ xxx

Top 5 Passport Holders ready for Summer Holidays

We haven't had much sunshine yet so if you are going away for some sunny rays then you need to do it in style. I have picked out my top 5 passport covers from those around. I can't have you looking fab in your travelling outfit, that if you are like me was decided three weeks before, but without a fashionable treat for your passport.

 

Aspinal Neon Pink Passport Cover £45.00

This has already been awarded "best quality" by The Sunday Telegraph and now awarded one of my top favourites. Another pretty bit award. It is made of Italian calf leather so feels really soft and easy to clean if you have a slight spillage of your travel size moisturiser for the flight. The inside is lined in silk so your passport will be kept in pristine condition and there is even an extra inside pocket for your boarding pass. You can make it even more special by having a small engraving at the bottom for no extra charge. This is perfect for the ultimate accessorising, as well as honeymooners for the perfect airport gift for the new Mr and Mrs (which will be me in August) Click here for more info http://www.aspinaloflondon.com/

 

 

 

Not On The High Street Passport Cover £14.95

I spend a lot of time on Not On The High Street as it is great for birthday party accessories and my upcoming wedding decorations. This handmade passport cover is linen which can be gently sponged clean if it gets dirty. The drawing on the front is cute and I love the fact it is embroidered freehand with the word "fly". You can also benefit from free delivery and free gift wrapping so it makes a perfect gift (even if it is to yourself as everyone loves opening a present). Click here for more info https://www.notonthehighstreet.com

 

 

 

Paperchase Passport Cover £6
This passport cover is too cute with the little featured Chloe Owl design. This summery accessory is a coated canvas so can be wiped clean, which helps keep the pale blue/grey background clean during all your trips abroad. You can benefit from free delivery if you spend over £25 which is so easy for me to do on Paperchase, however you could also get it delivered to store for free. Click here for more details http://www.paperchase.co.uk/

Cath Kidston Passport Cover Was £8 now £6
I couldn't not have a look at Cath Kidstons array of Passport Covers. Although I was disappointed with the choice I think this is a really cute cover and they are so easy to keep clean. I have always have Cath Kidston passport covers as I can always match my travel document wallet with them. I am over anal about things like that. This spotty passport cover will definitely have you looking ready for summer and it is even in the sale for that extra bargain. Click here for more details http://www.cathkidston.com/

Liberty London Passport Cover £75
This is for the big spenders who want something beautifully crafted and unique. Hand printed in Italy with a leather trim and logo stamped interior it definitely has the wow factor. Inspired by
"the much-loved Liberty Ianthe design, Iphis is a modern re-working with a fresh Art Nouveau-style finish. Paying homage to the Ianthe of Greek mythology, Iphis is named after her lover in the legend." I think this is a great addition for your summer travels and will be timeless. Click here for more details http://www.liberty.co.uk/

Wherever you are going on holiday do it in style and accessorise with impact.

Seen something you like let me know :)

LJ xx

It really is LUSH

Over ten years ago, I needed a job in university summer holidays. My home town in Stratford-upon-Avon didn't really have many 'cool' places to work, and seen as I needed to keep up my street cried I applied to work at Lush. I remember walking in rocking a ripped denim skirt, and leggings underneath, thinking I looked so uber trendy. Those photos have now been archived! 

After an awesome interview, I started my new job. Okay so people refrained from sitting by me on the bus, and my clothes constantly smelt of soap, but it was better than waitressing in my eyes. For anyone who has ever worked in Lush, you will know that feeling when you get asked "how do you cope with the smell?" I mean honestly if I worked in a chip shop would you ask me the same question? I smell clean!!!! What's the problem? 

I went on to work part time when I returned to university, and the Oxford store had a slightly different vibe. However, we had some epic tunes on the playlist, and aside from risking your life when you went to the stock room, it was awesome! 

Honestly, I am not a Lush worshipper. Nothing against those that adore the products, but some made my skin greasy and the bubble baths were a pain to clean off the bath. However, there are three products I adore and can't live without. If you haven't tried Lush before (probably because the smell over powers you) then consider these. More importantly if you wear black eyeliner particularly MAC long lasting liquid line, or you have really dry skin then I fully recommend these three products. 

Ultra bland £7.25

Okay, if you don't read anything after this then at least you heard about Ultrabland. It is awesome at removing eye makeup and heavy foundation without drying out your skin. It contains beeswax so it doesn't make your skin feel tight, or like you just sucked all the moisture out of your face. Effectively Ultrabland doesn't strip away your natural oils. Best way to use it: mix pea sized amount with some water and massage into my skin. To remove I use two cotton wool pads with warm water. Remember to be gentle around your eyes as I don't want anyone blaming me for wrinkles. You have been warned. Oh and a quick tip: use super drugs own cotton wool pass as they are always on offer and they don't leave clumps of cotton wool attached to your eye lashes which takes minimum of an hour to remove while squinting into the bathroom mirror. 

Eau Roma Water £7.95

This is simply a rose water toner that is so gentle and soothing that your sensitive skin would kiss you if it could. Got time to use a toner? Yes! Everyone does. A toner reduces pores and balances out the skin. It also ensures all makeup is removed so you feel refreshed. How to use it: Spritz onto one of those awesome cotton pads I told you about and wipe around your face. Firstly, it feels amazing and secondly 

Skin Drink

A moisturiser that makes my skin feel soft and not flaky, and I don't need to get a loan to buy it. It's main ingredient is sesame oil , and the colour does suggest it's contained. The rose water infusion soothes the skin too so awesome if you have sensitivity. I can't thank this product enough for stopping me looking like an extra from Godzilla with my scaley face. I got greasy face envy, and that is never good. I use this at night and in the morning.

After cleansing and TONING I apply a 50 pence piece size amount to my face and massage in slightly. In the morning I use half of this amount, and then leave a couple of minutes before starting the makeup routine.

So, cover your nose and embrace the black pots and the over enthusiastic faces and go in. You won't regret it! Plus those enthusiastic faces aren't fake...they genuinely love the company and their job which I find endearing. 

LJ xx