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☾ ☆ UK Glossybox Review | March 2015☆☽

Body Image, My Story

Body image is something that is heavily scrutinized by the media and it's consumers. It is apparent that we now have such a warped idea of what healthy really is. One thing that bothers me a great deal is skinny shaming. It seems to be far more acceptable to make a person feel bad because they are thin, alternatively women are more likely to defend each other if they are overweight. Don't get me wrong i'm not promoting weight loss at all but i'm saying both are equally dangerous when taken to the extreme. The thing that bothers me is that the people or celebrities that so often grace the covers of those magazines are rarely near these extremes. It is important to understand that people have different natural body shapes and types, these change through age and circumstances but health can't always be depicted by how someone looks.

I don't often talk about serious matters in the world but body image is something that hits home for me. When i was in my late teens i developed an eating disorder, it wasn't something i consciously did, i wasn't trying to loose any weight and i never thought i was fat or ugly, it just sort of happened. I was busy with two jobs and college which left me very little time at all to eat food. My weekly diet literally consisted of cheese sandwiches and noodles, nothing else, no fruit and nothing nutritious. I went from a size 12 to a size 8 i was 5'6" and weighed 8st, it may not sound drastically thin but i was pushing my usually muscular frame to its limits. Even when i had time for food i just didn't want it, i developed feelings of anger towards food. I didn't want to cook it and i would only want to eat very specific things. During the summer of 2009 i blacked out whilst walking to work, i was lucky that there were people around to help me. I remember being slumped against a wall with people around me, i couldn't hear anything and everything looked hazy. It was a terrifying experience and one which happened several more times until i realised i had to change my relationship with food. Although my weight loss was constantly pointed out to me by my family, boyfriend and friends it never seemed obvious to me. Now when i look back at old pictures the difference still surprises me, i had and still have very large breasts, i didn't feel underweight because i still had fat on my body. I felt constantly weak and dizzy and very rarely felt happy, it was like living in a constantly dazed state. I rediscovered my love for cookery and my recovery took off from there, planning meals ahead so i would have time to prepare healthy food full of nutrients. My weight soon came back along with my bottom (my mum always pointed out i had no bottom anymore) and plenty of energy. I haven't had a blackout since and while i'm back to my slightly overweight (for my build) size 12  i am happy in the knowledge i am now eating more healthily than i ever have. It feels strange to write this for people who i have never met before but i hope it gives you a different perspective on health and body image. It's not the image you see before you, it's more the feelings that you are experiencing, if you are healthy things just feel right. Having a good balance of diet and exercise really is key, i go to an indoor climbing centre because it is a workout that i enjoy. Finding fun ways to improve your strength and fitness are important if you want to change your body and mind for the better. I wanted to share my story because i understand that in a past post about body image i expressed some strong opinions without explaining why i feel this way. I just hope that my post can impact some of you. Weather it encourages you to be more positive about your body or inspires you to exercise or even if it changes the way you look at body image. Thank you all for reading =^_^=

Last Minute Valentines Gifts

It happens, Valentine's Day isn't exactly a memorable date for a lot of men but fear not, here are a few last minute ideas to show your pretty lady how you feel. I would advise you to steer clear of petrol forecourt flowers and tacky valentine teddy bears. Here are some of my top affordable last minute gifts.

Laduree Macarons £13.60 for a box of 8- Laduree

Chocolates at valentines day is such a cliché, iv'e never been the roses and chocolate kind of girl anyway. Macaron's are far more elegant, beautiful and full of the most delicious flavours. Laduree happen to be my favourites although i only get to buy them when i am visiting London. I think this makes them all the more special when i buy a box. These are definitely a little luxury which makes them perfect for a gift, and perfect if your love's heart lies in Paris.

Wick & Tallow Sandalwood and Rose Candle £35- John Lewis

Candles are often under looked as gifts and frankly i have no idea why. They look beautiful, smell beautiful and set the perfect romantic atmosphere. I'm in love with these Wick & Tallow candles, the black and brightly coloured waxes scream luxury. They come in a variety of exquisite fragrances, some more romantic than others. Plus if your girlfriend doesn't like candles she probably has no soul!

Perfume Bible by Josephine Fairley £9.99-Tk Maxx

Here's one for perfume lovers everywhere, this would make a great accompaniment along with her favourite fragrance. The bible is written by fragrance experts and contains the history of fragrance along with some information about some iconic perfumes.

Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts are always great, even if you aren't the best chef or craftsmen it will still show her you care, plus if your gift looks a mess it will humour you both. I like to bake something on valentines day, cookies and cupcakes make nice gifts. If you are a bad baker you can always purchase a few items from a supermarket and put together a bouquet of tasty goodies. I made this using a cheap plant pot, styrofoam, kebab skewers. I skewered some home made mini cupcakes among some artificial flowers and heart shaped lollipops. Add a little ribbon for a finishing touch and you are all done. 

                       

Treasure Hunting at TK Maxx

I adore Tk Maxx, it's an Aladdin's cave, walls full of different jewels and rarities. Perusing the aisles i feel like i'm hunting for treasure (I was almost certainly a pirate in my last life). It take's a little practice and sometimes a few visit's a month but you will soon be able to sort the gem's from the rocks. Tk Maxx often have designer items marked as Gold Label, the more desirable designers are usually reserved for online purchases however i have seen Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren items in store. I have been buying bits and pieces for my future home and thought i would share some of my favourite finds with you from the last few weeks. Whilst Tk Maxx has some great beauty and fashion finds they also stock some unusual homeware items too. I will have my own blogging/ dressing room which we have been calling my bat cave. I plan to fill it with all kinds of curiosities and halloween related objects, in a glamorous way of course.

My first purchase was this fantastic two tiered cake stand, i needed one to replace an old broken one and this one is a perfect design. I plan to use it to either display jewellery pieces or makeup in a classy yet creepy way. This would look perfect placed on a dressing table or a small cabinet of curiosities. It would also be lovely for some Halloween treats or an Alice in Wonderland inspired picnic among the woodland. I paid £12.99 for this cake stand which is really affordable for such an unusual design.

I couldn't believe my eyes when i uncovered this treasure, it was literally made for me. Gargoyles and glitter in a globe, imagine my surprise. I found it just before Christmas so it fit in perfectly with my other goth Christmas goodies. It looks beautiful next to my dressing table and adds a little gothic glamour with its pretty glitter snow. This was also £12.99

The next items were purchased for the living room, we want to style it in a nautical way. As we live on the coast it is a big inspiration for us and we plan to use some beach finds to add a more personal touch. We found a stack of beautiful salt rock coasters, i collected salt rocks as a child, i always thought they were precious gem stones. I know these will look great and look a little more interesting than some boring wooden or cork ones. I paid £4.99, it may seem a little pricey for coasters but they are such great quality and super pretty too.

My final item is something i have been on the lookout for quite some time. I have lusted after them online but they are pricey and a little too fragile for me to feel safe ordering in the post. Could it be more perfect for displaying curiosities? Maybe a taxidermy piece, an interesting skull or something a little more contemporary like candles or jewellery. Tk Maxx are also fab for affordable candles, we bought some gorgeous wood wick reindeer candles at Christmas. The glass dome contains a few minor scratches but i like the idea of it looking old rather than new. I paid the bargain price of £14.99 for this find and have been having fun displaying different items. These can also be used to create moss terrariums.

Blindfolded Makeup Challenge with Pesky Peeves

When blindfolds were invented i'm not entirely sure this is what they had in mind. A clown inspired make up tutorial filmed with Gemma, it's clear to see that we both have envious make up skills, check it out, i promise it will make you laugh.

Elle World Exclusive: Benefit Roller Lash

Several weeks ago Elle magazine revealed they would be collaborating with Benefit to release a brand new mystery product before it goes on sale anywhere else in the world. I waited eagerly for the 28th of January so i could rush down to the shops and reveal the surprise myself. This brand new wonder product is "Roller Lash" mascara which is soon to be a cult beauty product following the success of  Benefit's "They're Real" mascara. 

The mascara is currently only available with Elle magazine, four weeks before it is released in Benefit stores. So what is going to make you purchase this mascara instead of others? The "Roller Lash" has a curved wand making it curl your lashes for a look that can only be rivalled by using eyelash curlers. It also has bristles that gently grip your lashes and elongate to give more length and volume.

The mascara definitely lengthens my lashes more than any mascara i have ever used. I did find that it left some of my lashes looking clumpy especially the lower ones. I think this is a great mascara although i will be using less of it next time, hopefully this will reduce any clumping. But for now i will be sticking to my favourite Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara.

Valentine Edit: Designer Date VS Low Cost Love Affair

Designer Date

Arriving at your valentines date you should be looking and feeling your best, seduce your man with a sexy cat eye and kiss proof matt red lips. Treat yourself to some of these designer treats, they will be sure to get his heartbeat racing.

1. Mac Fluidline #Blacktrack £15.00 (Maccosmetics.co.uk)

2. YSL La Laque Couture #1 Rouge Pop Art £18.50 (Boots.com)

3. Lulu Guinness Patent Lip Clutch £245 (luluguinness.com)

4. Lime Crime Velvetines #Suedeberry £13.50 (cocktailcosmetics.co.uk)

5. Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir 30ml EDP £40 (Boots.com)

Low Cost Love Affair

Who says money can't buy you happiness? These bargain beauties will have you feeling a million dollars with some spare change for a great date. A gorgeous cat eye and matt red lip can be pulled off on a budget too, add a studded bag for an edgy rock chic look. 

1. Collection Fast Stroke Liner #Black 1 £2.99 (Superdrug)

2. Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel #China Flower £6.49 (Boots)

3. Unbranded Studded Heart Shaped Bag £15.00 (eBay)

4.  MUA Luxe Velvet Lips #Reckless £3.00 (Superdrug)

5. DKNY Red Delicious 30ml EDP  £17.80 (perfume-click.co.uk)

Bargain Beauty: W7 In The Night Palette (Smokey Shades) Review

 Just before Christmas i signed up for a blogger beauty swap, with a budget of £20 bargain products became my new best friend. One of the items i included was the W7 In the night palette, which contains shades so beautiful i purchased one for myself. The packaging is nothing to write home about, it has the shape of a watercolour palette which is relatively common since the Naked 2 palette took the beauty world by storm. W7 palettes are essentially a more purse friendly Naked palette, compare the W7 nude palette and you'll see what i mean. But not being one for a natural look i was drawn to the more vibrant shimmery shades of the In The Night palette.

Each shade contains tiny particles of glitter making it the perfect evening palette with a some added glamour. The sheerness of each shade varies seemingly from light to dark, with some of the pale shades being almost completely sheer with just hints of glitter. The purple and pink shades are incredibly rich and pigmented which is impressive for such a cheap palette. 

Like most cheap eyeshadows they are bulked up using talc which means they are a little more powdery and delicate than your average shadow. However a gentle hand and a good quality primer will ensure you get the most out of this bargain beauty product. As the shadows are bulked up with talc fallout is inevitable. I did notice some fallout, both glitter and pigment although this was almost eliminated once i had used primer before application.

Shades from left to right

Dusty: Sheer dusky pink glitter

Wonderland: Sheer rose gold shimmer with white glitter

Summer: Sheer sparkly silver grey

Atlanta: White with a slight lilac shimmer

Abracadabra: Metallic grey tone lilac

Top Hat: Metallic blue based purple with pink sheen

Razzamataz: Similar to Top Hat although is more blue based and has pink glitter

Lady Luck: Rose shimmer with white and pink glitter

Laura E: Metallic copper with gold undertones

Party Pooper: Very sheer pearl shade

Gate Crash: Metallic grey shimmer with turquoise glitter

Bologna: Matt black with white glitter

I would highly recommend this palette for anyone new to makeup or for those looking for something a little more dramatic. It can be found for less than £5 and is easily available, i have seen it in Tk maxx and argos as well as plenty of online sites too. Have you tried any of the W7 palettes? Let me know what you think!

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Agent Provocateur VS L'Agent

I have been a huge fan of Agent Provocateur for a number of years, treating myself to at least one item of lingerie each Christmas. I could be wearing some ugly ripped jeans and a dirty t-shirt, but as long as I have AP lingerie underneath I feel like a goddess. I love their risqué designs, beautiful prints and luxurious fabrics, unfortunately they all carry a hefty price tag, fortunately they have a bi annual sale. This year my eye was caught by AP's L'agent collection, which has been designed by actress Penelope Cruz and sister Monica. L'agent Is geared toward a younger audience with a lower budget for lingerie and a passion for rebellion and adventure. L'agent is not available in AP stores but instead is sold on a separate website lagentbyap.com and by stockists such as selfridges and net-a-porter. Their designs range from innocent and romantic intimates to a pair of crazy looking neon leopard print suspenders. I decided to make a few purchases comparing the lovely lingerie designed by both Agent Provocateur and L'agent.

L'agent 

Vanesa Non Pad Demi Bra £55

Vanesa Mini Brief £30

My L'agent order came in a very unsuspecting brown box, upon opening, the inside of the box had a printed design, much like that of Selfridges parcels.

My lingerie was wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with a L'agent sticker, no fancy gift box or ribbon as are included with Agent Provocateur orders.

My lingerie was all separately wrapped in plastic, this seems unnecessary and looks cheap. However i do like the lingerie hangers included, these are not included with ordered AP lingerie.

The bra itself looks very pretty and the colour is true to that shown on the website. The lace is not as soft or well made as AP but that is to be expected with such a difference in price. I found that this bra in particular was sized slightly smaller than most 36DD's but it still looks good on and feels comfortable.

The briefs match nicely and the sheer panels look lovely with the lace. These again came up a little small in size but the only available pair were a size larger than i would normally buy so fit me perfectly.

I was skeptical about the support this bra would give as it has no padding however it gives great support and most importantly feels comfortable. 

Agent Provocateur

Lacey Bra £95

All AP lingerie comes in it's own box complete with ribbon, tissue paper and even an AP envelope containing your order details. Would you look at that box, so luxurious and perfectly ready to gift to a lucky lady.

The tissue paper is sealed with a sticker as are all L'agent products.

Here's a quick look at the bra. The lace is certainly of better quality than L'agent, it feels softer and more delicate than its cheaper counterpart. The colour is pretty and has a nice sheen to it.

The bra is a quarter cup, it's certainly not going to be your everyday bra, unless you are feeling super brave about your nipples showing through your clothing. The Lacey is far more comfortable than i had imagined it to be, the cups are soft and while small they still offer a good amount of support, which is unusual especially for larger sized quarter cup bras. I think the lace adds a little femininity to such a risque piece of lingerie. I love it, it's designs like these that make me go back to buying Agent Provocateur again and again.

I purchased both items over the Christmas period my L'agent order arrived quickly without any problems whilst my AP order was delayed considerably and i was informed another item i had ordered was actually out of stock.

Personally I prefer the designs of Agent Provocateur, with lashings of lace and creativity they never cease to inspire. L'agent is very different from my style, less sophisticated and unrefined however they do have some more high end looking pieces in the collection at a more purse friendly price. Agent Provocateur more geared towards professional women with disposable income, however now i have tested the goods i feel as though the difference in quality is minute considering the difference in price. So ultimately your choice rests on your style preference and your budget.

Who would you choose?

A New Year and a New Perspective

Happy New Year to all you beautiful wonderful people. January is a time that is both loved and loathed by so many of us. We love those big sales and the prospect of starting the year fresh and new, but loath the pressure of getting fit and losing that turkey tum. It's hard to have a positive body image during January especially with perfectly airbrushed celebrity's gracing the cover of every magazine and fitness DVD. I can luckily say that i have never gained weight over Christmas, i dislike chocolate which helps immensely. I feel that you can completely enjoy Christmas without over indulging, although if you do gain a couple of pounds you shouldn't feel pressured to lose weight. It is important to realize that thin doesn't necessarily mean healthy in the same way that curvy also does not mean unhealthy. One thing all those magazines neglect to tell you is that mental happiness is more important that your physical appearance. As someone who has previously been treated for a mental illness i can tell you that there are more important things in the world than celebrities and weight loss. It is important to realize that these people have personal trainers, stylists and this handy little thing called photoshop to get them looking perfect. As long as you are happy and healthy in your own skin you don't need those fitness video's, yoga pants or magazines telling you that you are ugly. 

I think a better new years resolution is to do something every single day that makes you feel happy and confident. This could be something as simple as having a bubble bath or as stupid as spending 10 minutes dancing around the house naked (yes i do this....). I like to really dress up for everyday chores such as grocery shopping, it makes me feel like a princess. Watching Poke'mon while taking a bubble bath also makes me pretty happy.

Personally i find my confidence comes in the form of my own style, if you were to put me in a pair of blue jeans, ugg boots and a shirt i just wouldn't feel like myself. My new years resolution is to always be me, regardless of weather people think i wear too much black or i wear too much makeup. I also believe that giving a compliment to a stranger once a day could make a person feel just a little happier with themselves . So to you all i wish you a truly very HAPPY 2015!

What things make you feel happy and confident? Let me know below!

What I Got For Christmas 2014 Video

A bizzare combination of a high end a makeup haul, Halloween haul and a whole load of random things. Thank you so much to my lovely friends and family for finding me so many lovely gifts (trust me i know it's not easy).