NUDE NAILS: LOOK FOR LESS - REVLON PERFECT PAIR (535)

For as long as I can remember I've always bitten my nails. I have tried every solution, cream and treatment going but nothing seems to work for me.  I was paying around £40 for a set at the salon, which would last me around 3 weeks. It was draining my bank account, appointments were hard to get hold of and I hated the health of my nails after they were removed. 

Being on a tight budget, but not wanting to stop looking and feeling good I thought I would try the Kiss 100 false nail set. These are not as long-lasting as an acrylic set, but when I'm in need of a short-term fix, need to make an impact or can't afford to go pro, these are my saviour!

I always gravitate towards nude because it works with any outfit and looks classy and chic. Below is how I achieve the salon look, but for less.

  

 

VACATION TIME: VALENCIA

I recently came back from a trip away to Valencia, and for the week that I was there it was non-stop. I went out with my family but joined my two friends on the last three days of my trip. (one lives out there, the other came out for his birthday)

Below are some of the places that I visited and highly recommend.


1. Ciutat Vella (old town)

This is where the main restaurants, shops, boutiques and cafes were. We went out in the old town most nights as it was a short walk from where I was staying, and it has the most choices when it comes to authentic Spanish food.

Throughout the week we ate a lot and by a lot, I mean...A LOT of tapas. My favourite dish was the Patatas Bravas, they are little fried potato gems of lusciousness smothered in a spicy tomato sauce, and believe me, they taste as good as they sound! (hence the half a stone weight gain when I returned). 






2. Plaza de la Reina/Plaza de la Virgin




One of the first places that my friends and I explored. We had some lunch down a small backstreet café and then when to the Cathedral, which was hands down my favourite tourist attraction. It was  amazing....Although, my friend decided to leave out that it would be a climb of 207 stairs in order to get to see the view!

The narrow staircase was horrid, it was one staircase for up and down. But it was worth it when we got to the top and saw the view over the city.

During the day we mainly came to the centre to look around. They don't have many clothes chain stores like we do in the UK, but they had Mango and Zara and loads of boutique and independent style shops - which only a pigeon can shop in as there sizing is ridiculous! One of my favourite shops I found during my visit was called Ale-Hop (pronounced alley hop) which sold clothes, notepads, jewellery and novelty gifts. I spent a fair few pennies in here!

At night we spent most of our time in bars and restaurants and found some nice places to eat and drink around Plaza de la Virgin and Reina. They were very lively and everything stayed open till early hours of the morning (even the bakery guy). We took a lot of pictures here because, as any selfie lovers will know lighting is key, and the lighting was 'on point' here.



3. Petit Bistro Terrace

This is a rooftop terrace bar that we spent our final night in. It has a relaxed and chilled atmosphere with sofas, bistro tables, fairy lights and soft music. The bar staff are really prompt with the service and the prices aren't anymore expensive than any other bars in the area.

4. Oceanographic Centre - Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències

This is Europe's biggest aquarium, which has over 45,000 different marine species. I never imagined it to be so interesting as it was, as I've been to other aquariums, which have the standard marine life in them. The marine park is set up to mimic the different seas around the world (Mediterranean, the polar seas and tropical seas.)


















The aquarium is home to fish, turtles, jellyfish, seals, sharks, rays, starfish, penguins, dolphins, seahorses, beluga whales, crocodiles and many more.

My favourite part was the underwater glass tunnel that's filled with tropical fish, rays and sharks. The tunnel links one area of the aquarium to another and allows you to see the rays and sharks swimming around.






5. BioParc


I am not a fan of zoos so this was one of my least favourite tourist attractions that I visited. I don't like the amount of space that the animals had to live in. This zoo was much bigger and the animals had more room to roam around.

Throughout the day we saw Leopards, lemurs, hyenas, lions, giraffes, gorillas, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, porcupines, ostriches, meerkats and elephants, which were my favourite as I got to see them up close and personal as it was their feeding time.

However, from my visit it hasn't made me re-think my dislike towards zoos.  I think the only way these animals should be seen is in their natural habitats or on open safaris. 

SPRING REVIEW: NYX, BOOTS AND PRIMARK

I went shopping a couple of weeks ago because I had my friends birthday and nothing to wear. (Lies, I had a full wardrobe, just didn't fancy wearing any of it!)

I didn't have the intentions of spending as much as I did, but things caught my eye and ended up in my basket. So, I thought I would review some products that I am loving and loathing at the moment.

NYX

 

 

 

Smokey Eye Shadow Palette
 

 

I bought this smokey eye-shadow palette a couple of weeks back and forgot to review it. I love walking around Boots - smelling all the perfumes, taking testers, talking to the NYX lady about new products and she introduced me to this palette.

I like all of the colours, which for me is normally the deal-breaker as there are always three or four that I don't use. (I'm sorry but who wants to wear yellow eyeshadow?)

They are really pigmented which means that you get fall out, but that's normal. The only downside to this product is that mine doesn't look this neat anymore. *sigh*

 

 

 

 

BOOTS

 

 

 Yes To 
 

If you read my blog regularly you will be aware of the recent post I wrote about parabens and chemicals used in our cosmetics..... No? click here

Since then, I have tried to make a few changes where I can to reduce all that yuckiness from my beauty routine.

This shampoo and conditioner smells clean, spa like and fresh - Although it does make me lust after a tuna sandwich when I use it. (don't even ask)

However, I thought this was going to be a new favourite and a full-time beauty product that I would use on the regs. Unfortunately, this makes my hair look limp and greasy before I've even blow dried it. I wouldn't recommend, so I'm back on the head and shoulders whilst I search for a new product.

 

 

PRIMARK

Low Heel Shoes
 

This was my lucky day, there they were, on the top shelf, the last pair staring at me.

I saw another girl eyeing them up too and took my chance, (playing dumb that she was interested in them.) I swooped on in, grabbed them off the top shelf (no tippy toes needed) and headed towards the checkout.

I didn't turn back to see her reaction, but I bet it involved a few fingers thrown my way!

I wore these in London as we were off out and we all know how pretentious London clubs are!

Most people probably love wearing heels when they are out but I'm 5"11 so I tower above most of my friends (including the guys) and they hurt my feet and make me grumpy. These however were the perfect shoe that allowed me to 'blend in' as they aren't too high.

I wore mine with a Bardot top and skirt and got compliments on my outfit and the shoes, instead of my height, which does my head in!

I would recommend them to people that commute to work, are tall like me or want to go from desk to date. The only downside is that mine came up a tad big for me, but the size smaller was too tight - which is an occurring problemo for me in Primark - and not just in shoes either.

Does anyone else have that issue too??

 

Seamless Footlets
 

Warm weather + closed shoes = NIGHTMARE! My feet get sweaty and make me feel gross all day. So, when I came across these little beauties I was so excited to try them out, and, they work!

They are short enough that you cannot see them when you're wearing pumps or shoes where socks will ruin the outfit.

The only downside to these is that they are ugly as hell. The model on the packaging makes them look so much more fashionable than what they really look like - I look like one of those crime scene investigators when they wear those blue shoe covers!

 

 

 

 

 Round Headed Makeup Brush
 

 

 This large brush is a great tool for making sure that all your foundation is blended in, without the look of wearing any. It cost £4 and is my favourite new buy.

The brush is quite heavy to hold compared to other ones, but I think that's due to the amount of bristles on the head of the brush, I would recommend as they are dirt cheap, leave no stroke lines and make your foundation base look flawless.

 

 

 

 

BEAUTIFY YOUR LAPTOP: MARBLE COVERING

I saw this marble case on social media and really liked it, but it was when I was watching an episode of Celebs Go Dating (yes, I do watch that show) that I knew it had to be my next blog post.

I went to my local B&Q and spent a while deciding on which covering to go for. There are so many colours, textures and styles to choose from, but I decided to go with this one as it looked the most stylish and 'marble-like'.


You Will Need:

• Patterned Sticky-back plastic
• Laptop (obviously)
• Scissors
• Pen

1. Unroll the plastic so that there is enough for an even perimeter and place the laptop face down onto it.

 

2. Then take your pen an sketch around it to give you guidelines of where to cut.

 

3. Take the laptop off and cut round the template

4. Next, lay it onto the laptop front and make sure that the template matches and fits the laptop.

5. Peel off the sticky-back and start to lay it onto the laptop carefully, using a credit card (or a plastic bendy fish slice, like I did) push the air out of it as you place the sheet down.

DIY DUPE: MAISON DE FLEUR/ VENUS ET FLEUR FLOWER BOX

After seeing on Instagram the Maison De Fleur flower boxes and falling in love with them, the idea hit me to do another DIY dupe.

I already had a vision of what I wanted my completed DIY to look like, which saved me a lot of time and money. I would advise doing this too as it will help you to stay motivated when completing the project.

The pricest thing I purchased was the flowers, which cost around £10 for the roses and £4 for the foliage. Granted, the flowers are a little on the pricey side, but they need to look real, so I had to spend a little more than I had first hoped. :(

I chose mine to be all one colour as it matches my room scheme, but you could do a mix of colours, create an ombre effect or even spell out names and initials.

This is super easy, has only 5 steps and would make a great birthday, wedding or Mother's day gift!

Make it your own and be creative!


Things you will need to recreate this:

• Fake roses- Must be good quality
• A box
• Dry flower oasis
• Superglue
• Wire cutters
• Ribbon
• Spray paint
• Green foliage - optional

Step 1:

Take the box and work out where your oasis will fit, this must fit securely in the box so that the roses have something to support them.

Step 2:

Take the oasis back out and spray paint the box making sure you're a good distance away. Leave to dry overnight.

Step 3:

After the box has dried put the oasis back in and cut the flowers down to the length you need.

I suggest cutting one first and using it as a test to make sure that the rose sits correctly before chopping them all down. The rose head should be level with the side of the box.

Step 4:

Once you've trimmed the roses start from the outside edges and work in a spiral motion until you reach the middle.

Step 5:

Cut the ribbon and tie in a knot around the box. I added in some green foliage to contrast against the roses, but you could leave this out.



23 THINGS I'VE LEARNT, AT 23!

1. Everyone is struggling for money

2. Don't fear others reactions.

Don't be that person that sits in the nursing home at 90 wishing you had done something.

3. Everything happens for a reason.

It may seem shit at the time but there's a reason you didn't get that job, no longer speak to a friend or that chocolate cake has gone stale.

4. Get rid of those people that lie about everythinggggggggggg.

I cant be the only one who has had a friend that lies about pointless stuff and makes out that they're better than you. I mean sureeeee you bought yourself a brand new, 66 plate range rover in matte black with spinners... at 20.

5. You can be friends with someone who is the total opposite of you.

You can be friends with people that don't have the same beliefs, backgrounds or fashion choices.

6. Everyone comes into your life for a reason.
Some stay, some don't.

7. Dating players will never end well.

Those guys who have Tinder profiles, give you the 'were just friends' crap or comment on girls Instagram pics will never be the committing type.

8. Popularity at school means nothing when you leave.

9. Chivalry is still alive.

There are still some guys that treat a girl right, you just have to find him.

10.  Kylie's Lipkits are overrated
But I'm all about those highlighters

11. Parents are annoying. That's their job!

Is it just my parents that give the 21 questions after a night out?
Who did you go out with?
Where did you go?
How much did you drink?
What time did you get home?
Who's the guy on the right in the blue jacket in your profile pic?

12. You will reminisce about your university days

13. Mums know best
When you're set on that Audi A1 that you've fallen in love with, but she convinces you to go for a lower grade car, trust me...she knows!

14 We all say things we regret!

15. 3 day benders will be a thing of the past

I swear, I woke up on my 22nd birthday with the worst hangover and I knew my partying days were over.

 

 16. Always trust your intuition
If something doesn't feel right then it's probably not!

 

17. Stay focused

Don't let anyone steer you away from your end goal.

18. Social media is fake
We all know those people that like to make you think they lead the life of Kim Kardashian, yet shop in Primark.

19. I can't control my expressions
 If I don't like something my face will tell you before I do.

20.  Nightclubs are no longer fun

Girls crying in the toilets over some guy, getting a stiletto in your foot because Jenny has gone wild on had 4 Smirnoff Ice, or guys picking fights because a random looked at his 'bird'.  I'm so over it.

21. You can never have enough shoes
Heels, flats, boots, sandals.. buy them!

22. You have to start from the bottom to get to the top
Work placements, internships, low salaries, no salaries it's all experience to get where you want to be.

23. Every girl dreams of owning a walk in wardrobe
Ever since seeing Sex and the City I've wanted one (preferably with a pair of blue Manolo's in it too).

DIY DUPE: ROSE WATER MAKEUP REFRESHER

For all you lucky people who will get roses this Valentine's day, I have a DIY makeup refresher for you to try when your roses begin to wilt and die.


The spritz contains green tea and aloe vera gel, which helps to hydrate and keep your skin dewy and fresh throughout the day. I added cloves into my recipe, but if you don't like this warm undertone you can just use rose.


A great tip is to keep this in your handbag so you can use it throughout the day when your makeup and skin needs a lift.

To make this you will need:

• Rose water
• Roses
• Aloe vera gel
• Green tea bags
• 300ml boiled water
• Drop of red food colouring
• Measuring Jug
• Spray bottles

Pull the petals off of the stem and add them into the saucepan, add the water, cloves and simmer. Then once the roses have wilted and turned mushy pour the liquid into the measuring jug.

Next add the aloe vera, rose water, food colouring and green tea bags to the solution for 5 mins.

  

After the tea has steeped take out the tea bags and leave to cool for a couple of hours. Then pour into your spray bottles, this will last around 2 weeks.

So ladies, if you want to try this easy DIY out, you know what to ask for this Valentine's!!!