Ten Things That Rock My World.

As yesterday was a bank holiday here in the UK, I decided to spend my day doing rather a different and slightly light-hearted post. Apologies for it not going up on the day itself but unfortunately I've been struck down by some evil cold bug and I didn't quite have the umph to get it published. 

In essence, having a three day weekend gave me time to stop, which I rarely do, and ponder the things, besides beauty & makeup, which give me a little flutter in my stomach or a little grin on my face. 

1. Dancing Insanely

I do like to break out a few moves every once in a while. Really just go a bit crazy and let my body 'go with the flow.' I may well put a video up at some point, if you're lucky ;)

"You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart."

2. Creativity

 Two of my paintings.

Two pieces of my homemade jewellery

For me, being creative isn't necessarily about painting or making jewellery it's about taking risks, growing, experimenting and having fun.

"Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been." ~ Adla.


3.  My Dog Sprout

This new mix will sound proper bangin' through my new woofers!

Sprout and I come as a package. Wherever I go, he goes pretty much - we are inseparable. His ears smell like popcorn, his nickname is Toad and well, he won't get up in the morning. See below.

 
"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell" Emily Dickinson

4. Silver Jewellery

A selection of the places my silver radar has searched out!

I'm like a magpie when it comes to silver jewellery, especially earrings and silver bangles. Anything unusual looking - good quality and items I can imagine passing down to any future children I may have. I will be doing a 'I love silver jewellery' post in the not too distant future so I won't reveal that much now, but if you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know I like vintage pieces, particularly marcasite. 

5. Romance/Love

I am a true romantic at heart and I love to be loved/be in love.

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." ~ Aristotle 

6. Music (In it's many forms)

Bass time

The Ravonettes

Music plays a massive part in my life, whether it be learning to play my bass, going to gigs, writing songs or listening to my ipod. It helps me think, express emotion and sometimes, be transported somewhere else. 

"Music is what feelings sound like"

7. Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt 

A small selection of recent eats...

The cold stuff. I just love it. Has to be either vanilla or pistachio. Added fruit and/or nuts a bonus. I am particular though - no chocolate or strawberry allowed. (Unless it is SNOG's Chocolate fro yo then it's allowed...)
Remember Tutti Frutti? Do they still make that flavour? Oh that was awesome...

8. Inner Peace & Spirituality

My Buddha Head

Reflecting by the Sea.

I am always striving to find balance and contentment in my life. Spirituality helps me.

"Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances." ~ Gandhi

9. Keeping Fit & Healthy 

Jumping on a trampoline, dancing, yoga, running, Taekwondo or just walking Sprout - being active is super important to me. At various times in my life I've been so physically unwell and so exhausted that I haven't been able to move around at all. Now, I really don't take for granted the fact I can do as I please (although a tad slower than everyone else!)

10. Markets

What goodies can I spy?!

I ADORE a good rummage round a market. From aromatic spices to vintage clothes to complete tat - I'm there. Firstly, there's the excitement of finding something you like and then you've got the whole process of bartering the price. Always start off with half of what they want and work from there, and remember to be polite & friendly. 

And you obviously can't miss...?

11. Breakfast!

Bit of fruit, muesli & yogurt - energy for the day.

There are just so many awesome foods to eat at breakfast. Porridge, pancakes, yogurts, muesli's, eggs Benedict, muffins...Nom nom nom!!!!

So that's it folks, I really hope you've enjoyed this post. Why not do it yourself on your own blog? I'd love to see ten things that rock your world...(link me in by leaving your address in the comments box below...) 

To get the ball rolling on this one, I'm going to tag a few fellow bloggers to have a go, but in essence, I tag everyone. 

Right:

Julie from Memybest&I

Natalie from pixielashes

Bettina from BeautySwot 

Vivianna from Vivannadoesmakeup

Bex from Bex-4-ever

Natalie from Flaneur in the City

Sinead from Dainty DollyMix

Hannah from Which way to Wonderland? 

MSodapop from MSodapop 

Clare from Bigbeautyblog
Zo from the london lipgloss 

I shall await eagerly! 

Also, there is still time to enter my MEGA UBER giveaway - all you have to do is click HERE.

Ciao for now x

Outfit of the Other Day - Farmer's Daughter

With summer coming to an end, I have been spending as much time outside as I possibly can. Whenever I go and stay with the family up north, I really enjoy letting the fresh air get right into my lungs. It makes a refreshing change from London life, the hustle and bustle - the to-ing and fro-ing. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't live anywhere else, but it is nice to escape sometimes - see the farm, get a bit muddy and go on long walks with Sprout the dog.

 

Sprout had a complete funny five minutes round the field during this shot hence the giggle!

Clothes

• Crochet Vest: Kindly made by my most adorable Gran all the way down in Devon.

• Vintage Skirt: Green suede from the 1960's - stolen from my Mother's wardrobe.

• Wellies: Traditional Hunter (Yup still my Dad's!)

Jewellery

• Necklace: A mixture of beads and stones - given as a gift so I'm not sure how much or where from...

• Earrings:  Found in my bottom drawer back at my parents place. Treasures - you never know where they may crop up! 

Make-up

Nothing too fancy with the make-up, or the hair for that matter. In fact, I don't think it's even been brushed, just put one side up with a bobby pin. Products used:

• Primer: Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer £12.99

• Tinted Moisturiser:Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser spf 20 £33.00

• Bronzer: The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Gel £11

• Powder: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (Medium) £18.50

• Highlighter: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen £24.50

• Concealer: MAC Prolongwear £13.50

• Eye brow pencil: MAC Pencil (Stud) £11.50 

• Eyebrow set: MAC £11.50

• Eye Shadow: Benefit's Creasless Cream in Skinny Jeans £14.00

• Eyeliner: Rimmel Flash Eyeliner £4.79

• Mascara: MAC False Lashes £17.50

• Lipstick: Clarin's Rouge Prodige £17.00     

I love my dog!

As you can see, in terms of the outfit, it cost me nothing. Well, next to nothing (I did buy my own underwear!) It goes to show that a rummage round here and there, you can have yourself, well, dressed at the very least!  

So that my darlings, is all for today. I really hope you've liked some of what you've seen. If you have, perhaps think about doing one of the following...

• Comment below -Comments make me happy.

• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.

• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

Thanks & Ciao for now x

OMG! It's Not Purple...

No purple NOTD! Check me out...bought these little beauties form Orly. 

From left to right:

• Tiara
• It's Up To Blue
• Etolie
• Blue Belle 

Orly's Blue Belle

Orly's It's Up to Blue

Orly polishes have a bit of a cult following. Personally, I don't own many so was interested to pick up four of the miniatures in a local independent pharmacy (£3.99 each). The display of these babies is adorable and I defy anyone who has any interest in nail colour to walk past them. I would say it is near on impossible.

Oh yes please!!!

As you know, I very rarely move away from my staple range of purple shades, however with these 5.4ml bottles it seemed the perfect time for me to broaden my horizons so to speak.

Orly is a higher end polish but with this size you get to pay a small amount for a good quality product (& you get to finish the bottle before it goes all gloopy!). Each shade is free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene (harmful toxins) - so a real bonus in my book.

In terms of application, Orly's famous 'gripper cap' makes things a whole lot easier. Rubber with grooves there is no chance of any hand slippage. The brush is fairly thin - I'd prefer it to be wider as with some of the polishes streaking became an issue. 

I needed two/three coats of each of these colours as they were quite thin. A base & top coat is also a necessity to stop chipping. Whilst these are not my favourite polishes, I would buy them again. I think the formulations vary from shade to shade so I may well have to buy a few more in order to do some further 'scientific' research! ;)

You can buy these little miniatures online and in some larger Boots stores at the rather overpriced £5. I guess it is going to be pot luck if you can find them cheaper like I did - perhaps leave a comment below if you've struck gold! 

Did you like this post? Yes? Then perhaps think about doing one of the following...

 

• Comment below - I LOVE comments...

• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.

• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

 

Thanks & Ciao for now x

Outfit of the Other Day (Vintage)

 

It is so lovely being in the English countryside during harvest. I don't think anything in the world can compare to it. Luckily enough, this year I managed to get out of London and visit the family at exactly the right time. In such beautiful surroundings I thought I'd show you the look I went for on this very warm day.

It smells so good...

• Vintage Dress: From the 1970's with pussy bow tie and bell sleeves.

• Wellies: Traditional Hunter (My Dad's actually!)

Sprout getting involved in farm life by eating grass...

 

Jewellery 

 

Ring: Vintage Stirling Silver 1960's

Other rings I wrote about in my Jumpsuit Outfit Of the Day. Click HERE if you want to see...

Errrm...I think they're in need of a good clean...

Earrings: Stirling silver - picked up from a charity shop, a bit 90's - can't exactly remember how much for now, but when I wear them they make me feel rather regal! 

Make-up 

Simple & girlie. The dress is flamboyant enough for daytime so no need to go over the top with the makeup. Here is what I used the create the look:

• Primer: Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer £12.99

• Foundation: Mac Prolongwear Foundation £22.50 (NW20) 
  

• Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing £16.50

• Face Powder: Avene Mosaic Powder £13.50

• Highlighter: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen £24.50

• Eye brow pencil: MAC Pencil (Stud) £11.50 

• Eyebrow set: MAC £11.50 

• Blusher:  MAC Breath of Plum £17.00   

• Eyeshadows: MAC Crystal, Digit, Scene & Knight Divine £11.50

• Eyeliner: Rimmel Flash Eyeliner £4.79  & Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil in Jet Black £2.99

• Mascara: MAC False Lashes £17.50

• Lipstick: MAC Playtime (from the Quite Cute Collection) £13.50

• Lipgloss: Sleek Pout Polish in Monte Carlo £4.30

• Nail Varnish:  Rimmel 239 Your Majesty £2.99 

I love my Sleek Pout Polish!

So that my darlings, is all for today. I really hope you've liked some of what you've seen. If you have, perhaps think about doing one of the following...

• Comment below - I just love reading what you've got to say...I'm not kidding on this one.

• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.

• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

 

Thanks & Ciao for now x

A little Healthy Snacklet or Two...or Perhaps Three...

Today I'm doing a quick post about some healthy snacklets. I've never been one of these people who follow a strict ' three meals and nothing in between' regime. Oh no sir, I'm all for snacklets throughout the day. I don't claim to be an expert on any of this, all I can tell you is what has and does work for me.

The cat had the right idea...

When 3 or more hours go by between meals, my body's energy supply - my blood sugar - starts to dip low enough for tiredness to set in. This is when I know that it is time for one of my snacklets. These well-timed nibbles give my body give my body a steady supply of fuel, so I can perform my best both physically and mentally throughout the rest of the day. 

Fully sustained & ready for a run after some super star snacks!

"Studies have shown that a snack between 2:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon can improve cognitive skills such as memory, arithmetic reasoning, reading speed, and attention span."

Thought I'd share with you several favourites for when that time arrives:

• Nakd Bars (Oaties)

Oh how I love these little beauties. To be honest, I'm not that into cereal bars. But these aren't your conventional crunchy, sugary 'pretending-to-be-healthy-when-actually-you-may-as-well-be-eating-a-chocolate-bar' type. Nope, these are just raw fruits, oats, nuts and spices all smooshed together and pressed into shape (no baking involved). There are are no syrups, no added sugars and when you look on the back of the packaging, you can actually understand what has gone into them - no chemical names or sneaky nasties. Given that you could easily believe that they are vegetarian, dairy & wheat free and they count as one of your five a day.

Onto the flavours, textures and taste!  (Just to note - I'm just reviewing the Nakd Oaties here - NOT the Nudies - That will come soon!)

• Coco Loco
• Apple Pie
• Berry Cheeky
• Banana Bread

All of these bars have a wonderful, smooth, velvety texture. They hold together very well and don't break to pieces in your hands.

The Coco Loco one (which happens to be my favourite) tastes like chocolate brownie - perfection! I like to keep it in the fridge so it's all hard and chewy - nom nom nom! In reality they are pretty soft. 

Ingredients: Dates (38%), Oats, Mixed Nuts (15%) Raisins (13%) Apple Juice, Cocoa (5%) Natural Flavourings. Hang on, where’s the rest? There isn't any! Woo Hoo! 

• Why are they so good?

Obviously,  I wouldn't be including any snacklets on here without telling you all the sciency bits - why they are good for your body, then in turn your skin, nails and hair...Here's what the word on the street is:

1. Rich in phytonutrients from raw plant foods to promote  a healthy immune system and body function;

2. Natural source of essential vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron to help provide energy, support a strong immune system, strengthen bones, and combat stress and ageing;

3. High fibre to help balance blood sugar levels, control  appetite and aid digestion; and

4. Plant-source protein to help maintain muscle, support metabolism, balance blood sugar, and control appetite.

So Voila guys, give them a go if you haven't already. Pssssst....if you like chocolate the Coco Loco rocks. (100 cals approx) 

The small 30g bars which are more than satisfying cost around 60-80p depending on where you find them. Holland & Barrett are a good bet. Supermarkets sell multipacks. Or online HERE to buy individual bars.

Alternatively, if you fall deeply, madly in love with them, click  HERE - which takes you direct to the makers who offer bulk boxes at very reasonable prices.

• Extra Frothy Hot/Steamed Milk with sometimes a little extra goodness added...

Ooooh a nice hot frothy milk. I do adore you so. I have hot milk almost everyday. I've been very poorly in my life - with a whole host of things - and I have always been advised that milk is a good way to build up immunity. One dietitian once told me that it's considered nature's most perfect food because it contains almost all the substances essential for human nutrition.

Slurping the white stuff can:

• Help prevent osteoporosis (high calcium content)
• Can fight acne (due to Vitamin A content)
• Help fight the effects of ageing 
• Promote healthy skin (due to the high amounts of several B-complex vitamins.)
• Provide an excellent source of protein
• Help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood thus reducing your risk of a heart attack/stroke.

I'm naughty in the sense that I tend to pop in to my local coffee shop i.e. Starbucks, Costa, Nero, Pret to get it instead of making at home. I guess it's easier when I'm on the move. I find a cup of warm milk a fantastic snack - extremely comforting too.

Mouth watering...

The Occasional added Extra?... 

• Manuka Honey

Active 18+ Manuka Honey £26.99

Some of you will know what this is, some of you will have seen it on the supermarket shelves and thought 'why on earth is that sooo expensive?' and others, well others, may use it everyday. A mini run down for you - Manuka honey is basically honey only produced in New Zealand. The beekeepers basically place their hives near the uncultivated, wild Manuka bush. The bees think 'Nom nomManuka bush. 

What makes Manuka honey unique is that it contains very high amounts of a naturally occurring compound called methygyloxal and is super antibacterial, so much so, people (including doctors, hospitals, vets etc.) use it for medicinal reasons, as well as for it's unique taste. 

The Manuka Bush

The upshot of it is Manuka honey has been found to help loads of things, both internal and external. If you're interested in finding out more about this superfood (what UMF means etc.) then why not check out this website.

Just some of the internal benefits of eating Manuka honey:

• Helps strengthen the immune system.
• IBS
• Sore throats
• Can stop a cold in its tracks
• Aches & Pains
• Heart burn
• Gum Disease
• Stomach ache

If you don't like the milk idea, you can also eat it straight from a teaspoon, spread on toast or in yogurt. Yum! 

  

However, I love putting a teaspoon in with my warm milk (not too hot or else it will kill off all the good enzymes.) It tastes delicious...and there has also been some research to say that when milk and honey are combined they have anti-ageing - so you'll be super youthful and agile well into old age. Plus, they posses antimicrobial and cleansing properties (probably why so many products use them as ingredients).
N.B. If you can't afford/don't take to Manuka honey just use normal honey. It's better than nothing my friends!

• Dr. Karg Organic Sesame & Linseeds Mini Crispbreads

I've often seen these mini crispbreads in big packs in my local Waitrose but one day, (when stopping off for a Nakd bar) in this little Wholefood type market next to London's Fulham Broadway Tube station I came across this little snack bag. I couldn't really resist and bought a couple to test out. That was a little while ago now and since then I have munched my way through rather a lot of them. They are rich in fibre, organic and super crunchy. 69p from Planet Organic.

I like to sling them in my bag with a snack pot of hummus for an extra boost of protein.

Snack pot hummus is so good. YUH.

So that's it for this post folks, hope you've enjoyed it -I appreciate it has been a bit long! Sorry ;) Please do feel free to do one (or all three of the following things)

• Comment below - I just love reading what you've got to say...
• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway which is the post below this one...
• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right...

Thanks & Ciao for now x

UBER MEGA GIVEAWAY! - CLOSED

The time has finally arrived folks. It seriously has. I don't know who is more excited - me for reaching my target of 50 followers or you guys for getting the chance to win this massive array of goodies.

Actually, I pretty much do know the answer to that - it's me - I'm more excited. I am so thrilled to have reached this point. I know there are many, many blogs out there with maybe a hundred, a thousand or even many thousands of followers but this is my first milestone and by goodness I'm ecstatic! 

Okay, okay enough of the emotional speech. Onto the good stuff. 

I knew very early on that an UBER MEGA giveaway was going to be in order once a 50 follower target was met and what better prizes to share with my darlings than some of the things that I love most. Almost all of the items included I've blogged about at some point and if not, I soon will be. The products are all things I use and adore. I hope whoever wins really, really enjoys them as much as I do.

1st prize: 

• Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Cherry

• Sleek Pout Polish Monte Carlo *Limited Edition*

• MAC False Lashes Mascara

• Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner

• Sigma Flat Top Kabuka Brush F80

• Vera Vang Princess Perfume - Full size 30ml bottle

• Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion - Full size

• Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm No.17

• Sleek Face Contour Kit

• Barry M Lip Paint in 129

• Lanolips in Lemonade 

• Collection 2000 Big Fake False Lash Effect Mascara

• BEAR Apple Crumble Granola Nibbles (Multi pack box)

• Pukka Tea - Morning Time

• Pukka Tea - Three Mint

• Tangle Teezer  - Professional detangling brush

• OPI Nail Polishes Mini set - Little Romantics

• Sleek Palette in Bad Girl

• Shower Cap in the shape of a cupcake

• Nakd Cherry Raisins

• NYC Nail Polish in Midnight Amethyst 

• Natural Cellulose Cleansing Sponges x2

• Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Jet Black 

• Tweezerman Professional Lash curlers

• Yes to Carrots Melon Lip Balm

• Barry M Berry Ice Cream (308)

• Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser - 50ml

• Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub - Full Size 

• Muslin Cloth (from Liz Earle)

Runner-up Prize:

• Sleek Face Contour Kit

•  Collection 2000 Big Fake False Lash Effect Mascara

• Nakd Cherry Raisins

• MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara Double Effect

• Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub - 50ml

• Rimmel London Quad Eye Shadow Pallet in Smokey Blue

• Barry M Berry Ice Cream (308)

• Yes to Carrots Mint Lip Balm

• Lanolips in Lemonade

• OPI Nice Stems Mini Collection

• Stila Eyeshadow in Sajama

• Stila Eyeshadow in Cloud

• LA Nail Varnish in Metallic purple

• LA Nail Varnish in Radiation

• A bag of Bear Apple Crumble Granola Nibbles

• Assorted Pukka Tea Bags

Now a little bit of housekeeping:

ALL the products/goodies in this giveaway, without exception, have been bought with my own money (I've been buying these bits & bobs steadily over many months!) Of course, none of them have been opened or used...

This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone - whether you are in Italy, Peru or Timbuktu.

What you need to do to enter:

• Be a follower of my Blog via the usual Google Friend Connect thingy if you aren't already.... (If you need to sign up the box to click is at the top on the right somewhere) 

•  Leave me a comment in the box below telling me:

•  What your favourite post has been so far. 

• What you would like to see more of on here.

(Please don't forget to leave your email address & twitter name - oh and blog address if you have one - love discovering new ones!)

If you'd like more than one entry, then feel free to do any of the following things: 

• 'Like' my Facebook Page (Button on the right!)

• Write up a nice Tweet about the giveaway - perhaps something along the lines of 'I've just entered @emmiesdarlings UBER MEGA GIVEAWAY and it's awesome. Check it out!' 

• Mention the UBER MEGA GIVEAWAY in your own blog - Letting others know how SUPER it is ;)

The giveaway will end at 12 midnight (GMT) on 11th September 2011 (basically one month from now) The winners will be chosen by Random.org.

One last word...

Ciao for now x

Outfit of the other Day... The Jumpsuit

Love it or loathe it, the jumpsuit has been around all season. I've personally fallen in love with this one - not only is it versatile, it's uber comfortable. Looks fab dressed up with heels for the evening, or flats for daytime lolling around.

• Jumpsuit: Florence & Fred £10 (in the sale)

• Black Head Scarf: Ayoka (Charity shop on Old Ford Rd in London's Bethnal Green - has some real gems in there!)

• Added in a denim waistcoat, picked up from a charity shop for a bargainous £2!

Jewellery

As most of you know, I adore vintage jewellery and if I can beg, borrow or steal it, then I will. Here's what I'm wearing here:

Earrings: Vintage Stirling Silver roughly 60/70's

Bracelet: Family heirloom from the 30's. I very much wish I had a better camera than my iphone4 because this picture really doesn't do this piece justice. Plus, I would have been able to zoom in to show the fabulous detailing of what looks like a little nymph.

The first ring is a vintage silver piece from the 60's and is one of my favourites. The second, the turquoise, I wear for more sentimental reasons and is from Tunisia - bought from a man, Mr Torvik whom had one of the most impressive market shops I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. I came back with handfuls of amazing finds and perhaps one day I will do a separate blog post to share some of them with you.

(In case you were wondering, the thumb ring never comes off even though I've had it for centuries and it is all bashed up - modern, Stirling silver from a market in Portugal on my first holiday without parents!)

Make-up 

This look is pretty severe. With all my hair swept back it does create a bit of a statement. Here is what I went with to create it:

• Primer: Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer £12.99

• Foundation: Mac Prolongwear Foundation £22.50 (NW20)

• Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing £16.50

• Face Powder: Avene Mosaic Powder £13.50

• Highlighter: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen £24.50

• Bronzer: The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Gel £11

• Eye shadows: Mac Brule, Honesty, Copperplate, Brun £11.50 each

• Eyeliner: Rimmel Flash Eyeliner £4.79

• Mascara: Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara in Black £8.99

• Lipstick: Clarin's Rouge Prodige £17.00  

• Nail Varnish: Rimmel  239 Your Majesty £2.99

If you've been inspired by the jumpsuit - it's not too late. Here are some more examples:

All available from Asos.

Hope you've enjoyed this post, if you have, do sign up to follow!

(On a side note, I'm totally excited to announce that my next post will be the UBER MEGA GIVEAWAY!)

Ciao for now x