Motivational Monday #20

source

I love this quote so much! I think we can all be guilty at times of being a drain, a negative nora who sucks out the positivity and dwells on the negative. Then there are those who are bit like the death eaters in Harry Potter who suck the life out of you and manage to turn any situation into a negative light. Well my aim is to rid those people from my life, as I don’t need it staining my happiness! In general I don’t have much to complain about. My aim for this week, for life, is to be a fountain, to grow, to be positive, to flourish and spread that sort of vibe to others.

I really do believe positivity spreads positivity, and I am going to spend my week looking for the good in things rather than the bad.

Happy Monday Lovelies!

Empties #2

The first Empties post I wrote seems like so long ago now! I recently ran out of a few of my favourite beauty products so thought I would do another one for you all, as the last was quite popular! So here is what I’ve finished up lately...

 

 

1.    Britney Spears Circus Fantasy Eau De Partum – this is a gorgeous sweet smelling scent that I was wearing day to day. I have to admit I am a bit of a fan of all the Britney perfumes. They are pretty reasonable priced and I’m sure one may find its way into my shopping bag in the not so distant future.

2.    The Body Shop Aloe Calming - check out my Aloe Dream Team post where I rave about this cleanser. I have already bought another bottle of this when I knew this one was coming to an end, that’s how much I love it!

3.    Dermalogica Active Moist – Find my review on this moisturiser here. When I bought this my skin was pretty oily but due to my ever changing skin I think it would dry it out at the moment so I won’t be repurchasing it just yet.

 

4.    Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – I really rate this primer it’s a really great consistency and worked well on my skin. It’s definitely on my wish list but saying that I am having a bit of a love affair with Benefits Porefessional at the moment!

Have you tried any of these products? How did you rate them?

Sugarhill Boutique Wish List!

Do you ever have an online shop, where you always find yourself heading to and adding pretty much their whole range to your fantasy basket in the hope that on payday you might actually treat yourself to one or two pieces? Well Sugarhill Boutique is that place for me!

I am completely in love with their cool and sometimes quirky prints on the most feminine pieces. I think they are so dreamy! So I thought I would share with you all my current Sugarhill Boutique wish list!

Bike Stripe Smock Dress  / Miami Sweatshirt / Fruity Maxi Dress / Lolly Top / Burrito Skater Dress / Picture Perfect Top / Bright Birdie Blouse

To be honest I don’t think they have a single item I don’t like or wouldn’t want in my wardrobe, but these are the items that I’ve had my eye on for a while. How cute is the Picture perfect top?! Perfect for a blogger like me who can be found on weekend adventures with my camera in tow!

Having recently got back into cycling and aiming to ride my bike for at least 10 miles a week, the Bike Smock Dress is just calling my name. Then the Lolly Top would be perfect for my impending holiday at the end of next month and as for the Burrito Skater Dress, I am in LOVE! I think someone is going to have to hide my bank card so I don’t go on a crazy spending spree I just can’t afford!

The best part about most of Sugarhill Boutiques dresses and tops are that they can be dressed up or down, perfect for a day to night outfit, and they are all so lovely and feminine without losing the fun appeal.

What are your favourite Sugarhill Boutique pieces? Have you bought anything from them before?

 

 

Nails // Barry M Hi-Shine Gelly Nail Paint in 'Blood Orange'

 

The other weekend I went to my friends hen do in Cardiff, it was an awesome weekend. We stayed at a spa, the massage was incredible, and for the evening we went for a yummy dinner at Zero Degree and headed to a few bars for a boogie. For the evening I wore a black printed tea dress, it’s from River Island and makes my boobs look fab, but I was worried it was a little smart for a night out so I decided to vamp it up with some red nails.

Some people love red lips but I love a red nail! I think they look fab and my favourite red polish has to be Barry M Hi-Shine Gelly Nail Paint in ‘Blood Orange’. It is a fire engine red and as usual with Barry M’s Gelly range its super glossy and long lasting. Perfect!

Do you like a red nail?

Motivational Monday #19

Source

What is it about the sun that makes everything seem a little better? Over the past couple of weeks here in the UK we have had beautiful sunshine for a change and it really does seem to have such an incredible effect on people’s moods. I for one have felt so much more happier and seem to be able to manage things a little easier rather than being a giant stress head.

I think it’s also helped by the fact people seem to come out of their winter cocoons and there’s definitely more fun to be had! I have just had a fab weekend, Saturday I went on a 10 mile bike ride with a friend via a few pubs and then Sunday I caught up with a friend, blogged and relaxed. The perfect weekend!

I am determined to keep this god mood rolling on for a while, I am going to try and be a much more positive person as it really does make the shadows seem smaller!

Happy Monday Lovelies!

Book Club: Review & Giveaway of 'L'amour Actually' by Melanie Jones

The Blurb

"The woman was one of those irritating expat types who felt she owed it to the world to impart on her all her superior knowledge of life in France. I realised that if I didn’t stop her now, she’d be bending my ear all the way to Bergerac.

‘Actually,’ I said, leaning in toward the woman, ‘I’m planning to integrate my way into the boxers of the first good-looking Frenchman I see. Can’t think of any better way to learn the language myself. You wouldn’t happen to know the French for "fancy a shag?" would you? Voulez-vous coucher avec moi just seems a bit nineteen-seventies these days.’"

After one particularly bad day at work, advertising executive and confirmed city girl Melanie Jones decides to give up her old life in search of something new and simpler in South West France. With little knowledge of the country, even less of the language and just the memory of a disastrous school French exchange and a few day trips to Calais, she embarks on her adventure with a suitcase full of optimism and not a little bit of naivety. After all, how different can life in France be?

After a series of adventures with skirt-ripping tractors, handsome twin farmers, celebrity not-quite-beens, unusual toilets and a bonkers ex-pat community, all topped up, of course, with lashings of rosé, Melanie begins to discover that her new life in France isn’t quite what she’d thought it would be.

The Review

I started this book by planning to read it over a few evenings, however I started it and couldn’t put it down, so ended up reading it all in one go and being very tired at work the next!

The story follows Melanie Jones, as she gives up being a PR queen in London for a quiet life in rural France. Instead of glamorising her adventure we see the reality of living the "French dream" through the eyes of the main character. As someone who’s lived abroad I could really relate to Melanie and her struggles with fitting into a new community and their culture, all with hilarious consequences!

I found there was so many laugh out loud moments from line dancing, dead cats and concussion! Mel is a character you can really relate to and like, she manages to get herself into all sorts on embarrassing situations, that as reader left me definitely feeling for her!

Also the French farmer Mel ends up falling for, is likened to Channing Tatum in looks, so once that was in my mind, I was hooked into the book even more! I was also intrigues to note that the author herself had lived in France herself and I kept wondering if any of it had actually happened in real life! If so Mel, I want you as my friend!

I began this book thinking it was going to be a run of the mill romantic comedy but in the end it was so much more, it was a fun filled story about finding and falling in love with yourself. About how people can change and adapt and I found it really empowering. I just hope a sequel is on the way! I really recommend this book, it’s full of laugh out loud moments and is a nice easy read, perfect for sitting out in your garden with a glass of wine while the weather is gorgeous

The Giveaway!

'L'amour Actually’ has now been published for a year and is also one of Amazons Deals of the Day today! To celebrate Author Melanie Jones is giving one lucky reader of ‘Lipsticks and Lashes’ a signed copy of the book! To be in with a chance of winning you just need to enter via the Rafflecopter below! As with all my Giveaways it is open internationally and I will be checking the winner is genuine and not some made up account!

You only have a short time to enter this Giveaway as it closes tomorrow at 9am, so what are you waiting for?! Get entering!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June's Birchbox

 

I caved in and last month re-subscribed to birchbox, I could resist their Harper’s Bazaar box and I haven’t been let down this month either! For June Birchbox have gone for a super fun world cup/Brazil themed box. Please note this is the only time you will ever hear me utter the words ‘world cup’ and ‘football’ on this blog. I would love to get into the spirit of it all and would love to see England do well but I do find it all a bit boring in terms of a game, it’s just not as gritty as it used to be and I find them all a bit girly! YAWN!

Anyways, back to my box, I have to admit I did a little squeal when I opened it!! I think it has to be one of my favourite boxes yet! So here is what I received...

Beautyblender &Bleandercleanser – eeeek! I’ve been so tempted to purchase this for a while and couldn’t believe it when I spotted this in the box. It’s an egg shaped makeup sponge that I’ve seen a lot of great reviews about it. It also came with a little soap cleaner. Cute!

Silk & Honey Shea Butter Hair Mask – I can’t resist a good hair mask and can’t wait to try this one. Especially with all the recent hot weather, my hair is need of a bit of TLC!

OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Kiss Me I’m Brazilian’ – LOVE this stunning pink shade!

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser – I have wanted to try this for so long but have always been hesitant due to the rather expensive price tag, so this has to be the product I am most excited about trying!

Korres Citrus Body Milk – I am a bit of a fan of Korres products, they always smell so gorgeous.

Birchbox Brazil-Inspired Key ring – I think this is a really fun bonus pressie!

I can’t wait to try all these out! Do you subscribe to any beauty boxes?

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

Nails // Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Damson

 

As I am sure I have said many times before I am a huge fan of the Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paints and I keep being a bit naughty and adding to the collection I already have at home! The latest shade to be purchased is Damson it’s a gorgeous muted cobalt blue.

I am a little bit obsessed with this colour at the moment as it’s such a great sunny shade. As usual this polish was high quality, long lasting with no chips in sight! Yey!

 

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

Motivational Monday #18

 

So this weekend I launched my shop Pearl Divine on Etsy! It’s taken me a long time to take this step and I have spent/wasted so much time putting myself down, worrying that people will think my designs and work are crap, quality is poor etc. BUT its gets to a point where enough is enough! You can either take that step to put yourself out there, face your fears and go for the things you want to achieve, or you can stop doing what you enjoy and hide away.

I have chosen to go with the first option, to see what happens and have fun along the way! Because if you don’t try you will never know what could come from it, and I don’t want to live a life of what ifs!

So I challenge you all to do one thing you’re scared of this week!

Happy Monday Lovelies!

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

Hair SOS

I have to admit I am pretty lazy when it comes to my hair, I have been known to forget to brush it and don’t have the patience or skill to do pretty things with it. It’s either down, or scraped back into a messy bun, or on special occasions I may brush off the dust from my GHD’s and give it a straighten. However saying all that, for a long time now I have been trying to grow my hair, my dream is to have long luscious locks. This requires effort though, and means I need to sort myself out and start looking after my hair which over the past six months I have been making a concerted effort to do.

My hair is very fine, there is a lot of it, but it is fine which means it can often look limp and flat. It also tends to get just past shoulder length and start to matt. The tramp look is not one I like to sport!! The ends look all scruffy and in despair I get the chop and then I am back to square one.

Determined to break this cycle, for the past 6 months I have been trying various different products and think I may have cracked it! For the first time ever my hair is now slightly past my shoulders and is feeling sifter, looks healthy and I keep getting compliments on how my hairs looking thicker and has more bounce! RESULT!!

So here are the products I have been using to achieve the ultimate Hair SOS mission:

 

Lush’s Rehab Shampoo  – so this doesn’t come cheap at £17.50 for 500g but I can’t recommend it enough. It massively lathers up when you use it so you don’t need much at all. I wash my hair most days and it lasts me for about 3 months! When I think about any drugstore shampoo I previously used, I would buy every few weeks so in the long run I think I am actually saving money?!  Lush describe it as ‘A restorative shampoo packed full of ingredients that benefit the hair and scalp. We press fresh papaya, pineapple, kiwi and mango and blend the juice with strengthening, organic extra virgin olive oil and jojoba oils. A pinch of sea salt softens and seaweed helps your locks gleam. Peppermint and juniper are said to stimulate blood flow, helping to improve the scalp's condition over time’. It really as a fab shampoo and I don’t find it as heavy on my hair as most shampoos. It’s a gorgeous shampoo that has saved my over processed hair time and time again! Fruits to cleanse, oils to soften and mint to promote hair growth! You can't go wrong with Rehab!

 

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - £6.99 from boots, this really nourishes the ends of my hair and makes it so much more manageable. It's really rich and creamy and it feels like its deep conditioning your hair. I love Moroccan oil from previously using the original ‘Moroccan Oil’ brand, but cannot afford to spend £15-£30 a pop on products so this is such a great alternative!

Tangle Teezer – I love this brush so much I have ditched all my old ones and bought one of their compacts for my handbag! I think the new thickness to my hair is down to this brush as it doesn’t tear at it and is much gentler yet still a really effective brush! It detangles without any pain and leaves my hair smooth and shiny. It is the best brush I have tried ever. If you don’t have one I seriously recommend in investing in one.

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil – this can be purchased at Boots for £6.99 and I am in love with it! I did a whole review of it here. All I am going to say is LOVE!

Wella SP Resolute Lift – My hair dresser suggested this product as one to give my hair a bit of volume. You just spray it to the roots when wet and they dry and style it like normal. Over the years I have tried a billion ways to give my hair volume, I would kill for big bouffant hair but not much works or if it does it only stays put for about an hour before falling flat again. So I was so happy and surprised when this did what it said on the tin! It really gave my hair a lift and added bounce which lasted hours! Don’t get me wrong I’ve still got a long way to go before I have a 60’s bounce but it now has so much more volume than before! So if you’re unlucky like me with limp, fine hair this is definitely worth a try!

I am also now getting my hair cut regularly, every 8 to 10 weeks instead of once every 8 to 10 months, when I couldn’t get a brush through it! I’ve really noticed the results and actually think I might be able to keep growing it for once!

Do you have any healthy hair tips or go to products?

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, and your very own Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

  

Book Club: Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon

I haven’t written a Book Club Post in ages!! I promise I still read all the time, I guess I just haven’t felt the need to review or post about it here. Well todays different, I finished this book on Monday, it’s now Friday and I’m still in a book hangover. You know that feeling where you are so wrapped up in a book, when you’ve got that last page and it’s all over but you can’t move on. You’re still caught up in that world, not ready to move on, not sure the next book will be able to compete... well that’s where I am right now!

The Blurb

Last year, Bronte left Sydney for a wedding in England, where she met newly single Alex. After a night of passion they parted ways, and Bronte returned to Australia. Now working on a picture desk for a magazine in London, Bronte is about to meet her new colleague, who turns out to be all too familiar. Although awkward at first, as Alex is now engaged to the girl he was on a break from when they met, they soon become friends. But as the two get closer, and the wedding day looms, it is clear that Alex and Bronte have unfinished business…

The Review

I will put my hands up right now and say Paige Toon is one of my favorite writers, I have read all her books and loved each and every one of them. So when this book arrived I was ridiculously excited to read it and made sure I kept last Sunday free to sit in my garden, enjoying the rare good weather, and have a good reading session!

The book begins with Bronte heading over to the UK from Sydney to attend her friend Polly’s wedding, where at the hen do she meets Alex. They have a one night stand, and then part ways. A twist of fate then occurs, Bronte moves over to London for work and ends up working in the same office as Alex who happens to be planning his wedding to his fiancé. Bronte can’t get Alex out of her mind and there is still a spark simmering away between them. He is smart, level headed, caring but happens to also have a fiancé.

During Bronte’s year in the UK, you watch her building friendships and watch her accept a weekend job helping a wedding photographer. That is a story in itself, Paige keeps us entertained with crazy Bridezillas and all the fun and frolics you expect. It also highlights Bronte’s dislike of weddings and churches, making you question why? Along the way she also meets a fellow Aussie, Lachie, who becomes one of her close circle of friends. He attends some of the weddings as a singer/guitarist and by the time he is ready to go back to Australia, sparks are flying there too.

To begin with Bronte is weary of Lachie, laughing off his flirty attempts to woo her, she turns him down and they become close friends. It’s at this point that the story becomes more of a love-triangle with Alex being less than impressed at the introduction of Lachie. As the reader you are constantly swapping and changing your mind as to who Bronte should be with, both are very different but would suit Bronte. I have to say I am a huge TEAMLACHIE fan! He is just gorgeous, laidback and fun, perfect for Bronte in my view, who doesn’t love a surfer dude?

If you’ve read Paige’s previous books, you will have spotted a few familiar faces, I was so excited when Lilly popped up. Then a mention of Joseph Strike, swoon! It was really fun to get a mini update on them and what they are doing now.

I noticed a few comments on Paige’s facebook saying they were disappointed with Bronte’s choice at the end, but I was so happy with her decision! I just feel there perhaps is still a little more to come with this story? However I really want her to stick with the man she chooses, I would be devastated if there was a follow up and she didn’t!

It’s so hard to write this review without spoiling it for those who haven’t read it! All I will say it’s a typical Paige Toon book with lots of twists and turns and just when you think you know where the story is going... BOOM! There is a twist in the story. I thoroughly recommend ‘Thirteen Weddings’ and suggest you all go buy a copy now!

Any ideas how I get over this book hangover???

 

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

 

Nails // Models Own Hyper Gel in Lilac Sheen

I am so in LOVE with this polish! It’s Models Own Hyper Gel in Lilac Sheen and is such a perfect shade for summer. It’s so fun and pretty! It is a pastel shade of lilac and is such a great quality polish. I really like the Models Own range but they can be a little pricey, however I was so glad I treated myself to this! I think it will be used a lot over the next coming months!

 

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

Motivational Monday #17 // Guest Post by Zoe

Happy Monday, lovelies!

How have you been? I hope you're doing well. I'm Zoe of That's Zoe. I blog about inspiration, motivation, fashion, and beauty. I also have a series called 'Motivational Monday' up on my blog. In the said series, I write motivational posts in the hopes of motivating and/or inspiring my readers.

One day, I stumbled upon Lipsticks and Lashes and found Gemma's version of 'Motivational Mondays.' After exploring this blog, I contacted her asking if we could do a collaboration to bring a different voice in our 'Motivational Monday' with the same goal of motivating and inspiring our readers. So here you go..

Photo Credit

Over the past few months I have trained myself to have a more positive mindset. One of my New Year's resolutions is to think more positively amid of having bad days or encountering some problems. So I did.

In doing so, I've learned that it's not that hard to think more positively. I always remind myself that something wonderful is about to happen; that somewhere along the line, I will be at the place where I wanted to be. I do have some bad days, but I won't let them defeat my positivity, because happiness is a choice. I wish to be happy, so I choose to be happy.

Troubles and mishaps will come, but it's your reaction to those that  predict the next thing that's about to happen. These troubles and mishaps may be the world's way of telling you that there is still room for improvement or that you can be better.

 

As I've always told myself, "Life is a very magnificent journey. Never waste your time not being happy. It's just not worth it."

In the comments section, tell me what do you do to have a more positive mindset?

Be better than who you were yesterday.

Love,

♥ ♥ ♥

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Pinterest

Topshop's Lips in 'OHH LA LA'

I hate writing negative reviews but I was so disappointed by this Lipstick I felt the need to share.  First of all I would like to state that I love Topshop’s Beauty range, their nail varnishes are high quality and fab. I have also tried a few of their other lipsticks which I really rate and use regularly.

I have been keen to try a coral/orangey shade of lipstick for a while and come across Topshop Lips ‘OHH LA LA’ a few times whilst browsing. I love the colour it’s really fun, perfect for summer and I think I can pull it off with my skin tone.

The reason I am put off is that it is so drying! It dries up on your lips and highlights any dry patches, any imperfections and really clumps. Making it look like a super cheap product! All odd when on the website it’s classed as being like ‘velvet’ and ‘nourishing’. I am so gutted as I have always found Topshop’s Lips range to be really good and have tried a few shades now, so I have no idea why this one is pants in comparison!

For £8 I expected a lot more, so onwards I go in the hunt for the perfect orangey/coral lipstick!

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

  

#Sotonmeetup - My first bloggers meet up experience!

A few weekends ago now I was lucky enough to attend my first ever bloggers meet up in Southampton. I live in deepest darkest Dorset and not much seems to happen round here for bloggers, so was more than happy to do the hour and a half drive to Southampton!

I’m not going to lie, that morning I was absolutely terrified and so nervous about going! Would it be really clique? Would people be friendly and talk to me? Would the fashion bloggers be judging my outfit? Would I be the oldest person there? My mind went into overdrive!

My fears were swiftly squashed and I was reminded what a drama queen I can be! Through the magic of Twitter I arranged to meet a few other bloggers at the train station, as I don’t know Southampton that well and was sure to get lost otherwise. After meeting the girls we walked to the Orange Rooms where the event was being held. We started off by having a natter and cocktails sat outside as it was such a gorgeous day.

We then headed inside and went upstairs to the Tiki Bar which had a really cool Hawaiian vibe about it. I sat at the table with the lovely Tori, Ami and Marina who were all so friendly. In the real world I don’t have any friends who blog so it was really nice to natter about all things blogging with people who completely get it.

Once we were seated it was the time for lunch, I had the Chicken Nacho Wrap with fries. It arrived on a tray in a cardboard container box which was pretty cool. It was such a good sized portion and was so cheap. Most importantly it was really delicious!

After Lunch Alice and Amy who were the beautiful ladies behind this event, held a fun raffle. We were then each given a jam packed goodie bag, seriously it was filled to the brim!

I would like to say a massive Thank You to Alice for being a fab host, she definitely has a talent for event organising! I am so glad I built up the confidence to go, I had such a lovely afternoon and I can’t wait to find out about more blogger events and meet ups which I can get involved in!  

You can take the Brit abroad but....

Ok so having just come back from Thailand, whilst there I had the realization that I'm a true Brit thro and thro! Err you are British Gem I hear some of you say?! I haven't lost the plot I promise, I just mean I am very British in terms of some of my traits, and thought I'd share with you!

 I queue for things! I think it's polite to stand in line and wait your turn. I hate it when people barge in and don't wait! It seems to be something very British.

I apologize for EVERYTHING! Really, absolutely everything even when it’s not my fault or something you don’t actually have to say sorry for! What is it with that?!

I am health and safety conscious! It’s ridiculous, in Thailand I nearly had heart failure over their lack of awareness and risk taking when it comes to driving and staying next to a construction site, no one wore anyone safety gear! CRAZY!

I HEART tea... I didn't think I was really a tea lover until I go abroad and realise at home I actually drink quite a lot of tea and no where makes a good brew like the British. The Thais kept putting condensed milk in every tea I ordered!!! Bleurgh!!!

 I am actually pretty punctual, I never think I am until I go abroad. You tell me the pick up is at 10am, cool I’ll be there for 9:50am ready and waiting! Oh wait, you mean roughly 10am so quite possible you may be there 2 hours later?! Many countries I have visited are like this, I mean I’m not some regimented loony but I like to roughly know a plan and I’m not particularly a fan of waiting!

We talk about the weather ALOT, I’ve noticed most Brits abroad do this. ‘Hey I’m Gemma, from the Uk. Wow isn’t the weather fab today!’ it’s like programmed into us as a conversation starter!

 I need personal space, didn’t think I was that fussy about until I was rammed into a tiny bus for 10 people that had about 50 people wedged in/on/around it!

Sarcasm – who knew I fitted into this one?! The British sarcasm is something I love, other countries don’t seem to get it, AT ALL. I have often piped up with a sarcastic one liner think it was pretty funny, to have it fallen on deaf ears, the other person to assume I was rude, or just pure confusion!

Inability to complain and a stiff upper lip. I often been jealous of other nationalities ability to be upfront and able to complain and stand up for themselves. We Brits don’t want to seem impolite!

I get embarrassed talking about money! Making me a useless haggler! This often comes up when I abroad, when I want to buy something, tipping people etc. I think in the UK moneys one of those subjects we are just not comfortable discussing.

Can you relate to any of these? Do you have a trait I haven’t thought of?

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

The search for the most stylish man in somerset // An interview with Jeff Banks

Todays post is something a little different from me and features a road trip, some dapper looking me and a legendary fashion designer, I hope you all enjoy it! A couple of weekends ago now I was invited to Clarks Village in Street, Somerset to meet Jeff Banks and attend his event ‘JEFF BANKS SEARCHES FOR THE BEST DRESSED MAN IN SOMERSET’. If you not heard of Clarks Village it’s a great place that has tons of discount stores of your favourite brands, it’s a shopaholic’s heaven! I'm also a bit of a fan of Jeff Banks, if you've not heard of him (where have you been?!) he is a British fashion designer whose had a very long and successful career in the industry and his designs are very stylish, sleek, showcasing traditional tailoring with a modern twist.

I live about an hour’s drive from Street, and my brother lives about 10 minutes away so I picked him up along the way and dragged him with me! The event started at 12 noon with all the gentlemen entering the competition lined up outside Jeff’s shop, which sales Jeffs Mens wear collection. Four judges, including myself got to choose which 10 entrants could go on to become finalists, who all received a £250 makeover from Jeff Banks himself!

It was a tough choice choosing the top ten as there was a lot of stylish men in street that day!

After the top 10 had been suited and booted, they then modelled their new outfits for the audience with Jeff describing the outfits he had chosen. I have to say the competition was high, as they as looked pretty suave! Who doesn't love a man in a suit?! It was then up to panel of judges to decide on the overall winner, who would win a weekend away for two in Paris and a £500 Jeff Banks watch (…not jealous at all!!).

The overall winner, crowned with the title of ‘Most Stylish Man in Somerset’ was a local lad from Street, called Connor Derbridge who was encouraged by his gorgeous girlfriend to enter!

To top off the day, Jeff Banks kindly answered a few questions I had….

This event was to find the most stylish man in Somerset, what were you looking for?

A GREAT LOOKING GUY WHO WANTS TO RE INVENT HIS IMAGE

How would you define 'style'?

STYLE IS PERSONAL IT DEFINITELY IS NOT FASHION IT IS ALL ABOUT WHAT IS PERSONAL TO YOU.

What celebrities do you think have the ultimate style?

JOHNNY DEPP, KEITH RICHARDS, BRAD PITT, JAKE BUGG AND WILL I AM

You have had a very long and successful career, what has been the high point for you so far?

STILL BEING HERE!

What would you say is the secret of your success?

MY QUIET, SHY, RETIRING PERSONALITY

What one piece of advice would you give to budding fashion designers?

DON’T DO IT! LEAVE IT TO JEFF

I would like to say a big Thank You to Jeff for taking the time to answer my questions. It was a really fun day out, and fascinating to watch how Jeff works. My day was then topped off by a late lunch over in Glastonbury with my brother! Do you have any British Fashion designers you admire and that have stood the test of time?

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?

Nails // Avon Speed Dry Polish in Enchanted Siren

 

Now I haven’t purchased anything from Avon from years, it reminds me of my Nan. It’s a brand I association with the olders in my life so it doesn’t really come across my radar. However a friend of mine recently became an ‘Avon Lady’ and handed me a brochure, of course out of kindness to my friend I promised to have a gander.

Well I was pleasantly surprised and came across a few nail polishes that caught my attention. One of them being today’s polish, its Avon Speed Dry Polish in Enchanted Siren. It is a fab mint green with pearl coloured glitter specks in it. It’s such a gorgeous shade that reminds me of mermaids and mystical creatures.

I also think it’s a great quality polish that has a nice application dress, dry’s really quickly (yey!) and is pretty long lasting! I am definitely going to give more of Avon’s products a try in the future, anyone have any recommendations?

 

P.S Have you checked out my ‘800 Bloglovin followers Giveaway’ yet? You could win a MAC Lipstick in ‘Plumful’, Kylie Minogue ‘Pink Sparkle’  Eau De Toilette, a Tangle Teezer ‘The Original’ Detangling Hairbrush and a Nail Rock Glitter and Polish Set... so what are you waiting for?