Friday 24 May 2013

Castell Coch (Tongwynlais).

Surprise visit from Dad, Mrs and Baby Brother.






xoxo

Friday 17 May 2013

Good bye, size 20.

Five months ago at Christmas I'd reached a size 20 and 15 stone. I'd eaten myself into obesity and I was barely recognisable. I think I cracked and realised what I had done when my size 18s were too tight.  
Then suddenly, it all stopped. Out of nowhere I have lost my appetite. As if simply accepting my demise was enough for my body to make a change. I prepare big meals like I used to but I struggle to eat even a quarter of the food on my plate. Bare in mind I am walking to work everyday which is only 15 minutes as well. If I feel a bit peckish I have a large glass of squash and I'm satisfied. I only eat when I'm hungry which seems to be morning/mid day, so dinner has become a rare occurrence. Maybe a slice of toast.
I have started to wear size 14 trousers, with size 16 tops and it feels like the ball has only just started rolling. I've still got some of my bigger clothes which I tried on the other day and despite my joy in finding that they were enormous on me I was a little bit unhappy that those nice clothes are a bit useless now! I need to get down to a tailor to have some things taken in. 
I had hoped to be a size 14 by my birthday in July, so to have already reached that goal I am now aiming for a 12. Feeling quite proud and ever so slightly smug. 
xoxo

Sunday 5 May 2013

Worldwide Wardrobe.

Lucy from Style by Smith has roped me into a competition hosted by Travel Supermarket aimed at fashion bloggers after a chance to show off some sunny outfits. I've jumped at the chance, it's basically making a wishlist for this summer and I stand a chance of winning a gorgeous holiday? Amazing.

...
Here's how you do it :

Each category/destination winner will win a dream trip to the destination their outfit was inspired by, plus £200 to buy the outfit. You can enter all five categories, or just one or two, it's entirely up to you how you want to challenge yourself.

 
  • 1. Publish a Worldwide Wardrobe post on your blog including an outfit and accessories for the five different destinations, explaining why you chose each look.
  •  
  • 2. Make sure you mention their competition page within your post so your fellow bloggers will know how to enter - Worldwide Wardrobe - Fashion Blogging Competition
  • 3. Nominate 5 fellow bloggers that you think will be up for the challenge and let them know via Facebook or Twitter (#worldwidewardrobe)
  • 4. The closing date for entries is 5th June 2013 and you can let them know you have entered by emailing worldwidewardrobe@travelsupermarket.com with a link to your post OR Tweeting @travelsupermkt with the hashtag #worldwidewardrobe with a link to your post OR tagging the TravelSupermarket.com Facebook page in a post linking to the blog post that you are entering.

  •  
    The 'destinations' you have to dress for are:
    ...
     
     
    Sightseeing in Paris
    TOTAL £122
    I'm in love with Paris, nautical, coloured leather, quirky accessories. This one was easy.
    I'm in love with boxy satchels and you can't get any more innocent than shiny white. The dungarees are immaculate, well worth the price. Those tan sandals will go with everything this summer, they're real leather, for £18 that's pretty good.
     
     
     
    Clubbing in Ibiza
    TOTAL £145
    You never want to much baggage when you're clubbing, so the minimal outfit (obviously going to be rocking a tan, right?) matched with the cross-body fringed bag is practical and the vintage accessories were a boho way to glam up the clothing basics. Can't get over how nice the sandals are. The metallics make this look.
     
     
     
    Shopping in London
    TOTAL £146 
    Orange is everywhere at the moment and TOPSHOP have captured vintage and summery to point with the polka dots. You can't beat a pair of super skinny denims with a whomping platform heel either. The pleather bowler bag will be just the ticket while you're parading down Oxford Street. Keep accessories simple and bold.


     
    Cocktails in New York
    TOTAL £127.50
     I may be a bit biased toward American fashion as I usually picture Rihanna when I think of hot Yanks. I've been a bit obsessed with midi dresses lately and as I'm hoping for a smaller waist (eventually) I'd love to be able to wear crop tops. Yes, it flashes a lot of flesh, but the length of the skirt balances it out. Keep accessories classic and chunky.
     
     
    Full Moon Party in Thailand
    TOTAL £110
    So let's just consider that it's going to be hot and there will be sand. I mean really hot and a lot of sand. The coarse denim and trusty rucksack will be durable enough for any grime. The neon fringe top is to die for, great for tanning in the day, funky enough for partying. You'll probably want something to cover up in the evening so this cute cropped sweater is sporty enough to compliment the bag. Don't bother wearing any cute accessories, you'll be boiling, probably end up in the sea, just stick to a decent pair of statement sandals.



    I nominate these fellow bloggers to challenge my efforts in the competition:
    Jenny
    Jaymie
    Laura
    Lizzie
    Mia

    Good luck ladies.

    xoxo
     
    links

    Saturday 4 May 2013

    Spring beauty haul.

    I haven't been a big fan of beauty products until recently. I would stick to my make up basics, which in hind sight were useless. This spring, my make up box is a happier place.

     
    The first product I'm mad about. It's a tinted moisturiser from Witch, who incorporate witch hazel into their products so it's great for your skin. I've tried most high street foundations and I'm a bit bored of the hype. Tinted moisturiser gives decent coverage and it actually feels like your skin can breathe. Such a better alternative to heavy foundation for sunny days.
     
    
     

    I've finally invested in my first experience of primer. I've never used it before, I didn't really get it. My make up has been transformed. I didn't get it because you can't explain something that is too good to describe. If you haven't lost your primer virginity, then hurry down to the shops to get some.
     


    After using the moisturiser and then primer, I don't want to slather myself in loads of slap, so I've got a new case of pressed powder in Nicely Natural by Seventeen. Goodbye shine.
     


    I was in need of a new mascara and this one caught my eye. The brush is big and bristley which I find easier for building up bigger lashes. I can't stand those tiny little comb ones you see. Pointless.
     


    I've bought a beautiful new lipstick too. It is called Chocolate Eclair (Seventeen) but with my skin tone and colour, it appears a dark pink. Very english rose. I love bold lip colours, but they just don't suit me at all. Boo hoo.
     

     
    Last but not least, I've been using this satsuma oil for body, face and hair from The Body Shop.
    It's a miracle product and I mean it. It has replaced my usual every day moisturiser. One small drop is enough to cover my whole face, it sinks in quickly and the smell is gorgeous. After a minute or two the application is dry and your skin is absolutely glowing. My hair is quite fine, so I rarely use it for that, but if I do, I apply a tiny blob to the ends of clean, damp hair.
     

     
    xoxo

    Friday 3 May 2013

    The sun has got his hat on...

    After what felt like a particularly cruel winter the break in cold weather is a joy. Waking up with the sun cracking through the curtains. Not having to wear five layers of thermals. The garden is coming back to life and there's a smell of neighbours having barbecues. Summer, please be a good one.
     

     
    xoxo

    Thursday 2 May 2013