The Lovin’ List: My Top Ten Picks of the Month…

Monthly Favourite

As we wave goodbye to yet another month, that can only mean one thing amongst the calendar of most beauty bloggers… the monthly favourites. Oddly enough I seem to have skipped the last couple as I usually like to keep a page in my organiser to remind myself exactly what I’ve been loving.. yes my memory is THAT bad(!!) However as March exits and April enters I find myself with a wealth of little bits & bobs that have managed to make me smile in many different ways throughout the last 4 weeks. So if you fancy finding out what’s been high on my ‘Lovin List’ then make yourself comfy and check out this lovely lot…

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Nail Polish Rack

Ikea Picture Shelf Nail Polish Storage

Storing nail polish has always been a bit of a stickler for me. I’ve had boxes, bags & cute little drawer units, but nothing has compared to how handy this picture rack from Ikea has been! Now I can reach for whatever colour I like at a mere glance, without having to spend an age rummaging through hidden stashes to find that perfect shade. Best of all it well well under £10 & saves loads of space into the bargain!

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Tesco LIVE Wax Melts

Tesco Live Wax Melts

 I’m becoming rather impressed with some of the own-brand finds in my local Tesco’s of late, and being a lover of scented candles I simply had to invest in a few of these yummy looking little melts. I picked up the Vanilla, Damson & Pomegranate and Passionfruit & Melon. All of which smell absolutely divine and aren’t giving me a throbbing headache… unlike like many of the scented home goodies, including some of the elite brands! These cheerful little wax melts last such a long time too & are great value at under £2. Go get ‘em if you love a home filled with glorious scents too.

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MAC Amplified Lipstick in Craving

Mac Amplified Lipstick in Craving

It may seem a tad deeper in the picture but don’t let it fool you as this stunning shade is totally build-able. It starts off as a sumptuous rosie pink and develops into a stronger tone the more you layer the formula. It’s incredibly comfy to wear and being rather pale in complexion I can vouch that it works wonders with lighter skin tones. Check out my post The Makeup Menu featuring MAC Craving to see a final look featuring this must-have shade!

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Alex Drawer Set, Ikea

Ikea Alex Drawers Makeup Storage

What an investment for any beauty enthusiast! I bought the mini set which cost approx £40, but it’s by far the best investment for make-up storage I’ve purchased to date. Having browsed around the internet I couldn’t believe that some of the designer cosmetic bags cost just as much, if not more! If you need a stylish looking home to store all your beauty goodies in then look no further than Ikea Alex range… they have a chic and simple solution for almost everything.

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William Morris Notebook Trio

William Morris Writer Notebooks

There comes a point in every stationery addicts journey when hoarding gloriously designed paper goods becomes a bit of an issue in stock piling – particularly when storage for a small army of note books, post-it-notes & office accoutrements is limited *sigh* One of my lovely friends treated me to this beautiful little trio of notepads quite a while back & it’s only now that I’m getting round to finally using them. I’m not gonna lie, it was a hard decision to make to use them, but the reality of buying no more stationery until I’ve used what I’ve got is a rule I’m determined to stand by. However, I’ve a lingering feeling that my blog buddy Emma from Puddleside Musings will at some point lead me astray with her cutesy paper purchases & awesome craft hauls!

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Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar Palette & NYC Cream Blush

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It’s all about radiant cheeks & a subtle dewy complexion for me this spring, and nothing has brought a delicious smidgen of glorious colour to my cheeks more than these two. I’m beyond impressed with the pigmentation and shade selection of the Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar palette, not to mention the creaminess of the NYC Beautifying Blushable Creme Stick in Soho Pink… perfect for those days when you just want a natural dewiness radiating from your skin. Love them both, though utterly gutted the NYC blush has now been discontinued *sob*

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Kindle

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Stocked with more Marian Keyes books that you could shake a librarians stick at, I’m very much in literary heaven. For quite a few months I went to bed without lifting my Kindle last year, which was unusual for me as I’m a nighttime reader. But from getting back into books since last October I’ve noticed that I’m sleeping better at night and looking forward to getting tucked into bed to find out what happens next. Now that the sunshine is making a more regular appearance I’ve even been able to sit out in the garden with it too – albeit with a few layers on, it aint summer yet gals! It may be one of the first edition kindles, but it’s working like a dream… how cute is the little owl cover that my brother bought me? hehe

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Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Pink Opal

Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Pink Opal

Since buying this shadow I don’t think there’s a day has gone by when I haven’t wore it. Super long lasting & the prettiest colour for spring, this is a gorgeous shadow for all you gals who adore an icy wash of pink (which works perfectly with a defined crease in a rich damson shadow, or any warm earthy tone) I adore the soft mousse formula that’s so easy to apply & sets beautifully without any creasing or moving. Max Factor have truly struck gold with this one.  *Click Here* to check out my very own eyelids modelling it proudly for y’all on Mondays Make-up Menu.

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Barry M Brow Kit

Barry M Brow Kit Shape & Define a

EVERY time I wear this brow kit (and I do mean every!!) I always get asked and complimented on where I get my HD Brows done. Who would’ve guessed a mere £5 investment would have been so influential! The easy-peasy 3 step system consists of 1) Wax to smooth and shape, 2) Eyebrow powder to fill and define 3) Highlight powder to accentuate. It literally couldn’t be any simpler!  As many of you lovely lot already know I adore my brow products, but rummaging through my brow stash (including products ranging up to & slightly beyond £60) this is by FAR my favourite, and the one brow kit I reach for most often. If you haven’t tried it already then bump it to top of your shopping list, I’m pretty sure you’ll love it every bit as much as I do ❤

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Spiral Hair Bobbles

Spiral Hair Bobbles

I honestly thought getting my hair cut a little shorter would save me hassle, instead it’s gave me more grief as whatever I do I have to constantly style it… gone are the days when I could leave it dry in bouncy spiral curls. One of the biggest challenges is keeping my follicles tied back neatly, and with them being much shorter than before my hair often slips out of the usual hair bands UNTIL I discovered these fabulous little life savers. If you have super-slippy hair that simply won’t hold its grip, then check these fabulous spiral bobbles out. They are phenomenal! Particular handy for gym-ers & swimmers who need a great solution for water or workouts. Available from Claire’s Accessories, Primark, Asda and a whole heap of other local stores!

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My Beauty Room

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I still give a little ‘EEEEP’ with excitement every time the words ‘Beauty Room’ rolls of my tongue. Having a spare room that was pretty much dormant of use 99% of the time, Steve suggested I use it as a little blogging/makeup haven, as a corner of our bedroom was vastly becoming stock piled with an army of lotions and potions. So with a teeny budget and a lot of hard work we embarked on transforming our little spare room into the fabulous Confetti & Curves sanctuary it is today. Wanna check out the finished results for yourself? Then *Click Here* to take a mini tour!

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What’s been your favourite picks of the month? Have you got something you’ve been loving over the last 4 weeks that you’d like to share? Whether it be make-up, accessories, beauty, lifestyle, a great book or something totally random? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do pop by and say a quick hello 🙂

Cheerio chums…

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Behind The Blog featuring Drifting Lexi…

Drifting Lexi

Hey Beauty Buddies…

Once again a huge thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday’s post Things You Need To Do Before Publishing A Blog Post! The comments, & feedback were awesome ladies, you really are a fabulous bunch! I’m just beyond chuffed that it’s not just my blogging tips that come in handy, but some of yours too, as your feedback reaches out to other bloggers, particularly those new to the blogging community. It’s great discovering what routines others blog by, so thanks y’all for getting involved in the chat! Don’t forget to check it out if you haven’t done so already chums 🙂

However onto today’s post as we make room on the virtual sofa this morning for a rather fabulous all-round blogger: Lexi from Drifting Lexi. For those of you who aren’t already familiar with this talented gal I’m pretty sure you’ll come to agree with me that her online haven is a virtual treasure trove for fun features on everything from books to beauty. What more could a gal need? So if you’re already sitting comfy then take five as we go Behind The Blog with Lexi…

Lexi

In only 5 words describe what readers can expect from your blog:

Books, beauty and nail art!

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What inspired you to start blogging?

I had never been successful at keeping a diary, so I wanted to try something new. I decided to start up driftinglexi and use it to discuss a range of different topics. Due to not having a clear purpose for my blog and college getting in the way, I stopped writing after a couple of months. Last year I started reviewing books on Goodreads and I was watching lots of YouTube, mostly beauty orientated channels, and it made me want to share my opinions and creativity with more people and so I relaunched driftinglexi in April, combining my love of books and beauty and it’s been going well ever since.

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Tell us about your blog name… what made you decide on it?

In school I often felt like I didn’t belong and near the end of school I had two different groups of friends who I would drift between throughout the day/week at school. So that is where the drifting aspect originates from. Lexi however, is not my real name. At the beginning I wanted to be anonymous, so I gave myself a new name. Now that I am more open with my blog and don’t mind my readers knowing who I am, this can be a little confusing for people. However, I am glad I did it as driftinglexi has a certain ring to it, so I haven’t a clue what I would have otherwise named my blog.

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Do you ever suffer from Blogger’s Block & if so how do you overcome it?

Back in 2013 I experienced it a lot because there was such a huge range of things out there to talk about that it left me overwhelmed as I didn’t know what I wanted to write about. However, now I don’t suffer so much. I mean, as part book blogger, the easiest way to overcome Blogger’s Block is by reading a book and reviewing it. The nail and beauty aspect I do struggle with sometimes, but I feel that the best way to combat this is by preparing in advance and taking advantage of events that occur throughout the year e.g. Halloween and Christmas and applying it to what your blog is about.

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What’s your favourite post to date? 

My favourite post has got to be one that doesn’t actually fit into the books, beauty and nails aspect of my blog. This is because it is all about my trip to Rome last July. I always find that posts on my experiences are my favourites because it gives you the opportunity to easily recall the events every time you read it and this trip had made me so happy.

Link here: https://driftinglexi.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/rome/

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Describe your everyday clothes style:

Very casual, though I do tend to dress up my look more with my makeup as I love bold lipsticks. I mostly tend to wear jeans, a check shirt and converse or boots.

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What are your current top 3 beauty items?

Right now I really love Soap and Glory’s Supercat Eyeliner and I really cannot leave the house without a bit of eyeliner.

For Christmas I received the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette, so obviously that has become a new love of mine. Since Christmas this is definitely the palette I have been using most. I don’t find it the easiest palette for creating multiple different daytime looks, but I am constantly trying to find ways to make it work so that I am not wearing the same few eyeshadows every single day.

I was going to put a lipstick for my third item, but I really cannot decide on which lipstick to pick. However, another one of my top beauty items is definitely a concealer and my all-time favourite is definitely Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer (which probably isn’t a surprise because it is a favourite for many).

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How do you like to relax & unwind after a stressful day?

I like to come home, pour a Disaronno and coke and plop myself in front of the TV/laptop to watch a movie or TV series. Recently I have been working in retail a lot which really kills your feet, so the second I can sit down the better! Later on I then treat myself to a LUSH bath bomb in the bath and depending on my tiredness I will do some reading before bed, although lately I have been falling asleep whilst listening to audiobooks.

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Describe your ideal Saturday night:

A simple sleepover with my best friend watching movies and often playing movie drinking games is definitely top of the list. However, if I’m not feeling at all sociable, I love to just spend the evening sucked into a good book!

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What do you do to relax?

I love to paint my nails, read and watch TV to relax, all of which I can do from the comfort of my own bed, haha.

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Everyone has their bad habits, what’s yours?

One bad habit of mine is my tidiness. Sure this is good to an extent, but I’m that person at a party who likes to clear the empty cups and plates off of tables to make room for full ones and constantly worries about if we’re being too loud. This means that if I’m not tidying at a party I spend the duration of it worrying about tidying up afterwards whether this is my own house or a friends, so I never actually enjoy parties as much as everybody else. I basically play the host, or even a motherly sort of role, when I’m not even the host (or a mother). While this isn’t the worst habit, I feel bad that I focus more on tidying up than having fun and spending time with my friends sometimes.

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What’s your most cherished childhood memory?

Some of my most cherished childhood memories are small things like going for walks with my family and our dog, or being sat in the dining room, having a games night; I used to love it when my dad would teach me new card games. As much as I appreciate being taken places and bought things, I feel that more often than not it’s the simple little things you end up treasuring the most.

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What was your favourite school subject?

This is not exactly a popular subject, but my favourite was always maths. I reckon that this was largely due to the fact that it was my best subject and I sat next to one of my best friends in that class.

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What’s your dream job?

I would love to be a counsellor, or a nail technician. I have always loved being there to support and help my friends when they’ve been going through tough times, so I would love to do that for other people. I’ve also visited counsellors myself, but I found them to be very patronising and repetitive, so I would hope that I would be able to make people feel better than the people I saw made me feel. Alternatively, it is no secret that I love painting my nails and coming up with new, creative designs!

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I will be twenty four. I hope that I will be living elsewhere, preferably with one of my best friends, or a boyfriend and preferably someone who can get rid of any spiders for me as I really cannot deal with them myself! Depending on my life career wise I can see myself having a dog and continuing to blog and I really hope I’m happy.

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What top 5 things are on your bucket list?

Go to Disneyland, Florida.

See Mamma Mia! in the West End.

Go to India.

Travel around Italy.

Go to Austria.

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What’s your biggest achievement to date?

I have always been bad at answering this kind of question, but one thing I am proud of is what I have achieved on my blog. I have found a nice routine which allows me to balance three of my favourite things: books, nail art and makeup and I have met so many wonderful and supportive people through this that it is difficult to not feel a sense of achievement when thinking of my blog.

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Who inspires you?

My best friends and my mum; they have all gone through a lot and while all of their experiences differ, they have all become stronger because of it and this in turn inspires me to be strong, be positive and work hard.

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Do you have a favourite inspirational quote?

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – from Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

I am a lover of quotes which anyone will know if they’re a reader of my blog, so I find it difficult to pick just one. However, I really love this one by Gaiman, even if I haven’t yet read the book…

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What top tips would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own blog?

Write about what you love. In 2013 I wasn’t writing about things I really cared about, I thought that they were just good conversational topics, and as a result I easily gave up after two months as it felt like a chore. This also brings me to another tip: don’t force yourself to write a post if you don’t want to. I may blog a lot during the week, but I love doing it which is why I’ve been able to keep with it for so long and while I do have my routine, I try not to feel too bad if I do end up missing a day because everyone is really understanding and sometimes life just gets in the way, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

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QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

Tea or Coffee = Yikes, neither! I don’t like hot drinks, haha.

Coke or Pepsi = Coke!

Messy mayhem or Super Organised = Super organised, for sure!

Cute kitten or Playful puppy = Puppy!

Night In or Night Out = Night in!

Heels or Flats = Flats, I always go for comfort.

Lip Stick or Lip Gloss = Lipstick!

Rock Chick or Pop Princess = Rock chick.

Paperback or E-book = Paperback.

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Contact Lexi:

Blog: https://driftinglexi.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/driftinglexi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driftinglexi/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/38691626-lauren

Bloglovin’: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/driftinglexi-14489859

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1jZIKf9HKxECegg-DjfBRg

10 Must-Read Books For Makeup Addicts & Beauty Bloggers…

10 must read beauty-books

There’s nothing I like better than to close the laptop, curl myself up in a ball on the sofa, sip on a hot chocolate and read a great book… especially if it’s teaching me top tips on how to look and feel as yummy as I can be! *yippee*  There’s something so cosy about these chilly winter evenings that make it the perfect opportunity to lock the doors, close the curtains and settle down in front of a roaring fire to catch up on some must-read beauty gossip. So for the little bookworms amongst us I’ve whittled down 10 awesome beauty books that will have you page-turning at every opportunity…

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Dita Von Teese: Your Beauty Mark

Your Beauty Mark

From burlesque show to fashion runway, magazine cover to Internet video, style icon and “burlesque superheroine” (Vanity Fair) Dita Von Teese has undergone more strokes of red lipstick, bursts of hair spray, boxes of blue-black hair dye, and pats of powder in a month than a drag queen could dream of in a lifetime. Whether she’s dazzling audiences while swirling in a towering martini glass in Swarovski-crystal-covered pasties and stilettos or sparking camera flashes on the red carpet, one reality is constant: for this self-styled star, beauty is an art.

Now, for the first time in her Technicolor career, Dita divulges the beauty wisdom that keeps her on international best-dressed lists and high-profile fashion show rosters. In Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour, Dita and collaborator Rose Apodaca take you through every step of Dita’s glamour arsenal, and includes her confidantes—masters in makeup, hair, medicine, and exercise, as well as some of the world’s most eccentric beauties—for authoritative advice. Packed with sound nutrition and exercise guidance, skin care and scent insight, as well as accessible techniques for creating bombshell hairstyles and makeup looks and more, this inspiring resource shares the skills, history, and lessons you need to enhance your individual gifts and realize your own beauty mark.

Currently on offer for £12 on Amazon – *click here* to treat yourself!

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Lisa Potter Dixon: Easy On The Eyes

Easy On The Eyes

Starting with the basics, Lisa teaches you how to prep, prime and perfect your base before transforming your look with shadows, liner and all thats in between. She helps you to create the perfect brows to frame the eyes following step-by-step photographs. Whether you’re looking for a fun and youthful or elegant and sophisticated look, Lisa will show you how to make the most of your eyes, with hints and tips to suit all eye shapes, colours and styles.

As well as discovering how to do the perfect smokey eye, a classic flick and graphic liner looks, Lisa shows you how to achieve that 1920s chic, dazzle with glitter and make the most of colour, proving that it really is the eyes that have it. While features on make-up bag essentials, what to use when you’re caught short, how to take your make-up look from desk to dance floor and a behind-the-scenes look at the London Fashion Week Matthew Williamson show.

Each look can be completed in 5, 15 or 30 minutes, so no matter what your style, how much time you have to get ready, or what equipment you have to hand, you can go from now to WOW! in no time.

*Click here to find out more*

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Lisa Eldridge: Facepaint The Story of Makeup

Facepaint

Makeup, as we know it, has only been commercially available in the last 100 years, but applying decoration to the face and body may be one of the oldest global social practices. In Face Paint, Lisa Eldridge reveals the entire history of the art form, from Egyptian and Classical times up through the Victorian age and golden era of Hollywood, and also surveys the cutting-edge makeup science of today and tomorrow. Face Paint explores the practical and idiosyncratic reasons behind makeup’s use, the actual materials employed over generations, and the glamorous icons that people emulate and how they achieved their effects. An engaging history of style, it is also a social history of women and the ways in which we can understand their lives through the prism and impact of makeup.

*Click here to find out more*

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Academy of Freelance Makeup: Makeup Is Art

Makeup Is Art

Years of professional makeup styling is distilled into a gorgeous yet practical book on the art of makeup from one of the world’s best beauty-training institutes, the Academy of Freelance Makeup. In this updated second edition of the book, the team of top industry professionals offer additional expert advice, tips, insider secrets and instructions for specialist techniques for the novice or professional makeup artist. From creating period looks to using glitter and crystals to body-art and airbrushing techniques, the book is inspirational and informative.

*Click here to find out more*

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Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

 Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

Bobbi Brown’s twenty-five-plus years of makeup styling experience distilled into one complete, gorgeous book. Bobbi looks at everything from skincare basics to every aspect of facial makeup – from how to find the right colour and type of foundation for any skin tone to how to apply every detail of eye makeup (brows, eyeliner, eye shadow and eyelashes) no matter the eye colour and shape. Of course there are never-before-seen tips on blush, bronzer, lip liners, lipstick and more. And Bobbi looks beyond the face with informative chapters on head-to-toe beauty and the science of skin.

*Click here to find out more* 

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Michelle Phan Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success–Online and Off

 Michelle-Phan-Makeup

Michelle Phan has believed in makeup since the first time she was allowed to try eyeliner. When she looked in the mirror and saw a transformed version of herself looking back, she fell in love with the sense of confidence that makeup could give her.  Ever since she posted her first makeup tutorial on YouTube, she has dedicated herself to inspire millions by using makeup as a tool for transformation and self expression.

Now, Michelle has compiled all of her best wisdom into Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success–Online and Off. From creating a gorgeous smoky eye to understanding contouring to developing an online persona, Michelle has advice to help you transform every facet of your life. Make Up is packed with Michelle’s trademark beauty and style tutorials,  stories and pictures from her own life, and advice on the topics she is asked about most, including etiquette, career, entrepreneurship, and creativity. From the everyday (such as how to get glowing skin) to the big picture (such as how to turn your passion into a profession), Make Up is a practical and empowering resource to help anyone put their best face forward.

*Click here to find out more* 

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Karen Gilbert: Natural Beauty

Natural Beauty

Packed with pampering recipes to create your own beauty essentials for face, body, and hair. Most of us use a huge variety of beauty products on our skin and hair every day – from shower gel and shampoo to moisturizer and hand cream – but the majority of these products contain a variety of chemicals. In Natural Beauty, natural skincare and fragrance expert Karen Gilbert shows you how to make your own lotions and potions at home, using readily available, natural ingredients and easy-to-follow methods. For the face, there are moisturizers, masks and cleansers; for the body choose from scrubs and shower gels, soaps and body lotions. And when you need some extra-special pampering, try the recipes for lip balms, massage bars, bath oils and eye gels. So try your hand at making a neroli hydrating spritz or a macadamia and jojoba moisturizer, a mango and lime body butter or lemon and tea tree foot balm, bergamot and grapefruit wake-up wash or cocoa butter lip balm – the hardest part is choosing which of the pampering projects to try first! Each recipe has clear step-by-step photographs to guide you, and there are numerous variations to try.

*Click here to find out more*

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Fleur De Force: The Glam Guide 

The Glam Guide

Fleur De Force started making YouTube videos in 2009 out of a passion for everything beauty and fashion related. What began as a fun hobby quickly turned into something much bigger, and she’s spent the past five years seeking out the best products, top tips and easiest ways for us all to look and feel more fabulous. In The Glam Guide she shares all of her secrets and discoveries so whether you’re looking for makeup tips, wardrobe cheats, first-date pointers or healthy lifestyle motivation, this is the book for you.

*Click here to find out more*

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Esme Floyd: 1001 Little Beauty Miracles, Secrets and Solutions from Head to Toe

 1001 Little Beauty Miracles

These top-to-toe tips will help you make small changes to your beauty regime that reap big benefits, both in the way you look and how you feel. With direct remedies for beauty problems as well as advice on everything from getting perfectly groomed nails to battling cellulite, “1001 Little Beauty Miracles” offers short, simple ways to improve and maintain your natural good looks. Impress your friends with your knowledge of sensationally simple ways to get gorgeous fast. Even if you are an ungroomed, nail-biting, hair-yanking, exercise phobic, these corner-cutting ideas will set you on the path to looking your finest with the minimum of fuss.

*Click here to find out more*

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Jemma Kidd: Make-up Master Class

Jemma Kidd

Millions of women throughout the world wear make-up, but few of them have been taught how to apply it.’ This is what inspired leading international make-up artist Jemma Kidd’s vision for her make-up school, product line and this book –which aims to teach a new generation of women how to use the latest and best formulations and technique. Jemma Kidd Make-up is a glamorous, contemporary and yet timeless make-up book that demystifies the art of make-up and shows every woman how to enhance her best features and feel confident in her appearance, whatever her age or lifestyle. Lavishly photographed and designed, it offers expert advice in an accessible and digestible way: informative text is broken down into bite-size chunks, with quotes, top tips, insider secrets and practical step-by-step instructions. With more than ten years’ experience of working in the beauty industry, Jemma shares her professional know-how and explains her fail-safe techniques for maximizing natural beauty. While sharing insights into her life as a make-up artist, with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the preparation that goes on before a catwalk show or a magazine shoot, Jemma explains how she works with the latest fashion trends to creates new looks and colour schemes, and shows how these sometimes extreme looks can be adapted and toned down for everyday wear. With this ebook edition of Jemma Kidd Make-Up, you can approach the day feeling good and looking great, whatever it might hold.

*Click here to find out more*

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Well hopefully that little lot should keep you busy for the next few weeks!

What great books have you been burying your head in recently? Have you read any of the above? Do let me know in the comments below, we love a good book chatter here on Confetti & Curves!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Keeping Up With Karen

Mornin’ chums…

Ohhhh I’m a happy little blogger today as not only is it one of those gorgeous lazy Sundays (the kind I fiercly crave after a ridiculously busy week) BUT it’s also a bank holiday weekend… one extra day of freedom to enjoy; & seeing as it will be Emma’s last day of her school summer hols we’ve decided to partake in a little mama-daughter girly day out. What could be more fun that a whole day of shopping, giggles & properly catching up with my mini me after such a busy week?!

Talking of catching up, it’s time for another Confetti & Curves low-down on this weeks fun filled features. I do hope you have your coffee cup topped up & are ready to feast your eyes upon the latest goings on. Don’t forget to leave a link to any of YOUR blog posts that you’d like us to check out too…

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10 Tips For Blogging On A Busy Schedule

Tips For Blogging On A Busy Schedule

With school starting back & the rest of us up to our eyes in the wonderful world of work *sigh* Setting aside free time to blog is often regretfully sacrificed. However do not fear lovelies as my ’10 Tips For Blogging On A Busy Schedule’ may offer a helping hand in being able to successfully juggle school, work, life, & keeping your online haven topped up… all relatively stress free I should add!!

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Behind The Blog featuring Angela from Beauty By The Bunny

Beauty By The Bunny

The first of this weeks blogger to grace the virtual sofa is the gorgeous Angela from Beauty By The Bunny. Of course any gal addicted to Chanel has my full attention 😀  So if you aren’t already familiar with the cosmetic craving Angela do pop over & say a huge hello… I’m sure you’ll adore her features every bit as much as the rest of us do!

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You Look Disgusting

You Look Disgusting

Every now and then something amazing spreads across social media. For Emma Ford, her incredible YouTube video ‘You look Disgusting’ spread like wild fire across the globe as it managed to touch the hearts and minds of millions. Having been tagged by both Claire & Laura to take up task of supporting the campaign by removing my make-up & baring my bare face to the world, I make a nervous attempt at giving it a go!

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Behind The Blog featuring Bronagh’s Beauty & Books

Bronaghs Beauty and Books

Thursday’s blogger was a little closer to home this week as I went behind the scenes with the lovely Bronagh from Bronagh’s Beauty & Books! If you’re an avid fan of literature & lipstick then you’ll feel right at home with Bronagh, she’s super friendly too so do pop over and say a quick hello 🙂

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The Perfect Tan?

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My translucent skin has been beaconing for a wash of colour & after being bestowed with a goodie bag from the PR team behind Lauren’s Way how could I not be excited to give this a go?! Question is, is it actually any good? I guess you’ll have to stop by to find out ladies 😉

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As always, thank y’all so very much for the abundance of support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out otherwise don’t forget to say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Behind The Blog… featuring Bronagh’s Beauty & Books

Bronaghs Beauty and Books

Hey Beauty Buddies,

I’m super excited today for two reasons… firstly the weekend is almost upon us *excited air punch* and secondly because I’ve a lovely little Irish blogger to introduce y’all too… it’s such an exciting find stumbling across someone so close to home as we can be pretty hard to find!

As I’m sure you’ve already guessed Bronagh’s Beauty & Books is a sassy little corner of the interweb dedicated to those amongst us who enjoy dabbling in cosmetics & a good book. So if it sounds your kinda place to hang out then do pop over and say a huge hello to Bronagh, she’s super welcoming & loves a friendly chatter.

So without further ado it’s time to get comfy as we get to meet the girl Behind The Blog…

Bronagh

In only 5 words describe what readers can expect from your blog:

Lots of beauty & Fashion

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What inspired you to start blogging?

Honestly, my love of bloggers like Zoella and Sprinkle of Glitter. Also my love of all things beauty related and my ever growing collection! Its a great outlet for creativity and it gives you something to do in your spare time and make a few new friends!

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Tell us about your blog name… what made you decide on it?

Well I wanted to include my name, and I got lucky that beauty also began with B. I spent a while thinking about it and ended up with Bronagh’s Beauty and Books,  but the blog title is Bronagh Blogs to make it slightly easier to remember

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Do you ever suffer from Blogger’s Block & if so how do you overcome it?

I always have bloggers block! So when I feel inspired, I draft up as many posts as I can, and set up about a weeks worth, so I always have something to go live.

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What’s your favourite post to date? 

My MUA Haul! Mostly because I have a slight obsession with MUA Cosmetics!

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/bronaghs-blog-14121621

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Describe your everyday clothes style:

Its so casual! I swap between dresses and heels, to jeans and t shirts to leggings and baggy clothes. If I have nothing to do I will sit in PJ bottoms or leggings and baggy jumpers.

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What are your current top 3 beauty items?

MUA’s Foundation, its such a great match for my skin tone, LUSH’s rehab shampoo as it is brilliant at fixing my damaged hair and my C2 Straighteners as my hairs a half wavy half curly mess!

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How do you like to relax & unwind after a stressful day?

I either read or watch netflix. I’m currently obsessed with Orange is The New Black and I’m reading the Beautiful Creatures books.

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Describe your ideal Saturday night:

Honestly, its sitting in with a Chinese and a good movie with either my dog or my boyfriend. I’ve never been a fan of nights out.

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What do you do to relax?

I read, a lot. I love the feeling of getting into a new book and falling into its world.

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Everyone has their bad habits, what’s yours?

Biting my nails! They never grow too long before I bite them back down. I’m trying to combat this by wearing nail polish, which helps.

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What’s your most cherished childhood memory?

Getting my first pet, a dog which we called Sheba. She was a Shepard mix but she was really ill so we only had her for 3 months. Not long after that we got Cozy who was a springer mix. We had him for about 11 years; he was my best childhood friend.

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What was your favourite school subject?

I was the nerd who loved Maths and Science. I still do love science, but I’ve lost all of my maths ability from not doing it as much anymore.

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What’s your dream job?

This changes everyday! Currently I’m looking into work in the Mental Health sector or in administration. I like the idea of being a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I can never answer this! I’d hope to at least be in University by then, or leaving depending on the degree. Right now I’d like to be just finishing off a degree in Mental Health Nursing

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What top 5 things are on your bucket list?

My number one thing is to learn another language. I’m working on learning Irish as I live in Northern Ireland, so the closer I go to the border, the more Irish signs there are. My other top  4 are getting married, having children, getting a university degree and learning to sew. I’m not the most interesting of people, but oh well.

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Who inspires you?

My grandmother really inspired me. I loved her to pieces and she was such an amazing person, so if I end up even half the person she was, I’ll be happy.

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Do you have a favourite inspirational quote?

“All Our Dreams Come True if we Have the Courage to Pursue Them” – Walt Disney

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What top tips would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own blog?

Spend time thinking about your blog name, it will stick with you! Also really think about what you want to blog about, make sure you are really interested in it and you can give out advice if needed. Also success really doesn’t happen over night! It takes time for people to notice you, so networking is key!

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QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

Tea or Coffee = Tea 100%

Coke or Pepsi = Pepsi

Messy mayhem or Super Organised = Super Organised

Cute kitten or Playful puppy = Playful Puppy!

Night In or Night Out = Night in

Heels or Flats = Flats

Lip Stick or Lip Gloss = lip stick

Rock Chick or Pop Princess = rock chick!

Paperback or E-book = paperback, purely for the smell

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Contact Bronagh:

Blog – http://bronaghsbeautyandbooks.com/

Twitter – @BronaghGoesRawr

Instagram – @BronaghBlogs

Blog Lovin’ –  https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/bronaghs-blog-14121621

Pinterest – @BronaghsBeauty

Don’t forget: If you would like your blog featured on Behind The Blog then get in touch via the contact page by clicking *here*, I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for reading & of course do say hi in the comments below… we adore a good chatter here on Confetti & Curves  🙂

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5 Beauty Books You Should Be Reading…

Beauty Books

There’s nothing I like better than to close the laptop, curl myself up in a ball on the sofa, sip on a hot chocolate and read a great book… especially if it’s feeding me top tips on how to look and feel as yummy as I can be! *yippee*  There’s something so cosy about these chilly winter evenings that make it the perfect opportunity to lock the doors, close the curtains and settle down in front of a roaring fire to catch up on some must-read beauty gossip. So for the little bookworms amongst us I’ve whittled down my top 5 Beauty reads that will have you page turning at every opportunity…

Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion

 Pretty Honest Sali Hughes

In Pretty Honest, Sali Hughes draws on over 20 years of wisdom, advice and expertise to show real women how to make the most of makeup’s physically and emotionally transformative powers. Covering everything from teenage skin to mature beauty, botox to bridal make-up, sickness to good health, it’s a work that is part instruction manual, part love letter to makeup – in a writing style that combines beauty editor, feminist and painfully funny best friend.

*Click here to find out more*

The Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible

The Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible

Concern about artificial chemicals in beauty products is growing and many of us now opt for natural cosmetics. However, with so much choice on the market it can be overwhelming choosing the ones that are right for you. In this latest in their bestselling Beauty Bible series, health and beauty experts Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey provide invaluable expert guidance to the best natural cosmetics and treatments. With all-new scores and trials of the latest products Jo and Sarah bring together everything a woman needs to know about feeling great, looking gorgeous and being fabulous using all-natural cosmetics.

Chapters include guidance on skin, hair, make-up, hands, feet and nails, sleep, exercise and much more. And of course Jo and Sarah’s trademark ‘tried and tested’ reports on scores of health and beauty products – reliably tested by over 2,000 women. There are also recipes to make your own organic, home-made cosmetics and explanations of the natural benefits these provide. Packed with insider info from the world’s leading experts, this is the bible for all women, showing you how to look, feel and be fabulous naturally.

*Click here to find out more*

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

 Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

Bobbi Brown’s twenty-five-plus years of makeup styling experience distilled into one complete, gorgeous book. Bobbi looks at everything from skincare basics to every aspect of facial makeup – from how to find the right colour and type of foundation for any skin tone to how to apply every detail of eye makeup (brows, eyeliner, eye shadow and eyelashes) no matter the eye colour and shape. Of course there are never-before-seen tips on blush, bronzer, lip liners, lipstick and more. And Bobbi looks beyond the face with informative chapters on head-to-toe beauty and the science of skin.

*Click here to find out more* 

Michelle Phan Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success–Online and Off

 Michelle-Phan-Makeup

Michelle Phan has believed in makeup since the first time she was allowed to try eyeliner. When she looked in the mirror and saw a transformed version of herself looking back, she fell in love with the sense of confidence that makeup could give her.  Ever since she posted her first makeup tutorial on YouTube, she has dedicated herself to inspire millions by using makeup as a tool for transformation and self expression.

Now, Michelle has compiled all of her best wisdom into Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success–Online and Off. From creating a gorgeous smoky eye to understanding contouring to developing an online persona, Michelle has advice to help you transform every facet of your life. Make Up is packed with Michelle’s trademark beauty and style tutorials,  stories and pictures from her own life, and advice on the topics she is asked about most, including etiquette, career, entrepreneurship, and creativity. From the everyday (such as how to get glowing skin) to the big picture (such as how to turn your passion into a profession), Make Up is a practical and empowering resource to help anyone put their best face forward.

*Click here to find out more* 

1001 Little Beauty Miracles: Secrets and Solutions from Head to Toe

 1001 Little Beauty Miracles

These top-to-toe tips will help you make small changes to your beauty regime that reap big benefits, both in the way you look and how you feel. With direct remedies for beauty problems as well as advice on everything from getting perfectly groomed nails to battling cellulite, “1001 Little Beauty Miracles” offers short, simple ways to improve and maintain your natural good looks. Impress your friends with your knowledge of sensationally simple ways to get gorgeous fast. Even if you are an ungroomed, nail-biting, hair-yanking, exercise phobic, these corner-cutting ideas will set you on the path to looking your finest with the minimum of fuss.

*Click here to find out more*

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Well hopefully that little lot should keep you busy for the next few weeks! What great books have you been burying your head in recently? Have you read any of the above? Do let me know in the comments below, I love a good book chatter!

Cheerio Chums 🙂

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Top Travel Essentials for your Jolly Holidays…

Travel Essentials

For many of us, the long haul of travelling to our destination is all part and parcel of the honeymoon or holiday excitement – but if you’re not properly prepared it can soon turn into a terror trip than that relaxing vacation you’ve been dreaming about for the last few months. So whether you’re off on a romantic getaway for two, heading home to family this Christmas or planning a fun weekend away with friends it’s essential you get yourself geared up & prepared for the journey ahead…

The Travel Bag:

Okay, so I’m assuming you’re checking an overstuffed trunk of holiday goodies into the check-in desk which leaves you pondering what handbag should accompany you on your journey. Well, before you dust off that favourite designer tote, stop and think about where you’re going and what you’ll be doing when you get there. If sightseeing is top of your list & you’re hitting a high tourist destination spot it could be worthwhile leaving your mesmerising Michael Kors bag at home and choosing a much safer option. With pick-pocketing, bag slashing, muggings and handbag theft at a serious high, it’s a good idea to treat yourself to one of these handy little travel buddies by Pacsafe

Citysafe 100 anti-theft handbag

So what’s so unique about them? Actually, quite a lot! Not only are they designed to neatly store every gals travel needs, the sleek Citysafe 100 is undoubtedly the James Bond of women’s handbags. The adjustable straps are reinforced with lightweight stainless steel along with similar reinforced panels in the most vulnerable and commonly targeted areas to help prevent bag slashers running off with your contents.
As most passports, credit cards and ID Cards have an RFID chip that contains personal data that many thieves can access via certain radio frequencies (scary thought!!) the Citysafe 100 boasts the award winning RFID safe micro-chip that blocks out these transmissions – helping to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands.
This brill bag also has a variety of anti pick-pocketing features such as zipper security hooks and secure fixture mechanisms that allow you to secure your bag in place when set beside you… making it even harder for any savvy snatcher to make a dash with your beloved belongings!

Are you considering taking your designer bag now? Hmm, maybe not!

Looking Good:

So now that we’ve got our super-safe travel bag, if you’re anything like me the first thing you’ll want to do is fill it with the absolute essentials of any trip… make-up! Considering all those hours waiting (patiently) in queues, recycled air, sweat, headaches etc. you’ll probably want to freshen up your holiday face at some point. Freebie samples and testers are perfect for this as they’re compact and easily tucked into a pocket. Other handy items to keep with you are make-up removal wipes, small deodorant, hair clip, nail file, travel hair brush with mini built in mirror.
Just don’t forget to bring along those little plastic zip-lock bags for security check-in!

The Nibbles:

Even just an hour or two of travelling on a rumbling tummy can leave you feeling like a wilted grape – however before you stock up on goodies wait until you’re through the security checks or you’ll more than likely end up waving goodbye to that huge bar of galaxy you’ve been hoarding. Once through security you can treat yourself to a range of snacks & refreshments. Cereal bars are a traveller’s best friend as they’re so easy to pop in your bag, won’t cause a huge mess and are a great little boost to keep the energy levels up. If you’re prone to air pressure ear popping *ouch!* it could be a good idea to buy a little bag of boiled sweets to suck along the way… I’ve heard it works a treat to help reduce the discomfort!

The Entertainment:

I personally enjoy catching up with some of my favourite glossy mag’s such as Glamour & Cosmopolitan when I’m on the move, especially the smaller travel sizes that are hassle free for popping in your handbag. If you’re a book reader it’s always a good idea to get your Kindle (or other device) well stocked up with a good variety of top reads. There’s even an app for your smart phones if you want to keep your e-book tucked up at home, or why not give Audible a go –you can just lie back and listen to a great story without even having to glance at a page! Alternatively if you’re travelling at night it could be a good idea to take along a sleep mask so you can catch a quick nap if you’re feeling worn out from all the excitement.

The Important Stuff:

Yes, you know – all those vital documents you need to get from A-B without the intervention of frenzied relatives or government officials. Make sure you keep an easy-access compartment in your bag for passports & other important paperwork that is easy to access when needed. Ensure you have confirmations of travel printed out & at hand should anything be queried (the same goes for medical insurance documents) and of course don’t forget to make a list of important contacts should your phone get misplaced or stolen! Important numbers to note should always include travel agents, family members, friends, Doctors surgery, your hotel, credit card company, insurance company, bank etc. Don’t be tempted to lift your address book, as if that goes walkies you’ve just handed a stranger the entire contact details of your nearest and dearest!

Feeling Comfy:

You may have your travel bag organised to perfection but it’s important you travel just as well as your belongings do. Wear something light & comfortable as opposed to tight and tailored. Stretchy layers are super comfy & a great way to let you regulate your temperature to the surroundings – if things get a bit chilly you can hop up in your vest top, long shirt tee & hoodie or if you’re feeling the heat you can remove whatever you need to cool off *within reason of course ladies, ah hem*
Slip on shoes should definitely be considered an essential! In fact I’d go as far as saying they should be a legal requirement… especially if like me you’re always the one who is stuck behind the person that decided to wear knee boots with 40-something zips and buckles *sigh*

Have you a romantic honeymoon booked or are you travelling over the Christmas Jollidays? If so, do you have any top tips or tricks when it comes to travelling? Is the commute something you enjoy as part of your holiday, or are you the ‘get me there pronto’ type?

As always I’d love to read your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, so do stop by and say hello…

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