Mothers Day...

Sunday 18th March is Mothers Day, the one day of the year where we forget just how annoying & nagging our Mothers can be and instead lavish time, gifts, flowers, food & alcohol on them. Even now it has become acceptable to turn our attentions to other female family members, with Grandma's & Aunties too getting cards and presents. 

But, what exactly do you buy for your Mum or relatives are the question on most people’s lips? I'm a huge fan of getting well thought of, unique & inexpensive gifts. Myself being a student means that I can't spend the earth on presents! Take my Mothers Day present this year; a pair of earrings from a vintage style shop in Aberystwyth (where I study) called Polly's. I often go into Polly's just for a browse, and I saw these a couple of weeks ago. Ever since then I've had my eye on them, and at just £5.99 let’s face it - a complete steal! They match a bracelet my Mum was bought for Christmas & I just know she will love them.

With just two days to go until the 'big event' if you haven't already purchased something or are simply stuck what to get your Mum (I'm assuming I’m talking more to the Male population now) here are some of my handy (and cheap) gift ideas to save the day...

Flowers

All Mum's/female relatives like flowers. A nice bouquet of flowers hiding behind a cheeky smile can brighten any day. Easily purchasable & as expensive or as cheap as you want them to be, head to your local florist or supermarket and see what bunches they offer. Current Spring flowers include Crocus, Iris, Hyacinth & Daffodils - so look out for bouquets containing these.

Chocolates 

You all know your Mum's/female relatives favourite chocolates (if you don't I suggest you gem up on this knowledge) so treat them to a box! Or go for broke & buy a nice luxury box of some special ones. Cadbury's 'Milk Tray' or any Thornton’s ones should go down a treat. On the plus side, you will get to sample some too! & a handy tip for all those living in Aber, the Thornton’s on the High Street has recently become an outlet store, meaning most items are up to 50% cheaper!

Card

I wasn't sure whether to mention this, as I'm pretty sure it’s obvious. Practically everywhere sells cards, so there’s no excuse for not sending or giving one! But, if you want to be a bit creative, why not make a handmade one? Handmade cards show that you've made an effort & if you are artistic, can look pretty damn cool. 

Food 

Most restaurants charge silly amounts on Mother’s Day, with many getting booked up weeks in advance. Why not do it yourself, and cook for your Mum/female relatives/family? I'm not suggesting a three course gourmet meal (I'm aware not everyone is a super chef in the kitchen) but a simple dish such as spag bol, lasagne, pasta bake or cottage pie should go down a treat. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!    

Whatever you choose to do, remember that it isn't about how much you spend, its about the time you give. Enjoy spending quality time with your Mum's & Family this Sunday x

Sweet Dreams...

Sleep, wonderful sleep. The time when our bodies shut down and recharge for around about 8 or 9 hours from the days stresses. A perfect night’s sleep every night would be amazing, but let’s face it, for the majority of us this does not happen. I've realised a large amount of us seem to be suffering (myself included) from the odd bit of insomnia. Be it the stresses of work or study, sometimes it is just nigh impossible to drop off come lights out. And the effects of a rubbish night’s sleep can be seen the next day! Let’s face it, blood shot, puffy eyes, under eye bags (concealer comes in handy then!) & a lack of concentration is not desirable! 

There are things you can do to at least try and make your sleeping pattern a little more regular. Here are some handy tips to have you never needing to count sheep again...

No caffeine after 6pm

Caffeine is a stimulant & when taken can keep you & your brain awake for hours on end. Caffeine is found in all hot drinks, coffee, and including tea. Whilst caffeine is effective at keeping you awake during the day, it isn't so good when you want to go to sleep. Cut it out after 6pm, and notice the difference. Come 10 or 11pm, instead of bouncing off the walls you will be drifting off to sleep instead.

If you must have something hot to drink in the evening, try camomile tea. This is a natural herb and a 'relaxer', enabling your body to wind down from a busy day.  

Hot chocolate 

It's true, drinking hot chocolate (made with milk), or hot milk on its own before bed can help induce sleep. Milk contains 'tryptophan' which is an amino acid you get from the foods your body consumes. In the end, this acid helps the body to produce 'serotonin', a chemical needed in order for the body to 'calm down'. It is this chemical that helps induce a state of sleep. Also, adding marshmallows & whipped cream to a nice mug of hot chocolate never goes amiss either! For the original (in my opinion) and best, buy Cadburys drinking chocolate the next time you go food shopping.   

Lavender 

Lavender scented products can also help induce sleep. Like camomile, lavender is a natural relaxer, and research has found it can slow down the nervous system, and improve the quality of your sleep. Stock up on lavender scented bubble bath/shower gel, candles, oil, and even a spray to spray your room & pillows. Being around the smell will de-stress you and hopefully send you to the land of nod.

Switch off 

I mean this literally. Switch off both your thoughts & technological devices in order to have a good night’s sleep. Often, I find that bad thoughts or things I have yet to do play on my mind when I’m trying to sleep. Thinking of a happy memory or a happy time can make all the difference when trying to fall asleep. Try not to take your worries to bed, after all, there’s not much that can be done about them when you’re asleep! The same goes for technology, TV's, Laptops, IPods... Switch them off at least half an hour before bed. Whenever possible, try and read a book or your favourite magazine before bed to concentrate your mind on something else, and hopefully, induce a wonderful nights rest.    
   

  

Let's hear it for the boys...

I know there are some of the male population out there who do read my blog, and I have actually been asked to write a piece on male grooming. As you probably know, this isn't my area of expertise, but never one to turn down a challenge, I gracefully accepted. So here goes...

'Male grooming' as it is now fondly known as is big business, huge in fact. According to facts, the male grooming market is worth around 806 million of our Great British pounds. That's a huge slice of market share to tap into, and own. Let’s face it, it is acceptable for men nowadays to look after themselves! A splash of aftershave here, a sweep of after shave balm there, we have given rise to a new generation of image (and skin conscious) men. Celebs like David Beckham & Patrick Dempsey (who can forget his 'dreamy' adverts for L’Oreal Men) have made it acceptable for the average Joe to, shall we say, 'take more pride in their appearance'. 

Now, I do like it when a man looks after himself. Well groomed men who smell nice, have nice skin, and dress nicely are a huge turn on. However, its taking things a little bit far when your boyfriend/object of desire looks better in skinny jeans & eye liner than you do! Please, don't take longer to get ready than we do, wear makeup or pluck your eyebrow hairs more than is necessary. Guys, whatever you do, this 'is it a boy/girl?' look is not good. 

But, taking pride and care of your appearance is. The skin care company Nivea jumped on the bandwagon a long while ago by launching their line of male orientated products, aptly titled 'Nivea for Men'. Prices are, if I do say so, a little expensive, but if it’s after shave balm or moisturiser you’re after, then you won't be disappointed. Nivea are a long standing company with an excellent reputation for creating good quality skincare products. If you aren't keen on smelling like you've just walked out of a spa day, then 'Vaseline' do some great, fragrance free products. Their 'Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Body Lotion' is perfect for application after a shower/bath. Similarly, their lip balm (invest in the blue tin, it doesn't have a fragrance) is a great essential for keeping cracked skin at bay.  

Guys, you all have female friends. You can learn a thing or two from them! Next time your friends/flatmates whip out some hand cream/Vaseline ask to borrow some. I'm sure they won't mind. Or, next time you’re in town; don't be scared to venture down the male grooming isle in Boots/Superdrug. Buy products and test them to find the ones that suit you. Taking a little extra time to look after yourself during the day can work wonders. Get into grooming habits now, and soon those eligible women out there will be (hopefully) fighting over you!

One Stop Beauty Shop...

I keep being so optimistic about the weather, hoping that very soon the first signs of Spring (and warmer weather) will appear. I'm very wrong. It's cold, wet, and probably getting colder! The other day, as I put hand cream on my hands for the millionth time (I've had eczema pretty much since birth & in the cold it tends to flare up, especially on my hands) I thought about my beauty regime. Just because it's winter, there shouldn't be any excuse for letting your beauty standards slip! But a beauty regime shouldn't be something to be scared of; it should become a way of life, something you can happily fit into your daily life. After all, your skin will thank you for it! And that's a promise!

I'm about to show you my beauty regime, and believe me, it’s simpler than you think!

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.
  
I CANNOT stress this enough! Skin needs to be kept nice & supple, all year round. Let’s face it, flaky, rough skin isn't a turn on for anyone! My skin problems led me to learn the importance of using moisturiser at a very young age, but it still isn't too late to start now. The best time to apply moisturiser is after a bath or shower, when skin is at its most soft. The moisturiser will sink in much better too. This goes for the male population too! 'Borrow' a little bit of your girlfriends/flat mates moisturiser, and start counting down the days to softer, more touchable skin. 

I've tried countless moisturisers in my time. Most of which have been too greasy, not greasy enough, expensive, made my skin look dull etc etc. But, last year a friend recommended 'Palmers Cocoa Butter' to me and, quite frankly, I’ve never looked back! It smells divine, applies easy and is great value. It is also much more than just an after bath lotion... Cracked heels? No problem! No after tanning lotion? No problem! Run out of face cream? No problem! It really is a solid beauty investment. And it’s also available in pretty much every High Street beauty store! Bargin!

Cleanse, tone & moisturise.

We women do wear makeup, and between us all, we wear a hell of a lot. Before bed and straight after you wake up, get into a routine of cleansing, toning & moisturising your face. Proper cleansing & toning keeps your skin looking youthful for much longer. And remember; every time you leave your makeup on to go to bed, your skin ages by 8 days!

Because of my sensitive skin, I find 'Simple' products work the best for me. Gentle & made with natural ingredients, you can be sure to get good results. No nasty rashes or spots from using 'Simple' products! I use the 'Moisturising facial wash' for cleansing & the 'Soothing facial toner' for toning. Upon waking, I also use the 'Replenishing rich moisturiser' as a protection for my face. 

At night however, I like to use something I refer to as 'night cream', Nivea's original 'Crème' (the one in the blue tub). It isn't specifically a 'night cream', but it is rich, so I wouldn't recommend using it for day use. When you sleep, that’s the time when your skin repairs itself from the days stresses, so you may as well give it a helping hand!

Facial treats.

I'm a huge believer in taking 10 or 15 minutes out of your life every week to give your skin a treat, and apply a face mask. Extreme weather, pollution & the stresses of work/study all take its toll on skin. It gets dried out and becomes dull, so a quick once weekly face mask will give it a much needed pamper. The face mask I like at the minute is the 'Boots 3minute clay mask'. With sea and cucumber extracts, it’s cheap, suitable for all skin types, and it takes less than 5minutes to work its magic! Of course, if you want to relax a bit, you can leave it on for longer, it won't do any harm.

The lips have it.  

Who doesn't want soft, kissable lips all the time? Yep, thought so, everyone! Lip balm is a must. Keep applying through the day, to keep your lips conditioned & looking super soft & kissable! (Who knows when a situation like that may arise?) I love 'Carmex' lip balms. Easy to apply, effective, and with an added spf 15, this little pot of wonder ticks all the boxes. I particularly like the 'cherry' flavour, simply because it smells wonderful! And the handy size of the pot means it fits into any handbag or pocket, making it the ultimate accessory! 

Step into Spring...

Even though the weather has for the past week been threatening a return to the bleak winter with 99% of the country being snowed and iced under, now is the right time to start focusing on the new season trends. It's never too early to begin to think about how to update your wardrobe & look in order to be fabulously trendy! I know that most of us are on a budget, but new season trends shouldn't scare even the most frugal of budgets! Here is my comprehensive guide of how to rock a few of the new trends in the coming months...


Pastels

Pastels normally enjoy a revival just in time for Spring. Pastel pinks, yellows and purples create a soft, floaty and sexy image. A pastel coloured jumper can update any pair of jeans. However, a more economical way of fitting this trend into your life can be simply, to paint your nails! 'Barry M' does lots of fabulous & long lasting colours including 'Strawberry' (a delicate pastel pink) and 'Berry Ice Cream' (a strong lilac). These colours can be used on any skin tone, as they compliment dark skin tones, and stand out against pale ones. But if you are a little scared about the pastel trend, a sweep of fake tan can ease your worries and boost your confidence.

Animal Prints     

From leopard, horse, zebra and dalmatian print, a new type of animal print can be seen at the start of every new season. This time it is the turn of the bird print. Swallows, robins, hummingbirds and swans featured on all of the runway shows. An easier way to update your look to incorporate this trend would be to buy a bird printed scarf. High Street shops such as Topshop, River Island and Zara sell inexpensive scarves. Teem with black jeans and a plain top for the ultimate in Sloane Ranger cool.

Deep Sea

Designers on the runways took inspiration from deep down in the ocean with shark tooth necklaces (Givenchy) and shell style clutch bags (McQueen). Be inspired by your own jewellery collection and team a blue jumper with a pearl necklace for a luxury mermaid feel. Alternatively, look for pieces embellished with pearls to achieve the same look. Don’t forget a sweep of blue eye shadow over your eyelids to finish this look off. 

    

Red Carpet Ready...

It's that time of year again... It's awards season!


Tinseltown is all a blaze with excitement as the red carpet gets rolled out for all the A-list stars. Starting with the Golden Globes on January 15th and ending with (of course) The 84th Oscars on Feb 26th, Awards Season means that we get to watch our favourite stars make fashion firsts or fashion faux pas all under the media glare. As celebs flock to the Hollywood Hills, beauty salons and stylists are in undated with requests for gown fittings, manicures, pedicures, facials, and no doubt a cheeky bit of Botox! 


However, for us mere mortals, all we can do is look enviously at the pictures, and say things like "Oh I wish I was wearing that beautiful dress" or "I wish I had that gorgeous guy hanging off my arm!"


But, there is a cheaper way of looking Oscars ready, and it all centres around one item: Red Lipstick. A good red lipstick is very hard to find. For most of us it has to be fairly cheap, smooth to apply, long lasting, and in a colour that suits us! The shade I use is by Rimmel in 'Diva Red'. (Available in most Supermarkets, Superdrug & Boots Stores) A few of my friends have borrowed this lipstick for various occasions, and I have to confess, it looked great on all of them! (Each of them having a different skin tone and colouring to me)


When applying lipstick make sure you have soft, kissable lips (moisturise them regularly) and before applying use a lip liner (in a shade close to that of your lipstick) to ensure your lipstick doesn't bleed. Next, keep the rest of your make up simple, I'm talking a slick of liquid or pencil eyeliner and a couple of coats of your favourite mascara! For this make up look the lips need to be the focus, so no bright eyeshadow colours!


This kind of old school glamour makeup look can be worn to just about any occasion; a day of business meetings with a tailored pin stripe suit, a big night out on the town with your favourite LBD, or a first date with jeans and a pretty blouse... The list is endless! You may not be a celebrity, but at least you'll have make up worthy of one!

Dear January...

It's that time of year again; once again we enter the month of January. All the festivities of Christmas have been forgotten, and decorations have been put away. It's a month of new promises, and fresh starts, billed under the premise "New Year New You!". But, for many, January can be a hard, and to be frank, a rather boring month. Extra Christmas pounds haven't been lost; the days are still dark and gloomy. Spring isn't quite in the air yet. Most of us return to work (the end of the month pay check hugely anticipated) and school/studies (the inevitable exams).

However, I say that we need to make the most of this drab month, and turn it into something happy! The last few weeks of winter need brightening up...
Here are a few tips to make the "Worst month of the year" slightly more bearable:

- Banish those winter blues (literally) by digging deep into your cupboards and making a range of healthy, heart warming soups. A bowl of classic vegetable soup served with hot crusty bread is a great meat free alternative, and will hopefully keep the colds and flu away! The best thing is that you can add whatever vegetables you like to it!

- It's funny, but I always find a way to make me feel good is to paint my nails. Nail varnish is a cheap way to update your winter look. A fabulous colour that I often use is the 'Barry M' nail varnish (available in most Superdrug stores) in shade 'Raspberry'. It's a wonderful deep berry red colour that will compliment all skin tones, and jazz up a weekend outfit of jeans and a chunky knitwear jumper. A top tip is paint base coat ('Barry M' also sells a good one of these) on your nails before the actual colour, so it stops your nails from staining.

- Two words Ladies, control panties! These clever undergarments suck you in at the waist, stomach and bottom to give you an altogether tighter, more streamlined silhouette. They can be worn under just about every outfit! A good way to disguise the extra Christmas pounds that you may haven't have lost yet, and to give you a confidence boost.

 - Take advantage of the January Sales! Nearly every retail shop on the High Street offers huge reductions (some up to 75%) on stock during the month of January. And if you haven't yet ventured to the shops, go and see what bargains you can grab! Sales are good ways to find those basic wardrobe staples (items that will carry you through season to season) for a fraction of the price. Underwear, well fitting jeans, knitwear, work wear, LBD's, classic court shoes etc are all hugely reduced, just waiting for a happy shopper to come and snap them up! And, a little bit of Retail Therapy never hurt anyone!