Wedding DIY (just over 5 weeks to go!) // 100,000 page views! Wowzers! // Dream combo for my long, naturally curly hair // Advice that I must listen to!
What have you been up to this week?
Rachel x
Monday, 30 June 2014
Thursday, 26 June 2014
The Body Shop Pulse Birthday Blogger Event
Last month, I was invited to The Body Shop in Preston to celebrate their first anniversary as a Pulse Store. The event was organised by the lovely Rachelle who also owns a blog (inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.co.uk).
Just before the event was due to start, St Georges (the shopping centre that houses The Body Shop) had a massive power cut. Rachelle was panicking and trying to think of a plan B as some bloggers had already started to make their way to Preston. Luckily, about five minutes before the event was due to start, the power came back on. Phew!
I met up with some lovely bloggers and headed to the store. On arrival, we were greeted by Rachelle and shown to the refreshments. Rachelle had made a smoothie which was delicious! We were also given a few sample pots so we could try some products out at home.
Recently, I have become obsessed with The Body Shop so I had created quite the shopping list before the event! Luckily for me, and my bank account, we were offered 40% off any purchases we made on the day. I will save my purchases for another blog post as I have had a chance to try the products so I can share my first impressions.
Once we had finished playing with the products and spending a small fortune, we headed over to The Mystery Tea House which is a really cool cafe hidden behind the shops. I ordered a pot of tea called Bora Bora which was delicious! If you're ever in Preston, I definitely recommend The Mystery Tea House and Bora Bora tea.
I had a lovely day in Preston and the weather was gorgeous. Thank you to Rachelle for organising a successful day.
Rachel x
Sunday, 22 June 2014
My Week In Instagram Pictures - Week 25
Happy World Giraffe Day // Delicious Strawberry & Mango herbal tea // Strawberries, Raspberries and Ice Cream - perfect in the sunshine // Lovely bloggers at the essence event in Manchester
Had my nails done at the essence event - their nail polishes are amazing and only cost £1.59! // Pinterest will be proud of these cute paper straws! // Amazing nail polish stand at the pop up essence shop in Manchester Arndale // My fancy name badge from the event
Rachel x
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
My Week In Instagram Pictures - Week 24
Sangria at La Tasca with my mum // Tapas at La Tasca // Beautiful Peonies - I'm having these in my wedding bouquet :) // Hayfever is a bitch and this is a lifesaver!
Come on England! // My new, beautiful giraffe tshirt // Delicious home made paella for Father's Day // 7 weeks until I'll be in Mexico for my honeymoon!!
Rachel x
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
My Week In Instagram Pictures - Week 23
Date night at Nando's // Yummy Nando's // Ice Cream from Fredericks // More Ice Cream
Me and Nafisah at the South Beach event last week // My gorgeous nephew (you have to go on my Instagram lostinlipstick and listen to him sing!) // Obsessed with Orange Is The New Black // Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough!!
Rachel x
Saturday, 7 June 2014
Engagement Photoshoot
Recently, Rory and I met up with our wedding photographer for our engagement photoshoot. It felt strange having it two years after we actually got engaged but the purpose of the shoot was to get to know our photographer and for her to get to know us. An engagement photoshoot is a great idea as it made us feel relaxed in front of the camera and our photographer. We would definitely recommend it if you get the opportunity.
I thought it would be lovely to share some of my favourite images from the day (Rory gave his permission too!) We headed over to Worsley canal, which is close to where we live. We got some great pictures by the canal and in front of the Packet House. Then we headed to Buile Hill Park as I really wanted to include some pink blossom on the images and Karen, our photographer, knew there were lots there.
We're over the moon with the images. Karen sent us a USB with 100 images on. I struggled narrowing it down to these few as I honestly love them all. I'm going to print them all out so I can put them in a beautiful photo album and frame some around our house. They would also make great gifts for family members (without being big headed!)
I hope you enjoy a snippet into our photoshoot. Let me know what you think.
Rachel x
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
TGI Friday's Burger Blind Date
At the end of April, an exciting email landed in my inbox. The subject - 'Hot burger in Manchester seeks love interest' and the sender - TGI Friday's. I am a massive fan of TGI's so this made me extremely excited. After reading the email (see above) I was as giddy as a child on Christmas morning!
The event was held on Wednesday 7th May at 6pm. I was able to invite a +1 so I dragged Rory along, although he didn't need much persuading! The event didn't get off to a great start for us. Rory got stuck in traffic on his way over from work and didn't arrive until just before 7pm. Luckily for me, TGI Friday's employ super friendly and helpful staff so I was able to wait inside away from the horrendous rain. However I did feel like I had been stood up and I didn't appreciate the man perving on me!
Once Rory had arrived, we headed upstairs and were greeted by some lovely members of staff. We were shown to the bar where we ordered a cocktail while we were waiting for our table. I chose a gorgeous cocktail which was based on raspberries and Rory opted for a passion fruit orientated cocktail. Both were delicious.
Once our table was ready, we were taken to our seats and the process of 'Burger Blind Date' was explained. We were shown the menu which was a round up of eight burgers however we weren't told the burger names and the ingredients weren't listed. Instead we were given the personality traits of the burgers. From those we had to choose which contestant we would like to date. The waiter also took our order for our second round of drinks. This time, I opted for my current favourite cocktail - Strawberry Daiquiri and Rory went for Minty Apple. Again both were delicious.
Within fifteen minutes, our dates had arrived. I decided on Contestant #4 which is BBQ Pulled Pork on the regular menu. It consists of a 7oz burger topped with BBQ pulled pork, pickled red onion, Colby cheese, Friday's mayo and smothered in Mesquite and Hickory BBQ sauce. It was delicious, love at first taste! I opted for sweet potato fries on the side which I have been craving ever since! Rory chose Contestant #3 which is known as The Monster 2.0 on the menu! It consists of two 7oz burgers, piled high with Sam Adams beer cheese sauce, crispy bacon, caramelised onions and Friday's mayo. Contestant #3 had curves to be envious of and left Rory satisfied. A second date is on the cards.
A photographer was present to capture our #burgerface which was so much fun. We also got to take a framed copy home which is a perfect souvenir. Ours are currently on the mantleplace and everyone has a good laugh when they come round! Ron was also on hand to entertain us with his close-up card tricks. I've met Ron three times now and I'm always left amazed.
Rory and I had a fabulous evening. The staff were friendly and attentive. The food and cocktails were delicious. Staff are very knowledgeable about the food and drinks and are able to create custom cocktails if you tell them what you like and dislike. I highly recommend TGI Friday's to everyone.
Thank you TGI Friday's for inviting us to such a memorable evening.
Rachel x
Monday, 2 June 2014
April Empties
Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // REN Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser // The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner // Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Anti-Perspirant Deodorant // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo // Evo The Therapist Calming Conditioner // The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream // Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution - This is the second bottle that I've gone through. I love the stuff! I pick mine up from www.escentual.com and although the 250ml bottle is £9.99, they often have discounts available. I think I picked this one up for £7.50. This may seem expensive to some but it's the best Micellar Water I've tried and I've tried a few. I still have one more brand to try and I'll keep you updated if it measures up to the favourite. Something that I don't like about Micellar Waters is that they always state there is no need to rinse on the bottle. I think that is just lazy and is as bad as using make up wipes alone. *shudders*
Simple Eye Make Up Remover - Although, Bioderma is gentle enough to remove my eye make up, at almost £10 I'd rather use this which is less than £3. That way, my Bioderma stretches a little further. I actually picked one up in Tesco last week for £1.50. Bargain! Simple Eye Make Up Remover is gentle and effective enough for my sensitive eyes. I'm looking to get a waterproof mascara for my wedding day (I'm not planning on crying, but it's going to be a long, hot day and I want my make up to stay put). So I will report back on how effective it is at removing waterproof mascara as it claims to do so on the packaging.
REN Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser - I bought this from Space NK which I think may have ignited my new skincare obsession! I decided enough was enough and I wanted to improve my skin. This was the first REN product I've ever tried but I'm going to be honest here. I was not impressed. It didn't help my skin at all. It didn't make it worse but I expected it to help it in some way. Caroline Hirons stresses not to use foaming products, although this didn't dry my skin out, I will always listen to the Queen of Skincare in the future!
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - I've quickly become obsessed with this and I've already purchased another bottle. I use it morning and night after cleansing and I have seen a difference with my pores and the overall appearance of my skin tone. After attending a blogger event at The Body Shop, I was told that the Tea Tree Toner has become a very popular product recently and I can see why. It contains mattifying powders which leave your skin shine free. On days where I don't wear make up, I would say shine is kept at bay until around evening time.
Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo and Evo The Therapist Calming Conditioner - I'm loving using hair care products that contain no harsh chemicals and these offerings from Evo are perfect. They are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free. However, I didn't find the packaging great as when there wasn't much product left in the bottles, I found it really difficult to get it out. I loved reading the packaging though. So humorous. For example on the front of the conditioner is says "no more hiding your frizzy hair and no more inner shame... you're now a racehorse that's bolted from the stables gleaming with pride... run with it, feel the freedom, run with it... neighhhhhhh." I quite liked the scent but I can't put my finger on what it is.
Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Anti-Perspirant Deodorant - A boring product alert but a necessity! I always opt for deodorants that are 'invisible' or leave no white marks. This is a great deodorant as I have used it before and I've never experienced white (or yellow) marks on my clothes. I never want to be caught in that situation. The scent is inoffensive and it keeps my underarms fresh! I was a little sceptical when the smaller cans were released but I have to say they last a long time. I don't know if it's just as long as I haven't conducted any scientific experiment but I'm pretty impressed.
Impulse Body Spray in Tease - I picked up two more of these the other day as they were on offer for £1. As I said I always stock up when they are available for 99p or £1 and it's a fairly regular occurrence. This is my go to refresher during the day as I don't like carrying perfume bottles in my handbag. (I do want to pick up a travel atomiser so if you have any recommendations let me know.) Also I work in a school so it means I don't have to 'waste' my perfume on snotty children!
The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream - Obviously, I got this at Christmas. I didn't think I would like the scent but I really loved it and hopefully it's available next Christmas so I can purchase a bigger tube. (Too early to think about Christmas, sorry!) The scent is really festive and is currently bringing back Christmas memories as I type this. The cream is a lovely texture, it isn't greasy and it soaks into your hands pretty quickly.
Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara - I've really enjoyed using this mascara. Initially, I thought the brush was too big but it's perfect. Maybe a little big for my lower lashes but I got around this by just using the tip. It claims to create 'super volume' which I would have to agree. I do have naturally long, curled eyelashes anyway but some mascaras have been too heavy and my eyelashes lost their natural curl. Not with this one. I was also worried about the name containing the word 'thick'. I didn't want clumpy eyelashes but this wasn't the case, it actually did a great job of separating my eyelashes. It's become one of my favourite mascaras I've used and I've already got a replacement in my stash!
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - I don't know if it's because this is shade 2 and I'm still very pale or I'm just falling out of love with this lately. I can't put my finger on what it is. I have shade 1 in my draw so I will use that and see what I think then. Some days, I have chosen to just wear foundation over my blemishes. Although that means you can see them it means they have more chance of breathing and hopefully going away sooner. We shall see...
Rachel x
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Sunday, 1 June 2014
My Week In Instagram Pictures - Week 22
Date night at Pizza Express // Delicious Raspberry Lemonade // Starter - Garlic Bread with Mozzarella // Main - American Pizza
Dessert - Chocolate Fudge Cake // Wagamama with Rachael - Chicken Katsu Curry // Beauty Haul from our shopping trip // I NEED this Triangl bikini for Mexico
My favourite bikini top from South Beach // Summertime Drama Cocktail // I NEED this bikini even more for Mexico! // Fun in the sun on the slide with my nephew
Rachel x
