VIDEO - Monthly Favourites August

With the end of another month comes another load of favourites. Feel like having a nosy at what I've been loving this month? Look no further..

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Becoming Pescetarian..

Eight weeks ago I took the decision to cut out meat from my diet. It's something I'd been thinking about for a long time, and an incident at Nando's finally made my mind up for me. Chris had taken me out for lunch to Nando's, and I didn't really fancy chicken (I know I know, but Chris wanted chicken!) so decided to opt for the Prego Steak Roll. Now, I should note that no where in the menu does it state that the 'steak' roll is in fact processed or reformed. Half way through my 'steak' I came across this particularly tough mouthful, and after trying to chew my way through it for a couple of minutes I decided there was no way this was getting any smaller and I had to spit it out. FYI I do not normally go around restaurants spitting my food out. On closer inspection the mouthful of 'steak' was actually a large marbel sized ball of arteries. I was immediately put off my food to say the least.  The manager on duty was actually really lovely, offered to replace my meal and refunded our entire order. She also presented us with a voucher for a free meal for two which was really appreciated. But unfortunately the damage was done. This may sound dramatic to some of you, but after seeing what was in my 'steak' all I could think about was the animal that it had come from. How something had been slaughtered so that it could be on my plate. I have always had these thoughts, but have managed to squash them down and not think about meat as a living being, and that is not to say I haven't enjoyed meat in the past.  I was quite genuinely upset for a few days, and wasn't able to get these horrible thoughts out of my head. It also made me think that in some foreign countries they eat dog, but not cows. In principle how would I feel if someone was to cook and eat my own dog, Todd? Awful.  Two days later, having abstained from meat I decided that I would be giving it up for good. I took some time to research vegetarianism online, and after reading all the different types of being one, I decided that pescetarianism was the one for me.  To be a pescetarian is to abstain from meat, but eat seafood instead of avoiding meat altogether. You may say "If you don't like the thought of eating meat, why do you not mind eating fish", and there are some reasons why. I only eat fish or seafood that has been caught sustainably. I also did a lot of research into how fish is caught, and there are many rules and regulations regarding how they are caught, or many can be caught and the nets that can be used. Of course, there are cons to eating fish too, and I know that hundreds of dolphins are caught each year by accident and unfortunately die. Since cutting out meat from my diet, I have gone on to lose a stone in weight, which is astounding to me and just goes to show how much saturated fat is hidden away in meat. I have also been able to broaden my horizons when it comes to cooking, having to make a filling meal from mainly just vegetables can be a bit of a challenge, but it is an enjoyable challenge and I am enjoying cooking.  I have tried Quorn substitute chicken and mince, and also Linda Mccartney substitute sausages, but not only did I not really enjoy them I am also of the mind set that if you're giving up meat, why would you want to eat pretend meat? It doesn't make sense to me.  There are of course plenty of cons that come with going meat free. I have become very tired and lethargic, which my doctor told me would be because of the drop in Iron in my blood. However, this is easily treated with iron supplements and other foods high in iron. It can also make meal times challenging, although Chris has been very accommodating and has been more than willing to try my pescetarian recipes. Going out for a meal can be a little difficult too, but for now that's not something that is causing a big issue.  I can't rule out eating meat for the rest of my life, but for now I'm quite enjoying it. Its also a wonderful feeling to have a clear conscious at meal times. Never again will I go past a field full of lambs in the spring and feel guilty.

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The British Tag

The British Tag, in all its glory. Hit play if you want to, there might even be a bit of wacky dancing in here somewhere. Don't judge..

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VIDEO: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation First Impressions

You may have seen in my latest haul that I picked up some goodies from Nars. Well, I was itching to use my new foundation and thought it would be fun to do a 'get ready with me' style video and a first impressions and review of the Sheer Glow foundation! 

Enjoy xxx

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The Beauty Blogger Tag

I've seen the "Beauty Blogger Tag" crop up on almost every blog I've ever read and have always wanted to give it a go. For a long time I've waited to be tagged, but then it occurred to me - do I need to be tagged to type out my answers? No, probably not. Without further ado, the Beauty Blogger Tag. 1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight? A little in between, it's not straight or curly. Its a bit wavy with some added frizz. 2. What is your natural hair colour? Quite a dark brown, but it naturally lightens a fair amount in the summer. 3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon? I go to a salon. I've had some DIY disasters before, so I find its best to leave it to those in the know now..
4. How often do you wash your hair? I try to not to wash it more than twice a week, relying on dry shampoo if I need to.
5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it? Working in hospitality means that I have to have my hair tied up and out of the way, but on days off I change my hair style a lot.  6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon? I go to a salon to have my acrylic nails done, but I'll change the colour of them myself every few days. 7. How often to you change your nail polish? I'm very indecisive when it comes to nail polish, I tend to switch it up every couple of days. 8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer? I have to have my toes painted the whole year through. They just don't look right without polish!
9. How long does it take to put on your makeup? It really depends on the look I'm going for, how much energy I've got and if I'm focused. On an average day I'd say 45 minutes. 10. What do you do first? Face or eyes? Face! Hats off to the girls who can do their eyes first, but it just baffles me!
11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it? Its definitely a collection, and it may be slightly out of control!
12. How often do you wear false eyelashes? I used to wear them every day but now its just as and when I fancy them, but not during the day really.
13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day? If I'm leaving the house I do, I feel much more confident with a full face of makeup on than without.
14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)? Unless I'm filming a YouTube video, or something like that, no.
15. Will you leave the house without makeup? Yes, walking the dog or popping to the shop doesn't need makeup. 16. How many high end products do you have? More than is necessary. High end lipsticks are my weakness and I have a fair collection of them now. 
17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes? I try to do it every two weeks, but sometimes real life gets in the way and I leave them for far longer than I should do..
18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed? I'm a throw on and moan that I have nothing to wear kind of girl. I don't plan my outfits, but I always have some back up outfits in my head just in case. 19. How often do you change your handbag? I have three or four in constant rotation, whenever I'm bored of lugging one around I'll switch to the other and so on.
20. What time do you get up & go to sleep? I don't have a pattern, working unsociable hours can mean that someday's I don't get home until 2am. If I'm not working, I generally go to bed when Chris does, around the 10:30pm mark. Chris usually wakes me with a cup of tea in the morning at 8am. He's a good'un!
21. How often & when do you workout? Hahaha. I don't workout. I occasionally go for a run. But other than that, I'm an exercise free zone!
22. Left-handed or Right-handed? Right handed.
23. How tall are you? 5"4 ish.
24. Do you speak a foreign language? Enough French to survive if I got lost in Paris, but other than that, no. 25. How many pets do you have? I have Todd, my beautiful cockapoo puppy, Niko a Russian dwarf hamster and Jasper the 17 year old cat.
26. How often are you on Blogger? Not as often as I'd like to be. Unfortunately I just don't get as much free time to blog as I'd like to.
27. Do you read the comments posted blogs? On my own blog, every single one! I do tend to have a browse of other peoples comments on blogs if I'm commenting myself. 28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts? Oh yes! There's a page in my diary dedicated to things I want to buy!
29. How did you come up with your blog name? Haha! My friend Andrea and I have a running joke that whenever we have a camera pointed at us, we do the "peace and pout". When I was thinking of a blog name, it just seemed to fit and felt like it was a little bit of me stamped on there.
30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs? I'm currently using the camera on my Iphone 5s. The quality is good and its really easy to upload on to Blogger using the app!
31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other) I 'straighten up' everyday, but I clean whenever it needs doing.
32. What is your favourite colour? Nudey pink or sunshine yellow.
33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine? I read cosmo every month, so I guess you could say that that is my favourite.
34. Do you swear? Yes, more around some people. I don't swear at all around my grandparents. 35. What are you doing with the rest of your day? I'm going to walk the dog, do a few more posts ready for the rest of the week and possibly nip to my Granny and Granddads for some lunch!
So there it is, my answers to the Beauty Blogger Tag!  I would like to tag anyone that wants to answer the questions! Let your readers get to know the person behind the blog a little better!

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Gemporia.com - My Five Favorites

As any ordinary girl, I usually have a 'want' list the length of my arm. This is usually made up on the usual bits and pieces; clothes, makeup, skincare and occasionally, jewellery. I'm a big fan of statement necklaces, dainty bracelets and 'cocktail' style rings to liven up even the most boring of outfits. Its very rare that you'll catch me without some form of costume jewellery on.  If you follow me on twitter, you will have seen that recently I've been having a good old trawl through the Gemporia website here, and found so many bits and pieces to add to my 'want' list, so when Charlotte from the social media department contacted my asking if I would be interested in doing a post on my favorite pieces I was delighted! Gemporia is a company set up in 2004 by Steve Bennett and his wife Sarah. They both believe in making beautiful jewellery that doesn't "cost the earth". All of the pieces that the company has to offer are of a limited quantity, responsibly sourced and lovingly crafted so you can be assured that you are doing good in purchasing your beautiful jewels!  Rings If there's one thing I love, its a beautiful ring. I have quite a few of the Pandora stacking style rings, but find now that I've lost a bit of weight, they're slightly too big for me. (Strange right, I never even thought that losing weight could affect your fingers..) One of my favorite things to do is have my nails freshly manicured and wear lots of rings, I just think it looks so good.

This White Chalcedony  sterling silver ring is a firm favorite of mine, and comes in at only £11.00 making it a super affordable, quality piece to add to your collection. I find that rings with white stones go with every outfit and can make an outfit look really put together. I also really love how simple and elegant this ring is, and feel like it could soon be making its way to me!

Another firm favorite of mine is the White Quartz Ring but unfortunately, I can't seem to find a 'G', so perhaps they have sold out. I really enjoy jewelry that can be personal, so an initial ring fits the bill perfectly. I also love that this ring looks so much more expensive than its £7.00 price tag. Style doesn't have to be expensive. This ring is really a timeless piece, which those of any age could enjoy. I'll definitely be looking out for a 'G'! Earrings  Earrings are a staple piece, and I'm never without at least one pair in my ears. (I have my ears pierced four times on both sides, plus a tragus and a cartilage piercing!) I have a really eclectic taste when it comes to earrings, I like plain studs, ornate dangly earrings, subtle & sophisticated earrings.. the lot.

One set that are definitely making it onto my Christmas this year (Yes, I am already thinking about Christmas. There are only eight teen more Fridays..) is this beautiful set. Enter the 1/2ct Certified Diamond Earrings which have bewitched me since I first saw them. They are the most beautiful, glitzy studs that I've ever seen, and I must own them! Timeless, classic and sophisticated, they're a must have for any woman! The next pair of earrings that I'm lusting after are gorgeous, affordaable and so classy. The Asscher Cut White Topaz Earrings grabbed my attention a couple of weeks ago, and I'm waiting for a hefty pay check and they will be mine. I love how simple and classy they are, without looking old fashioned or snooty. 

I've never really thought about a storage for jewellery when traveling, until I spotted the Leather Jewellery Roll. The roll comes in a variety of lovely colours, helping to keep your favourite pieces safe and sound. I love that the jewellery roll isn't bulky and wouldn't take up a ton of room in your suitcase or hand luggage.  Being made out of leather, its both soft and durable whilst still keeping a ton of style. A jewellery storage, possibly as pretty as your jewellery!  Have you ordered any pieces from Gemporia? Or have you got your eye on a few pieces?  Permission was granted for use of the images from the gemporia website.

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Welcome back to blogging haul

You may have noticed I've been AWOL for a period, and while it's been nice to have some time not planning and photographing constantly, I have missed the world of beauty blogging. 

So, what better way to reintroduce myself in to blogging than do what I do best and shop? Exactly. Hope you enjoy this haul guys!

http://youtu.be/qLSTo65DqwA

xo 

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