Soho.

Sorry for the squinty eyes!

Oh haaaii ladies.

I've noticed a nice little handful of new readers, so hellooo gals and thank you :)
Last week I literally had the clumsiest week. I mean EVER. I won't bore you with the whole list of happenings, but  I managed to fall up the escalator on the tube. My whole handbag spilt everywhere and I bruised my hand and leg. Those metal stairs are lethal I tell you, lethal! I had such a little tomato face and was trying so hard not to cry. What a baby. After I'd scrabbled all my things together I basically ran into my office.
Friday morning I must of somehow got a big blob of eyelash glue on he back of my phone without realizing. When I went to go and pick it up, it was stuck to the windowsill. Wonderful. When I got to work I realized I had my tights on inside out too... honestly though, the list is never ending this week, what's wrong with me?!

Enough of that, onto my lashes. Ooooh I'm loving the falsies at the moment aren't I? These are the 'Soho' Lashes from Millie Mackintoshes range for Noveau.
I would probably class these as more of a 'night-time' looking lash, but I just can't resist wearing them to the office now, I feel so naked without lashes now, I think I'm developing a problem.
The Mayfair lashes are still my favourite so far (I've reviewed these in full if you want to know the technical details about the lashes), but what I like about these is that they are quite a lot thicker and much fuller. They're really noticeable but still fairly natural looking. I don't want to repeat too much of my last review, but these are so easy to apply and the adhesive is pretty darn good. I just thought I'd show you how they looked on!  

Are any of you going to the Eyelure and Elegant Touch event this Thursday at W? The lovely Laura from Belles Boutique managed to get me an invite (what a lil' sweety she is), but she can't make it anymore and I'm really nervous about going on my lonesome.
I know they'll be lots of bloggers there, but I'm pretty shy and awkward, I've never been to one of these things before and I'm not gonna lie, I'm slightly terrified. I know it's ridiculous cos' everyone I've spoken to from the blogging world have been lovely, but please do let me know if you're going, I'd like a buddy!

Blogging Buddies

totally random picture I know, I just liked it :)

Hello there ladies (and gents, if you're out there?!), a bit of a personal post today, I'll try not to harp on for too long though, I promise.

When I first started blogging, I was pretty much what I'd call a 'blogger recluse'. I would read other peoples blogs, but I was a little too shy to comment, thinking that these girls were so confident and such 'big bloggers', so why would they care what little old me, a nobody in the vast sea of bloggers, would have to say? At the time, I had no idea how completely and utterly wrong I was. I hated putting photos of myself up on my blog, it made me feel really self-concious ( I still don't love that, but I do it cos I know we're a nosey old bunch). And, I didn't really tell people about my blog. Heck I only found a 'follow' button about 2 months ago. I had certainly never discovered the wonders of the blogging community on Twitter.
I had a couple of months where I took a complete break from my blog, I went through a pretty rough time in my life after my mum passed away and just didn't feel like pretending everything in my life was good on my blog. When I made the decision to come back to it, I thought I'd try and do things differently this time, become more involved, and make more of an effort, be myself more, I made it into more of a project (thank you to my lovely boyfriend who encouraged me to do so). I promised myself I'd have the courage to say hello to some of my favourite bloggers, and just see what happened.
The friendliness of the blogging community pretty much blew me away. The girls who I thought looked scary and intimidating, where so chatty and helpful, and just normal girls.

Let me tell you now, I'm so glad that I came back to my blog. For so many reasons. One of the main reason being all the new pals I've made, I've met such a lovely bunch of buddies through blogging now. Down to earth, genuine girls, who I consider to be real friends now. Girls who say it like it is, and are totally supportive. Some of you I speak to pretty much every day, even more than I speak to friends I've had for years. It's pretty strange for me to consider people who I've never actually met in real life proper friends, but I do, I do :)

This might sound a little strange to some of you, but I feel like blogging has really helped with my self-confidence too. Yes, I'm still super nervous being on camera (my you-tube videos are edited like a bitch), and I'm not the biggest fan of having my photo taken (I'm so freaking awkward), but all the lovely comments and tweets you leave on my posts really make me feel good about myself, and make me WANT to write and take photos. Basically, you little lot inspire me. You make me want to write about beauty and life, and see all the good things in life (god, that sounds super cheesey).

If you're reading this and you've just starting out blogging, I can't recommend more to get involved on the bloggers chat on Twitter. If you don't know what this is, (or if like me, you just don't have a clue) basically, every Sunday and Wednesday evenings, all the beauty bloggers get together to discuss topics on Twitter using the hashtag #bbloggers (beauty bloggers).
I honestly really look forward to the #bbloggers chat, I haven't missed one in ages, and it's such a great way to find new blogs, get inspired, and meet other bloggers who have the same interests as you. Nothing better than snuggling up with a cup of tea, wooly blanket and the blogger chat!
Last night after the actual #bbloggers chat, (which was about bloggers block and what you do to inspire you) a few other ladies and I ended up nattering until gone midnight (I had a 6am wake up too, woops). We just had such a good and honest conversation, and got on so well, we decided to arrange our first ever #bbloggers meet up. I have to say, I can't wait to meet some of you in person! I've got a feeling we're going to have the best time! And if any of you are ever in London, do let me know, don't be shy :)
　
So I guess the purpose of this post is to say if you blog, and you haven't come to say hi before, please do! Its such a great little community, so positive friendly and welcoming. Oh look, I've managed to ramble on. I'll stop now.

Have you made friends through blogging? What do you love most about blogging? Do you join in on #bbloggers chats?

Photo Diary#1 and if you fall in love, you're the lucky ones...

Pretty cheeeeesey post title I know, but it feels last weekend was literally straight out of a movie scene, it's was that perfect. 
On Friday night, my lovely mister took me for an evening called "Pizza and Paddle". This involves canoeing down the Thames, stopping off for a pizza and beer picnic in the park, and then canoeing back again. It was totally stunning, we saw the sun set over the bridge, watched a helicopter take off , and by the time we were heading back it was dark, so we saw London Thames all lit up and pretty. It was such a great alternative way to spend Friday night in London!
Saturday was kick-started with my favourite hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, bagels and maple syrup. Yum! We jumped on the Vespa, put on a soundtrack and scooted in the dappled sunshine to Hyde park. We rented a couple of Boris bikes and had a couple of hours cycling around, (stumbling across a super-cute stable), before heading to Chelsea for Pimms and Burgers. 
Sunday involved a big spring clean of the wardrobe, and I made my fist ever YouTube vlog. Fewf!
I don't know about you but I love seeing peoples' photo diaries, I love behaving a nosey into other bloggers' lives! Would you like to see more photo diaries on my blog?
I hope you all had smashing weekends too?

I probably shouldn't have...

but I definitely did.

When I first saw this vintage style satchel on Lily Bees blog, I'll admit, I swooned a bit.

I was also going through post-Bahamas blues... so retail therapy was necessary.

The only bad thing I would say is that it can be a little fiddly when you are trying to get your purse out to pay for things. Also, I had to downsize the contents of my handbag (but, to be honest, this is probably a good thing, I carry so much rubbish around with me!).

But, overall I have a lot of love for this cute little bag.

I make all that I believe...

I had a great little walk in the sunshine on my lunch break today, to the soundtrack of YeahYeahYeahs and Metric. I thought I'd share a couple of snaps that I took while wondering around.

Covent Garden can be so beautiful in the summer, full of pretty little backstreets, wild flowers and hidden parks. Not at all what you would expect in the middle of the city, you just have to look. This little passage is right next to my office and smells gorgeous, just like it could be in the middle of the country! Do you ever wish you could bottle a smell?

I must apologize for the rubbish photo quality, these were taken on my 'shitberry', I literally can't wait to finally upgrade to an Iphone in October, just for the camera alone!

Anyhoo, I'm off to the hairdressers tonight, and I'm terrified! I have stuck to the same hairdresser and colourist for a while now, but as I am ALWAYS at my boyfriends’ house, which is an hour away, so I thought it's about time I try to find a nearer hairdresser, eeek. I think I large glass of pinot will be in order to calm my nerves... wish me luck!

Do you ever feel a little lost?

Hey my lovelies,
Hope you all had smashing weekends and are making the most of the sunshine?
I had a fabulous couple of days, which sadly seemed to be over in a flash.
One of my highlights was going out for breakfast with my mister.
We decided to hit ‘The Breakfast Club’ in Soho, it’s a happy little place to be.
Think egg-yoke yellow café with an 80’s theme, pop music, polaroids and drawings that cover the brick walls, and they serve indecently sized breakfasts. Yeh.
There’s nothing like a good brunch to set the weekend straight. Agreed?

Anyway, sorry for the lack of posts last week. I’ve been having a few weird distant days where I'm feeling a little lost and confused about what I want to do with my life. I've just been generally a little unmotivated.
I think I am limiting myself when there is so much out there for me yet to achieve. So I really need to start pushing myself to be more motivated and productive, and to use all my free time to start figuring myself out. I want to try a couple of new things, like a drawing class, meditation class and a make-up course.

Blogging wise, the main problem I have with my blog is that I really don’t like the look of it at the moment… it just isn't doing it for me. So I need to work on that, I think once I like the layout and header, I'll be more inclined to post regularly! Any suggestions are welcome.
 I also need to get over my fear of the camera. I love reading blogs where you guys who post tons of photographs of yourselves, I think it's the nosey side of me, it's nice to have a peek into other peoples lives. I just wish I had the confidence to do that, I hate seeing pictures of myself, let alone taking pictures of myself... But I am going to try to change. I'm also going to attempt making some YouTube vlogs, I'm not quite sure what I'll be rambling on about but I'm going to give it a go anyway :)

I hope you've all had a great start to the week!

 

Beautiful Bahamas

Well hello there!

I hope you've all had a lovely couple of weeks?

Sorry it's all been a little quiet over here on my blog, but I've been being spoilt rotten holidaying in the Bahamas for the past 10 days. It was insane.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have had the opportunity to holiday in the paradise that is the Bahamas with my wonderful mister.

I can't possibly put into worlds how beautiful the country is, we were so blown away by it. It was like being in a parallel universe where everything is stunning and looks like it's straight out of pinterest.

It's the kind of place you think doesn't actually exist until you see it, literally a paradise, and I can only describe it as perfection. Without sounding too cheesey, it really made me realize that there's a whole lot of living to be done in this gorgeous world.

We had the most incredible 10 days, snorkeling, swimming with sharks, feeding sting rays, kayaking, driving around, eating wonderful food (conk fish and lobsters mmm), meeting crazy local people, and sunbathing on a private beach.

On top of all that, we were lucky enough to be staying in a million pound mansion, which we had all to ourselves, in a beautiful gated community away from all the tourism too. Spoilt doesn't even come close!

Anyway, I guess it's back to reality now (boohoo).

I have a couple of beauty and fashion posts on the way for you lovelies.

Erm, guess who's going to the Bahamas?!

Yes, I am a VERY lucky lady.

In 8 days time I will be jetting off to the sunny Bahamas with my mister. I can't quite believe it!

I am currently in complete holiday-panic mode, we only booked a couple of days ago... I'm up to my eyeballs in lists of things to buy, outfits to plan and toiletries to pack.

Plus we are heading out to Ireland tomorrow for a few days, so it seems like there is no time to organize anything, gah!

Anyhoo, later on you will find me over on Katherines' blog KathyKins Style Diary, where I'll be reviewing St Tropez Perfect Legs Spray Tan. I thought this was very holiday-prep appropriate. Katherine will also be guest posting a cute little style piece here on A Little Beauty Spot, yay!

What a Weekend! oh and mineral foundation - LN girls!

Hey beauties! Long time... sorry about that. I've had a really jam-packed weekend to say the least...

V&A museum, Brick Lane thift shopping, drinks, Royal wedding street party (more drinks), Oxford street, Camden Crawl (yet more drinks), Mahikis, blockbuster visits, dog-walking with the neighbours little kids, and throw in a barbeque with the neighbours and tea with my big sis too! Few. To be honest dolls, I'm still recovering! 

 Here are a couple of snaps from the weekend...

Cute little vintage shop in Brick Lane.

I look special here. The owner of the diner tried to tie my headscarf for me... (£3 from Absolute Vintage, bargs!)

Cute little Will&Kate wedding day biscuits made my the kids across my street

Now, down to business. Mineral foundation. I was very kindly sent a 'LN Girls' mineral foundation along with some other of their products to try.

 I have to admit I wasn't too keen about trying it, I'm stupidly picky with foundation (anything less than Chanel and I'm not a happy bunny), and I had never heard of this brand before but it really surprised me, so I thought I'd share it with you beauties. 

I usually like a fair bit of coverage from a foundation, which I really wasn't expecting this to do, because it's in powder from. So, I decided to try it out on a day when I wouldn't be seeing anyone... haha. 

I loaded it onto a brush, blew the excess and then just started sweeping across my face. It was quite difficult to get an even look, but I think this just takes practise. After about 10 minutes after application, it evened out.

I thought it looked quite dry and 'cakey' for the first couple of hours, but as the day went on it actually really impressed me. 

It actually looked like a normal foundation, not a powder, and gave me the same coverage as my normal foundation. It stayed put too, lasting a good 10 hours or so. 

The only bad thing I have to say about this product is that it made my skin feel a little dry throughout the day, it didn't look dry, just felt it. I am used to a proper moisture surge!

So, why choose a mineral foundation I hear you cry? 

Well, for a start mineral foundations are organic. that means no dyes, talcs, fillers, chemical preservatives, animal by-products, synthetic fragrances that you may find in other make up products. Mineral products are made from gentle ingredients that wont damage your skin, cause infection or irritation.

Loose mineral foundation is the purest form of foundation available and is appropriate for every skin type, including those with very oily or sensitive skin

It works by refracting light which minimizes the appearance of discolourations and imperfections.

So, if any of you beauties with a lower budget are looking for a new foundation, I would definitely recommend you try Ln Girls mineral foundation, it £11.73 you can't go wrong. The link below will take you to the site.

LN Girls beauty products

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Tata for now, and Cherish your skin! Xx

Tuesday's Tips and Tricks

Good evening beauties, brrr what happened to the gorge weather?! I even had to wear a scarf in London town today, it was chilly. Bring the sun back please :)




Today I spotted the cutest little dog on my tube journey, it kept me entertained the whole way from finchley to South Kensington (it's the little things in life).
I even took a sneaky snap for you beauties...








It looks kind of ratty like in the photo... but was super cute!










I was pretty proud of my stir fry pasta combo last night too....

Seeing as usually all I can make in the kitchen is a mess!! 

I'm really into taking pictures of pointless things at the moment(sorry about that), it helps me remember the days, they all seem to merge. God, I'm getting old.





So, down to Tuesday's tips my beauties. I guess we all need a few hidden tricks to keep us feeling gorgeous when we have to venture back to work...





1) Don't be scared to wear bright lipstick. Loud corals, reds and pinks are this springs look. A bright pout really makes a statement and actually makes your teeth look whiter too... Simples.










2) Make sure you wear your bright colours with a dewy base, we don't want to look too 80s with a matt base do we beauties?!




3) Combine brights with sun kissed bronze cheeks.




4)Before sharpening an eye or lip pencil, put them in the fridge for a little while to harden them up, this will prevent them from breaking. 




5) Apply your foundation with a damp sponge, you'll get a much more even, natural look. Using a damp sponge means you are less likely to get tide marks or look cakey. 




6) Always make sure you clean your make up sponges on a regular basis (a mild, fragrance free shampoo works best) and replace them monthly. 




Now, off to get the house tidy for the arrival of some amazing friends!! 

Xx

D.I.Y nightmare.. I learnt the hard way, so you don't have too.‏

Yesterday I had a day off and thought, 'why not change my hair'? I was perfectly happy with it, just spontaneously fancied a change. You know how it is.

Instead of doing the sensible thing that most people would have done and just head to a reliable hairdressers, I decided I would go for it and D.I.Y my own highlights. Bad mistake. I mean massive fail. 

Firstly because my hair is so dark naturally, the colour turned orange. Not even ginger (I actually really like ginger hair)...proper orange. When I took the towel off my head and revealed the colour I actually said out loud Oh.MY.GOD.  

So I swallowed my pride, put on a trilby to at least try and make myself a little presentable, and went back up to the supermarket to buy a darker dye to cover over the mess I had made. 
Needless to say the same guy who had served me with the first box of hair dye had quite the smirk on his face when he saw me, less than 2 hours later with botched up hair. I seriously looked like Stripe from Gremlins.  

 So after applying the second coat of darker die, my hair refused to co-operate and was still an orange stripey mess. Nightmare. 
Consequently I spent the whole of this morning in tears down the phone to my sister, who has decided, quite appropriately that my new nickname should be Cilla (Black)...

After that there was nothing else for it. I had to go to the hairdressers and let the experts deal with it...  

Once I had found a decent hairdressers that could actually squeeze me in today, to add to my trauma, I had no idea where my bank card was. When I finally did find it, I got completely lost on my way to Toni and Guy. Bad luck comes in three, right?!

But it's all good now, £55 and a good 4 or 5 glasses of wine later (to calm my nerves), I am back to being a dark brunette, just the way I like it. I don't know why I even wanted the change!

So beauties, moral of the story, learn from my mistake and never try to go lighter D.I.Y style, its not worth the stress, believe me... 
I'd strongly advise you to trot on off to the professionals 
Xxx 

Mac's "Quite Cute" make-up range

Hey beauties, hope you've all had a smashing weekend? I'll quickly summarise my day for you in photo form...

Today I REALLY struggled choosing an outfit...

I went to Hampstead Heath with the dog and the boy...

Had a scrummy roast...

And planted some new flowers to add to my collection. Sweat-peas remind me of my mummy.

Anyway, yesterday I trotted off to Mac on my lunch-break, and spied their newest genius collection for face, lips, nails and cheeks "Quite Cute". 

I think it's just that, quite cute :) In fact, it may really be the cutest collection yet, playful pastel colours and hearts.

It reminds me of being a little girl and having 'play make-up'. It'll turn you all into princesses this spring!

I have fallen completely in love with the new lipsticks...

Mac quite cute lipsticks: Playing Koi, St Germain, Candy Yum Yum, Quite Cute, Playtime

I tried St Germain:

It's a lot brighter than it looks in the photo, but it's the bright shades seem to be flying off the shelves. Apparently Candy Yum Yum (the bright neon pink) has completely sold out.

The nail Varnishes are all limited edition too, so better snaffle them up quick beauties.

Our choices are:

1) Ice Cream Cake (a dark cotton candy pink)

2) Little Girl Type (light lavender)

3) Mischievousness Mint (mint green)

My personal fav is little girl type 

This collection could mean bad news for our purses, huh beauties?!

Xx