Thought of the Day....#4

I was lucky enough to get a lift into work the other morning from Danny.  Danny listens to LBC Radio in the car in the mornings which usually bores me to death but this particular morning I quite enjoyed it. Nick Ferrari was telling us the story of a lady from Kansas who accidentally dropped her engagement ring into a homeless man's pot one morning on the way to work. The lady went back to the man the next day with little hope that it would be retrieved and to her astonishment the homeless man had kept the ring safe in his pocket ready for when the lady would return. The lady was so overwhelmed by this man's kindness and honesty that her fiance decided to set up a donations website for him to help him off the streets. Little did they know just how touched everyone would be by this story, she has so far managed to raise $169,466 with 77 days still left to go! It was such a lovely story to hear first thing in the morning and has played on my mind ever since. It's filled me with hope for humanity and restored my faith in people.  It got me thinking about how easy it is for people to help others. So far 7,358 people have donated to Billy Ray Harris's just giving page and this man will now be able to buy himself a home and stay safe away from the streets.

These kind of stories always make me feel overwhelmed and so touched. I wish the world was full of people like Billy Ray Harris, good, honest, decent people. We see people on the streets and immediately think the worst of these people. Some of these people are there out of choice but a lot of them do not have a choice. Billy Ray Harris has spoken to a local television company about his situation and said he feels he doesn't deserve this gratitude and that he was only doing what he was brought up to do...the right thing! What an amazingly humble man! It just goes to show, good things happen to good people!

After hearing this story I have decided to make a regular donation to a charity of my choice- fsid. The Foundation for the study of Intant Deaths. This is a charity close to my heart as I lost a family member 13 years ago. It's a shame that only when something like this happens it makes you realise just how important it is to help others.

You can read more about Billy Ray Harris's success story here.

Do you give to charity? x

The Perfect Proposal...

One question I get asked a lot is "how did Danny propose to you?" so I thought I would let you all know my romantic story ( try not to throw up!)

Danny and I went on holiday last year in September to Cyprus with our good friends Gevi and Stel. We stayed in the amazing Capo Bay Hotel on Fig Tree Bay in Protaras. I love Cyprus and have been many many times but this was Danny's first time. On the second day in Danny went for a coffee with Stel whilst Gevi and I soaked up some rays, when the boys got back ( some hours later ) Danny said he had managed to book the two of us into an exclusive Japanese Restaurant called Umi the next evening. I didn't think anything of it and the next night we went out for our meal. The restaurant was on the top floor of the Grecian Park Hotel overlooking the sea at Cape Greko. Our table was booked for 6pm as this was the best time to watch the sunset according to Stel who had contacts out there. The view was amazing! We were the only ones there but I still didn't twig that anything was unusual?

At the Restaurant- Umi

 The food was amazing and the waiter was so helpful suggesting we head to the The Cliff Bar across the way to enjoy some of their famous cocktails. We didn't need much persuasion so went along. This bar was beautiful!! Hidden away behind trees and rocks on the cliff edge it looked like a rain forest. We were right by the sea and again....the only ones there!! I said to Danny it was strange that no-one else was there and the barman overheard me and said there was a wedding on so that's why they were so quiet. We ordered a cocktail and sat down near the fluorescent tables.  Danny started getting all mushy on me telling me how much he loves me and I laughed and made fun out of him for being all soppy! As I turned to look at him he was on one knee with the ring!! Thinking back to this has made me smile so much :) It was the perfect proposal in the most beautiful surroundings at my favourite holiday destination! I couldn't believe how beautiful my ring was! The only thing missing that night were my family and friends but Danny called Stel and Gevi and they came along with some friends to join us for celebratory drink. They knew about it all along!! The "coffee" that Stel and Danny had gone for the day before was actually a meeting with the owner of the restaurant and bar to ensure the perfect proposal! He had it all worked out! The waiter in the restaurant was told to get us to the bar over the road, the barman was told to keep the bar free so that it would be just the two of us! 

From Clockwise- The rain forest where Danny proposed, Cocktails,
The Ring, Danny & I back at the hotel.

It really was the most incredible holiday! From that night onwards every day felt like a honeymoon. I remember when we got back to the hotel that night I put something on my Facebook status so that I could let my friends and family know and everyone was congratulating us. It was so nice! I think it's a nice story to tell our children one day :) x

Steamcream!!

I received this cream in my Valentines Beauty Box and had never seen or heard of this brand before. I loved the packaging of this product immediately. A simple little colourful tin with hearts and clouds :)  The little leaflet that came with this cream explains that Steamcream is the latest concept in skincare using natural, traceable and raw ingredients bound by a steam cleaning process to create a hydrating, easily absorbed cream for the face and body. Naturals materials such as orange flower water, oatmeal, Almond Oil and Jojoba Oils are used in this product to hydrate the skin and soften the skin's surface. When it touches the skin, the naturally moisturising ingredients and pure, calming essential oils are released from the light emulsion so they sink past the surface reaching the areas that are needed fast.

The texture of this cream isn't particularly rich, it's quite runny if i'm honest but once applied to the skin  feels really moisturising, almost a little oily without feeling greasy. The smell is not particularly pleasant. The only way I can describe it is it smells like going into a dry cleaners. It literally smells like steam!! I have been using this on my face for the last week as I have currently run out of my usual daily moisturiser and it feels great! I think this cream would be particularly good for the winter months as my skin has become very chaffed recently. I also use this for my neck and hands. I must admit....scent aside I really do like the feel of this cream.  It's not at all heavy but keeps my skin feeling moisturised.

Steamcream uses aluminium tin packaging with different designs so you can collect and recycle your tins and use them for storing other items. I think this is great idea! Each tin costs £12.95 which is also very reasonable I think for a multi purpose moisturiser. Check out their website here for more designs and information.

Have you heard of Steamcream? x

Easton Regal Hairdressing!

As you all know I work in Clerkenwell and am lucky enough to have some great shops and restaurants in the area. One that I have used in the past is Easton Regal Hairdressing. I have only ever had my nails done here before and loved them! Imarni is the girl to see, she is so skilled in her job and super quick!  Easton Regal were kind enough to invite me to their salon for a complimentary Hair Treatment and Cut.  I jumped at the chance to give my poor dry over processed hair some much needed TLC.

A little bit about Easton Regal....

Easton Regal was launched in January 2010 by passionate hairdressers Bryn Wilkins and James Kinnear who previously worked together at Trevor Sorbie for 12 years. The Building itself is huge! Housed over 3 floors the salon is spacious with perfect mood lighting and an antique decor.  Easton Regal see themselves at Ambassadors for Clerkenwell supporting the community. They work with a lot of local businesses in the area and provide great discounts to fellow businesses. They also offer a bespoke lunch menu that is delivered within ten minutes from local restaurants for the convenience of the busy professional.

One of the first things I noticed about this salon was the great customer service! Easton Regal pride themselves on this. Within minutes I felt like these girls were my friends! So warm and inviting.

 I was greeted by a lovely girl on reception and asked to take a seat whilst I waited for my stylist to come over. I was also asked if I would like a hot or cold drink. Whilst sitting on the comfy leather chairs I noticed there was a piece written and mounted on the wall about the Micro Mist Hair Treatment that I was about to try.

I was soon greeted by the lovely Hannah who asked me to take a seat in the chair so we could discuss  what she would be doing. She explained the benefits of the Micro Mist Machine advising it would be particularly benefical for my hair type as it's very dry and damaged. I was asked to join Henry at the sink to have a hairwash and treatment application. Henry kindly asked me if I would like a massage whilst having my hair shampooed. The shaitsu massage chairs are a great touch! I had the most relaxing hair wash and then Henry used what's called a Tangle Teezer on my hair which is a little gadget that combs the hair and massages the scalp at the same time- this felt incredible! Henry used shampoo and conditioner from the Kevin Murphy range using pure essential oils, plant extracts and natural antioxidants. All their hair products are sulphate and paraben free. First wash was the Maxi Detox Shampoo, this cleanses the hair and scalp. Next up was the Born Again Shampoo and Conditioning Treatment, these are mega rich and moisturising for dehydrated hair.

The Micro Mist Machine

I was sat back down and my head placed in a strange little portable contraption. The Micro Mist Machine uses the power of water to penetrate deep into the hair. It swells the hair and enhances the treatment in your hair by locking it in. This treatment is suited to hair that is damaged by sun, colour or heat and makes your hair silky, stronger and give it an amazing gloss.

The Micro Mist Treatment has many functions, the main ones being; Deep penetration of the hair, Heating which activates the molecular movement of treatment agents and water in hair whilst at the same time the heated micro mist swells the hair and enhances treatment agents permeate deep into each hair setting it in place. 

Cooled air sent from the fan draws vaporized heat and rapidly soothes the molecular movement that has been activated by heat energy. This action reinforces fixation of treatment agents to the inside of damaged hair by circulating a large quantity of mist in the hood where the temperature is excellently controlled, the entire hair evenly receives heat energy. Each hair gets a treatment effect and retains moisture, resulting in healthy and youthful hair. The Micro Mist system repairs and rejuvenates your hair, giving it strength, suppleness and a longer lasting shine.

The Cut

Hannah the Art Director from Easton Regal placed a product called Marrakesh Hair Ten Wishes in my hair and explained this is named for it's ten uses- Detangles, prevents Split Ends, Seals in hair colour, speeds drying time, controls frizz, strengthes and moisturizes hair, gives brilliant shine, shields hair from sun and damage and protects against heat damage. She then smoothered my hair in Schwarzkopf Silhouette Flexible Hold Mousse and Hairspray assuring me she wouldn't usually use this much if it were an ordinary mousse but as this one is easily brushed out and doesn't leave a sticky residue it is perfect to use for building volume. She then set to work on blow drying my hair in the opposite direction to where you would normally as this gives more body! She finished my hair with a little Schwarzkopf Bonacure Rescue Repair Sealed Ends which tames flyaway hair and mends and prevents split ends.

The End Result

I was really happy with my blow-dry. Hannah managed to create so much volume with my hair and it looked in such good shape after the cut. My hair felt so glossy and even after a few washes my hair feels silkier than normal thanks to the Micro- Mist Treatment. I would highly recommend this treatment! I've managed to secure a 20% discount off hair cuts and colour at Easton Regal if you quote "Annabellz Attic" when making an appointment until the end of March 2013 so come on guys get booking for that amazing salon experience! Check out their website here for prices. You won't be disappointed! x

Tried & Tested #4

Here are the latest products I've tried and tested! 

Product Details

Duck Island Body Lotion

JASON Lips Bee Healthier 

L'Octitane Magical Leaves Hand Cream 

Anatomicals You Need A Blooming Shower Rose and Jasmine Body Cleanser

MAC Prolong Wear Concealer-Shade NC20

Healthy Chocolate Pots...

I follow Madeleine Shaw's blog. Madeleine is a Qualified Nutritional Health Coach and has so many great healthy recipes and helpful nutritional advice on her website. One that caught my eye was her Raw Chocolate Mousse recipe. Danny loves his Mum's Chocolate Mousse so I thought it might be a good idea to give this a go. Madeleine's aim to make delicious and simple foods using only the best healthiest ingredients. Here is Madeleine's recipe......

  Ingredients

1 avocado

1 banana

3 TBSP coconut oil

4 TBSP raw cocoa powder

A pinch of stevia

A pinch of Celtic sea salt

100 ml of coconut water (i use vita coco, its the closest to the real deal)

A handful of frozen raspberries
 

Method 

Place the Avocado flesh, Banana, Cocoa Powder, Stevia, Salt and Coconut Oil in a bowl and blend. I used a hand blender which worked perfectly.  Next add the coconut water in gradually blending as you go until it becomes a creamy. Pour into ramekins or glasses and place in the freezer for half an hour. Take out of the freezer, crush some frozen raspberries over the mousse and place in the fridge until you're ready to eat them.

VOILA!!

 This is such a simple easy recipe and tastes delicious! You can really taste the avocado so if you like avocado's this is great recipe to choose! You are also eliminating sugar by using raw cocoa powder rather than chocolate and stevia instead of white sugar as Madeleine says too much sugar can be toxic. There is so much goodness in this recipe!

I have arranged to meet with Madeleine for a consultation in a few weeks to work towards getting a diet plan from her to give me the right guidance into losing weight and eating healthily. I will let you know how this goes.

You can check out Madeleine's Blog here.  x

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine!!

I do love a bit of Barry M Make up. I think the brand is great! Really vibrant and fun and always catches my eye in the drug stores. I've used Barry M Nail Polishes for a good few years now and always found them to be really good value for money. The selection of colours and shades are also very impressive. One that caught my eye recently was the new Gelly Hi Shine range. This range is said to be faster drying and even shinier than the other nail paints. I didn't find a massive selection of colours in my local Boots which was a shame because online there seemed to be a lot more choice. I loved the Prickly Pear colour, it's a real nice summery pastel shade. I also liked the Blackberry Colour- it reminds me of a deep blue sea shade. 

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Blackberry & Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear

Blackberry

These nail varnishes are really rich and glossy! You really can get away with just one coat but I have applied two coats with these just out of habit. I haven't used any top coat on these either as they are so glossy already! I love them!! These cost £3.99 each- great value for money! What do you think of these nail varnishes? Have you tried them yet? x

Maybelline Color 24hr Tattoo Eye Shadow

I've been on the look out for some new eyeshadows for a while now. I don't wear eye shadow much in the day but when I go out of a night I like to glam up my eyes a bit.

At my last trip to Boots I came across these little beauties......

They're the Maybelline Color 24hr Tattoo Eye Shadow Gel's. I love the shimmer to them! I went for a bronze colour and a gold colour. They are a cream like gel which glides onto the lid and can be layered for extra effect. These shadows are so pigmented to give an easy vibrant non-creased look.

Shade 05- Eternal Gold

Shade 35- On and On Bronze

From Left- On and On Bronze/ Eternal Gold

They are so easy to apply, I used my finger to sweep a little onto my lids. I love them both and think they will be great for a night out. These are said to stay put all night and I believe it! It literally did not budge off my hand or my eyelids!! I had to scrub so hard to get it off. Here's how they look on;

On and On Bronze

Eternal Gold

I'm really happy I got these! They cost £4.99 each which is so reasonable for the quality of these shadows. You can really layer them to build up the colour. I think these would be good to mix together as I think the colours would compliment one another. 

Do you like these eyeshadow gels? x

I'm a Pho VIP!!

So you may remember a while ago I did a post on my one of my favourite lunch restaurants in Clerkenwell called Pho. For those who haven't seen it you can read this here.

If you follow me on Twitter you will also see I am a loyal customer! I follow Pho on Twitter and every Friday they run a competition giving customers a chance to win VIP Cards with discounts off food. The most recent competition was where they were asking followers to re tweet their tweets on their VIP Card offers and come into the restaurant and show the tweet to a member of staff. Well.....that's just what I did and guess what??? You are now looking at the new VIP Pho Card Holder :) 

I can't tell you how excited I am and how privileged I feel to be a holder of such a card! This card gives me 50% off all food whether I eat in or takeaway!! I have eaten here almost everyday since receiving this card as it's such good value for money! My usual Spicy Chicken Pho Soup is now costing me only £3.12 instead of £6.25! You can't even find a decent lunch in Tesco for that! 

This card can be used to eat in for up to 4 people and is valid until the end of 2013! This seems too good to be true and the small print at the bottom of the card does state that management can withdraw the offer at anytime so I am definitely going to get my monies worth for as long as I can! 

People, if you haven't already been to Pho you must try it!! Also follow them on Twitter here for a chance to  win your very own VIP Card. They tend to run competitions on a Friday so keep your eyes out! Good Luck!! 

Thank you Pho for making me so happy :) xxx

Easy Peasy Salmon!!

I'm always looking for new, tasty simple recipes to make during the week. It's not always easy to make to a nice healthy meal of an evening when you get home late. Here's one I made earlier......

This is so easy to make!! Waitrose sell these pots of tasty breadcrumbs to use on meats and fish. They have a variety of flavours but my personal favourite is the Garlic and Rosemary. 

You literally sprinkle them onto your chosen fish or meat before placing them in the oven.....

And Voila!! Serve on a bed of noodles with stir fried vegetables :) Easy Peasy!! 

Have you tried the Waitrose Garlic and Rosemary Crust? x

Everythings Rosy....

I'm going through a bit of a Rose theme at the moment. It seems that Rose is the new scent at the moment? I've never been a fan before, it always reminded me of something my Nan would wear but the products I'm trying out at the moment I am loving!! 

I have got these products from my February Glossy Box and my Selfridges Valentine's Box.

Anatomicals You Need a Blooming Shower Body Cleanser- Rose & Jasmine 

This product is from the anatomicals natural range which means they are free from DEA's, Parabens & SLS's. Firstly, I love the quirky packaging! Secondly, the smell is amazing and lasts all day! This shower gel also foams really well. I will definitely be re-purchasing this product! This costs £3 so a real bargain buy!

Aromatherapy Associates Rose Body Cream

I wasn't keen on the smell of this cream at first. It's really rose-like and quite strong but now I love it! The texture is so rich and moisturising, I'm loving using this after using the Rose Shower Gel. It just makes me smell of roses all day! This is quite an expensive product so I'm not sure I can justify spending £32.50 on a body lotion but it really is so luxurious and smells amazing!!

Rose De Courreges Perfume

This is the perfume I got in my Selfridges Valentines Box. This compliments the Aromatherapy Associates Rose body Cream so well! This perfume is more fruity than floral and quite sweet smelling too. I love it!!

So this combo altogether smells absolutely gorgeous! I'm really enjoying using these products at the moment.

Have you tried any of these? What do you think? x

Thought of the Day #3.......

Today's thoughts are mostly about Friendship. This is an area in my life that I struggle with mostly due to lack of time! I haven't seen any of my friends for a good few weeks and this is quite unusual for me as I try to see someone at least once a week. It's always the usual excuse- No Time!  It definitely affects me when I don't have time to see my friends and family. It makes me feel isolated...:(

In the last year all of the last of my good friends have had babies which has also had an affect on my friendships simply because its not as easy now for them to just go out whenever they want. Evenings are mostly out due to bath time and sleep time which only leaves the weekend and with me working on Saturdays I'm losing!!

I miss the days when I would take for granted that Friday nights were our girls night out at our local pub....when Sunday's would be lunch at a country pub for a good old gossip! Those days are long gone. I know that as we get older things do have to change...we meet our significant others, settle down, do grown up things like buy a house, get married and have children but why do things have to change so much?! I've never been a  fan of change and understand that sometimes its a good thing but right now change is doing me no favours! I know I'm not alone when I say this. All of my friends have said the same. I suppose we can only but try to keep things the same for so long. The most important thing I've learnt over the last year is this...a true friend is one you needn't see all the time. It's one that you can call from time to time and have a conversation that makes you both feel that you haven't been apart. One that can stand the test of time! I know I can count the number of my good friends on one hand and thats enough for me. I would rather have a handful of good close friends than a large group of acquaintances.  Each and every one of my friends means the world to me although they are all very different and unique. I have special memories with each of them, some are new friends, some are old. Regardless of how long you've known someone sometimes these new friends can be just as special to you.

With my wedding plans and work at the moment I am having difficulty finding the time to see my friends but just want to say if you are reading this ( which I'm sure you are ) I haven't forgotten you!  I miss you and I love you....just thought you should know that...:)  xxx

Savoury & Sweet Snack Ideas...

I would say im definitely more of a savoury than sweet person. Give me a packet of crisps over a bar of chocolate anyday! The problem is most crisps are full of calories and saturated fats. Here are a few savoury and sweet snacks I have at home that are a great alternative;

Beef Jerky

Beef Jerky is lean beef that is trimmed of all fat then marinated, dried and cured. It's high in protein and low in fat. It really is a delicious alternative to crisps.

Olives

I love Olives!! I prefer the black ones to the green ones but I like all of them in general especially the ones with garlic and chillies in! Olives are a great substitute for something salty to snack on. They are low in calories and saturated fats.

Belvita Biscuits

We got these recently as they were on offer in Tesco. They're a good substitute to breakfast or if you just want a little sweet snack. You've got all different flavours, my personal favourite is Milk and Cereal. You get 6 packets of individually wrapped biscuits which contains 4 biscuits. Each biscuit is only 56 calories so it's great! 

Total 0% Greek Yoghurts

 I love this yoghurt and have mentioned it before. It's perfect if you have a sweet craving! The Blueberry and Honey ones are my favourite. These are 0% fat so ideal if you are watching your weight.

Have you got an great low fat snack ideas? x

My Scents....

I tend to stick to perfumes I like and use them for years. The scents I like tend to be quite sweet but fresh not sickly! Here are some of my current favourites;

Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche

This is by far my favourite perfume! The smell is so fresh and fruity and lasts for ages! This fragrance is less sweet than I would usually like but I love it! 

Mark Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

I used to wear the original Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume and love that one too. This is the Eau So Fresh Daisy fragrance. Danny got me this last year for Valentines Day. I love this smell. It's Floral and Fruity yet fresh!

Hugo Boss Orange

This is another favourite! It's woody, sweet and fruity with a citrus kick! This really is a beautiful scent that lasts for hours! 

Serenite

I found this one in a little shop near where I work called Sublime. I've spoken about this shop before. This perfume is made from 90% natural ingredients. This smells delicious! Crisp, floral, musky and sweet. 

What perfumes do you wear? x

My Valentines Beauty Box...

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!! This year Danny and I have said we aren't going to go mad for Valentine's Day. Mostly because we are saving for our wedding and have lots of other events coming up in the next few weeks. We said we wouldn't do presents this year but in usual Danny Style he came home with a little present for me....

It's the Valentine's Beauty Box exclusive to Selfridges. The five products in this box are worth £87 and yet this costs just £25!! I was so excited when I saw this! So what's inside the box?

Steam Clean Pot- Lucy in the Sky

Aromatherapy Associates Rose Body Cream

Kure Bazaar Red Nail Polish

Stila Lip Glaze- Watermelon

Courreges Rose De Courreges Perfume

I have to say, I've never used any of these brands before so I'm looking forward to trying them. The perfume smells amazing! I wasn't sure I would like it being called Rose and all as it's not my favourite scent at all but it doesn't actually smell of Roses. It's a sweet fruity smell.  Stay tuned to read my reviews on these products in the next week or so.

Meanwhile if you want to order one of these boxes get in quick!! There are only 1000 of these made so order one now by clicking here!

Enjoy! x

February's Glossy Box

So...I got my second glossy box for February and this month is was a Valentine's Day theme!! 

I absolutely love this months box! It has make up in it this time which I much prefer! I can honestly say I think I will use everything in this box! I've never used any of these brands either so I'm very excited to try them out!! 

I am particularly pleased about the Mascara, Eyeshadow, Lipstick and Hair Treatment. I know I will get loads of use out of these!! 

So...Whats inside in the Box??...

Anatomicals- You Need A Blooming Shower Gel- Usual Price £5

This shower gel has natural healing properties of Rose and Jasmine. I'm not mad about Rose scented products so we'll see how this smells. 

MeMeMe Fat Cat Volumising Mascara- Usual Price £7.99

This is a MeMeMe best-seller which creates lashes full of volume and has a whiskered brush for eye-catching results!

Miners Cosmetics Lip Colour- Usual Price- £3.99 

This is a lovely shimmery pinky-purple colour. I'm not used to wearing pink so will enjoy trying this shade out. 

Micabella Cosmetics Mineral Eye Shadow- Usual Price £14.95

I love the colour of this eye shadow and the fact its so shimmery! Micabella's collection is made of 100% natural mica- a crystal like mineral. 

Sassoon Salon Illuminating Restore Treatment- Usual Price £20.75

This is a luxurious weekly product for colour treated hair- just what I need!! 

The total value of these products is £52.68. What a bargain!! Stay tuned to find out my views on these products. What do you think of these? Have you subscribed to Glossy Box yet? x