Velvet is a classic winter fabric but if I’m honest I have always associated it to evening wear and old ladies. Wrong! So wrong! How could I be so wrong? I was for many, many years but no more. I’m fully embracing velvet and I want to incorporate with my everyday looks not just save it for the occasional night out.
5 Ways to Make Your Beauty Routine Quicker and More Effective
Mornings are possibly the busiest time of my daily routine. I need to get up and ready, get the kids up and ready, prepare breakfast, eat breakfast, feed the kids breakfast, get the kids ready, prepare lunch bags…. You get the gist! So, as you can imagine a morning beauty routine is definitely not my priority. However, I still like to look good and hate nothing more than leaving the house looking like death. If this is you too read on for some tips on how you can make your morning beauty routine quicker and more effective.
Overnight Masks
If your skin needs a bit of TLC, you don’t necessarily need to weigh it down with heavy cream in the morning. You can use overnight masks that are easy to remove once you got out of the bed, and your skin will only need a bit of cleansing and vitamin serum before you apply the makeup. Choose the mask that is easy to apply and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Sleep In Curlers
In case doing your hair takes the most of your time up in the morning, you can find some sleep in curlers that are comfortable and will help you keep your hairdo in shape. No matter if you have natural curls that get out of control in the morning, or simply would like to add volume so you can style your hair accordingly, you will be able to save time without having to put up with uncomfortable curlers.
Microblading
We seem to be obsessed with our eyebrows, and getting the shape and strength right in the morning is a challenge, even for the most artistic people out there. It might be a good idea to get your eyebrows defined by a microblading artist, so all you have to do is tweak, go over them, brush them, and you are good to go. Your eyebrows give your face a great definition and should be the foundation of all your makeup.
Permanent Hair Removal
It is also a good idea to save time and effort when you jump in the shower in the morning. Shaving is a delicate task, and if you are not fully awake before your second coffee, chances are that you might suffer an accident. You should do your research on how permanent hair removal services work so you can find the right solution, whether or not you would like to avoid shaving your legs every morning, or need to tackle facial hair that is annoying.
Shower Multitasking
Multitasking is something we are good at. You can use your facial scrub in the shower to get a fresh glow in just a few minutes. You will also be able to wash your face with black soap to get rid of the bacteria and improve your complexion. After you have closed your pores, you can start applying your primer and once you are dressed up, you can start your makeup.
Love, P
**This is a collaborative post. For more information please head over to my disclosure page.
Fashion Fix Friday: A fresh look at Cowboy boots and how to wear them
I feel like I’m a little late to the cowboy boot party since they have been a thing since the Summer. However, I think this great 90’s western trend is here to stay taking into account they were all over the spring 2019 street style photos circulating during fashion month so I might be late but I’m certainly on it!
Recently I have become obsessed with the style and want to pair them with quite literally everything. I have one particular pair of boots to blame for it and they are the glorious Ganni pink and black marlyn 45 . From the minute I laid eyes on them I knew I was in love!
The thing about cowboy boots is that wearing them can feel a little bit like wearing a costume but I think the key is to make them work with your wardrobe and using them as an easy way to update some of your most basic outfits and add a super cool trendy twist to very feminine outfits.
Keep scrolling for some style inspiration from the streets and to shop my cowboy boot edit.
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How to Shop Black Friday/Cyber week Sales + Sales Guide
The BF day has arrived and of course I couldn’t ignore it! This is the ideal time to buy Christmas presents, a new outfit for New Year’s Eve or just something that you’ve had your eye on for ages.
With so many great deals available it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all but, fear not, I’m here to help and share with you my favourite Black Friday fashion deals as well as a little insight on how I shop Black Friday to avoid overspending and impulse purchases that will never see the light of day.
Here’s my advice and sales guide…
Make a list of what you want to buy
This will ensure you will look out for things you need and/or really want instead of just getting things that you don’t use very often or are not your style just because you thought the marked down price was great.
Shop Around for Best Deals
Check various retailers for a particular item you have in mind so you can truly find the best deal. Every retailer offers different discount rates so it’s definitely worth shopping around.
Stick to Your List
This is the golden rule. Don’t get lost in the excitement of bagging some bargains and end up spending money on things that you will never wear or that you won’t wear that much. They might be cheap but if you don’t use them they are ultimately a waist of money.
This is a great time to snap up some good buys and take advantage of all the deals on offer. Click the retailer and or items to shop. Let the shopping marathon begin…
Sales Guide
Fashion & Accessories
ASOS
20% off everything with code HELLO20
T&C: 22nd – 26th November
Topshop
Your Perfect Party Clutch Bag Essentials
What’s your handbag mantra? While a lot of women seem to go for ‘the bigger the better’ when it comes to schlepping round with an oversized tote you could fit enough supplies for a week in, the undoubtedly chic route is that of a sleek clutch bag.
While the very idea of paring down your possessions to the bare minimum makes some yelp in horror, when was the last time you actually used the old magazines, five lip glosses, two bottles of water and ‘emergency’ flats? Are they giving you back ache? Could they, in fact, be weighing you down in more ways than one?
Whisper it: small bags are a symbol of power. In these days of unbounded choice, they show that you can be selective. They show a sort of restraint that indicates confidence – Coco Chanel didn’t say “elegance is refusal” for nothing. A neat clutch bag is a wardrobe essential and indicates that you have your life together in a way that a messy, overflowing, supersized bucket bag never will. It has been said that our handbags reflect the inside of our minds – and who wants a jumble of disorganised clutter in their head? Equally, a smaller bag is somewhat of a status symbol – it hints that you are well off enough to have other people take care of the mess.
So, travelling light is definitely proper, especially with the amount of evening events ramping up as we head into the festive season. But you still want to have the essentials covered to make sure you have a great night. What do you pack to create the ultimate clutch bag and make sure you have everything you need while not being weighed down? This guide will help you streamline, pack your clutch beautifully and be able to grab and go:
Small Tin of Mints
On sociable evenings out – intimate dinners, cocktails at the bar or crowded nightclubs, the one thing you can guarantee is that people will be getting up close and personal. Whether it’s simply your girlfriends or even a hot date, people leaning in close to talk to you means that it’s bad manners for them to be able to smell what you last ate! Chewing gum can be a little inelegant, so a small tin of mints or breath freshening strips is your best bet. Fresh breath is common courtesy, so don’t leave home without them!
Folding Hairbrush
Having been outside to get to your destination, the elements will probably have played havoc with your freshly styled hair, so having a small hairbrush means you can fix yourself up nicely when you arrive. You need to go compact, so either opt for a slim comb or perhaps a dressing brush, which is great for smoothing and backcombing at the roots but doesn’t take up a lot of room. Or you could opt for something like the Denman Folding Hairbrush that pops out and also has a handy mirror for you to check your makeup.
Cash
You may be the type of person who uses cards for everything, but if you’re heading out for the night, taking cash is a far better idea. For one, you will need a small amount to be able to tip on restaurant and bar bills or pay for a taxi home at the end of the night. Carrying cash also means that you are less likely to overspend – there’s nothing worse than waking up the next day with a sore head and a purse full of receipts from when you were waving your credit card around shouting ‘Margaritas for everyone!’ at 1am. Cash limits you a little, although it is a good idea to carry one card in case there is an emergency, or keep money for a taxi home separately so you don’t accidentally spend it.
Your Phone
These days, our phones are walking powerhouses that do it all, and you don’t want to be without. The latest models like the iPhone X, or Samsung Galaxy S9 have cameras which are brilliant in low light levels, meaning those snaps of you and your squad in the bar won’t be grainy and dark. From WhatsApping friends to check where they are to using PayPal to split a restaurant bill or even browsing Tinder to see who’s in the club, your phone is an essential. Make sure your handset is fully charged and you have a great deal from a network like SMARTY mobile powered by Three so you don’t lose signal at a crucial point or spent a fortune on data. Learn more about SMARTY and other networks on Half Cooked, they provide detailed reviews and comparisons of all the major UK networks to help you find the perfect network for your needs.
Make-Up
Most of us carry far too much! If you’ve used a good makeup primer and followed up with a setting spray, your makeup should be locked down and you shouldn’t need to touch up too much. A pressed powder compact, the lip colour you have on and a mini perfume, perhaps in a travel atomiser, should be enough.
With your stylishly slimline clutch and all the essentials, you can concentrate on having a great time.
Love, P
**This is a collaborative post. For more information please head over to my disclosure page.
Keeping Healthy as a Busy Mum of Two
In collaboration with Sundose
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Being fit and healthy has always been one of my number one priorities and so living a healthy lifestyle is extremely important to me. However juggling work and numerous other projects along with being a mum of two means – and I’m pretty sure many of you will agree with me here – it’s not always easy to focus on eating balanced meals and working out regularly. Of course I try but life gets in the way sometimes and 24 hrs don’t seem to stretch far enough…
Here’s where Sundose comes in because it can help complement deficiencies in our diet caused by our busy lifestyle.
So, what is Sundose?
Sundose is a dietary supplement tailored to your individual needs. Sundose is a mix of vitamins, minerals, probiotics and antioxidants tailored to you, your body, lifestyle and goals and developed alongside clinical nutritionists to help keep us healthy, full-of-energy and ultimately feeling good.
Because Sundose is tailored to your needs it only contains what you need in the right amounts.
How does Sundose work?
Everything starts with filling out the survey, developed by Sundose’s very own dieticians. Based on the analysis of the answers they will prepare an individual supplementation program tailored specifically to your needs. If you wish you can even send them your blood test results to help them personalize your Sundose even more. Based on the analysis of your survey and blood tests they will tailor the ingredients and their amounts to your body and lifestyle needs. This will be your unique mix.
Once your mix is ready, a box with a monthly supply of Sundose will be delivered right to your door. Just make sure you drink a glass of water with Sundose after your breakfast and… Voilá!
Sundose is now available in the UK. To personalise and purchase your supplement please visit Sundose.
You can find out more about Sundose on their facebook and
The Beautiful art of Layering Necklaces + Giveaway
In collaboration with Muru Jewellery.
It’s no secret I love to layer my necklaces. Jewellery is, in my opinion, one of the quickest ways to transform an otherwise super basic and bordering on boring outfit into a chic little ensemble. My layering journey (if I can call it that) started years ago when long pearl necklaces were all the rage and layering them gave them a slight edge instead of the lady like look that has always been associated with them.
Nowadays I much prefer layering dainty, more simple and smaller necklaces, normally in gold and with some kind of meaning. I have a necklace with my initial, one with my children’s names, one that says ‘mama’ …. you get the idea right? I can safely say wearing layered necklaces has become part of my everyday looks and it’s something that now comes to me quite naturally.
Obviously, when Muru asked me to style a few of their gorgeous pieces, I was beyond excited. Muru believes that jewellery should be not only an expression of your style but also of one’s hopes and aspirations so you can expect Muru’s designs to be both beautiful and full of meaning.
If you are not sure how to start layering your necklaces read on for a few of my tips but remember that the first rule of layering your necklaces is that there is no rule. Just have fun!
Layer by length
This is quite an obvious one i think. Start with your shortest necklace and gradually add more slightly longer than the last. This is possibly my favourite way of layering necklaces and I never wear more than 3 or 4 layers. It’s a fine line between looking on point and like a Christmas tree.
Mix metals
Once upon a time I had a huge mental block about mixing metals but now I love it. I think the key is to experiment with it and have fun with the different colours and textures.
Make it personal
I love wearing jewellery that speaks to me. Be it because it has my children’s names engraved or because it reminds me of a special place/time in my life or because it’s full of symbolism and meaning. This is the key, in my opinion, to make combinations that are unique to you and represent who you are.
For this post i’m wearing:
5 Ways to Style Your Denim Jeans for Autumn
I can honestly say I would be totally lost without jeans in my wardrobe. They are without a doubt a key piece in every wardrobe. Jeans are so versatile and comfortable I wear them several times a week. From work to dinner to mummying around, they are possibly the most versatile piece of clothing one can own and easily styled up or down so you can be ready for whatever the day throws at you without major outfit changes.
Of course the most important thing about putting together a look with jeans is, of course, the jeans themself. So it’s extremely important that you get yourself the perfect pair. How do you do that? Simple, just make sure the jeans you pick suit your body shape, the fabric is not too stiff and the quality is good so they will last you a long time. With such a big range of denim jeans out there I’m sure you will find your perfect pair in no time and once you get your hands on that perfect pair of jeans, you can have a go at trying some of these outfit ideas to inject some vavavoom to the most basic of basics – denim jeans.
Jeans under dress
I’m a huge fan of layering a dress over my jeans. It instantly makes the outfit look way cooler than tights ever would. For this look to work, try sticking to skinny or straight-leg style jeans, rather than a flare to minimise looking bulky and disproportional.
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4 Bathroom Decor Mistakes You Could Be Making and How to Fix Them
Decorating a bathroom doesn’t sound that hard. Just pick a bath, shower, toilet and sink and choose some tiles and you’re done, right? Actually, the bathroom is one of the hardest rooms in the house to design. It’s usually a small space and you’ve got quite a few large fixtures to get in there so a lot can go wrong. If you design it badly, it’ll be an awkward and uncomfortable space. To stop that from happening, make sure you’re avoiding these easy to make bathroom decorating mistakes.
Not Enough Light
In a small room like a bathroom, light is your friend. If you don’t light the room properly, whether that be with natural light or artificial light, it’ll look very dingy and uninviting in there. If you’ve got windows in the bathroom, make sure that you’re using light blinds and tinted windows so you can let in as much natural light as possible. If you don’t have any windows in the bathroom, you’ll have to introduce more artificial lights. As well as a main light, you can get some great mirrors with built in lighting like the ones on this website. It’s a great way to introduce more targeted light into the room and get it from more than one direction.
Wasting Floor Space
When you’re working with a particularly small bathroom, every bit of floor space needs to be used wisely. If you’re putting a large bathtub in there, you’ll fill half the room already and it’ll end up being very cramped in there. That’s why people are opting to go for a wet room instead; you still get a great luxury bathroom but you’re using the space a lot more efficiently.
The vanity is the second largest piece of the bathroom suite after the tub itself so you should try to save space there if you can. Using a floating sink with a drawer underneath and a slimline mirror on the wall is a far better alternative to a full vanity in a small bathroom.
Neglecting Storage
This one goes against the last rule a little bit so things can be tricky in a small bathroom. You’d be surprised how much storage you actually need in a bathroom and it’ll end up being a complete mess if you don’t have anywhere to put everything. That’s why you need to make sure you’re getting enough storage in there. Try to strike a balance between effective use of space and effective storage.
Too Many Patterns
Patterns are a great way to make the room look more interesting but you’ve got to be careful how you use them, especially in a bathroom. As a general rule, you shouldn’t use more than 2 distinct patterns in a bathroom. If you do more than that, it’ll end up looking cluttered and you won’t get the sleek look you’re after. The same goes for colours; don’t start matching 3 or 4 colours, it’s not going to look good.
And there you have it. If you are able to avoid these simple decor mistakes you’ll no doubt be able to create an elegant and stylish bathroom.
Love, P
**This is a collaborative post. For more information please head over to my disclosure page.
My Last Time as #StayClassyMama Host – #StayClassyMama 122
Hello and welcome to #stayclassymama!
I have had an incredible time as #stayclassymama’s host but time as come for me to say goodbye. I’m embarking on another photography adventure and unfortunately I just won’t have enough time to dedicate to this linky anymore. Thank you so much for all your support and I hope you continue to link up with Laura as she will carry on with the linky on her own.
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye but I’m sure we will keep bumping into each other around the blogosphere.
Now, let’s get on with the linky. I’m itching to read all your awesome posts this week.
I have made a badge for all featured bloggers so feel free to grab it below if you have been featured on #StayClassyMama and display it proudly!
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