Time For A Move...

16 Mar 2013

I know its not certain when GFC is closing down, but if you read all the hype about the demise of Google reader it seems like it'll be pretty quick to follow. That in mind, I thought I'd post my Bloglovin' link, as I don't want to lose any of you lovely readers :)

I've had Bloglovin' for a while, but never really used it - its definitely a really easy interface though, so if you're abit dubious about the change I say definitely give it a go. Its also super easy to transfer all the blogs that you follow which I was really happy about!

Here's all my links, I hope I'll see you soon :)

Image Map

Aimée
 Xxxx
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One Stone Down, One To Go...

13 Mar 2013


"Just keep going" "One stone down, one to go" These are my current mantra's. If you haven't guessed already, I've been on a bit of a health kick and have so far lost a stone. This might not mean a whole lot to some people, but to me? Its a serious achievement and I'm rather chuffed about it.

Ever since I was a baby (9lbs and more!!) I've always been a bit on the chubbier side, and like most teenagers stressed about it the whole of my childhood. I would constantly 'go on a diet' - which would really mean I'd keep putting it off - constantly giving myself one more day to eat bad food because I'd 'definitely be on the diet tomorrow'. If I ever actually made it on to the diet, I'd last at the very maximum a week and then I'd cave and eat a load of crappy food and generally feel rubbish about myself. Which then spurned onto comfort eating...vicious circle anyone?

Going to University in 2009 was never going to be good for my body, and in total I put on two stone over the three years. Unsurprising really, as most students put on weight with the constant takeaways, drinking and late nights. Its hardly a recipe for a healthy body! I 'tried' to lose weight, constantly taking up healthy eating patterns and stocking the fridge full of salad and veg only to be swayed by my house mates getting a takeaway and not wanting to be left out.

I put 'tried' in inverted commas, as looking back now I know I didn't try. The intention may have been there in mind, but to put it bluntly I was just too lazy to actually do anything about it. Now don't get me wrong, I was never crazily overweight, but I was definitely storing a cake shelf around my middle that didn't need to be there.

So, how did everything change? Since the beginning of January I've lost a stone and if you follow my Instagram, you'll know I've still eaten many cakes (Its an addiction!). I've finally realised that losing weight is all a mindset, if you're not 100% into something you're never going to achieve your best, right? Also, saying 'I'm going on diet' instantly makes your body crave sugar and your hand reach for the nearest fatty food.

Instead, I told myself I was having a 'health kick' - scaling down my portion sizes, having Friday treat day for fun sugary things and exercising more. Its simple really, eat less - exercise more. But for years that just wouldn't sink in. I still allow myself to eat 'bad' things if I want them, because I know if I deny myself completely I'll just sink back into my old yo-yo ways. No one wants to go cold turkey on cake -its just not right!

I have to also say, that being healthy with other people is such a big help. My sister begun losing weight towards the end of last year, and seeing how well she was doing and how great she looks now was such a big motivation. Now we can 'talk each other down from the ledge' if cakes are being passed around the office, go for long walks to exercise and its an excuse to go shopping when clothes no longer fit. ;) So, thanks for the help Katie :)

Anyway, I think I've rambled on long enough - this was really just a chance for me to share my experience, and hopefully help motivate anyone else who's currently having a health kick! My next goal is another stone, so wish me luck! Let me know if any of you are trying to shed a few pounds, its always easier to do when you're doing it along with someone. :)

I hope you're all having a wonderful week!

Aimée
Xxxx
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I Want ALL Of The Things...

11 Mar 2013

Can you believe its March already!? This year is flying by and my passions and bank balance aren't correlating well. So here are some products that I'm really wanting this month but haven't been able to bring home with me just yet.

1. Put simply I just really want to try the Bioderma Crealine TS H20 Micelle Solution (to give it its full name!) as I'm sick of scrubbing away at my eye make up with face wipes. This seems like such an easy solution and might give my poor eyes a bit more care.

2. I got a sample of the Vichy Smoothing and Illuminating cream in a GlossyBox a few months ago, and I've really fallen in love with it. I love the consistency of the cream, the smell and how soft it makes my skin feel. The little tub it comes in is really handy as well, and rather aesthetically pleasing too! My little sample is near enough empty now though, so a full size version is definitely in my sights!

3. I've wanted to try the YSL Glossy Stains for months now, but I've never felt justified to make the splurge. So when I found out that the L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash (what a name!) glosses were a dupe, I added them to my list straight away! I've been having quite a lot of trouble finding them in my local shops, but I'll definitely post a review when I track them down.

4. MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly is somewhat of a cult product, but one that I have yet to try. Next time I'm passing a MAC counter I'm definitely going to pick it up - I've been eyeing it up for quite a while now. I really like the almost dual use of the pot as a base and eye shadow in its own right.

5. I love a lot of the products in Illamasqua's Imperfection collection, but ranking highest must be the ridiculously cute speckled nail varnishes. They remind me of mini eggs and really, what could be better than that? I just wish they weren't quite so pricey :(

6. The Elemis Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash was another GlossyBox sample from a few months back. Initially I didn't try it straight away as I love my trusty Soap and Glory foaming face wash, but as that ran out I decided to give the Elemis wash a go and I'm so glad I did! I really love it, the jojoba beads really do scrub the skin and leaves my face feeling really fresh and smooth. Sadly I've now finished the sample, so a full size version is definitely on my to-buy list.

7. Lastly, since trying and loving the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense (review HERE), when I heard about the Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes I was really intrigued. I've heard mixed reviews so far, but I really want to give them a try. Shades Lot's of Latte and Fuller Fudge look super pretty.

So there we have it, this is what I'm loving from afar in March. Have you tried any of these products? Any products on your wishlist at the moment? Let me know :)

Aimée
Xxxx
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Review | Dr. Jart+ Pore Refine Tight Effect Toner

7 Mar 2013


Dr.Jart+ is not a brand that I've used before and to be quite honest is not one that I'd ever really thought of using. But since running out of toner a few weeks back I wanted to try something new and this really called out to me. It may have been the pretty ocean blue colour of the bottle, the fact that it has a pump dispenser or just the 'tight effect' claims but this bottle made its way into my clutches.

Since researching the product a little more, I've found that its not actually listed on the Dr.Jart+ website and there is hardly any blog reviews on it either. This was quite a surprise to me as I've really enjoyed using it! I cleanse first with my Soap and Glory Hot Cloth Cleanser (review HERE) and then spritz a liberal amount of the Dr.Jart+ Pore Refine Tight Effect Toner onto a cotton wool pad before wiping over my face.

You can use the toner without cleansing first, but I do find that the combination of the two leaves my skin feeling really fresh and smooth. The 'tight effect' claim to the toner really does work - you can definitely tell the toner is closing your pores and makes smoothing on moisturiser afterwards a doddle.

I've had the toner for a good 3 or 4 weeks, and although using it every day the bottle hardly looks touched. This is a major plus for me, as the toner isn't particularly cheap. I bought the bottle when it had money off, but it usually retails at £18 (buy HERE). You get 140ml for your hard earned cash, which I do feel is a substantial amount and considering the quality - I do think its worth the splurge.

I think I'm definitely going to look into other Dr.Jart+ products. I've heard SO much about the BB cream. Have any of you tried any products? Any recommendations?

Aimée
Xxxx
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Muddy Walks and Aztec Prints.

4 Mar 2013

DISCLAIMER: This is a picture heavy post to soothe your tired Monday morning brains. I do hope you enjoy looking at the pretty things :)


Showcased in this post, are pictures I took last weekend of a muddy walk on Box Hill, Surrey. I've also included a little 'haul' of clothes I've bought recently. The Topshop Black and White Boyfriend Coat that I've lusted over for a good month or so and finally caved to buy. The super comfy H and M aztec print jumper, that I can't find online but was £29.99. The floral skirt, courtesy of Primark, which was about £10. Finally, the black quilted ballet pumps, again from Primark at the bargainous price of £6.

I hope you enjoyed this Monday post, and I hope you all have a lovely day :)

Aimée
Xxxx
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Review | Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Roomiest Rose

26 Feb 2013


Holy grail lip product? I think I've found mine :) On a spur of the moment purchase last month, I decided to throw caution to the wind (and by that I mean my bank balance!) and buy into the Chubby Stick hype. After serious deliberation, with my hand ending up varying shades of pinky red I decided on shade 6 Roomiest Rose.

Its part of the 'intense' chubby stick range which promises a fuller coverage on the lips and a more moisturising finish. Roomiest Rose is such a pretty dusky rose and is really wearable for both day and night. The original Chubby Sticks give quite a sheer finish, but with the new intense range I find the colour pay-off really great and it lasts at least 3 hours without needing to re-apply (obviously if you aren't drinking/eating heavily anyway!).

(After attempting about 20 different close-ups of my lips, I started losing the will to live...)
With the pen style applicator, its so easy to apply and means you don't necessarily need a mirror when topping up throughout the day. Which for me, is such a plus as it feels like a much more casual lip to wear in the day. I think the colour is so versatile with different make-up looks and can really glam up an outfit. At £16 a pop it is a pretty extravagant purchase, but I do think the stick will last me absolutely ages and for the quality of product I think its definitely worth it. I already want the stick in different colours!

I've heard quite a lot about the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains being a really good dupe for the Chubby Sticks, and when looking at the packaging its hard to tell them apart! So, I'm definitely going to try one from this range next to compare, as they're a bit more purse friendly.

Have any of you tried the new intense range of Chubby Sticks? Do you think they're worth the money?

Aimée
Xxxx

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Snapshots of Life: Vol.2

20 Feb 2013


Here's just a quick look at what I've been doing since the start of the new year! 

* Snow walks * Weekend away to visit the best friend in Lancaster * The bestfriend with a sexy new look * Yummy tuna salad lunch * Baking * January snow * Wine date with the boy * Sunny journey to work * Light Show exhibition at Southbank Centre * Muddy Walks * Amazing sunday lunch with the family * Me and the boy * Amazing lunch in Brixton Village * Letter from a best friend * Too many clothes! * Home-made red velvet muffins * 

Hope you're all having a wonderful week! 

Aimée 
Xxxx

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