I did it! Completing the Race for Life 2013

So, despite a cloudy day and slightly damp ending, I managed to finish the Race for Life last Sunday, raising £95. The overall total raised by that particular race was £30,000, well done everybody! Loved the atmosphere and the outfits, this was my second RFL and I hope to do more.
If you wish to still contribute to my fundraising page to raise money for scientists to help find the cure for cancer, you can do so below, thanks!

www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/clairesells1

Current Reading List

I love books! I have too many books! I have already cut down on my library and also aim to download some titles onto my tablet as it's convenient and saves space. Here is my current pick of titles:

Mindfulness - a practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world
I often have trouble with anxiety and worry about the smallest things, some of which really are little! I have been recommended this book which also comes with a free CD. I also caught my friend reading it when I recently visited her! I have yet to finish it, but find the meditations really useful.

Building a business from the kitchen table
Really inspiring read from the founders of www.notonthehighstreet.com about how they created a now very successful business. I have had a few ideas of my own and wanted to read their advice and review their processes. I have always been a fan of their website. It really is definitely a case of finding a gap in the market and carrying out research to see if there is a demand for your business idea. I can think of numerous other businesses that started as ideas such as the Trunki and Tangle Teezer brush.

Reading Wish List:

Pearl Lowe
Vintage craft projects, the Queen of Style. I have already read her biography "All That Glitters"

Kat Von D - Go Big or Go Home
The talented tattoo artist releases her third book.

True Blood
I love the book and TV series equally. Can't wait for the next instalment, it's one of those rare books I can't put down!

Cabbages & Roses
Just bought a lovely dress from Uniqlo who have collaborated with Cabbages & Roses for a really cheap price and it has a nice, summery print. Seeing this has made me interested in the shabby chic style this brand has to offer and tempted by their range of books on interiors and crafts.

*Most of these are available from Amazon, Play or on the iBook store for digital downloads.

March 2013 Birchbox Review

I really enjoyed this month's Birchbox, so thought I would write a post on it!

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
Very rich, not greasy, good for super dry areas, however, thick consistency and smell was quite medicinal. However, I am currently suffering from psoriasis on my body so will try this on my dry skin patches to see if they clear up a little.

beautyblender sponge and cleanser (R)
I like the idea of this and the cleanser is a nice addition. However, after trying these I found I had to keep reapplying foundation as I couldn't get enough coverage. I have fairly blemished skin so found it too light, but it did blend well. The additional inclusion of the sponge cleanser is a nice touch though and you can use it for cleaning other make up brushes which I may do.

La Sultane de Saba Body Lotion with Argan Oil
Lovely musky smell, light consistency, as mentioned previously, have very dry skin at the moment so this isn't moisturising enough for me but fine for a top up.

Laura Geller Waterproof Gel Liner
I had a purple version of this in the box. I must admit I do play it rather safe when it comes to eye liners, mainly sticking to my trusty black or dark brown powder liners (I hate pencils, they always run and smudge). Once I put this on it actually looked really pretty against my blue eyes, but probably would look even better on someone with brown eyes. The liner did stay put throughout the day as well, so I might be converted!

Molten Brown Valbonne Fine Fragrance
Light and floral, good fragrance to wear in the day. Not the best fragrance I have experienced but pleasant enough!

Lindt Lindor Heart Tin with Truffles
I am not overly keen on Lindt or other chocolate brands, my favourite is Cadbury's! But this heart shaped tin containing four chocolates is a nice touch.

Style Interiors, Godshill, Isle of Wight

One of my favourite interiors shops in Godshill, Isle of Wight. They stock various products such as Emma Bridgewater, Cath Kidston, trinkets, home accessories, giftware, cards, clocks, wall art and soft furnishings etc. I couldn't resist picking up a couple of items in the Sale yesterday (pictured below), especially as I needed some storage drawers for my ever expanding make up collection. Sadly, they are no longer selling online, but it's definitely worth a visit if you are ever here.

http://www.styleinteriors.co.uk/

Retro style Bonbons storage tin

Wood and slate small storage drawers

Zoella & the Isle of Wight

My favourite blogger/vlogger Zoella posts about the Isle of Wight!

http://www.zoella.co.uk/2013/03/sometimes-we-need-to-escape.html

Thanks Zoella!

Company Style Blogger Awards 2013

Hi all!
Just a short note to say that my blog views are creeping up quite a bit, despite this blog only still being in it's infancy! So, if you enjoy my posts and would like to vote for my blog for the Company Style Blogger Awards 2013, please do so here:
http://www.company.co.uk/company-blog-awards-2013-with-new-look

Many much thank you!!! Or something like that...

NIVEA, Urban Decay Glinda Eye Palette & The Vintage Cosmetics Company

So, a few things here!

NIVEA Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream

First of all, I have recently got a sample of the NIVEA Pure & Natural regenerating night cream. Usually I am quite fussy about what moisturiser I use, as I have problematic skin that not only gets acne, but is dry on the cheeks and oily on the T-Zone (NIGHTMARE!). Therefore I detest oily facecream and only seem to get on with either a light application of Steamcream or Liz Earle Light Moisuriser. But, I was pleasantly surprised with the NIVEA sample, it's easily absorbed and the smell is wonderful! Even better, it's not tested on animals and is a reasonable price!

The Vintage Cosmetics Company

I happened to discover this company when I received the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar from http://www.latestinbeauty.com/youac/. The packaging is really pretty and the general design is bang on trend. I already have the eyelash curlers from the calendar, but as my make-up brushes are looking a little worn I am planning to replace them all, so started with the eyelash comb. When it arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find it had been packaged in a funky sweetie bag. I would definitely recommend visiting their site not only for brushes and curlers, but for the false lashes range too: http://thevintagecosmeticcompany.co.uk/

Urban Decay Oz The Great and Powerful Eye Palettes

I have recently acquired a few new eye colour palettes and trying not to get anymore, mainly because I have enough and also I don't often wear make-up when it's just me working from home at my desk, but I like make-up when the opportunity arises! I absolutely love the ethereal quality of the make-up as inspired by the new film, Oz The Great and Powerful, so for now am just referring to the images below for some serious drooling! There are two palettes available (they come with a selection of eyeshadows, lip colour and eyeliners) and they are limited edition, one for Glinda (lighter tones) and the other for Theodora (darker tones).

Michelle Williams as Glinda

Glinda

Theodora