Why I'm moving to Paris...

Right - it's about 2 weeks until I move to Paris. 2 WEEKS! That feels so weird! Here I'll explain what I plan on doing when I get there - (besides get a job and/or become a millionaire)

• Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower taking lots of pictures.
• Sit at a pavement café reading - no phone just a book and a coffee.
• Wander round the louvre all day.
• Visit monets garden.
• Enjoy not living in the uk!
• Learn some French so I can have a simple conversation. (It's non existent at the moment)
• I also want to work to live instead of living to work.
• Meet new people.
• See a ballet or opera at the National opera house.
• Eat at the patisserie in Sex and the City (the one where Carrie feeds a dog a cake). I just think it looks cute!
• Have a day of eating all French food - croissants, cheese, wine, onion soup, bourginon, wine, bread, wine. 
• Follow the eating day with a full day of exercise!!
• 
  

Any tourist ideas you have for Paris then please let me know by commenting below. I'll keep you updated and cross things off the list while I'm there. (Obviously I'll meet new people straight away but you know what I mean.)

Here are some pics of when I have been to Paris before...  (2008 & 2011)

Notre dame

Me in 2008

Eiffel Tower at night. All sparkly!

My name on the Sacre Couer!

Me and my Mum

Me and my friends at the Louvre

Maria x

Beauty organisation - Everything I Own

Did some tidying and organising yesterday and managed to get my beauty kit more organised. My goodness I seem to have more than I thought! I counted roughly 15 lipglosses & lipsticks, 7 mascaras, and I could guess at roughly 40 eyeshadows. 

Is this too much? About right? Not enough? Let me know what you think!

Below is how I've organised it and some of the things I have...

This is everything - skincare, eyelashes, face products, blushers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, highlighters ,primers, lipticks, lipglosses and brushes etc

Brushes, eyelash curlers etc All stored in a Vegas mug.

Lip glosses and lipsticks in a black box - It used to have a pretty lid with white flowers and birds but it makes it harder to store this much!

Eyeshadow compacts and individuals, eyeliners in black, blue, brown, grey, silver, pink and purple. Mascaras in black, waterproof black, black/brown and brown.

Clinique skin care product and Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream!

Eyelashes, foundation, blushers, concealers, highlighters, primers and fixers.

Spring Nail Looks

Here I thought I would share some of my nail looks from the past few weeks. I love glitter, matte colours and lots of other styles. I just wish I could make better use if my nail art pens if I had a steady hand. Will continue to practice though and hopefully will include them in future nail art posts.

Share your nail blog post links in the comments below.

Maria xx

Matte Pink - I love this look. So cheerful!

Mint Green with Turquoise index finger

Nude nails with some glitter.

Why not try a manicure from a past post - Pink french manicure.

Going for a Bra Fitting - tips

As a follow up to a popular post I have done on getting the right bra size I thought I would give some tips on what to do when you for a bra fitting. I will stress this is not designed to put anyone off going, just things to think about. I fully advise getting measured and fitted every now and then as you will soon begin to learn what to look for when buying a bra. Remember to ask yourself this if you are worried about getting measured - Do you want sagging boobs or supported boobs? 
I know what I think feels more comfortable. 

Anyway, here are the tips - 

• Make sure you are relatively clean. I know this isn't rocket science but I mean don't come straight from the gym or a long run. You might be surprised at the amount of women that came in quite smelly. Not only is it harder to fit a bra to a sweaty body, it's also common courtesy. Would you want to a)buy a bra covered in someone else's sweat? b) have to assist and touch another woman's overly sweaty body? 
• Try and shave your armpits. No ones asking for a recent wax and some sparkly body glitter. People are people, women grow hair. That's fine. Just don't leave it too long as when measuring it is usual for a tape measure around the chest area. The bra fitter is unlikely to want to brush their arms on your armpit hair.
• Keep your bra on. It is a common misconception that you need to take your bra off when being measured. This is not true, you can keep it on when the bra fitter is around. Obviously if you are trying on different bras then you take your one off (you would be surprised at the women that have left the old one on!) Also, just because you aren't bothered about the bra fitter seeing your boobs doesn't mean they aren't either. Remember -  they are BRA fitters and not boob lookers!
• Listen. Whatever you are being told is probably good advice and it's usually a free service. They want to boost sales by selling you the right bra so chances are it will be good advice.

Hope this is helpful and like I said at the start, this is not intended to put anyone off going. Just think about the things above and it should be a more pleasant experience for you and the bra fitter.

Any questions just ask below and I will answer as soon as I can. 

Maria xx

Oscars 2013

Oscars 2013
I stayed up to watch the red carpet last online and loved seeing all the outfits. In this blog post I'll share my favourite and not so favourite outfits that I saw and why. Let me know what you think by commenting below or tweeting me.

Favourites-
Jennifer Lawrence
She was wearing baby pink Dior ball gown. It was so beautiful! I'm not normally a baby pink fan but I think this dress was stunning in her. She looked classic clean and young. It suited her figure and was glam enough for the occasion. So jealous!
























Jennifer Hudson
Jen again! She looked incredible, it was kind of a simple dress, in terms of being daring and skin baring. However I loved how she looked. To quote Americans I thought she looked 'fierce'. Her figure was shown off nicely in the dress without looking slutty or too raunchy. Jealous of her body!























Sally field
How amazing did Sally field look? My answer is very amazing. I adored her red long ball gown. She looked really classic and so beautiful.























Amy Adams
Her Oscar de la Renta gown was like a Disney princess dress (which suits her - I love enchanted). It was so ethereal and just perfect. It's the sort if dress I'd wear to my wedding. If I ever see an affordable copy or I win the lottery then it's mine. Feel free to send one too me actually!























My not so favourites-

Anne Hathaway
I'm sorry... I just didn't like it at all. It's very 90's girl at a prom and not in a good/ironic way at all.
























Heidi Klum
I thought her dress was too much like she was going to 'sugarhut' Oscars instead of the real ones. Too much flesh for me.

Helen Hunt
I just thought her dress was a but dull. No character, no sparkle. Average.
*After writing this post I found out this dress was from H&M. Now I love H&M but for the Oscars?? Really??





























Pics from justjared.com

Hair and Make up - Keira Knightley inspired! OOTD

I had been reading this months Glamour magazine, which I love, when I saw this little picture of Keira Knightley in the beauty section (below). I love how she looks here, even if she isn't smiling, it seems quite classic and I think she looks really pretty.

As I mentioned before I'm moving to Paris for a while in a few weeks so last night my little sister had arranged a family night out before I leave. We had a meal in Cote restaurant on Tavistock Street in London then went to a comedy night in Covent Garden near Embankment Station. It was so much fun! We had french food, champagne and then cheap beers at the comedy. We were front row and of course got picked on! I laughed so much though!

Anyway, I used this night to have a go at creating my own version of this make up look. I just wish I had a lighter pink lipstick - does anyone know of any good ones?

I used my Rimmel gel liner to create the winged liner look. I had to lengthen and check the shape as I went, at first it was much to short. I suggest doing the same though as you don't want to make it too long then ended up smudging it all over your face trying to get it off. The lip colour I used is the Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar. I love this colour as it's so bright, brighter in real life though, the pictures make it look darker.

For my hair I used many many many kirby grips and buckets of hairspray. I made sure it was clean, and dried it straight then used my ghd's to go over any kinks or frizz so that it was smooth. I then got a section from the top on each side and twisted it back and pinned it. I then did another 2 sections underneath and pinned it at the back. (To be clearer I twisted and pinned 3 parts on each side at the back.)

I then picked up the hair, like I was going to put it into a bun and twisted it round. Then, instead of using a hair bobble I pinned it all in place using around 20-25 kirby grips. Once it was secure I used hairspray all over and then repeatedly sprayed the back about 5 more times before I went out. It managed to stay in all night from about 3pm to 1am so I was impressed, I just had to rejig the pins every now and then if any started to slip.

My outfit was a black and white print dress from Mango, Green Blazer (one of my favourites) , leggings, Grey Stiletto ankle boots from Forever 21 and a white and green small handbag.

Let me know what you think of the look and if you have tried any beauty or hair from celebs or magazines for inspiration. Post any links below.

Maria xx

V&A museum

Met up with a friend in London this week and decided to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington. I have only been once before but that was to see the Hollywood Costume exhibition which was incredible - I was touching distance of Audrey Hepburns Breakfast at Tiffanys Dress!!! Shame it wasn't a permanent exhibit as I'd be there every month.

A few friends had said it was good there though and as I am watching my spending at the moment and it's free we gave it a go. I was quite surprised by the actual building, it is so big and beautiful. The sort of place I could get used to living in! I think I'd suit walking around in gowns and diamonds all the time.

My favourite exhibits were the Jewellery room and the Fashion room - surprise surprise! I loved the old jewellery with numerous stones - diamonds, rubies, sapphires etc. The tiaras were incredibly sparkly and everything was so ornate. But this was the older jewellery. As it got to the newer items I wasn't so impressed, not that it wasn't nice, it's just that it could have come from accessorize.

The fashion room was also cool as it showed outfits from old to new. Very interesting, but again I was least impressed with the newer items. There was a Jean Paul Gautier suit for men which was stripy and had shorts instead of trousers, worn with a stripy top and tights! Craziness! Who would wear that in everyday life? Seriously, who?

After we treated ourselves to some tapas in a nearby restaurant - it's orange and near South Kensington tube. Worth a try and not too expensive,
We also had cocktails in covent garden in an adventure bar - has anyone else tried their amazing Pornstars? One of my most loved cocktails.

Anyway that's a bit about my day in London. Where do you like to go? What museums or art exhibitions have you seen?

Maria x

Victoria and Albert Museum
Adventure Bar

Me as an angel at an exhibit at the V&A

Tangle Teezer Review

Hi, here is my review of the Tangle Teezer Brush. I recently bought this on the feel unique website for £10.20 which some may find to be a tad expensive but I have incredibly tangly hair and wanted something to help. My hair literally takes 20 - 30 minutes to brush when wet which hurts your arms and obviously means I have to allow extra time to get ready. I have even been known to tie my hair up in  a bun in a bid to only brush some of it - especially if I'm up or running late! At the hairdressers no comb goes near my hair. Combs, wide tooth, narrow tooth, any tooth are enemies with my hair. In fact they tangle my hair more than before I use one so I simply don't. I once went to a blow dry salon in London and it took two people to brush through my hair! So I thik you're starting to understand how tangly my hair can get!

Here are the claims the brush makes - 

'Tangle Teezer Original Professional Detangling Hairbrush is loved by hairdressers and used in professional hair salons. It's a super smooth operator that works the minute hair is lathered and rinsed. Glides through wet, vulnerable and colour treated hair with no pulling, tugging or yanking. Hair peace at last!
- Ideal for all hair types.
- Gentle, effortless detangling for both wet and dry hair.
- Increases shine noticeably.' - From the feel unique product page.


When I read this I was so excited and couldn't wait for it to arrive.

So, does it do what it claims?

In a word - YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahoo!!!!

I used it on wet hair and it took less than 5 minutes to brush through nicely which is amazing for me. I used it on dry hair, which was slightly tangled from wearing a scarf, and went through my hair easily. The result was untangled smoother hair. I was delighted. 

 The only fault with the description for me was the no pulling tugging or yanking. I would change this to significantly decreased pulling, tugging or yanking. It's so slight and it doesn't hurt like it used to but it did happen occasionally.

Although it is early days I don't imagine I'll be reverting to any other brush after discovering the tangle teezer. It works wonders and I definitely recommend it. 10/10

Has anyone else used it? Or do you have any other recommendations for me to try?

Maria x

This is where a normal comb gets stuck in my hair!

After using the Tangle Teezer - so pleased with the results!

What happens next?

Hi, this post is all about what is currently going on with me and my life. As in jobs, houses etc. On Friday it was my last day in my job. For the past 4 1/2 years I have been a primary school teacher in Kent and London. However, I had to move back in with my Mum and Dad in September after having not lived with them since I was 18. I'm 25 now. So 7 years of independence was amazing and I was not looking forward to going back. Because of this I have done a short term job and like I said I recently left.

The reason for leaving the job is because I'm also moving again. I took some time to think about where I wanted to live and what I wanted to do with my life. Living and working abroad has always been something I have dreamt of, put on new years resolutions, and planned. I never thought I'd be brave enough to do it though until now!

I have decided to do a TEFL course then look for a job as a TEFL teacher. (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This way I can travel/live abroad and still work as I'm in no way a position to fund an undefined amount of time travelling.

The country I have decided to train and teach in is France and I'm heading straight for Paris! I can't wait!!! I have been a few times and have fallen in love with it through these visits and in films (what's not to love about Funny Face?). Working there will be so surreal and, for me, the bravest thing I have ever done. I have a few weeks before I go and will be busy seeing all my friends and family, packing and doing a little work. The hardest bit is that I have no idea how long I'll be away. Could be as little as 4/5 months, could be as long as forever. That's the bit that's the scariest! (That and the Del-Boy amount of French that I can speak - mange tout mange tout)

Anyway, I'll still be carrying on the blog, the lifestyle part might takeover for a while. But I am looking forward to new adventures, new beauty and new fashions! Paris!!!! Argh!!

White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Hi, have never done a food blog before, nor did I intend to but tonight I've made my white chocolate cheesecake and thought I'd share. I got the recipe from someone I worked with when I was 20 and have made and adapted it since as I've made it. It is definitely not for the diet obsessed and I have no idea of the calories in this and I'm not too fussed - probably why I'm not a size 8! Here's what I do and pictures to go with it.

Here goes...












Equipment

• Mixing bowl x2
• Whisk (preferably electric)
• Saucepan
• Large mixing spoon
• Bag and rolling pin (for bashing and crushing biscuits)
• Greased cake tin - either spring form or push base

Ingredients

• 400g of white chocolate - I prefer Milkybar or Green & Blacks
• 175g of unsalted butter
• 200g of Cream Cheese
• 250g of Mascarpone
• 25 - 30 Digestive Biscuits
• 300ml of Double Cream
• Berries for decoration - strawberries, blueberries or raspberries are my favourite.

How to - 

Crush the biscuits with a wooden rolling pin in a mixing bowl or bag (I had to use a wooden tenderizer today though). Melt the butter then add to the biscuits mixing it all in. 

Press the mixture into the greased cake tin and out in the fridge to chill.

Melt the chocolate in a bowl on the saucepan of hot water.
Whip the cream in a mixing bowl.

Mix the chocolate, cream, mascarpone and cream cheese in the bowl and put on top of the biscuit base.

Leave to chill for approximately 15-20 minutes then top with berries by carefully pushing them into the top. 

Today I made a heart with the berries as it's valentines tomorrow and I am taking it into work. You could also try a starburst, lines, circles or just randomly pushing them into the top.

Hope you enjoy, like I will enjoy sharing and eating it tomorrow. If you make it then let me know if you liked it and how it went, you could also tweet me your pictures.

Maria xx

p.s. feel free to lick the spoons before you wash up but only if no-one is watching!

Outfits of 2013 so far...

Here's a selection of outfits I've worn this year. I use WIWT and like giving and getting outfit inspiration, I think it's great for that! Below are ones that I have liked but not necessarily the ones I got the most stars for. Let me know what you like or don't like as much
Maria xx

Faux Leather Jacket -  H&M £29.99
Pleated Skirt - Forever 21 £13
Knee High Boots - New Look £40

Blazer- Primark £13
Black Skater Dress - H&M £7 (sale)
Boots - as above.

Shift dress  - Mango £30
Ankle Boots - Forever 21 £7.50

*all prices are approximate.

How to get the right bra size!

You can probably tell what this blog post is going to be about by the title but maybe not why I've chosen this. I really think its important for girls and women to be wearing the right bra for them. This usually doesn't mean you have one bra size and every bra labelled with that will fit you though. Unfortunately there's no quick fix!

I used to work as a bra fitter and found not only did I not know that much about it before I was trained, but also that most females didn't either. So don't worry if you know nothing and its all guess work! It is important though to get it right. No matter how big or small your breasts are they'll sag if its wrong, and small saggy boobs look just as bad a big saggy boobs. Trust me!

Firstly is the back size. This is where the support comes from so if its too big a see saw effect will happen. You do not want the back strap within reaching distance if your neck. Ideally it will be able to move about half an inch to an inch from your body if you pull it. This is when it's done up on the loosest setting so that as the bra gets older you can tighten it and it will last longer. Most women wear it too loose so it may feel tighter than you are used to. But as long as its not cutting circulation you'll be fine.

Next are the cups - this can be trickier as different sizes and shapes need different types of support. Unfortunately if you're large chested you're not going to find a pretty little lace boutique brand bra. But you can find nice pretty ones that will give you support.

The cups can vary but it is important to remember that the wire must sit flat to your breast bone at the front. It also needs to go outside of the breast tissue rather than on it at the side. Just make sure it doesn't dig into your armpit. Another thing to remember is that your boobs must not spill over the top or be cut in half by your bra cup. This gives no support but more importantly looks really bad!! Especially under clothes. No, it always looks bad, I changed my mind as I wrote it though!

Next are the straps. These need to be no longer than one inch above your shoulders when lifted. They also shouldn't be too tight so that it rides up and your boobs pop out the bottom. Ouch!

Once you think you're done lift your arms up and down, lean forwards and jiggle (technical stuff!) to make sure there is no slippage. If you've achieved all this then tada!! You're all sorted for this bra. Next time you buy one be sure to do the same again as they aren't necessarily all the same.

Hope you find this useful and can use it if you don't want to go to a professional bra fitter in a department store. You can now do it on your own. Xxx

If you have any questions feel free to ask below in the comments box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. 

Dipped nails - gold and pink

Hi, in on a Friday night which means - nail time!! I've decided to not go with a spring style yet as there's a chance of snow this weekend so my mint green and light pinks are staying in the drawer tonight.

I wanted to do a gold with black dip as I've never tried it before. However, I've lost my black varnish! This being the case I went for my rimmel Lycra pro in urban purple for the 'dipping part'.

If you try this make sure you wait for each coat to dry. The pictures still have done of the messy edges on my nails but I will be tidying them up in the morning.

Let me know what you think. I'm not sure yet so it might not last that long!

Maria xx