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My Workout Essentials

29 February 2016

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
my gym essentials, nike gym bag, nike flex run 2015 running shoes, mens gym clothes, womens sportswear, anika may essentials, work out and workout clothes essentials

I definitely don’t consider myself a health expert, but one thing I’ve recently fallen in love with is regular exercise. This is something I never thought I would say as I still occasionally consider myself to be one of the laziest people alive; but I do love a good run. Hitting the gym for an hour or so on a Friday night is a good evening to me. Getting up at 6am doesn’t seem so bad when you’re jogging against the sun rising over the moors. I’ve found a lot of positive aspects in exercise, and even more essentials. 

Garnier vs Neutrogena - Facial Frenzy

29 June 2015

I'm always looking for ways to help keep my skin clear. It can be quite sensitive, so if I don't look after it properly, breakouts happen. My diet also affects my skin a lot, but making sure I cleanse and scrub the right way is a must. There are so many different products I've tried, and it's more common for the higher-end, pricier brands sell products that are no better than an average high street label. The two brands I have fallen for are Garnier and Neutrogena, which have become two of my summer favourites. 
This is one of the first ever face washes I have bought and I absolutely love it. The smell is amazing, but the gel is still great quality. Often you find face washes that have an awesome scent but do absolutely nothing for your skin. I'm obsessed with this wash because the gel is very thick, rather than too thin and runny. The greats a great soapy solution which helps clean any extra make-up from my face.
I also chose a scrub from the same PureActive range after my success with the wash. I adore the scrub simply because it's not too harsh on my face, which means my skin won't react too badly to it. The pomegranate scrub was only bought for £2.00 (on sale) which is the best price for a scrub I've come across in a long time.
I do like to shop around for different washes and products to try out, and I'm a sucker for a great scent. This pink grapefruit has become a favourite of mine as it fills the bathroom with a great girly perfume. The facial wash is really gentle on my skin and leaves it feeling incredibly soft without taking away all the moisture which can be quite common. I tend to use this wash more on the weekend ends rather than everyday.
This wash is on of my favourites as it creates the most amazing soapy mixture and is so soft. The solution is designed to keep stress spots under control and it seems to be doing the trick for me. It helps prevent spots but also gives your skin that fresh and clean feeling that everybody loves. The tap pumps out huge lumps of fluffy foam to apply straight on your skin.
I bought this scrub recently as summer begins to set in and make-up has more of an effect on my skin due to the heat. I wanted to look for something that would really scrub away any impurities without damaging or hurting my skin. I came across this scrub (which was bought on sale for £3.00) and haven't put it down once. Although I don't use it every day, I look forward to the great, clean feeling it leaves.
This little gem is a must for days when my skin really needs to be taken care of. The brush makes it so much easier to apply and the rubber bristles work well with water and softer or sensitive skin. I highly recommend this brush wash for anyone who doesn't like using a wide range of products and just wants to aid their skin in feeling soft and fresh. Plus, the price makes it irresistible!
Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash and Mask - £3.79
I prefer this product as more of a mask than a wash as it's not something used everyday. It really helps to unclog pores and remove any dirt and impurities deep down in my skin. Unlike a lot of masks, it's very soft on the skin and doesn't feel uncomfortable once it's settled. The soft clay mask absorbs oil from the skin still leaving it moisturised and refreshed. 
Like the Garnier daily scrub, this is also very soft and prevents spots in the skin. The beads in this scrub are a little tougher  but just as effective. It works really well with my skin and doesn't damage the over-sensitive areas. I have also notices this scrub reduces the appearance of pores which is ideal for me!

Style Crush: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

23 November 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
RHW is no stranger to the spotlight. Not only did she make her catwalk debut alongside Naomi Campbell, she also has a successful lingerie collection with Marks & Spencer named Rosie for Autograph and managed to land a roll in the third Transformers film - one of my favourites. However, that's not what I admire most about Rosie, the one thing I always look to Rosie for is her style. Whether it's on the red carpet or her favourite coffee run attire, Rosie's style is always at it's best. She's often featured in my collection of images for the 'Celebrity Style' board on my Pinterest page. Rosie's unique look compliments her effortless style as she mixes luxurious designer garments with the very best of the high street. As a model, Rosie knows how to dress to suit her body shape and skin tone which always comes to an advantage. She favours Givenchy for their luxury leather totes and has a flawless casual wardrobe which makes every day seem like a red carpet moment!
TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // BLOGLOVIN'

I WAS BORN THIS WAY

16 November 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
i was born this way
Sometimes I don't even think I realise I create these sets with an overall palette of black. It's a colour I will always love, and I think sometimes is overrated. Although the colours are suited to this year, the wishlist items do have a summery theme. The first item I 'need' is the tank top from Cheap Monday. I styled the sleeveless top as a dress (paired with the Cross Strap Leather Gladiator Sandal by Bertie), because I think it looks quite cosy in this way, almost like a longer tunic. The super soft 100% cotton shirt follows the jersey-like style which I really took a liking to during the summer. Since creating this wishlist I have actually bought the 5-pack eyeshadows from H&M and absolutely adore all the shades. The colours are essential for a smoky eye this season, and the pack is only £3.99 in UK stores! The shades are soft, silky and long-lasting, I would recommend them to anyone who isn't a high level beauty guru buy loves to experience with gradient shades. Cara Delevingne is one of my favourite models, so it was destiny for me to find the Mulberry Mini Cara Delevingne bag. The leather rucksack has "Made in England" stamped at the bottom and is the perfect size for a relaxed day out of the house. Not forgetting the colour, material and texture will match about anything in a wardrobe including the crucial LBD.

Darling Dogtooth

13 November 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Winter is my favourite time of year, mainly because I own more coats that I do shorts. Dogstooth, which is also know as houndstooth; or in this case puppytooth as the pattern is small scale, is one of my favourite patterns to play around with. The broken check print comes in a wide variety of colours and combinations and is suitable all year round. This coat, which is made of wool and cotton is ideal for this time of year it's warm and cosy, but can also be worn for multiple occasions. Dogstooth in general is often worn for more formal events and is extremely common in workwear. However, the duotone pattern is appearing in high street stores in the form of trousers, coats and even hats. The print is becoming more casual and I chose this fabric from a local textiles store, hope to have this oversized winter coat made for me. The larger sizes makes the coat much easier to layer underneath and the darker pattern; which is most often found in monochrome, pairs well with multiple colours including the navy denim.
 Coat - made for me // Top - made for me // Jeans - Nasty Gal // Shoes - Next // Bag - Topshop

boys are nicer when they aren't with their friends

9 November 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
boys are nicer when they aren't with their friends
As hard as a try, I just can't stop my head for automatically picking black clothing and accessories. I just love dark clothing! This wishlist contains quite a few dark items inlcuding the Apiece Apart Michel Tee that I really 'need'. The shirt is described as a "slightly cropped, boxy top in a mid-weight Spanish weave" which sounds ideal for this season. Although cropped tops are not as popular at this time of year, there's no reason why shorter shirts can't still be worn with some high waisted jeans or a skirt. Shorter tops are also great for wearing over dresses, because they don't consume the shape of the dress but still add a layer. To go with this top I chose the D&G Slimmy Black Jeans that I found on Polyvore. I don't think you can go wrong with black jeans as black pairs with every colour there is. I've also found that darker denim is really easy to style and dress up or down. You can get away with wearing them to quite a formal occasion. The same can be said for the Coltrane shoes by Jeffrey Campbell and the Zippered Faux Leather Backpack from Forever 21. Unfortunately both these items are sold out but I couldn't help but add them to this week's wishlist. I tend to favour darker accessories as I find that accessories are the one items that can stop an outfit from working. By choosing colours rhat will work with multiple outfits, it's money-saving and efficient. To check out the rest of my wishlist, just click the set!

exit to the right

2 November 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
exit to the right
Sundays mean days at home which mean online shopping which results in a wishlist. United Bamboo Striped Baggy Dress is at the centre of my wishlist and at the very top. I have recently loved this style of dress, especially for this season. I think the jumper-dress style is a lot cosier and can be paired with long socks or tights and still look cool and casual. This dress in particular would also look lovely with a leather jacket. I chose the Ribbed Infinity Scarf to go over this dress because the colour looks super cosy as well as the fabric containing cotton which is a must for this year. I love the white and silver them throughout this wishlist, and the Marc Jacobs Beauty Tonite Lights Glitter Dust slots in perfectly. The long-wearing metallic eyeshadow is dust-like which means it applies really well with a weightless but sparkly finish. Another beauty item, also available at Sephora is the Dior Fusion Mono Eyeshadow which would be used to highlight the eyes along with the glitter dust. The shadow does come in many different colours, but I think the shimmering black will contrast well with the glittery finish. This product is actually an Allure Best of Beauty winner, and has a mousse-gel texture which creates an easy application. The very final beauty item today, is the Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl by Marc Jacobs. It's champagne-infused with a very gentle plumping formula and is available in a few different colours. For this wishlist, I chose the clear colour as I think it suits the style of the set better. The colours from the eyeshadows and the Soft Touch Shadow Pencil by Nars create a subtle shimmer throughout the eyes which is enough rather than a really bold lip.

until I fall asleep

19 October 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
until I fall asleep
Today is a total chill day. I honestly don't plan on moving, at all. Throughout the week I have been going to the gym every evening which is a little out of the ordinary. But I haven't been working too hard that I'm overdoing it, but my muscles do ache which is bittersweet. I do need to increase my fitness level, but I'm also incredibly lazy so there's not much room for motivation in the exercise department. This wishlist totally reflects my mood as I'm feeling really relaxed and tranquil as anyone on a Sunday should. The 3.1 Phillip Lim Jersey Cropped T-Shirt and Emma Shorts from Monki are at the top of my list today because I always wear this kind of attire when I don't plan on moving for a few hours. I love that the cropped shirt is made of a jersey sweatshirt fabric, which means it's very soft and stretchy; and less likely to irritate your skin. The pull-on is 52% nylon and 48% cotton - a perfect balance for comfort. To match the cropped tee, I chose 100% cotton shorts because I know they'll be soft and cosy but not too warm to wear inside.
Recently, I have started to appreciate trainers and sportswear in general a lot more. As the weather is getting so much cold, and the wind is really picking up, sometimes there's nothing cosier than slipping on your gym-gear and favourite trainers. These Nike Hi-Tops are in my wishlist to match the rest of the items in my set but also continue the theme of casual comfort. On any chill-day, I will have a bath. No matter the time of day, I will have a bath to help me feel relaxed and detox. I have chosen the Star Light, Star Bright bath melt from Lush to be in this week's wishlist as suits the theme perfectly - and I love the shape and smell. The star is lime and ginger-scented, two of my favourite fragrances, and it has a shea butter fondant centre which is great for the skin. Although this bath melt is usually exclusive to the Christmas-y time of year, I couldn't help but include it on this super-chill Sunday.

Teenage Drama Queen

15 September 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Teenage Drama Queen
Another week, another wishlist. I absolutely love this set I made of Polyvore and the items in it even more. The first item I adore is the Monki Amelie Singlet that is only £10.00. Such an amazing price for a great top too. I really like the cropped cut of this top, and although it's black (which is a colour I'm supposed to be trying to avoid) I think the unique hemline makes this top stand out a little more, along with the really cute embroidery detail along the bottom. This singlet is idea for layering, which is always a trend that naturally returns as the colder weather sets in. I paired the singlet with some D&G Jeans I had sitting in my 'liked' list on Polyvore for a while now. A lot of the jeans I own are actually really dark, and I have a habit of sticking to dark colours that I'm really trying to break. I'm assuming I gravitate towards darker colours because I feel most confident in them (due to the myth that they're more slimming) and because I've worn darker colours for most of my teenage life. The lighter wash of the jeans brightens up this whole set and contrasts well with the singlet. The ASOS Suede Fringe Clutch Bag is going straight to the top of my "Things to Buy When I Get Paid" list. Hopefully it will still be on sale at £21.00 when I do get paid at the end of the month too. Not only is this bag suede, it has a fringe style which I think really 'spices' up an outfit. It's made by one of my favourite online stores: ASOS. I never used to shop at ASOS, I always saw it as really expensive and just stuck to the stores that where in the city centre. But when I discovered this magical online library of fashion, I couldn't get enough - they have everything. Not forgetting all the boutiques and marketplaces within ASOS which is a great way to get high quality items for reasonable prices. ASOS always has sales which is a bonus, as well as selling designer label items in case I feel like splurging.
I've never seen boots like the Zara Leather Combination Heel Ankle Boots before but I think they're really cool. I like the two different colours in the boots and I think it makes them stand out against typical Chelsea or ankle boots. The open design of the boots makes them a lot more comfortable to wear for a long amount of time as they're leather and have a small heel for extra height. Finally, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Olive Raised Dog Phone Case is a must have for me. I must point out, it's half price at my-wardrobe.com, being only £20.00 which is an amazing price for a designer phone case. Marc Jacobs has always been a favourite of mine, and I absolutely love his designs and flawless style. French Bulldogs are also my favourite breed of dog, I'm so desperate to have one and this phone case is ideal for me. Not only is it black and white (I can't help it), it's rubber and made for my iPhone so I really believe it was meant to be!

California Car Keys

7 September 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
California Car Keys

It's technically autumn, and I can't wait to wear all my favourite jackets and coats again and layer up for the chillier weather; but I just can't let go of good ol' summer fashion! After seeing these Cut Off Shorts on Polyvore I was reminded of summer again. They have a bleach-like acid wash to them which is one of my new favourite types of denim because it makes an outfit seem more exciting and adventurous at first glance. I paired the shorts with a navy top from H&M that has some lace detail and is cropped. I absolutely love the lace hem and think it's a perfect last-minute summer look. Lace is a fabric that always looks great no matter the colour or pattern because it's very intricate and feminine. I actually own the Nars Single Eyeshadow Compact in a darker colour that's a little closer to my skin tone, but as this set is strictly summer, I thought I would add a brighter colour to the wishlist. The soft yellow-green colour is longwearing which means it will last all day and I've found that Nars eyeshadows are really easily blended with other shadows to create a unique look. They can also be layered for a more dramatic effect, and this particular product comes in so many different colours - I can never just pick one.
The Gasoline Glamour Lady Sings The Blues Shades are 100% summer. From one of my favourite online stores, Nasty Gal, the floral rims scream festival and summertime. They're vintage inspired from Gasoline Glamour and have grey tinted lenses so you can actually see through them. I've had a few sunglasses that have a weird brown-yellow tint and I'm just not a fan. The pastel porcelain flowers are a pale blue which can be styled with plenty of different colours from the summer style palette. The blue Nars pencil is actually a Shadow Pencil while the other is a Lip Pencil. I was drawn to the shadow pencil due to the bright colour that could be used to blend with the eyeshadow, also by Nars. I chose the darker lip pencil to go with the MAC Lorde Collection Lipstick I had saved in my favourites. I've always been a fan of darker lip colours and they contrast well with a brighter eye. To view the rest of the fabulous items in this Polyvore set, click here. This wishlist was like a last goodbye to summer, but I'm so excited for Autumn, I can't wait to start shopping for more!

Wrapping Up Wishlist

31 August 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
blah blah blah

The end of August technically means the end of summer. But on the plus side, I have another wishlist bursting at the seams. Just because we're going into autumn, that doesn't mean it's time to pack away all the summer gear and say goodbye to dresses for another sixth months - I actually wear dresses and skirts all year round. This wrap skort from New Look is a new favourite to the wishlist that I tied in with the sweatshirt. I've seen hundreds of fashion bloggers in skorts, and my inner-hipster put me off them as everyone had one. But I do think they add a touch of sophistication to an outfit, especially in black. I know that skorts are quite short, which is one of the main reasons I never felt like investing in one, but after seeing a stylish selection looking phenomenal in the unique trend, it had to be included in my next wishlist. To finish the look, I included a super-cute satchel bag and chunky gladiators.
Philosophy is one of my favourite skincare brands, so when I saw their coconut scrub online I knew it had to be included in this week's set. I usually don't experience with skin care brands and companies because my skin is sensitive and could react badly to different ingredients, but I saw the Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator on Selfridges' website and was immediately drawn to the simple design. The description of the product promises to be 'gentle' as it contains avocado oil and jojoba beads which I know are excellent for your skin. On top of that, it consists of calendula oil to nurture and repair while the carrot seed extract revitalise skin. There's more: the oils of sandalwood, sweet orange and tonka bean are all used to calm and balance your skin. Although the product is a little pricey for the size of the bottle, the ingredients appear to be natural and beneficial to skin.
Finally, the bareMinerals lip balm had to be included in this week's wishlist. Jack of All Trades balm is totally clear, but hydrating and refreshing to the lips. I own a lot of different balms and glosses, but a lot of them are either too sticky, to heavy, or disappear within minutes of application. I like the sound of this balm because it seems as if it would do the job throughout winter when the weather is harsh and cold which is damaging to the skin. A hydrating lip balm is essential as the temperature begins to drop!

Beauty Headliners

30 July 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
My blog often focuses a lot of fashion and personal style, as well as trends and what's on the runway. But I have done beauty posts in the past and today I thought I would share some items that I have been using frequently to highlight my facial features. Because I have a darker skin tone, I can't use a lot of really light eye shadows or lip sticks because they don't contrast well and clash instead. In the evening, I like to go for a much darker look, and used to resort to the infamous 'smokey eye' with no lip stick because it was the easiest thing to do. But with these products, I can transform my eyes and lips from day to night very easily.
The Pixi by Petra Endless Silky Eye Pen is my favourite of the four products because it's so effective and long lasting. It's really hard to find a pencil liner that lasts more than a few hours, but this liner will last under I have to take it off at night. I was a little sceptical at first as I was unsure of how a eye pencil could be 'silky' but this product lives up to it's name. It's so easy to apply because it is so silky, and even has a shimmer effect to it which means it shines from the morning right through to the night. This liner is perfect for lining my eyes because it really highlights them. It's a little lighter than my skin, so it tones really well and is waterproof as well as light on my skin. The shade is 'BronzeBeam'.
The Lord & Berry eye pencil is another liner I use to highlight my eyes. The colour is actually a really dark blue, which differs from the usual black pencil. I really like the blue in this pencil because it's visible all day and incredibly light on my skin. For really hot summer days when I don't feel like wear gel or liquid eyeliner, I will always go for this pencil because it's easy to use and creates a strong and visible line. The colour goes really well with my skin tone as blue is one of my complimentary colours. I would use this liner throughout the winter too, as it's waterproof and sumdgeproof, unlike other liners which either come off, or I have to take off because they're affecting my sensitive skin. The colour is #704 'Ocean'.
Recently I really been struggling with some eye shadow that I can wear throughout the day without having to redo my make up for the evening or a different occasion. I love this GloMinerals trio in the shade 'Champagne Rose' because it feature three different colour for summer and winter. All the colours blend really well with each other, and like the eyeliners, this shadow set does stay on for long periods of time. With a lot of eye shadows, I could apply quite a lot to my lids and most of it will have disappeared by the end of the day. They easily create all-in-one looks and I love this trio because it will suit all skin tones. I usually can't  use lighter colours as mentioned before, but I adore all the colours in this little trio. The rich, vibrant shades also include green tea extract which is extremely beneficial for skin.
Finally, the Daniel Sandler lipstick is my go-to lipstick this season. The 'Impulse' shade appears red when you look at the stick and in photos, but when applied, you can actually see pinky tones within the lipstick which also has a touch of shimmer to really highlight your lips. I use this lipstick to create a statement lip as it's bold colour really compliments my skin tone and tones well with the rest of my favourites. It also contains ultra moisturising hyaluronic acid which leaves your lips feeling moisturised and smooth all night. Unlike a lot of other lipsticks, this doesn't come off easily, so I can sip drinks and so forth without leaving cherry red lips stamps everywhere. The long lasting element in all these products has bumped them all up to my essentials list!
Pixi by Petra Eye Pen - The Hut
Lord & Berry Eye Pencil - Lookfantastic
GloMinerals Eye Shadow Trio - HQhair (more Glo products)
Daniel Sandler Luxury Lipstick - Beauty Expert

Style Crush - Jourdan Dunn

24 June 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
She was recently my 'Woman Crush Wednesday' and I still absolutely adore Jourdan Dunn. I first saw her during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2012 when she appeared on the catwalk in a robot-inspired outfit. Since then, I have followed Jourdan and her career as she becomes an amazing supermodel. Not only is she a style crush of mine, but she's also an inspiration achieving so much so young. For example, in 2008, she was the first black model to walk a Prada runway in over a decade. At 16, Jourdan made her runway debut in the New York shows in autumn 2007, walking in shows for Marc Jacobs and Polo Ralph Lauren And, she recently announced she has signed as the new face of Maybelline New York. Jourdan's style is usually very chic, but she also incorporates some of her urban London style into her outfits. My favourite look of Jourdan's is the first picture above, I love the shapes used in both outfit pieces paired with the shoes. She looked amazing when she attended the Burberry Prorsum SS14 Collections: Men runway show last week, wearing only a t-shirt and jeans but still being able to look amazing. In November 2013, she won "Model of the Year" at the Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards and she was one of the British models wearing bespoke looks created by British designers during the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony, alongside one of my favourite models, Naomi Campbell. Jourdan has modelled for an endless list of companies, including some of my favourites like Topshop, YSL and Burberry. Jourdan Dunn is definitely one of my biggest style crushes. 

NEXT WHITE JASMINE AND APRICOT BLOSSOM CANDLE REVIEW

25 February 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
 I am really excited about this review because it's a product I really love. If you've been reading my blog and following me on social networks (linked above) for a while, you'll know that I have a small but healthy obsession with candles. I like that they fill a room with a great aroma and they looks great too. As mentioned in a previous post, I quite like a fruity or floral scent which are the two candles I have chosen. The White Jasmine and Apricot Blossom candles from next were £3.50 each and have 15 hours burning time which I bought from the 'home' section inside a Next store. What I really like about these sets of candles in particular is that they come in different forms. You can buy them (with the same smells, plus plenty others) in different sized candles and even incense which you can burn the make the scent even stronger. What I also like about these candles is that they are filled with a genuine aura and the wax isn't too strong that it's overbearing either.
I have previously bought candles from shops such as B&M and Home Bargains as I was simply after some sweet smelling candles, but I found that when I burnt them, they didn't smell very nice, or quite 'waxy' in comparison to some of the previous candles I have bought by Glade and Air Wick. These two candles from Next, which I have started burning today still smell really good, and the design/pattern on the tub looks great when lit up. The tins they come in are also metal, so I don't feel uncomfortable trying to light them as I sometimes do with glass. The wick is tall enough so I can actually light the candle without burning my fingers.
I really love these candles and hope to go back to get more as there were several more fragrenced candles that I would like to try!
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