Best Of 2014 - Beauty

Hi Guys, Today I decided I wanted to do a series of posts detailing a selection of some of my best, most used and favourite items from 2014. These items might not necessarily be new to the market but they have all been revolutionary for my year. Today I thought I would kick start the series with Beauty. I hope you find these post interesting and helpful and I would love to know your best bits from 2014 too. xx

1. Charlotte Tilbury - This year was the greatly anticipated launch of Charlotte Tilbury's range and it did not disappoint. Not only is the packaging gorgeous with a stylish, luxurious rose finish but the product absolutely delivers on quality. I would say the only thing I didn't like was the fact I had to buy the branded sharpener to use with her Colour Chameleon although at £5 a pop it doesn't quite break the bank. My favourite item I have added to my collection so far are K.I.S.S.I.N.G miniature lipsticks they are super adorable and great for adding to key rings for easy transport. The colour combination you get is great a classic red, peachy nude and a Kylie Jenner mauve.
2. Laura Mercier - Laura Mercier products have popped onto my radar a little more last year especially there foundation my personal favourite is the mineral powder it gives a lovely natural finish and perfect for building coverage. The best part about this foundation is that it enhances your skin with the minerals and leaves your face feeling soft and silky. 
3. Mac - For me mac has never been anything special I find the product a little hit and miss you can have a great concealer next to a strange texture and sticky lip gloss. I like a brand that has consistent quality throughout its products however i have re fallen in love with my mac fix + again I reached for it in the summer months for a refreshing burst of the skin. I think mac fix + is great for setting your makeup, spraying on a brush for flawless finish and mixing with eye shadows to great a liquid gel like formula.
4. Real Techniques - Now that the girls have joined forces again I have been much more drawn the brushes, especially the sets. I bought the core collection when travelling in summer and I love it the pointed foundation brush is great for applying concealer, the buffing brush is fantastic for with my Laura Mercier mineral and powder and the contour brush is great for well, contouring. The quality of these brushes for the price is great and the sets are perfect for anyone just starting out in makeup.
5. Zoeva - This is the first year I have owned a a Zoeva brush and I don't know why I waited so long to purchase. The design of these brushes it so pretty especially with the rose gold finish and the price and quality is phenomenal, I don't think I'll be getting another mac 217 when these are on the market.
6. LimeCrime - My velvetines in red velvet has been my go to lipstick when statement lip is required there may be a cult following for these and I am definitely on the band waggon. I love the texture the packaging, the scent, the colour and of course the velvet finish. If you have never tried one before I highly recommend them as I will be repurchasing every time I'm close to empty.
7. Nars- Before this year I had never owned a bars product, I had used the concealers and blushes before but have never tried out anything else thats why I was so happy to receive all in one palette from my sister at christmas. I know I have only be using the palette for a short time out of the year but it has already made it way to one of my favourites. I think the lip gloss colour (dolce vita) its just stunning and the formula is just as good and thats coming from a beauty lover that usual hates lip gloss. 
8. Benefit - I usually love benefit products there packaging its super fun and bright and they always seem to bring out new ideas for products that take the world by storm, one of those items being the Gimme Brow I love it I use it every single day even if I'm just going to the gym it sets your brows perfectly for the day adding just enough colour to wear by it self (I team with my next best by L'oreal) I love the size of the bottle and wand and I think its a must have for any beauty lover.
9. L'Oreal - Finally something from the drugstore, My must have beauty fave for L'oreal is the brow artist (I get mine in blonde) It is a wax based eyebrow pencil, although the colour selection is limited I find they have a good range for those of us with a darker brow, as mentioned before I have dark chocolate hair and use the blonde formula. The pencil is great for mimicking those little brow hairs with small fast strokes and does not smudge or fade throughout the day I use the as a base and follow up with the gimme brow for that extra natural texture. 
10. Shiseido - At the start of December I purchased the Shiseido concealer as I was amazed at how little product is needed for a full coverage highlighted look. The consistency is thinker that a mac pro longwear but is much creamer, all you have to do is gently warm the product between your fingers before application. The colour selection is vast and the packaging is basic but practical. This has no prompted me to throw out my mac pro longwear all together.

Healthy Saturday Night Mocktails

Hi Guys, today I wanted to share with you some healthy alternatives to a standard cocktail on a night out. I personally prefer to keep to healthy even on night out I love fruit flavours and don't want to miss out on the fun colours and decorations you get with a cocktail. Not only are all of these recipes delicious they are also a fraction of the cost. I hope you guys enjoy this post and I would to see if any of you guys recreate these for your drink tonight. Xx

This cocktail is based on the Jammy Dodger cocktail which is usual made with usually made with Amaretto and a berry liqueur.

Ingredients - 

4/5 Raspberries 

4/5 Blackberries

1 Tsp Vanilla Syrup

Cranberry Juice

Juice of Half a Lemon

Scoop of Ice

1/2 Pinch of Salt

Mini Jammy Dodgers (opt)

Cocktail Shaker

Method - 

Same as how you would make a regular cocktail add the fruit, vanilla and cranberry juice into a large metal cocktail shaker scoop the crushed ice onto until tumbler side is filled then squeeze the lemon juice over and sprinkle the salt over top (this will help to melt the ice slightly) close the lid and shake. After shaking for around 30seconds decant into your favourite glass and some mini jammy dodgers onto and finish with a straw. I always drink these through the straw as the pieces of fruit will not be broken up small enough to fit through leaving your drink smooth and ice cold.

Workout Outfits

Hi Guys, As it is the start of a new year and I know that a lot of people will be hoping to get fit and healthy for the years to come. Why not kick start your year with some great workout inspiration, your clothes. For me its a big motivation to have stylish work out clothes not only because they look and feel nice but because they can help boost your confidence and help with setting goals. I like to start by purchase a staple black outfit and some fresh new prints ready for the season. I try to order the co-ordinating items even if they are a bit flashing as I hope one day to have a figure I would be proud to show off. 

I have put together some different workout outfit ideas that will hopefully inspire you to go that extra mile in your training. xx

Look 1 - For the first look I went with super fun and relaxed that could be worn at a yoga practise, gym class or just lounging with some friends. My favourite part of this outfit is the exposed back top and looks beautiful with a brightly coloured sports bra underneath and it also helps to keep you cool whilst training. The bottoms are flexible with a splash of colour to bring the outfit together. I finished the look with the Withings pulse sports watch I feel this bit of technology is great for giving you encouragement and realistic goals to meet I would team it with all my work out gear with its interchangeable straps.

Look 2 - This second look is put together with my stale pieces of a well fitted well price black pair of bottoms and matching crop top. As I don't like to show of my stomach just yet (lets get the abs first) I throw on a simple muscle back tank top to cover up. The pants and top are from us pro which means they are very affordable but the quality is fantastic they bottoms even have a secret zip pocket in the back perfect for keeping your keys in. I went with simple accessories this rucksack is chic and rooming meaning you can fit all your workout gear and any items you need for the day and even your extra light Nike Rosche sneakers for a final touch.

Look 3 - My final look has these fun snake printed trousers from Nikes luxury line sold a net a porter the colour is amazing and perfect for a late night run in the dark, yet extremely flattering when teamed with block colours. I went for my favourite option a black hoodie, this one is made of a soft lightweight material designed to keep you warm without weighing you down. I added a matching bag big enough to fit a gym towel and a change of clothes in for going to the gym and finished with a sleek pair of rose gold headphones. Nothing helps me run like having a soundtrack to my life in my ears.

About Me

Hi Guys, Today I wanted to properly introduce myself as I realised you don't really know much about me. Xx

Hi my name is Nadine I am 21 year aspiring Manchester blogger. I love anything beauty, fashion, baking or DIY. From a very young age my dad owned his own building company and worked for himself I would join him on jobs or help him out at home and was always so inspired by his dedication as even though he was working all day he would still come home with a smile on his face and start the same work for us at home. He taught me my basic and advance DIY skills and always encouraged my creative manor that's where my love for DIY and interior design comes from. My mom on the other hand always encouraged me in my fashion and baking. We would always be out shopping and looking for new outfits to put together and she's the best at picking out a great handbag. When me and my sister were young my mom would help us to bake are favourite treats brownies and cupcakes I think that's where I first developed my love from baking. 

As a teenager I studied many different subjects including fine art and textile and hair and makeup I later followed by studding at a high level in all three sciences and maths. I know it's a bit of a mixture right? But at the time I was toying with the idea of becoming a dentist and it's still a backup plan for me. Studying hair and make up was awesome it was so fun and creative I couldn't wait to try out my techniques throughout my studies although I'm not great at doing my own hair I think I'm pretty good with somebody else. I do find that even in my current hobbies my more academic skills can be out into place whether that's measuring and calculating for an interior project or creating a chemical reaction with baking or DIY homemade goods. 

Some of my favourite things do are anything winter sports related as I just love being out in the cold weather.  I do everything for ice-skating to snowboarding and would try most winter sports once except luging that looks too intense for me. I keep myself fit with regular one to one yoga classes and gym sessions, yoga is my favourite way to stay healthy and fit as it's relaxing and lengthening and doesn't cause strain on the body. As I suffer from back pain and insomnia the type of yoga I practise really helps with both of these issues that's why it's such a perfect practise. 

I hope this post helps you get to know me a little better and I will be including much more of my hobbies in post to come. 

Batiste vs Colab

Hi guys, I hope you all had a great weekend. Today I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences about dry shampoo. I like to take very good care of my hair and keep it hydrated and natural as much as possible, lately I have been trying to decrease the amount of times I wash my hair and dry shampoo has been the my best friend whilst going through the change of times. I wanted to do both a review and comparison to between the cult favourite Batiste and YouTube best Colab. I hope you find this interesting and informative. xx  

Batiste
Batiste has been a firm favourite of mine since I was in my teens I think the original formula was the first ever dry shampoo I ever used. I believe that batiste is very fast acting and can transform flat, dull greasy looking hair in minutes, It has many different colours and scents to choose from and even extra volume enhancing and conditioning treatments in the range. Personally I like the regular formula in the blush scent best as I like the white coloured spray,  I think this helps with concentrating the product in the right places and not missing out sections plus it absorbs into the hair within minutes and with a little ruffle is no longer seen. The packaging is simple, recognisable and fun and with a choice of sizes available is very easy to travel with. I find that the nozzle is easy to use and does not clog up.
Price - 200ml From £3.99. http://www.superdrug.com/search?text=batiste#.VKnkDIcrfzI

Colab
When Colab was first released it sounded like a new and exciting take on the dry shampoo market with claims to be invisible and transforming in moments plus being produced by YouTube guru Ruth Crilly someone who boast a lot of well know and reputable reviews a brilliant product was expected. The packaging for this product is fantastic it look very chic and sophisticated the designs of the different scents available are graphic and pretty as well as the bottle having a nice texture to it. I do think this product gives noticeable results however not in a couple of minutes closer to 30minutes. The product also do not come out clear as expected which is a little inconvenient being that it takes quite a bit to absorb. The size range again is great for travelling and the scents are lovely. 
Price - 200ml £3.49. http://www.superdrug.com/microsite/co-lab#.VKnq0YcrfzI

In conclusion I personally will still be purchasing the Batiste in the future as I find it it quick and simple plus it gives amazing results, Its also a big bonus for me that it can be used to add texture, volume and be used to to keep up styles in place as well. Although Colab is better value for money I find that it takes three times longer to absorb into the hair and also even though its not a problem to have a white spray it was a little disappointing that it was not clear as advertised. It does not  have the volumising aspect that most other dry shampoos have either.

New Year Life Style Changes

Hi Guys, I hope you all had a great New Years day. I had a lovely relaxed day visiting my partners family, we had a delicious roast dinner, a game of bingo and enjoyed some homemade baked goodies. As per every year I wanted to put together a few New Year lifestyle changes to meet. I prefer to think of them as lifestyle changes rather than Resolutions as I always pick things that are achievable and that I would like to carry on with after the year is up. If you would like to know more details of my choices please continue reading or If any you have any lifestyle changes in mind I would to know what you'll be looking achieve maybe I can find some inspiration in what you will be doing. Good Luck. xx

1. Get Driving - I started driving lessons multiple years ago when I was 17 as I was about to take my test before I took on a full time opportunity at work. At the time I worked so close to my house there was no need for a car. Now that my circumstances have changed my sister has moved away and my new property may mean a further journey to work I feel like now is the best time to get my driving licence. 
2. Get A House - Early 2014 I moved in with my wonderful boyfriend we moved into a nice city centre apartment we are now finding that we have outgrown the size of our apartment and are looking for something bigger that we can change and decorate together.  
3. Do More Yoga - Last summer I started one to one yoga training to help with some medical issues I quickly fell in love with doing it I replaced my gym sessions with yoga. It makes me feel so much leaner and relaxed I want to make sure it stays a regular part of my life.
4. Start Iceskating - As a child I always was fascinated by snow and cold weather sports I started ice skating every week, skiing and later snowboarding. Ice skating is the only I never had professional training in. I feel I could really enhance my skills further by taking up even 2 classes a month.  
5. See My Family More - For me my family is everything I don't know what I would do without them. This year I want to make sure I keep seeing all of my loved ones as much as I do and make sure I keep my great relationship I have with my sister now she has moved to university.
6. Get Fitter - This is typical one for most peoples resolutions. For me this isn't something I will be starting but something I am continuing and improving. My eating habits are something that I need to work on so that all my hard work exercising is matched with a nutrient rich diet.
7. Snow Holiday - I have been wanting to go on another winter adventure for a few years now, this year myself and my other half have decided we have saved enough money for a trip away. I can't wait to get back into the snow and get active I always feel really refreshed after I have had an athletic vacation.
8. Build a Business - This year is the year I really need to dedicate myself to creating a career for myself whether that's beauty, baking, interiors or blogging I just know that my career needs to start heading in an upward direction. If I could choose anything I would absolutely love to start making YouTube videos and continue blogging as that is what makes me happy because it involves all of my hobbies.
9. Keep Baking - As long as I can remember my Nanna and parents would teach me and my sister to bake cakes and pies that it is something that It s now something that is a big part of my life. Most of my Christmas gift this year were baking related which means I have the proper tools for my creations. I will continue to practise baking and sharing recipes.
10. Stop Being Stressed - This is my big one, If I can implement all the choices above I know this will help my stress  levels. At the moment I stress and worry a lot and with me already suffering from insomnia (for many years) its just amplifying everything. I want to change this around be more relaxed, fun and happy, I know I can do it.

*Disclaimer* These are all my own personal choices that I think will improve my day to day life.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone I hope that this year is lucky and full adventure. I hope that you all had a wonderful New Years Eve. As I was in work all day yesterday I spent my evening baking goodies to take to a family get together today. I made sorm Viennese whirls, biscuits and some bread a recipe/baking tips will be up in a post soon. Today I will be spending my day at my partners grandmas with the rest of there family were having a nice meal and having a good chin wag. We will then be heading home as my parents are coming round to help celebrate the first day of the year.