tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61240563046589537942024-03-19T08:13:34.613+00:00Belle of the BallBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-39111172835772906502015-08-26T08:42:00.000+01:002015-08-26T08:42:15.552+01:00The Magical Zetter Townhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJVAdM5ONvR7D37VPaB5OX_DdqdUGxHD3wCy1dHDQkBbri-8jbALqP4anU4DgySm430kzS-g9fn3DYlwM906ybpOVY1zkRVO9nSaT-45gUXyi0KHkFYIqWfbQrLRv32b20t9j6V88Rgc/s1600/zetter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJVAdM5ONvR7D37VPaB5OX_DdqdUGxHD3wCy1dHDQkBbri-8jbALqP4anU4DgySm430kzS-g9fn3DYlwM906ybpOVY1zkRVO9nSaT-45gUXyi0KHkFYIqWfbQrLRv32b20t9j6V88Rgc/s640/zetter1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Apologies for the radio silence! Due to having a newborn and a very active toddler, the ol' blogging went on a bit of a hiatus! I promise it will resume very soon...once life calms down a bit! I will introduce you all to my new little one in a blog post very soon.</span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">In the meantime, I wanted to publish this review I wrote of the Zetter Townhouse, which was published in the Jewish News a couple of months ago. I loved it there so much, that I wanted to share it with you too! Enjoy and see you soon.</span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Claire Belle x</span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Imagine a boutique hotel in one of London’s most exciting and
mysterious areas. Imagine a boutique hotel, so quirky, you feel as if you have
just stepped into a place created by the wild imagination of Lewis Carrol.
Imagine ultimate comfort, bizarre and enchanting décor and food and drink so
yummy, you will never want to leave. Top it all off by throwing in delightful
staff and a stuffed, threadbare kangaroo wearing boxing gloves and you have the
Zetter Townhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXJEZ9Zhfg8883sGpNIQAu4VJNxRKOstVe-SWti5V4M1zyNMJ26bnSci_jVO_vUw1hFfYShRoqaQZ1y1Tt0YCN2haHl2PjYJH1GneRKOBIJ0I_qvgv27ozZSh4VOzZVfNOQHAzCR9zhI/s1600/zetter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXJEZ9Zhfg8883sGpNIQAu4VJNxRKOstVe-SWti5V4M1zyNMJ26bnSci_jVO_vUw1hFfYShRoqaQZ1y1Tt0YCN2haHl2PjYJH1GneRKOBIJ0I_qvgv27ozZSh4VOzZVfNOQHAzCR9zhI/s640/zetter3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">I was invited to the Zetter Townhouse, to check out their rooms,
their food and their amazing and eclectic cocktail selection. Now, when I
discovered that the Townhouse was smack dab in the middle of London’s
Clerkenwell, I immediately jumped at the offer – and that was before I even
checked out the hotel’s website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">After looking at the Zetter Townhouse’s website, it took me about
a quarter of a second to book the grandparents in to babysit my little one, so
my hubby and I could experience just what this stunning hotel had to offer. We
arrived on a Friday afternoon and found the Townhouse very easily from
Farringdon tube station. We were told it was directly opposite its sister
hotel, the Zetter and we spotted the cornflower blue door of the Townhouse,
with its subtle signage, which upon opening, we stepped into Wonderland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">The Zetter Townhouse welcomes you straight into a cosy and
intriguing cocktail lounge – the incredible menu of which is something to be
discovered all on its own. The absence of a reception area actually makes the
hotel seem far more homely. We checked in and were completely smitten with the
friendliness and relaxed nature of the team running the Townhouse. While we
waited for our check in to go through, we had a little mooch around the lounge
area. The Townhouse is described as the “<i>eccentric aunt</i>” of the Zetter
Hotel, and when looking around, you can certainly understand why they say that!
The whole hotel has the feel of Miss Havisham from Great Expectations meeting
Wallpaper and iD magazine. Ultimate comfort meets The Old Curiosity Shop, where
something intriguing waits around every corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_lSXKNTTpIQ2dJKYv7DOVyAQ68OO-SJMDUegppy6WQ15ZFhiCvDU8pjdwCmHfAz1AZBNG5nYiL-E2cN6AXBD2U6kXDSmARpkbiw1XYXbaiyHZhUjBEmnm-gZQwcQX500zwRtDGHF6ms/s1600/zetter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_lSXKNTTpIQ2dJKYv7DOVyAQ68OO-SJMDUegppy6WQ15ZFhiCvDU8pjdwCmHfAz1AZBNG5nYiL-E2cN6AXBD2U6kXDSmARpkbiw1XYXbaiyHZhUjBEmnm-gZQwcQX500zwRtDGHF6ms/s640/zetter6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">The furniture is a beautiful mish-mash of contrasting pieces,
which somehow, work together beautifully. Creepy portraits hang on the wall
next to elegant landscapes and curious still lives. Glass cabinets filled with
hundred year old medical equipment, old postcards, and trinket boxes and
rabbits feet. Elaborate vases displayed next to a stuffed cat wearing a rather
gorgeous Victorian blue dress…and that’s just on first glance! As you settle
into the lounge, your eye will take in dozens of exciting eccentricities, all
begging to be discovered!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">The lovely Manager Adam took us up to our bedroom, where even more
fun was waiting to be discovered. The stairway is one option to visit the 13
bedrooms the Townhouse has to offer, and is certainly a more enjoyable option
than the lift (although that is something to see too!) The walls of the
stairway are decorated with thousands of pages from original newspapers and
magazines. Some dating back well over a hundred years ago. It makes the trip up
the winding staircase actually a fun one, as you stop and read the pages, which
catch your eye (and believe me, there are a lot!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqgq-kLlJL-5xxMPlH06_88xLkA1PeL6qYQnFuw8xj21PdBax-7TJmyL_rp2L4_v7jJbssjDpxAKILrbIg4tUm54nzmYzGGrWwB0biBV9bIw9CTYCjkhxy7Z6ilcPIzVnzk_URqewvuY/s1600/zetter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqgq-kLlJL-5xxMPlH06_88xLkA1PeL6qYQnFuw8xj21PdBax-7TJmyL_rp2L4_v7jJbssjDpxAKILrbIg4tUm54nzmYzGGrWwB0biBV9bIw9CTYCjkhxy7Z6ilcPIzVnzk_URqewvuY/s640/zetter5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We were fortunate to be staying in the Townhouse Deluxe room. A
room, which encapsulated the essence of what we had seen of the hotel so far,
but in an intimate setting. A stunning huge bed, finished off with a head board
made from an 18<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Century
Parisian carousel, a decadent purple armchair, gorgeous fireplace, an
incredibly well stocked mini bar (including pre-mixed house cocktails) and tea
caddy, a quaint desk stuffed with a stationary, an old fashioned telephone and
reconditioned retro radio, a spacious bathroom with a “<i>Raindance</i>”
shower, fluffy bathrobes and towels, a hot water bottle with a hand-knitted
cover, free Wifi, a flat screen digital TV, miniature REN goodies for the bath
and shower…and to top it all off, the most exquisite bath I have ever had the
pleasure of seeing (or using), which, instead of being wasted in the bathroom,
is positioned in the bedroom, fenced by two posters (from an antique four
poster bed) and surrounded by a glittering gold mosaic wall and porthole
mirror. Comfort, charm and character are just three words I would use to
describe the room…but they are not enough!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmpTWLEebtT_PmciMFSpuq3UmnwTiuMWAdPL3iKz0Sv7jSXyjl0ISNx_PHR9s6ufHqkWCrqYb0HltO7jW85F5rOjXwIYxyHlGCbM9xwaQILIlfzTAaVXEDg9Mt65CKODUsffTsd7oBWM/s1600/zetter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmpTWLEebtT_PmciMFSpuq3UmnwTiuMWAdPL3iKz0Sv7jSXyjl0ISNx_PHR9s6ufHqkWCrqYb0HltO7jW85F5rOjXwIYxyHlGCbM9xwaQILIlfzTAaVXEDg9Mt65CKODUsffTsd7oBWM/s640/zetter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">At over 6 months pregnant, I welcomed all of these delightful
comforts, as well as the subtle luxuries, which the Townhouse had to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJRMrstS0i9Ny_C-uUgm2AeyKBsETzMqLOlNWqyBovKcHikeBzY3NVWWR75tbyDuqPbg_XRE4vSCVN8LtNGoFopuJgwPudrS4Op5KTG5WLJtlbeSkGhDe3gqGHJu1UzR8-UZMdtmY-6A/s1600/zetter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJRMrstS0i9Ny_C-uUgm2AeyKBsETzMqLOlNWqyBovKcHikeBzY3NVWWR75tbyDuqPbg_XRE4vSCVN8LtNGoFopuJgwPudrS4Op5KTG5WLJtlbeSkGhDe3gqGHJu1UzR8-UZMdtmY-6A/s640/zetter4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">After an incredible night’s sleep, in a bed, which felt like I was
kipping in a giant marshmallow (complete with 200 thread count linen) I was
extremely reluctant to leave the joy of our little quirky haven to have
breakfast…but my husband’s stomach had other plans, so after (another) bath, we
ventured downstairs to the lounge area, where a delicious continental breakfast
awaited. The wonderful staff looked fabulous in fitted shirts, bowties and
braces, and we were greeted with a table laden with fresh breads, the most
amazing yogurts I have ever eaten (creamy fudge and pear anyone?!) cereals,
fruit and pastries, all displayed on eclectic and mismatched china – which
again, worked beautifully together. Over a pot of tea, fresh grapefruit juice
and a (generous) selection from the breakfast bar, Darren and I relaxed into
the comfy armchairs and sofas, and enjoyed the amazing surroundings the Townhouse
had to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">I honestly cannot fault this remarkable little marvel of a hotel.
I would recommend it to couples looking for a romantic break in London, to
business folk who need a place to eat, sleep and meet and to families who are
looking for somewhere unique to stay, away from the hustle and bustle of
Central London. The cocktail lounge, understandably, gets very busy in the
evenings, but that just adds to the fun of the hotel. The amount of places to
eat and visit around the Zetter Townhouse is amazing – we found it difficult
narrowing down our choice, and the staff at the hotel make you feel welcome and
at home. If you are looking for a captivating place to stay, eat or simply
drink with some pals, then please make sure the Zetter Townhouse is first on
your list!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="yiv6748497172msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">For more information, including room rates and hotel amenities,
please visit</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.thezettertownhouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #954f72; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">http://www.thezettertownhouse.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-51008186341636742122015-03-23T09:47:00.001+00:002015-03-23T09:47:51.851+00:00Urban Decay's Naked On the Run Palette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIjXkTRshoKsjL9yQggmLEHR7ka8Zo4KJ0i7_B9-TaIX5h5tpFmRP3m1mTn2sHIDvn-GArit_x8ukizPhhc2Y06ATyIPZshDAOLmfIjTjwfdjVhlupvHOj7RphcSyTTo8iduHRRWLxC4/s1600/naked+palette.png" height="632" width="640" /></div>
<br />
You know when you find a make up palette and you love most of it, but not all of it? Or you buy one because it has a couple of your favourite products in it, but you don't really have time for the rest?<br />
<br />
Well, for me, it is the complete opposite with the Urban Decay Naked On The Run palette.<br />
<br />
If you are a fan of the 3 Naked palettes by Urban Decay, then you need On The Run in your life! I was actually lucky enough to snuffle this fabulous palette in the Selfridges January sale...it was only a fiver off, but I would have happily paid full price for it, so this was just the icing on the cake really.<br />
<br />
The palette comes with 6 brand new eyeshadows in stunning nude shades, a pretty pink blusher, a neutral bronzer, a travel size Perversion mascara, a 24/7 Glide On eye pencil in Stag AND a full size Naked lip gloss in Sesso. Wow! All packaged up beautifully in a super stylish box, with a big mirror on the inside. Not bad for £37...well....£32 if you got it in the Selfridges sale like me.<br />
<br />
The blush is such a pretty pink shade. It has blue undertones and a gorgeous satin finish, which blended easily into my skin...lasted a good long time too! The bronzer had a light to medium tone and a matte finish - perfect for an all year round bronzer. It blended well with my trusty Real Techniques brush and was the perfect partner to the blush.<br />
<br />
The Perversion mascara was possibly my least favourite item in the palette. It's very useful to have and its handy travel size makes it perfect to pop in your handbag for quick touch ups, but it didn't give the lift or volume I usually look for in a mascara. The eye pencil glided on easily and blended beautifully! The colour I think works well with pretty much all eye colours and skin tones - a cool toned dark brown. Gorgeous for wearing on its own or blended with the eyeshadows to create a more smokey look.<br />
<br />
The full sized lipgloss in shade Sesso is so pretty! A warm, light plum/pinky colour with a subtle sheen - making it ideal for day or night wear. It has a semi-sheer finish and is actually not sticky...always a massive bonus for me when it comes to lipgloss.<br />
<br />
The 6 eyeshadows are all brand new, which is what makes this such a great partner to the 3 Naked palettes. They range from matte to sheen to sparkly and each colour is just so pretty and easy to wear and blend! Dive is a sparkly, rosy copper shade with just the right amount of sparkle. Fix is a medium brown matte shade, which was ideal for blending with other shades to make a dramatic evening look, or wearing alone for a pretty day time natural look. Resist is a golden taupe - subtle yet with enough of a metallic sheen to make it special! Dare is a taupe brown and so soft and silky and easy to blend. It is matte and is really pigmented. Stun is a chocolate brown with a more distinct glittery finish. It is slightly dryer than the other shades, but the colour when applied is just beautiful! Finally, 5050 - a shade which I first mistook for a highlighter! It's probably my least favourite eyeshadow, and works better for more subtle looks, or as a highlighter shade for the very corner of the eye.<br />
<br />
All in all, this is a fabulous palette and well worth the price tag. The only thing I think it is missing is the double ended brush, which comes with the Naked 2 and 3 palette. This would make the palette a 10 as opposed to the 9 I would give it now. Either way...if you can get your hands on the On The Run palette, then trust me...GET IT! You will love it.<br />
<br />
Belle x<br />
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-21201229944543066252015-02-02T13:05:00.003+00:002015-02-02T13:18:29.377+00:00Fixing a Broken Heart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIwGE1oAGgJFjYrbuczmVl95dS-iDddgwTFAOjI87J7PbYVlfqdSYDA7AJx-B3RfEEqX5Sxc-g7xMO3UbXpN7godFOu2-ls5NSP_zoXcVvXg0aN83kBMmMIEv9LBinJIxu1HPh4Nq9wE/s1600/IMG_366850879061533.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIwGE1oAGgJFjYrbuczmVl95dS-iDddgwTFAOjI87J7PbYVlfqdSYDA7AJx-B3RfEEqX5Sxc-g7xMO3UbXpN7godFOu2-ls5NSP_zoXcVvXg0aN83kBMmMIEv9LBinJIxu1HPh4Nq9wE/s1600/IMG_366850879061533.jpeg" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our little man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A bit of a different one for you today.<br />
<br />
I was umming and ahhing about posting about this, as it is a personal subject, but after going through something like this, I felt it to be quite cathartic to actually write it all down.<br />
<br />
As some of you may know, I have an almost 2 year old little boy called Elijah. When I was 20 weeks pregnant with him, I had a routine scan, where they discovered a heart anomaly. At the time, Darren and I were terrified as, well, we hadn't expected to hear anything bad and also, we had no idea what his condition meant or how it would affect him.<br />
<br />
I was scanned by a fetal cardiologist the next day, a wonderful man, who works at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The doctor confirmed Elijah's condition. He has a right aortic arch with a left subclavian artery and a vascular ring. I know...what the hell does that mean?! We were just left with a very confused expression on our faces. The doctor explained to us that although Elijah's heart was fine in its structure, the wiring was all a bit wrong. His aorta went the wrong way (normal hearts have a left aortic arch) and because of this, he had arteries in the wrong place and a vascular ring had formed around his breathing tube. It was a rare condition.<br />
<br />
All we wanted to know was would he be alright? We were told that he probably wouldn't start showing any symptoms until he was weaned (about 6 months) and if he did show symptoms, then there was an operation, which could help. We were also told that a small percentage of children born with a heart condition also have some kind of genetic abnormality. We were offered a test while I was pregnant to determine if he had this condition or not. We decided against it as the test posed a small risk of miscarriage and it just wasn't worth the risk to me.<br />
<br />
Well, 22 weeks later, I gave birth to a gorgeous and healthy little boy, who showed no signs of genetic problems or physical problems. We breathed a sigh of relief for the first time in 22 weeks. Because of his condition, we had to go to Great Ormond Street Hospital every 3 months for check ups and tests with the heart team. As he got older, Darren and I started to notice that Elijah coughed...a lot! Violent, hacking coughs, which were worse at night. He also developed a very rattly sound when he breathed, especially when he ate.<br />
<br />
At his routine appointment last summer, his doctor decided he should have an MRI scan, to investigate the symptoms further. This was terrifying as he needed to have a general anesthetic in order to have the scan (at just over a year old and very active, there was no way he would keep still for the 45 minute scan). So, we took him into hospital for the day, shed a few tears when he was put to sleep in my arms and then we awaited the results a few weeks later.<br />
<br />
When we went for the follow up appointment, our doctor told us quite firmly that Elijah needed heart surgery. We knew it was always a possibility, but somehow, I was not prepared to hear it. The ring, which was around his trachea was constricting it to the extent that as he gets older, he would get more and more lung infections and illnesses and there was a possibility that this might result in needing a new lung. Elijah is already so active and the thought of him having to be restricted to doing only calm activities and having to under go such a monumental surgery when he is a little older, was enough of an incentive to make us agree.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsTRA7OFPtjE604DHmMTO4D-92qIdkHNBaPcUTBmWVi0ZMR2PND1rihEUVGy6AJDJ4OauDjlrjRggJCkw5gYkkW57NcvYGUQNDjvLjawJvVPezqORmGI7bmaJI7cMElF_bFCCC5alcDA/s1600/IMG_20141130_194451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsTRA7OFPtjE604DHmMTO4D-92qIdkHNBaPcUTBmWVi0ZMR2PND1rihEUVGy6AJDJ4OauDjlrjRggJCkw5gYkkW57NcvYGUQNDjvLjawJvVPezqORmGI7bmaJI7cMElF_bFCCC5alcDA/s1600/IMG_20141130_194451.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the cardiac intensive care unit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were told that the surgery would involve dividing the ring and repositioning the artery. It would take up to 4 hours and he would have a pretty sizeable scar. So, we went home and were told that we would hear when the date would be in about 8 weeks.<br />
<br />
8 weeks later and we received his surgery date as the end of November. As his condition is so rare, I found it hard to find anyone to talk to about it, who's child has gone through a similar surgery. As luck would have it, I posted a question on a baby group on Facebook and a lady responded saying her son has the same condition and she invited me to another group on Facebook dedicated to the condition. The group has about 150 people in it, mainly parents and the majority of the members are from the USA. It was very encouraging to be able to speak to others who knew what we were going through and were going through it themselves.<br />
<br />
Elijah's surgery date came and we were all ready to take him to hospital - after waking him up at 5am to ensure he had breakfast, as you have to fast before surgery. We then received a phone call saying they had to cancel his operation, as an emergency case was brought in and Elijah's surgeon needed to be present. We were devastated and relieved at the same time. Devastated because you build yourself up and prepare yourself for weeks for this day to come and the thought of having to do it all over again was horrible, but of course we understood that an emergency took priority. And relieved because...well...I didn't want to have to go through with it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZ4BBhQQzwOniwlCcpz2wXQfWAiu8eaTmKCg5jk-7lrB7k3Q6YigBZKgsMoNULryYFjDjZb1a42l3MigSm-LA2XKCQkMiptoExmFRnsimWftcNMYB6306n3i1sbQZE_mKkqqVRO95Rm4/s1600/IMG-20141130-WA0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZ4BBhQQzwOniwlCcpz2wXQfWAiu8eaTmKCg5jk-7lrB7k3Q6YigBZKgsMoNULryYFjDjZb1a42l3MigSm-LA2XKCQkMiptoExmFRnsimWftcNMYB6306n3i1sbQZE_mKkqqVRO95Rm4/s1600/IMG-20141130-WA0020.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a routine heart echo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A week later, we were back at Great Ormond Street for his rescheduled surgery date. We were psyched up and Elijah had been marked up for the operation...when they came in and told us that ANOTHER emergency had just come in, and he wouldn't be able to be operated on that day either. I'm ashamed to say that I lost it at that point. I was also 20 weeks pregnant with baby number 2, and feeling so emotional and overwhelmed that I just broke down and sobbed in front of everyone. We were assured that they would do everything they could do perform the surgery the next day. At this point, we just wanted the operation over with. It was such an emotional rollercoaster and every time we had to reschedule, we had to bring Elijah in for pre-op tests, which included blood tests and more, so he, although only 20 months, was getting more and more scared and upset.<br />
<br />
We went home and came in again early the next day. And this time, it wasn't cancelled.<br />
<br />
When we had to take him down to theatre to be put under general anesthetic, it was the worst moment of my life. I knew in my heart he would be fine, but all I could think of was, what if something went wrong? I held him so tightly as they put a mask over his face to help him drift off and I couldn't stop tears pouring down my face. When he was asleep I just held him and sobbed. The lovely doctors gently took him from me and Darren and I had to wait a grueling 4 hours for the surgery to finish.<br />
<br />
When the cardiac intensive care unit called me 4 hours later to tell us that the surgery was over and that he was on the unit with them, we rushed over and were led to his bed. We were warned that he would be covered in wires and tubes and he would have a chest drain and would be heavily medicated to help with the pain. But you are never prepared to see your baby looking ill. As I mentioned, Elijah is very active - doesn't sit still, so when we approached him and saw his little body totally still and wires coming out of him everywhere, we both broke down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobC_xFdKUCgkDC9K_UHcz7DRG37zhcU5t7g2xldMTQBF4huhssV-JQGC6rfKF6pThrmuTWCC_Jk9DCf_b6xF8_8tq3sfcE6Vvryt17IB-ddNgsDPf4je26QRvdn1bPDMfS01E7F0goxI/s1600/DSC_1912+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobC_xFdKUCgkDC9K_UHcz7DRG37zhcU5t7g2xldMTQBF4huhssV-JQGC6rfKF6pThrmuTWCC_Jk9DCf_b6xF8_8tq3sfcE6Vvryt17IB-ddNgsDPf4je26QRvdn1bPDMfS01E7F0goxI/s1600/DSC_1912+(1).jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs1j0Ir-yFteBgcvMk5SpLRF_8DIg1MF8-rjP558wfzTm_-RA6vl3BWVCQHppQYoBBmJZ0r79rmVx6GjKH6P5jrmzURbTLosT1m2GNofowIPmIcqKbJasinzbVFHOVCFLKOydkVIBskc/s1600/DSC_1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs1j0Ir-yFteBgcvMk5SpLRF_8DIg1MF8-rjP558wfzTm_-RA6vl3BWVCQHppQYoBBmJZ0r79rmVx6GjKH6P5jrmzURbTLosT1m2GNofowIPmIcqKbJasinzbVFHOVCFLKOydkVIBskc/s1600/DSC_1914.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The surgery went very well we were told and he was on morphine and other drugs to help with pain. When we spoke to him, he didn't really respond, but I gave him his favourite, beloved rabbit toy, which he loves to suck on, and somehow, even though he was drugged to the eyeballs, the rabbit's foot found its way into his mouth!<br />
<br />
He was in intensive care for almost 2 days...not long at all for such a major operation! The worst part was when they had to take out his chest drain. It was horrendous. He lifted his arms wanting me or Darren to pick him up, but we couldn't and that was heart breaking.<br />
<br />
Eventually, he was moved onto the cardiac ward and we spent another 3 days there, while Elijah recovered like a total superstar. His wound looked like a massive shark bite, going from his shoulder blade, around his body to just below his nipple. He also had a nasty wound underneath that from the chest drain and lines in his hands, foot and neck.<br />
<br />
The staff at Great Ormond Street were nothing short of amazing. And the children and families we met were nothing short of inspirational. We felt humbled, proud and in awe of the strength these little ones show after the trials and tribulations they go through.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisloVaQ_LTebE-ZqmzXTsspUiYYaUcTb1V_RMOPtr6VyO6ALy7fNwQkWYU7aruj25jMK9JOQ4U9xZt3o6DOXX0zujcBSutoYwEdNav2MNVmUeqK0ZwTglUUSwwRzaYTO8Y4EgRnOOVIVk/s1600/IMG-20141201-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisloVaQ_LTebE-ZqmzXTsspUiYYaUcTb1V_RMOPtr6VyO6ALy7fNwQkWYU7aruj25jMK9JOQ4U9xZt3o6DOXX0zujcBSutoYwEdNav2MNVmUeqK0ZwTglUUSwwRzaYTO8Y4EgRnOOVIVk/s1600/IMG-20141201-WA0000.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">already causing trouble in his hospital bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just less than 5 days after enduring major heart surgery, we came home with our little heart warrior. The stuffing was knocked out of him but he was already acting like his normal, cheeky, funny self. We were told that although the surgery went well, we wouldn't know for sure how he would be till his post-op appointment 6 weeks later. In the meantime, he would be susceptible to illness and we wouldn't be able to pick him up under the arms for about 2 months. He also had 3 different medicines to take every day for the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
Well. He amazed and astounded us with his recovery. Apart from catching every cold and bug going around and being sore, he carried on as if nothing had happened. His strength gave us strength and we couldn't have been prouder of him.<br />
<br />
We had his post-op appointment a couple of weeks ago. All looks good in terms of the surgery, but Elijah's coughing and noisy breathing has not improved, so his surgeon has referred him to see a colleague of his, a respiratory specialist and it is possible that he might need further procedures or treatments. We just have to wait until we see him.<br />
<br />
So his journey is not over and, although we are disappointed that there might be further procedures down the line, we are so, so proud of our little boy. He truly amazes us as did all the little ones we meet when we are at Great Ormond Street. We also feel extremely lucky that his condition is one which can be treated. There are so many heart conditions and others out there who aren't as fortunate and we are very grateful that Elijah's can be treated.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for reading this crazy long post. I felt I really wanted to write it all down, as a way of release and also in case there are any other parents out there reading this, who's child needs to have surgery or has been diagnosed with a confusing condition. Know that you are not alone and there are always so many points of support, from friends and family, to strangers on Facebook groups and those you meet at hospitals.<br />
<br />
We are obviously firm advocates for Great Ormond Street Children's Hopsital and they have a charity set up for donations and fundraising. If you would like to learn more and possibly donate,<b><a href="http://www.gosh.org/gen/?utm_source=gosh.nhs&utm_medium=toptab" target="_blank"> just click here.</a></b><br />
<br />
Belle xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-6908409724611310822015-01-31T10:53:00.003+00:002015-01-31T10:53:27.843+00:00Beauty Sale Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJoPte2ako_H91ea_Cc8zJZ2Z_WKxFhXim5lpNVNvYWyd1Dvq-wCOFjKHsv2qXrx3Xm9N3p4xpOUf5-9ty-jF6SdcPHfn1GfN8qdQ3yGqUV6AAWW-ITGs5XW9LtF9ZAHpPTZ21qaSpBc/s1600/IMG_20150102_141839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJoPte2ako_H91ea_Cc8zJZ2Z_WKxFhXim5lpNVNvYWyd1Dvq-wCOFjKHsv2qXrx3Xm9N3p4xpOUf5-9ty-jF6SdcPHfn1GfN8qdQ3yGqUV6AAWW-ITGs5XW9LtF9ZAHpPTZ21qaSpBc/s1600/IMG_20150102_141839.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not really a sales kinda girl.<br />
<br />
I actually hate the sales. They are busy, loud, crowded, hectic and stressful and having a 6 month baby bump makes it all the more necessary to stay away.<br />
<br />
So this year, I decided I would check out what some of my favourite beauty and fashion spots had online. First stop - beauty. I decided to be reserved and only checked Selfridges and Space NK (aka the mothership). I thought I would share with you briefly what I picked up and then over another couple of posts, I will share them with you in more detail.<br />
<br />
So my first venture online was to Space NK. I have always wanted the gorgeous Laura Mercier bath and body sets but I never really felt like spending upwards of £40 on indulgent bath treats for myself! So when I spotted the Honey Musk duo set - with bubble bath, body creme and honey spatula - at HALF PRICE for only £15...well, it went straight in my virtual shopping basket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLts1F7yBXknmrJXfQjYq151GyX0cjoiarTR0C6_Gbrl8h_4OGY5nv0rngD2ghJUE5wRi_gZYYv_vgJlrRj_GWXs2nmLxTxCuFCEN33SkUybhQw5DU_fx5YuoYplyviHdBuCEnjSWOSg/s1600/IMG_20141231_135442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLts1F7yBXknmrJXfQjYq151GyX0cjoiarTR0C6_Gbrl8h_4OGY5nv0rngD2ghJUE5wRi_gZYYv_vgJlrRj_GWXs2nmLxTxCuFCEN33SkUybhQw5DU_fx5YuoYplyviHdBuCEnjSWOSg/s1600/IMG_20141231_135442.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I spotted something from Lipstick Queen. I have never bought anything from Lipstick Queen, but I have heard some amazing things. I saw the Liquid Asset set of 3 lip glosses, featuring a stunning nude, a bright popping pink and a vampy red. Whereas I am more of a lipstick girl, I thought my collection could do with some high quality lip glosses. Again, this set was £30 and was reduced to half price. So in the basket it went! Now considering this is still available on the John Lewis website for full price, this to me was a real bargain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2BxMUHlwQj2Ef9B4zvJcguKJI9D9xC_m1oSHj7wAPr3YavquZQr1BmeubRq0z3HczwBMbWSVS0qqAZ6MMowpeu-dxdFW70h4Y94PHk_x3DAGvGDGKXKN3TpKIdpS_ibZqui3A9j3b1c/s1600/DSC_1997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2BxMUHlwQj2Ef9B4zvJcguKJI9D9xC_m1oSHj7wAPr3YavquZQr1BmeubRq0z3HczwBMbWSVS0qqAZ6MMowpeu-dxdFW70h4Y94PHk_x3DAGvGDGKXKN3TpKIdpS_ibZqui3A9j3b1c/s1600/DSC_1997.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Next was the Selfridges beauty sale. There was so much in this sale that I actually got a bit bored going through the dozens and dozens of pages. I filled a basket quickly and in the end, I had to do some serious editing. Which...was a real challenge!<br />
<br />
I ended up purchasing the Laura Mercier eyelash curlers, a MAC black liquid eyeliner and...my favourite new palette, Urban Decay's Naked on the Run - a limited edition palette from the Naked range, featuring 6 new eyeshadows, a bronzer, high lighter, blush, eyeliner, mascara AND a lipgloss, all in the famous naked colour ranges. This is definitely getting it's own post as I really am in love with it. It was originally £37 and I think I got it for £30 in the sale, which isn't that much of a saving, but as I had my eye on it before the sale, I knew I had to just get it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg0GaX5nRyouqyocINMtDxwgJtzqvLxj3T8a8Gc4i-go5n7TtdrQVVotdC87d9zhrnd0R_IF7Np1EYbTippMT59FV8Z-PDWdSrpdc-PPo9VcqPcUy-iPnF8dH3WEo_3LnPVy1m51GAQI/s1600/DSC_1982-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg0GaX5nRyouqyocINMtDxwgJtzqvLxj3T8a8Gc4i-go5n7TtdrQVVotdC87d9zhrnd0R_IF7Np1EYbTippMT59FV8Z-PDWdSrpdc-PPo9VcqPcUy-iPnF8dH3WEo_3LnPVy1m51GAQI/s1600/DSC_1982-1.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Selfridges beauty sale didn't have as many bargains as the Space NK sale, it had more like a few pounds off each product as opposed to a decent percentage off, but if you have the time to scroll through the many...many pages, you will be sure to find some good deals.<br />
<br />
So as I said, more details coming soon, but in the mean time, did you find any amazing bargains in the sales?<br />
<br />
Belle xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-10067343683888633332015-01-26T22:04:00.000+00:002015-01-26T22:04:41.751+00:00I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack!Hello blogging world!<br />
<br />
Well, what can I say. I am a very naughty blogger.<br />
<br />
I haven't blogged since last summer and I have missed it so much! The reason? Well...reasons really. Where to start? A new job as a Content Editor, raising my toddler Elijah, having my house extended and moving in with my parents for 4 months, moving back in and reordering the entire house, oh, and falling pregnant again! Yay!<br />
<br />
So yes...I have been pretty busy and sadly, blogging fell by the wayside, which I really regret but I am on a mission to bring Belle of the Ball back to life again. At least until the new baby arrives and takes away all my free time.<br />
<br />
So, please forgive me for my absence. I have missed you and I hope you have missed me too. I will be back very soon with lots of fashion, beauty and life news.<br />
<br />
Until then...thanks for checking back in and not forgetting me :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMSPfcD5FvmnxFgTfrlc0nioZLLabGiGramQD_ZBdrwbTdAeC26puQZIoh7UZC9-B8aRpEleuVcOFFeUfF_za3HsbxEdNDVXGIxcYqAEcKm_6YS6I8hrxP5xRAclh22roqU6S9SEX1oU/s1600/claire+eli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMSPfcD5FvmnxFgTfrlc0nioZLLabGiGramQD_ZBdrwbTdAeC26puQZIoh7UZC9-B8aRpEleuVcOFFeUfF_za3HsbxEdNDVXGIxcYqAEcKm_6YS6I8hrxP5xRAclh22roqU6S9SEX1oU/s1600/claire+eli.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-8601806278404227142014-07-08T15:55:00.000+01:002014-07-08T15:55:26.712+01:00New Yankee Candles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied87PZXjY-auZLdFCBtIweW2Pu5iB6zSzP95EUD7qC8M7d3Sd79qHPDAElROckWxRfAMop1O11ArEDuxw-oBq2cyVfrG_xy_-cf-FeqCD0dX-Hh2M8dNKbOA1Eaj-TSiy2wLW4jXpnBg/s1600/IMG_20140627_121801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied87PZXjY-auZLdFCBtIweW2Pu5iB6zSzP95EUD7qC8M7d3Sd79qHPDAElROckWxRfAMop1O11ArEDuxw-oBq2cyVfrG_xy_-cf-FeqCD0dX-Hh2M8dNKbOA1Eaj-TSiy2wLW4jXpnBg/s1600/IMG_20140627_121801.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a bit of a candle obsession.<br />
<br />
It started a few years ago when I used to work at the Christian Dior head office. I was the Front of House gal and a PA, and one of my jobs was to keep the entrance of the office looking pristine and perfect. One of the regulations was that there always had to be a Diptyque candle burning and it had to be Opoponax. I had to bulk order these candles (about 20 at a time) to ensure we always had one burning. When the candle got down to about a quarter empty (or full if you like) that candle was discarded, as it looked messy apparently, and a new one was lit.<br />
<br />
Now, this seemed like a HUGE waste to me, and considering my 21 year old brain couldn't fathom the idea of binning an almost £40 candle, when it still had about 15 hours of burn time left, I asked if I could take the discarded Diptique candles home with me. And they said yes!<br />
<br />
So that was the start of the obsession. Not just for scented candles, but expensive (tsk tsk) scented candles. They just smell better, burn better, last longer and look nicer. Yes I am a bit of a candle snob. I tried the cheap versions, but they just didn't do it for me. However, I also realise that spending £40 on a candle is a bit cray cray, so my eyes were opened up to the world of Anthropologie candles and, of course, the amazing Yankee Candles. Here you have candles, which do everything the crazily expensive candles do, but for a quarter of the price (depending on sizes).<br />
<br />
I received a marketing newsletter from an online gift company recently, about a flash sale for Yankee Candles. Normally these emails make no impression, but I was quick to click on the links and be taken to the Yankee Candle section of the website. All candles at 30% off! Cue one happy girl!<br />
<br />
Now, I am trying to save and not splurge at the moment, due to doing major house renovation works, but I have been very good recently so I thought, these candles would be a good compromise purchase - 30% off AND you could argue that they are a home essential, thus needed for the house. That was all the convincing I needed.<br />
<br />
I decided to limit myself to just 2 of the large jars. These have around 100 - 135 hours of burn time, plus the chunky glass jars look great and can be used as storage jars when they have finished (thrifty girl me!)<br />
<br />
After scrolling up and down the choices for ages, I finally narrowed it down to 4 candles. It is hard choosing scents without smelling them, but I knew I wanted to go for sweet, edible smells. Their floral fragrances are gorgeous, but I aim to put one in the kitchen and one in the lounge, and the yummy smells always seem to suit my house the most.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTnTRo3xuWPs5tpm09jEnG18MO4BlhTtCqQvh-nv83qORsxntWM6SgTtjGzy8JClFIZXsh32gL-GdrvLo2zYtTgJHVvWfS_CzzdX6HQj2IBy3O0ElQgd720Htb8zxt9TqeIPHxLjMB1E/s1600/Vanilla-Chai-Large-Jar-Yankee-Candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTnTRo3xuWPs5tpm09jEnG18MO4BlhTtCqQvh-nv83qORsxntWM6SgTtjGzy8JClFIZXsh32gL-GdrvLo2zYtTgJHVvWfS_CzzdX6HQj2IBy3O0ElQgd720Htb8zxt9TqeIPHxLjMB1E/s1600/Vanilla-Chai-Large-Jar-Yankee-Candle.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
After a bit more umming and ahhing, I finally chose Vanilla Chai (my favourite hot drink) and Snowflake Cookie (who could resist such an adorable name?) The Vanilla Chai is a deep red and smells just like its namesake. Vanilla, cinnamon and slightly spicy. Mmmm! As for Snowflake Cookie, it's a pretty fairy pink and smells all warm, sugary and just like freshly baked cookies. It makes me hungry just smelling it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Xd_zlm9D3QnRGCwsY-ou1CmyWK7HtYkrRpzfb6-BIcoB0J9cqIJ5-ZF0eLnGP09BrsVVGX3OxWn53IqXYwNSPPOAi1mj0XyFGsgqqvPgK5jh25P4SNoBXZHq8eXLHpjbnpd5JSpov3Q/s1600/snowflake-cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Xd_zlm9D3QnRGCwsY-ou1CmyWK7HtYkrRpzfb6-BIcoB0J9cqIJ5-ZF0eLnGP09BrsVVGX3OxWn53IqXYwNSPPOAi1mj0XyFGsgqqvPgK5jh25P4SNoBXZHq8eXLHpjbnpd5JSpov3Q/s1600/snowflake-cookie.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
We're not moving back into our home for another 4 weeks or so, and I have been very tempted to light one up at my parent's house, where we are staying, but I am going to save them for when we move back home. Is it sad that I can't wait to light them up, even more so than to see my home with its new look?!<br />
<br />
Have you tried either of these scents? What's your favourite candle? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-52874228579832873162014-06-27T12:08:00.002+01:002014-06-27T12:08:27.476+01:00That Shop Around the Corner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FAKZu5Ezb_TdtqBBrfTB2i2eFbGOMELT_73JKzgQ_Mo1ijmbkQbeJ2jJUYZ3fsarJDTaufCNooDJxKOhmRsqBfdLN6LkuqyGI_Ul6otJ9BaYFWPaxZv4W36inyGGhHTsNeGB3WJX_tc/s1600/DSC_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FAKZu5Ezb_TdtqBBrfTB2i2eFbGOMELT_73JKzgQ_Mo1ijmbkQbeJ2jJUYZ3fsarJDTaufCNooDJxKOhmRsqBfdLN6LkuqyGI_Ul6otJ9BaYFWPaxZv4W36inyGGhHTsNeGB3WJX_tc/s1600/DSC_1760.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
You know when you stumble across a real treasure of a shop, and part of you wants to keep it a secret, so no one knows where you bought that amazing gift from and part of you wants to rave about it so everyone can go? Well, I have found such a shop and decided to do the latter...rave about it and, more precisely, blog about it!<br />
<br />
I work in Kensal Rise (just off of Ladbroke Grove) and it is a little hive of activity. Cool, little independent shops and restaurants, a smattering of celebs, a canal with pretty barges and a laid back vibe. It's an area of London I have never worked in before (and I have worked ALL over London) so I was a bit unsure of it at first, but I have actually grown to love it.<br />
<br />
During lunch breaks, I like to go out for a wander, either down by the canal or to check out the local shops and cafes. I always pass a little gift shop called Rise and I have always been so tempted to go in, but often found myself in too much of a rush. The shop frontage is so intriguing, that most people stop to have a little peek when they pass. The shop's sign is that if an old fairground sign. The word RISE spelled out with light bulbs surrounding the letters and a general vintage look about it. There is a black chalk board outside the shop, which always has a fun or witty quote or slogan written on it in white chalk. The shop window contains all those gorgeous little bits and bobs, which I always find so difficult not to buy - homeware, jugs, candles, mugs, Jelly Cat teddies...things basically saying "please buy me!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAzo-PspQcxGQgYCitSgB94sPeUa57xQYs-VXxtKU0-B-_96mR2eOS8p6xus7Xff7AhRLdRBNdZT80VOpZCRWhA0ZTvYI0lAkqF_ls0oOyzXyb5wMO_Y3JlxSufPwrcrqIiQFaf0mBCo/s1600/DSC_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAzo-PspQcxGQgYCitSgB94sPeUa57xQYs-VXxtKU0-B-_96mR2eOS8p6xus7Xff7AhRLdRBNdZT80VOpZCRWhA0ZTvYI0lAkqF_ls0oOyzXyb5wMO_Y3JlxSufPwrcrqIiQFaf0mBCo/s1600/DSC_1747.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx11HufDkWN4wfybgZCiKQuWOKR4yEC5QgRkV8dozJSHzN6Zxvzjtfyb2graTgbbW-uIxIMZcO-0AftRXLbwkbWzBkis6cqgE0n35UQN2plq2LIfcvfnsuzD8eI7Fm0Mn8uT_4Gp9gns/s1600/DSC_1748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx11HufDkWN4wfybgZCiKQuWOKR4yEC5QgRkV8dozJSHzN6Zxvzjtfyb2graTgbbW-uIxIMZcO-0AftRXLbwkbWzBkis6cqgE0n35UQN2plq2LIfcvfnsuzD8eI7Fm0Mn8uT_4Gp9gns/s1600/DSC_1748.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week I actually had a genuine reason to venture in. It was my parent's anniversary and I wanted to get them a present and card and I thought that Rise should be able to rise (sorry) to the occasion!<br />
<br />
I popped along during my lunch and had a lovely schmooze. The shop is small but beautifully presented. Signs, candles, jugs, cushions, gorgeous cards and wrapping paper, door mats and door stops, incense and delightful bits and bobs all called to me and I instantly fell in love. A Russian Doll water decanter was very almost purchased, as was the giant white Jelly Cat rabbit (a favourite of Elijah) and the beaten leather cat door stop almost found its way home with me, when my eyes fell upon a gorgeous display of Rob Ryan pieces. If you are not familiar with Rob Ryan, he is an amazing artist who creates intricate illustrations of sweet, whimsical scenes. Displayed on a lovely wooden display case, were Rob Ryan mugs, jugs, plates and the most gorgeous white ceramic vase with a blue design of a boy and girl smelling some flowers, with the words "Smell Us" written on it. My dad recently (accidentally) broke one of their vases, so this seemed like the perfect choice!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbiw8mYrLoKqn16pFQSHGP-QPqmeq1i2F75Mjdc7rRt3Kh8c073PNp-Ah3Gm9exNJfpPtdlmDWGqbWHJdaLt0mZtEuKWr_lZd0kCzVr3mkuMHHxWuY1m-yo3rB9PIQWRu0oJb4fbnNzs/s1600/DSC_1750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbiw8mYrLoKqn16pFQSHGP-QPqmeq1i2F75Mjdc7rRt3Kh8c073PNp-Ah3Gm9exNJfpPtdlmDWGqbWHJdaLt0mZtEuKWr_lZd0kCzVr3mkuMHHxWuY1m-yo3rB9PIQWRu0oJb4fbnNzs/s1600/DSC_1750.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePPB8r9VsF_I5M7QyUZ-Ffe_Gb4PisCwgEKwcQ3q1xRF_6DHBbkvkSXeKRA1KAbhZcCDDvdrdBu7n8pOZ41Yr0kwLLTARRXckl0EufHE9ZsmtSJ9ROmRsPxZmPzX87wAkEfFOGF618UU/s1600/DSC_1752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePPB8r9VsF_I5M7QyUZ-Ffe_Gb4PisCwgEKwcQ3q1xRF_6DHBbkvkSXeKRA1KAbhZcCDDvdrdBu7n8pOZ41Yr0kwLLTARRXckl0EufHE9ZsmtSJ9ROmRsPxZmPzX87wAkEfFOGF618UU/s1600/DSC_1752.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I was asked if I would like it gift wrapped for an additional pound and the choice of wrapping paper was so adorable and kitsch, I couldn't say no! I chose a beautiful pink paper with Bambi and love hearts in white silhouette decorating it. Topped off with a yellow ribbon, the gift looked too good to open! While it was being wrapped, I continued to look around the shop. Gorgeous kitchenware adorned with illustrations of animals caught my eye, along with displays of glassware and beautiful cushions. The greeting card display was filled with fun and colour cards, the kind you always take ages to look at and read because they are all so delightful and sweet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7vRDSB3jokymminJbC6eDKUWxcCJGhAalwoTK5yADdgfRNavyL5XGz5pVrlKsGkD03a4lKe-0pRd9hlATGZrWy9nkD7xFpbcgTA1dDP6ehtsEFkx6UoW4jsFRmjUUuxXkY33lq7nyVg/s1600/DSC_1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7vRDSB3jokymminJbC6eDKUWxcCJGhAalwoTK5yADdgfRNavyL5XGz5pVrlKsGkD03a4lKe-0pRd9hlATGZrWy9nkD7xFpbcgTA1dDP6ehtsEFkx6UoW4jsFRmjUUuxXkY33lq7nyVg/s1600/DSC_1755.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86V0rOQShh1A7P7WQa4NM6sB21NWC0wn7aVSZCb1dYV4B8fnLWx0OIU4q0-ClBF-ZIzwU7JmDVE73eM4UhEBxLMpTZtTDd1qaW47yEelOkB76hblBz0UWlbrjuv__WWlX8-lEIVo8V5Q/s1600/DSC_1759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86V0rOQShh1A7P7WQa4NM6sB21NWC0wn7aVSZCb1dYV4B8fnLWx0OIU4q0-ClBF-ZIzwU7JmDVE73eM4UhEBxLMpTZtTDd1qaW47yEelOkB76hblBz0UWlbrjuv__WWlX8-lEIVo8V5Q/s1600/DSC_1759.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Fast forward a few days and my parents loved their present. I loved buying it, which always makes the process so much nicer. I can't wait for another excuse to go back to Rise and choose another present...but then again...do I really need an excuse?!<br />
<br />
If you fancy paying Rise a visit, you can find them at 21 Kilburn Lane, London, W10 4AE. Maybe I'll bump ino you there! Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-88081299028675223482014-06-05T12:25:00.002+01:002014-06-05T12:25:37.995+01:00Sticky Fingers by Models Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTeqlEC26BTHk5ZkUUluXkPTKd6Es2D-wCJVwRED24oltzJjQJuNhJXlQ9AVogqPip3TEojmo71j3t2mNmzw5uobZuRDGpBQ6PKsdGFoGrOwWQOHD_y4q3gC8BpID5O-UpCBvTrabK5k/s1600/DSC_1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTeqlEC26BTHk5ZkUUluXkPTKd6Es2D-wCJVwRED24oltzJjQJuNhJXlQ9AVogqPip3TEojmo71j3t2mNmzw5uobZuRDGpBQ6PKsdGFoGrOwWQOHD_y4q3gC8BpID5O-UpCBvTrabK5k/s1600/DSC_1736.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I had a little schmooze in Boots the other day, as I had to pick up a couple of essentials (isn't that always the way it starts?)<br />
<br />
We're staying at my parents for a few weeks, while we have some work done to our house and over the weekend, I realised that I really didn't bring enough nail varnishes with me. As summer is well and truly on its way, I decided that a few new summer shades were an essential buy. And yes, I could pick some up from the house and bring them to my parents...but it's a good excuse to buy some new bottles, and the collection could always do with a refresh.<br />
<br />
I was going to opt for a couple of Essie shades, but then the Models Own stand caught my eye. A stunning neon pinky/red immediately found its way into my basket, followed by an adorable little box containing a beautiful pastel pistachio shade called Pastel Petals Green and a roll of floral stickers. Behold Models Own Sticky Fingers collection. A collection of must-have shades, which come with a roll of stickers, which complement the colour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurpthxcvQ71bExf-bQbGGk6nmlpmNgvyE7rMYA1NOsx8axOobhKmjkqL_HXyW_gltidMuo3TaGhpDYX6LjlKViGhiNh9D0nhPWkAcizLVTxndMMUWf_4dIch_CEWXclJCkpc7lvd_o5I/s1600/DSC_1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurpthxcvQ71bExf-bQbGGk6nmlpmNgvyE7rMYA1NOsx8axOobhKmjkqL_HXyW_gltidMuo3TaGhpDYX6LjlKViGhiNh9D0nhPWkAcizLVTxndMMUWf_4dIch_CEWXclJCkpc7lvd_o5I/s1600/DSC_1738.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
We are running a floral design competition at work at the moment and my thoughts during the working week are consumed with all things floral related, so this choice was right up my street.<br />
<br />
The colour is so me - in fact, it's the colour I want to paint my new kitchen, so you could say this purchase was all in the name of research! I applied 2 coats of the colour and then waited till they were touch dry before carefully peeling off the floral stickers and gently placing them on my nails. I then applied a layer of top coat and left them to dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxr8kXHeQ7SiJ8xfwyN_gy32iktazYbGhBFY9V2LJ8piKSst8yJj7nX6ghXy4KUgPWlmhOsh7sygeeljPSGhsYu92vsbnkLrcU8FWBL1RD_FuvR7Vw7nD07MU03vmIGq1aoQ-Uo4-4Zc/s1600/DSC_1737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxr8kXHeQ7SiJ8xfwyN_gy32iktazYbGhBFY9V2LJ8piKSst8yJj7nX6ghXy4KUgPWlmhOsh7sygeeljPSGhsYu92vsbnkLrcU8FWBL1RD_FuvR7Vw7nD07MU03vmIGq1aoQ-Uo4-4Zc/s1600/DSC_1737.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG-4OSqVRMmBy3UJJWkmm46YdKKel8am3vadL3PdgVUuaUj-qqc4JU8kvfUWVibUrQsDj5KgLYbDpnf9WHOQIsA88DzlPzOojw8wBsV4piAWRmb-gXLPpdklY-1PIi2JLSvAbW0jBPIc/s1600/DSC_1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG-4OSqVRMmBy3UJJWkmm46YdKKel8am3vadL3PdgVUuaUj-qqc4JU8kvfUWVibUrQsDj5KgLYbDpnf9WHOQIsA88DzlPzOojw8wBsV4piAWRmb-gXLPpdklY-1PIi2JLSvAbW0jBPIc/s1600/DSC_1742.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
The effect was really pretty. I think I should have waited a bit longer before I stuck the pictures on my nails, as the corners peeled up a little bit, because I couldn't press them on hard, so when I give it another go, I'll make sure I am more patient and wait a little while longer. Overall though, it is a really sweet idea and a quick (and lazy) way to customise your nails.<br />
<br />
Have you tried the Models Own Sticky Fingers? What do you think of the range? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-46604738049640331832014-05-29T19:24:00.001+01:002014-05-29T19:24:09.660+01:00Mini French Beauty Haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HkMKhAMkzvab6hEFLVjkzvazmiAm3ZeQ1ISkAl4qMDo7T5IzNRowCgeyIdlWTY2DE31fbECYpVMMlxkDY5aVzVvZu7p7dc9ZlrxyRLm9J10YDTCJy8Xngg2ZKIqtpyAhRrcki0cdnbM/s1600/IMG_20140528_221641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HkMKhAMkzvab6hEFLVjkzvazmiAm3ZeQ1ISkAl4qMDo7T5IzNRowCgeyIdlWTY2DE31fbECYpVMMlxkDY5aVzVvZu7p7dc9ZlrxyRLm9J10YDTCJy8Xngg2ZKIqtpyAhRrcki0cdnbM/s1600/IMG_20140528_221641.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When Darren told me a few weeks ago that he would be going to Paris for work for three days, my first thought (after "can I go too?!") was Oooh...French pharmacies!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any beauty blogger or beauty lover worth their salt are well aware that the French hold a veritable Aladdin's cave of products and brands when it comes to beauty, and their pharmacies are truly the cave of wonders!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stocking brands which we mere Brits can only find in very upscale or Central London pharmacies, or online, both with a very high price tag, the French truly know what they are doing when it comes to the beauty and skincare market, and I was very excited when Darren told me he would be heading there...so...obviously a list was drawn out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now my list contained about 6 things, which can be found in pharmacies and 5 things, which can be found in Sephora (seriously people, we need to petition to get Sephora reinstated in London!) Darren was very good and went to 3...yes...3 pharmacies for me, to try and find my bits. The boy didn't do too badly. They were out of stock of a couple of the Bioderma bits, so I ended up with 3 pharmacy treasures - the Caudalie Beauty Elixr (L'Wren Scott limited edition bottle), the Caudalie Micellar water and a tube of Homeoplasmine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7jowECCrpgIjZa1vPDOdkXRYesCz_78i8ELMce2iCxhVfjMnavjf6VSOfvL5btWO4R67NZ5iAssxZeNgMttojrXIWWWSFAIJpmSxr9-1h3otO5toYCce8os_jcFfPkNMUBYOcOs_YcM/s1600/DSC_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7jowECCrpgIjZa1vPDOdkXRYesCz_78i8ELMce2iCxhVfjMnavjf6VSOfvL5btWO4R67NZ5iAssxZeNgMttojrXIWWWSFAIJpmSxr9-1h3otO5toYCce8os_jcFfPkNMUBYOcOs_YcM/s1600/DSC_1726.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The two Caudalie products are divine! I fancied a change from my normal micellar water of choice, Bioderma, so I thought I'd give the Caudalie version a go! It's lovely. Does what Bioderma does and smells gorgeous. It's soothing and removed my make-up easily and effortlessly and the grape extract made it super hydrating. <br />
<br />
The Elixr is a "beauty mist." The bottle is gorgeous (besides the point I know) It's plant based and soothes, hydrates and tightens the pores - miracle in a bottle. It sprays lightly onto the face and you feel instantly...well, I guess the word is "Ahhhhhhh." It has a lovely herby scent and makes an excellent refresher at any point in the day. I also spray it on before I moisturise in the morning and evening and it's just gorgeous really. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAhUmu4HKjpCE-WJKp6YKVck7vTPHDGCrgwraTPEo3G4j5_lmuSRxsTIvFI5yi0a1SgI7wBP_wQmTYBD6rypVPSRVp6FiL90bIxJmhms4GSR7llASn2KwhlyLG7SXJ2ezynOn8T5oPsk/s1600/DSC_1727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAhUmu4HKjpCE-WJKp6YKVck7vTPHDGCrgwraTPEo3G4j5_lmuSRxsTIvFI5yi0a1SgI7wBP_wQmTYBD6rypVPSRVp6FiL90bIxJmhms4GSR7llASn2KwhlyLG7SXJ2ezynOn8T5oPsk/s1600/DSC_1727.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYUEMdGMp1NZypzZUNWbKkgocFdncbiUXPqBp2nYhQ6U9Hy9gQpUuWLpFhoSaTS8G8PE5QxXvdpGSA7Y5iA_crMn1MiMGIqi6TqSZkeiGvj0ScRstb7hyphenhyphenrBd3wVygkHUR89ZntTo7Hz0/s1600/DSC_1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There has been a lot of hype about Homeoplasmine. A multi purpose balm or pomade, which has become a cult beauty favourite. It's talked about A LOT and I was keen to give it a go. It's been hailed as the "ultimate balm" and is a must-have for models, make-up artists, nail technicians...you name it. It's basically one of the items, like Vaseline, which helps soothe irritated skin, dry skin, sunburn, chapped lips, chapped skin...everything. It is also an excellent lip balm and a teeny dab on the old cheekbones makes them pop! Another score! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QEniOekSO8ZrlemNAPDDF-Gp7DeXCD333EBoUWskyeVoupACd3ctQF5DQfGf7mNiCeQCjj0Zuivq4TiYBCdPV3w9qed8xaDISgmwE70LSifaTWsMhc-Kxc_Uyu60ssgFkuyYGd5YC9A/s1600/DSC_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwICtwR5Pkhifdg3h6OKQWrn9ncVWcPmto62L0O5EI_a7n84ppxvbOzlMWG6NSOYKKM8bilqEoFu4NMwvKILvPSmDwfGS7CSS8dFkG8powpcEQQ3cqQ8tHodr0W9EJ-V78PORC5VDnUg/s1600/DSC_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwICtwR5Pkhifdg3h6OKQWrn9ncVWcPmto62L0O5EI_a7n84ppxvbOzlMWG6NSOYKKM8bilqEoFu4NMwvKILvPSmDwfGS7CSS8dFkG8powpcEQQ3cqQ8tHodr0W9EJ-V78PORC5VDnUg/s1600/DSC_1730.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next was Sephora. Sadly, they didn't have the Hourglass products I wanted, but Darren did manage to get his hands on a couple of the Cream Lip Stains and an eyebrow pencil complete with spoolie (don't you love that word?!) The Cream Lip Stains have had a bit of hype, so I wanted to give them a go. I opted for a nude shade and a deep berry shade - perfect for day and night. They apply easily and smoothly, like a lip gloss, but they have SO much pigment! Seriously, these are as pigmented as a lipstick but have the creamy consistency of a lip balm. The staying power is brilliant, however, as with most stains, they are slightly drying, but I popped on a dab of Homeoplasmine and, perfection! Love, love, love them!<br />
<br />
Not much to say about the eyebrow pencil, except it is the perfect shade for my almost black eyebrows and glides on and blends out nicely. Job done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJQmC7utkTQeeNomGMxuFaFMns2ofQs4nyc49rpLP91rSj-t82FQqGjgcFGEEFjVzMcuTO7eVYv3KmySQf5YIBfSmRhMYTOaSQPdG4HX-l-tLDYDgrv9qKLsBvEy0nEzBXQk0Oj4CUh4/s1600/DSC_1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJQmC7utkTQeeNomGMxuFaFMns2ofQs4nyc49rpLP91rSj-t82FQqGjgcFGEEFjVzMcuTO7eVYv3KmySQf5YIBfSmRhMYTOaSQPdG4HX-l-tLDYDgrv9qKLsBvEy0nEzBXQk0Oj4CUh4/s1600/DSC_1728.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So there you have it. Not a bad mini haul really. The boy did good but I am already planning the next haul.<br />
<br />
Have you tried out any of these products? What are your French Pharmacy must-haves? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-43374319978913085332014-05-20T13:12:00.003+01:002014-05-20T13:12:38.559+01:00Disney Villains Perfume Bottles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHvEjx5uybgUJUz28Wv80cuA1hdY55m788TlNq8jINTSVczOMzAU2TyQ6LbdAyK654mUpVHH45tYxcOZc8NkKam8nxLARyU0QBcXdx5lz_uNCKRFweT9mGd1q5PI24JYAj-QlJYvKN3s/s1600/perfume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHvEjx5uybgUJUz28Wv80cuA1hdY55m788TlNq8jINTSVczOMzAU2TyQ6LbdAyK654mUpVHH45tYxcOZc8NkKam8nxLARyU0QBcXdx5lz_uNCKRFweT9mGd1q5PI24JYAj-QlJYvKN3s/s1600/perfume.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
It's been a while since I posted a fashion or beauty related news story, but I recently came across one, which just couldn't be ignored really!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
My step-sister-in-law (#toomanyhyphens), who loves Disney films as much as I do, excitedly showed me a link, filled with amazing images. A Japanese designer who goes by the name Ruby Sparks, has basically created the most amazing illustrations of 19 stunning perfume bottles, each taking on a persona of a Disney villain! Genius!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Now, Disney villains have always been a big hit in the fashion and beauty world (some of MAC's best collections have been villain themed) and with the new movie Maleficent about to be released, it's no wonder that these sassy bad guys are so en vogue at the moment.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
The artist explains; “<i>There’s something special about each and every Disney villain. When I look at them, they have a sort of mysterious sexiness you’d never get from the princesses.</i>”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Ruby goes on to say that she her inspiration for the set came from musing about the different kinds of perfume women have to choose from. “<i>Perfumes aren’t always soft and floral. Some of them have a tempting character, something that feels almost a little dangerous, even. I thought it’d be wonderful to combine perfumes like that with the motif of Disney villains.</i>”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Hopefully some perfume company will realise how amazing these designs are and commission Ruby Sparks to create the bottles for real. I already have my eyes on at least 6 of them! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Here are the bottles and I have popped the names of the villains underneath...but come on...you Disney fans should know who they are inspired by without looking! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Enjoy x</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbVDJGmSzs-Rhb55axT2pzJRldC5RbEnYqnGvBeffMr1D3m21M6fEnU-mXVdAck0wG-QDAhb3PAK4rMGaSSxJn_UbWENkQRhpmwA8h2K5c4RwRe4bdjDYZ0ubQhK4WONH_UZvFn3jEJc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbVDJGmSzs-Rhb55axT2pzJRldC5RbEnYqnGvBeffMr1D3m21M6fEnU-mXVdAck0wG-QDAhb3PAK4rMGaSSxJn_UbWENkQRhpmwA8h2K5c4RwRe4bdjDYZ0ubQhK4WONH_UZvFn3jEJc/s1600/1.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Evil Queen from Snow White</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaPCAvrlvvPRSsbbcDsWcEoB3K3KEnYm8ZF9asnqfat8x6u75cQjJDsh85d5ZxnVK4Ahuq1GZd0YVuEEcu6lBIbUuaf0u0sCfqYrApDae0zKMclEvjO6Fz8MsRKVs5uPERDzlNyijWsY/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaPCAvrlvvPRSsbbcDsWcEoB3K3KEnYm8ZF9asnqfat8x6u75cQjJDsh85d5ZxnVK4Ahuq1GZd0YVuEEcu6lBIbUuaf0u0sCfqYrApDae0zKMclEvjO6Fz8MsRKVs5uPERDzlNyijWsY/s1600/2.png" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh8g7a73VBxCukkwJlDxJQfRbqMI1KkTzuaVtO2LAQdH7TwJhlKUB_RZ8boUq4BSsMTBMYsU8XQJKYOalsvgMRH0aw2ShC_6y2VFKlVEdxbQB7VE0XiPct8HyjQAkBLdywo9km_hy0vQ/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh8g7a73VBxCukkwJlDxJQfRbqMI1KkTzuaVtO2LAQdH7TwJhlKUB_RZ8boUq4BSsMTBMYsU8XQJKYOalsvgMRH0aw2ShC_6y2VFKlVEdxbQB7VE0XiPct8HyjQAkBLdywo9km_hy0vQ/s1600/3.png" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ursula from The Little Mermaid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FhS6gr4EzlmhnwI0IhKLgisell9_PkTSTgWBnsJ9n0w7tduauawwBEgWjaZTiFh__zpqMOOPsiIgMGY-DktuiWrvIqYhj6KofCml1sO08n-JI6zN1u7jzfokkHdL4jGXJNEUmGOAaIE/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FhS6gr4EzlmhnwI0IhKLgisell9_PkTSTgWBnsJ9n0w7tduauawwBEgWjaZTiFh__zpqMOOPsiIgMGY-DktuiWrvIqYhj6KofCml1sO08n-JI6zN1u7jzfokkHdL4jGXJNEUmGOAaIE/s1600/4.png" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ratcliffe from Pocahontas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OIyev0g-QMvYoOQIDDIyTPbER6ohnQDaPS2utl5VS7BZ-8BhFjJ545i0uLW4FcrsAFs5KqokfOA9eEcNZWMW57uvY_JkAYvwzIAK2zChRHlXEOl_nJ6Qa6A6XGNMpOBRmKTpnMj-R9A/s1600/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OIyev0g-QMvYoOQIDDIyTPbER6ohnQDaPS2utl5VS7BZ-8BhFjJ545i0uLW4FcrsAFs5KqokfOA9eEcNZWMW57uvY_JkAYvwzIAK2zChRHlXEOl_nJ6Qa6A6XGNMpOBRmKTpnMj-R9A/s1600/5.png" height="336" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Hook from Peter Pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE12H9nXuWFb_q6UR0AX4SWLivU1YjEVRY9lmXSFzt4FVq6lGpY6Xe_pfffmI7hHojGMAHqGYvx-sYs59cFAPAO4J3evH-j8YsLr8oaR2o76921EwycY8X98Yso92XwlJYVpUNCzTziBs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE12H9nXuWFb_q6UR0AX4SWLivU1YjEVRY9lmXSFzt4FVq6lGpY6Xe_pfffmI7hHojGMAHqGYvx-sYs59cFAPAO4J3evH-j8YsLr8oaR2o76921EwycY8X98Yso92XwlJYVpUNCzTziBs/s1600/6.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPrR5qH_zuPufdhMyUPdo8Au0h2oUgefHVTLqT7PxuCF7H9XCiq7Kch7xZd1TRHf9aW1qT4QbGPQNuPBpZkJC9PDlvcUfWd7VAlqwRBPKd_zwNA9FYY2fzMbN05-jc87HlYnzbK4qlus/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPrR5qH_zuPufdhMyUPdo8Au0h2oUgefHVTLqT7PxuCF7H9XCiq7Kch7xZd1TRHf9aW1qT4QbGPQNuPBpZkJC9PDlvcUfWd7VAlqwRBPKd_zwNA9FYY2fzMbN05-jc87HlYnzbK4qlus/s1600/7.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wicked Stepmother from Cinderella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Ymd6NtbJevBZ0LwLIUsgBrIoYkLWkSj0ypGiD8W0km0cyVdXuukWHyR1sBDtEmZr-eTVkV4u36Iu_ZX6hlNHBseo6NhCOKvCdqEk8HitofimmiAp40oVF1ozZaPspAMPWQEXbJf6KY/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Ymd6NtbJevBZ0LwLIUsgBrIoYkLWkSj0ypGiD8W0km0cyVdXuukWHyR1sBDtEmZr-eTVkV4u36Iu_ZX6hlNHBseo6NhCOKvCdqEk8HitofimmiAp40oVF1ozZaPspAMPWQEXbJf6KY/s1600/8.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruella de Ville from 101 Dalmations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjjIEKDe-okmRS0vcCjgvV5ONgI2pspV2IRW_Uo-frbYFcBJslLjb9InGv2mqDJXVmbDp0MJU-cVhtU4Ef8LW2oAqFfMMincY6rtWsg0F4dfxdMWtoqGm7bNmnRE7FZQBQigTvpqoCCA/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjjIEKDe-okmRS0vcCjgvV5ONgI2pspV2IRW_Uo-frbYFcBJslLjb9InGv2mqDJXVmbDp0MJU-cVhtU4Ef8LW2oAqFfMMincY6rtWsg0F4dfxdMWtoqGm7bNmnRE7FZQBQigTvpqoCCA/s1600/9.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hades from Hercules</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G6XIDeyp1EdSB1R67VldmsDAe1sgaqdVogDDBxKPQaVv4E9Rptwk15P3k_mONf92Mf1MSnSsIqqiNtd2PQ9tIN-F20NRros-QLFlWxKB0XKOVMvhgRKsTrL2C-MjD7Iazxs6lQ1GVVs/s1600/10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G6XIDeyp1EdSB1R67VldmsDAe1sgaqdVogDDBxKPQaVv4E9Rptwk15P3k_mONf92Mf1MSnSsIqqiNtd2PQ9tIN-F20NRros-QLFlWxKB0XKOVMvhgRKsTrL2C-MjD7Iazxs6lQ1GVVs/s1600/10.png" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jafar from Aladdin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtex2tFR118NQQbrWGwAgBz45ol6U-m1xQxaSu2G8l_Ng_EmdWYGmaFEv6c4_ZswvcmFXuBc7oeX3UJCPOMSmUBFavFUZC0uKxWBde7uJHAyelZzBPfM_oG9nLJmd03CxDApuPJyPtO4/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtex2tFR118NQQbrWGwAgBz45ol6U-m1xQxaSu2G8l_Ng_EmdWYGmaFEv6c4_ZswvcmFXuBc7oeX3UJCPOMSmUBFavFUZC0uKxWBde7uJHAyelZzBPfM_oG9nLJmd03CxDApuPJyPtO4/s1600/11.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWEYpZqu3lqncLgtzTs2zClkiJKv69o5Aou98UZJ8ZNe24hMdWBXZ0KOCU09ucSOxNiVVicwgdofzNRW_iccszjLtG_Q0HV6wPayn_GzJKSsbDbu2hV8tDGt_5l2ywAnLUSdfCuE6zJU/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWEYpZqu3lqncLgtzTs2zClkiJKv69o5Aou98UZJ8ZNe24hMdWBXZ0KOCU09ucSOxNiVVicwgdofzNRW_iccszjLtG_Q0HV6wPayn_GzJKSsbDbu2hV8tDGt_5l2ywAnLUSdfCuE6zJU/s1600/12.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaston from Beauty and the Beast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdMN6l0U3bpXhfUa6KrOjLXAEsadAIzuHS0CxDSGyx9P7_yZJKbO7tz3pf0qwX6wb2cp-Y4kVIa-knhJn_rnpwn0R7w6RR73VOK38BI0fd4yyenmQsd_wex0v6w6U1kGUdDi_tOICceo/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdMN6l0U3bpXhfUa6KrOjLXAEsadAIzuHS0CxDSGyx9P7_yZJKbO7tz3pf0qwX6wb2cp-Y4kVIa-knhJn_rnpwn0R7w6RR73VOK38BI0fd4yyenmQsd_wex0v6w6U1kGUdDi_tOICceo/s1600/13.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foulfellow and Gideon from Pinocchio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPagl5CsaXNiPyGl9Nz6OxLmT7lulxBKj2sef3-4HFilXLc58T6mQ-uxHFK1ybdM-f-gWwIKcXAaXg0Tp1Jz_L99Aru4QlMg7RWuhXmi_WDYv0wYa-nr5t496hLP_BxXvym5ADaiuauYA/s1600/14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPagl5CsaXNiPyGl9Nz6OxLmT7lulxBKj2sef3-4HFilXLc58T6mQ-uxHFK1ybdM-f-gWwIKcXAaXg0Tp1Jz_L99Aru4QlMg7RWuhXmi_WDYv0wYa-nr5t496hLP_BxXvym5ADaiuauYA/s1600/14.png" height="348" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother Gotheil from Tangled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6Wo6VQyJIeigb6P2mJ0nHW0O5dDUsUc0ajtv_vXB73hGajNXysbUqmP7VXzxZBzottDS_5hRKnsUadeYL7nnz8Jz4lRqCiHd4do9kTLdMTKYve9c3yjCExj6KgMvYF-Sx6VX76Pp6V8/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6Wo6VQyJIeigb6P2mJ0nHW0O5dDUsUc0ajtv_vXB73hGajNXysbUqmP7VXzxZBzottDS_5hRKnsUadeYL7nnz8Jz4lRqCiHd4do9kTLdMTKYve9c3yjCExj6KgMvYF-Sx6VX76Pp6V8/s1600/15.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doctor Facilier from The Princess and the Frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBDu2AO8dyuG-q_w2M4LUcgqhAcL1NGGof0K_5P0Xk3oGXXMR3vg00_IzK-Js3hRc_dh42kpzqbmPiWOVpZhYvIj8sKKFOuaxQpYocL1JC8LL3lsmUqVT2ZuSTcQRqqOVLzF7alFgcFE/s1600/16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBDu2AO8dyuG-q_w2M4LUcgqhAcL1NGGof0K_5P0Xk3oGXXMR3vg00_IzK-Js3hRc_dh42kpzqbmPiWOVpZhYvIj8sKKFOuaxQpYocL1JC8LL3lsmUqVT2ZuSTcQRqqOVLzF7alFgcFE/s1600/16.png" height="343" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnBmY95tJhwwQ8uYoIP4R-aEi6WuMkd2eWzl-W41ntXGfCt9O008AtK_DBFGX8pnRU29x2tyIq9C5WFYAcBGnPqOZvLPGm0vlwJuyHhnHdStOcmdZ_JJG8_jWaSIdwb-7one87H3OBwc/s1600/17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnBmY95tJhwwQ8uYoIP4R-aEi6WuMkd2eWzl-W41ntXGfCt9O008AtK_DBFGX8pnRU29x2tyIq9C5WFYAcBGnPqOZvLPGm0vlwJuyHhnHdStOcmdZ_JJG8_jWaSIdwb-7one87H3OBwc/s1600/17.png" height="335" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame Medusa from The Rescuer's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZO3hrZBtPWqb4EHIK-amyMgbDFFEdMgysAQZxc30yMWU5XkMrflvYvVI3bwfDPRW2gdaD_qmTtZ9C_vtcG1WJRsF9jo2IESG0xi1awTMrcWZzZlukNoa0VaIs70KpN7ez5rbGfMOCm8/s1600/18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZO3hrZBtPWqb4EHIK-amyMgbDFFEdMgysAQZxc30yMWU5XkMrflvYvVI3bwfDPRW2gdaD_qmTtZ9C_vtcG1WJRsF9jo2IESG0xi1awTMrcWZzZlukNoa0VaIs70KpN7ez5rbGfMOCm8/s1600/18.png" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prince John from Robin Hood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_sXm2xtfl-1CQutWFNeLJ0dO8Ey3MVOQTsWYCP0-F-85MJfDZ5W0uqDLFy2b-B7_FMDE-AZuAMc2G_csaxw-xddWZ8BPLorwFmhVaxdROvrcy95HXCAvKV0bobMt4bffj0ACmHB_cjI/s1600/19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_sXm2xtfl-1CQutWFNeLJ0dO8Ey3MVOQTsWYCP0-F-85MJfDZ5W0uqDLFy2b-B7_FMDE-AZuAMc2G_csaxw-xddWZ8BPLorwFmhVaxdROvrcy95HXCAvKV0bobMt4bffj0ACmHB_cjI/s1600/19.png" height="338" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scar from The Lion King</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-64303761941966313472014-05-12T14:41:00.002+01:002014-05-12T14:41:50.015+01:00Botanics Shine Away Face Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi57NJGLtVYlPfuN54VI4_7CUahpfqwW-Ub7hGB4ENA98ViNbnIlfSMFzNO1C6fnpku5-YwRS_6XpMs0ym3x3Y6polHh0WjDYe8xILUj-ojmd8yHZoQFWK-EgCTm5DiYnZ6JHKWh9G8k/s1600/botanics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi57NJGLtVYlPfuN54VI4_7CUahpfqwW-Ub7hGB4ENA98ViNbnIlfSMFzNO1C6fnpku5-YwRS_6XpMs0ym3x3Y6polHh0WjDYe8xILUj-ojmd8yHZoQFWK-EgCTm5DiYnZ6JHKWh9G8k/s1600/botanics.JPG" height="640" width="630" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know when you find a product you really fall in love with and you want to shout it from the rooftops?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OK, you might not all be as mad as I am, but when I like something...I like it a lot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently came across the Ionic Clay Mask from the Botanics range in Boots and remembering reading about it on some of my favourite blogs, I decided to give it a go. I haven't bought a new face mask in a long time, as I find my skin doesn't always react well to them. I have uber sensitive skin and for some reason, masks always make me either break out or makes my skin go all red and dry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I loved about this mask is the fact that 1) it doesn't break the bank (it comes in at under £6) 2) you only need to use it once a week and 3) there were not a lot of nasties in the ingredients.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I picked up a tube and trotted home, where I used it in the evening after removing my make up and cleansing with the normal Bioderma and Liz Earl Hot Cloth Polish. The instructions recommend applying to clean, dry skin and leaving on for 10 minutes before washing it off. I left it on for slightly less than 10 minutes - right after the clay turned hard and started to crack when I smiled. A quick wash off and my skin was clear, squeaky clean, bright and refreshed! I finished off with my Pixi Glow Tonic and Origins Ginzing moisturiser and was left with very happy, very clean skin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The clay in the mask really draws out impurities and leaves you feeling fresh and clean, without feeling dried out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the first Botanics product I have tried and I really loved it! Have you tried this mask? What are your top budget masks? Enjoy x </div>
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-10874471522868756782014-04-30T15:32:00.001+01:002014-04-30T15:32:11.778+01:00Ewww...What's Wrong With Your Finger?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisekz3bCYbzooORHflM1XUs50HhKzcoJgILkB0ul5lhss8acfk2sZ-yXBc3ConItYOJe-Bpem2d8VJc0EPY2ZplAuLepC_5J24lQrUMaSYxyPARkxE-tSOfo72otCsqh1RvJuhV7lGQ4o/s1600/IMG_20140429_160229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisekz3bCYbzooORHflM1XUs50HhKzcoJgILkB0ul5lhss8acfk2sZ-yXBc3ConItYOJe-Bpem2d8VJc0EPY2ZplAuLepC_5J24lQrUMaSYxyPARkxE-tSOfo72otCsqh1RvJuhV7lGQ4o/s1600/IMG_20140429_160229.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We all have things about our bodies that we would like to change...too fat, too thin, chunky thighs, a wonky nose, whatever it is...we all have our hang ups. There are things we can change and things we can't change, and I have something that I had always wanted to change but couldn't, that I have finally accepted.<br />
<br />
It's not a big deal at all...in fact, most people don't notice it unless they look right at it, but I have a misshapen finger. The middle finger on my left hand looks a little weird. This goes way back to when I was under 2 years old and my brother accidentally trapped my finger in the bathroom door. My finger came right off and was hanging by a tiny bit of skin. My poor mum freaked out and luckily, our neighbour at the time was a doctor, so we were rushed to hospital and my finger was reattached.<br />
<br />
Fast forward a few years and the top of my finger is now kind of bumpy and instead of a single nail, the nail bed was permanently damaged and it now grows as four nails, with two layers overlapping each other. When I was little, kids noticed and I was embarrassed by it, I mean, it does look odd. Although when people asked to see it, I had to literally give them the finger...which always kind of felt good!<br />
<br />
Since I started becoming more interested with all things make-up, beauty and fashion, I have become a pro at disguising it as best as possible with nail varnish...another reason why I have so many bottles in my collection! I never really get manicures, because firstly it hurts when they file that nail and secondly, I always think it looks more obvious, whereas I have developed the knack for it.<br />
<br />
I have thought in the past about getting cosmetic surgery on it, but I've come to accept my weird looking finger. It's a part of me and even in my wedding and engagement photos, I didn't try to hide it when close up pictures were taken of the rings. After having several surgeries in the past, I don't see the point in going through something traumatic and painful if it's not a necessity.<br />
<br />
Over the years, my wonky finger has been joined by a scar on my lower back, due to spinal surgery and more recently, my "crooked smile" C section scar thanks to Elijah's traumatic birth. These are all things, which make my body and along with a bunch of stretchmarks from pregnancy, make my body mine. Would I change them if I could? Maybe. But they are me and me ain't that bad ;o)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwedV8CObWJB6BTnLxbvBeSjTcUe4bU_5CPdT-xfYv2phm-Z_mZNcDq4xT-IKC6LqlWTwQVPdChyRBICbFJvz1dPLjD04HYDcAAjyIUlR3Yt17CC_W1TI9sOM-AxcvSoDTz7wxsCOvyQ/s1600/DSC_1702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwedV8CObWJB6BTnLxbvBeSjTcUe4bU_5CPdT-xfYv2phm-Z_mZNcDq4xT-IKC6LqlWTwQVPdChyRBICbFJvz1dPLjD04HYDcAAjyIUlR3Yt17CC_W1TI9sOM-AxcvSoDTz7wxsCOvyQ/s1600/DSC_1702.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR50b5zOhh55mq0dX7EJo6jTglwoXE8d1Nuk3VCCbpitd9hyphenhyphenMzhsJviKXU6H3OHGa26YZ01tuGXSzsFHbMVWPGcSOqxhmL7NysCSzjf19Chyphenhyphenc3JpXZ3wUYyQl9pXl8mGnofm2StfFjzM/s1600/DSC_1704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR50b5zOhh55mq0dX7EJo6jTglwoXE8d1Nuk3VCCbpitd9hyphenhyphenMzhsJviKXU6H3OHGa26YZ01tuGXSzsFHbMVWPGcSOqxhmL7NysCSzjf19Chyphenhyphenc3JpXZ3wUYyQl9pXl8mGnofm2StfFjzM/s1600/DSC_1704.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-37656339058301682152014-04-18T11:38:00.001+01:002014-04-18T11:38:28.606+01:00A Jar Full of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCul4tagcUAVk1Zf2llaNQokcUoGdamBzPO6QZShO-GvLXIs-Z9S4jBk6l82rTn_vjzS-PnwHnQgS1vehG2kvL_Hi6c_tF7N7OUWKmZArQlRdEkDr_7d1aij_gs2Zp0Llw27xxap3jBw/s1600/DSC_1661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCul4tagcUAVk1Zf2llaNQokcUoGdamBzPO6QZShO-GvLXIs-Z9S4jBk6l82rTn_vjzS-PnwHnQgS1vehG2kvL_Hi6c_tF7N7OUWKmZArQlRdEkDr_7d1aij_gs2Zp0Llw27xxap3jBw/s1600/DSC_1661.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
It was my friend Sarah's birthday last week and I wanted to make her something special, as it was a bit of a milestone birthday!<br />
<br />
You might remember Sarah got me a gorgeous, personalised Nails Inc nail varnish, which I posted about <a href="http://belleoftheballfashion.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/nails-inc-couture.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I remember reading a post by Becky from Milk Bubble Tea, where she created recipe, where a whole cake (rainbow coloured at that) was mixed and baked in a glass jar. I loved the idea of creating something lovely in a jar that I decided that was the way to go with Sarah's birthday present.<br />
<br />
Like me, Sarah is a huge fan of beauty products. We have had many a conversation and many a Boots trip involving lipsticks, mascaras and beauty balms, oh my! So, I decided to make Sarah a jar of beauty!<br />
<br />
First I went to Cargo and picked up a Kilner jar. These are those rustic looking jars with the clip latch, which look lovely in a country style kitchen. They are not the cheapest (between £3-£4 a jar) but they look so pretty! I then headed to Poundland and picked up a bag of iridescent scatter stuff and mini eggs. The pretty sparkly stuff is perfect for lining your jar and making it look like a a jar full of magic and sparkle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-HpqW6Fxor-l_YMeNMf9jNLbI0cYwbt9qa8O5xYIcI_sKNmf49Rknk_ln8icAYRE6hQPeVG2T2SWzTgpFKUnI1o1Zdk12m3gSW9XM1-IgbX41Nf6yh4n1fqJNO59JWKQ5iRKCOJCX8Y/s1600/DSC_1654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-HpqW6Fxor-l_YMeNMf9jNLbI0cYwbt9qa8O5xYIcI_sKNmf49Rknk_ln8icAYRE6hQPeVG2T2SWzTgpFKUnI1o1Zdk12m3gSW9XM1-IgbX41Nf6yh4n1fqJNO59JWKQ5iRKCOJCX8Y/s1600/DSC_1654.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVu_zdxvPDSVqQrrjtTQLNpaFbRVsVEUU2pf8RXZEzP_D5FwB3mBDL9FxCW8BzqK_rkco2ZkowPteWz6I-XjFtgJN_DfPz0ZNURF_e3O30s4AtgLGzFG_eCXe5NRE9L7APtb3AJs7SE8/s1600/DSC_1655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVu_zdxvPDSVqQrrjtTQLNpaFbRVsVEUU2pf8RXZEzP_D5FwB3mBDL9FxCW8BzqK_rkco2ZkowPteWz6I-XjFtgJN_DfPz0ZNURF_e3O30s4AtgLGzFG_eCXe5NRE9L7APtb3AJs7SE8/s1600/DSC_1655.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I then headed to Boots and Superdrug and picked up a load of lovely beauty things like nail varnishes, Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm, vintage looking nail files, a face mask and a few other bits.<br />
<br />
The next step was to line the jar with the sparkly stuff and then arrange the items in the jar. I carefully placed them in, as I wanted you to be able to see what was actually in there. Then I scattered the mini chocolate eggs in the jar to fill up any spaces...and because girls need chocolate...fact!<br />
<br />
The finished result looked so pretty and I was so excited to give it to Sarah! It went down very well and I have already started planning the next jar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DCaNo1TEVoE_om55pj2I5AyDUkgZzCyeibOqJYPJo_Moc0TNjxSG77qAQzyvDN4CnplXS2HTAyRX22a1jcHM3M8C9CpqvUkAV34UDGrx-lKsQI91Miwn655jUH05sjVufgJTaoyPSSY/s1600/DSC_1656-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DCaNo1TEVoE_om55pj2I5AyDUkgZzCyeibOqJYPJo_Moc0TNjxSG77qAQzyvDN4CnplXS2HTAyRX22a1jcHM3M8C9CpqvUkAV34UDGrx-lKsQI91Miwn655jUH05sjVufgJTaoyPSSY/s1600/DSC_1656-1.jpg" height="640" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I3ZiATnfyemRVb4U5SqPw2ngCfYBEBalcCaaDttnwlHSvbWN5Zts6QaCGiL7KUYMcm8B81mK5-ByRUnafNJ9O7XRrM8xjrFXZvH8rXHTQRE1lDyhzXpMpNraKs0xQGMwCKJw7w6k7dA/s1600/DSC_1660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I3ZiATnfyemRVb4U5SqPw2ngCfYBEBalcCaaDttnwlHSvbWN5Zts6QaCGiL7KUYMcm8B81mK5-ByRUnafNJ9O7XRrM8xjrFXZvH8rXHTQRE1lDyhzXpMpNraKs0xQGMwCKJw7w6k7dA/s1600/DSC_1660.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
The best thing about them is that you can spend as much or as little as you want on them and make them completely personal to the person you're giving them to.<br />
<br />
What do you think of this gift idea? Would you give it a go? Enjoy x<br />
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-39342832278476199462014-04-11T19:08:00.001+01:002014-04-11T19:08:10.751+01:00My Favourite Lipstick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU90itKuI1e0gr-f0GGLhvI5V9-ulr0FBiKeI8ykHP8SA2Wd_gw0B8c-_U_ZMwIfeNKPFzABZgrtPTC_-s_9E7dlkzhtiN478c1K-p8ZwczJTynPQqNgO8a3NXICXMC-OoIBvQs9ctiE0/s1600/DSC_1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU90itKuI1e0gr-f0GGLhvI5V9-ulr0FBiKeI8ykHP8SA2Wd_gw0B8c-_U_ZMwIfeNKPFzABZgrtPTC_-s_9E7dlkzhtiN478c1K-p8ZwczJTynPQqNgO8a3NXICXMC-OoIBvQs9ctiE0/s1600/DSC_1663.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I am a bit of a lipstick obsessive.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, actually strike that...I am a bit of a make-up obsessive (or lotions and potions as my hubby affectionately calls them).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With that being said, over the years I have bought a lot...and I mean A LOT of lipsticks. And not just lipsticks; lip balms, lip glosses, lip lacquers, lip stains. I mean, when I last emptied out my current bag of choice, I had 12...I repeat 12 lipsticks flying around loose in my bag. That does not include the ones in my make-up bag or lip balms and glosses.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So yes, I like lipsticks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's taken me a good long while to find a favourite among favourites. One, which really stands out from the rest and one, which if it was discontinued, I would die a little bit inside. After my love affair with Kate Moss's Number 3 from Rimmel, Notting Hill Nude from Rimmel and Syrup and Up the Amp from MAC, I have finally found THE one.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMsf0C1fHzmPOLwviH27uD6n1pX0478qNER_mWGEs2T1Z2-IfrMT6GHRkzd37fG7NoVYnht0DgPH2PIFLxou5NdOI4pihT1KJKOiMsatpUrMmmXkYesEPp1VoDwIQwYbpIrV-QX5lvO0/s1600/DSC_1662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMsf0C1fHzmPOLwviH27uD6n1pX0478qNER_mWGEs2T1Z2-IfrMT6GHRkzd37fG7NoVYnht0DgPH2PIFLxou5NdOI4pihT1KJKOiMsatpUrMmmXkYesEPp1VoDwIQwYbpIrV-QX5lvO0/s1600/DSC_1662.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_FolMOjmruGgKZZTAMO6x1pEFbUq6KwfR56NLKTJ2OA9rSobufhL3_yj3rDEdu-JLW8mKea5d29gZgAVcBAYVKzgPDxZOXD84DNdN3dmh8p-GQ-GjLTPr9POZ-T4RolAnj-umS1hMZ0/s1600/DSC_1664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_FolMOjmruGgKZZTAMO6x1pEFbUq6KwfR56NLKTJ2OA9rSobufhL3_yj3rDEdu-JLW8mKea5d29gZgAVcBAYVKzgPDxZOXD84DNdN3dmh8p-GQ-GjLTPr9POZ-T4RolAnj-umS1hMZ0/s1600/DSC_1664.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Drum roll please...Pink Truffle from Revlon. It is a Revlon Lip Butter shade and the consistency of these lip butters is so soft and creamy, it feels like a moisturising salve but the pigment is that of a lipstick. And the shade. Well, the bullet is a sort of pinkish nude, with a glossy finish, but when I apply it onto my lips, all hint of pink disappears and I am left with a beautiful, subtle mocha tinged nude.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqqUZAWtoXOksv0IenakSSg9lavkF6n3VpufTZ2sEr1ZAVUBb3HcFnCGybqm3kGGdd0SLadk0jg0ht5C_UDhVW3YaVBmRjckFmjl7WwotE2dOjxfp7Gw3uZlug5m-Q4jZI-yKzMiz18c/s1600/DSC_1667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqqUZAWtoXOksv0IenakSSg9lavkF6n3VpufTZ2sEr1ZAVUBb3HcFnCGybqm3kGGdd0SLadk0jg0ht5C_UDhVW3YaVBmRjckFmjl7WwotE2dOjxfp7Gw3uZlug5m-Q4jZI-yKzMiz18c/s1600/DSC_1667.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oA0HJ2g1rXewPZkQKtaWLhSWJ5I19u7CJrH2ucP9sArg9SyewrNhkvQZa3TrBU70bvGmMXGQCSe7n_bCrWELyOFl4M-3Vca7MO9kTqJ0e5PNKRac_5eA2udf0DlevaxBp-YdKT9vgKM/s1600/DSC_1668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oA0HJ2g1rXewPZkQKtaWLhSWJ5I19u7CJrH2ucP9sArg9SyewrNhkvQZa3TrBU70bvGmMXGQCSe7n_bCrWELyOFl4M-3Vca7MO9kTqJ0e5PNKRac_5eA2udf0DlevaxBp-YdKT9vgKM/s1600/DSC_1668.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is so wearable and lasts ages. It goes with whatever make-up or outfit I choose and looks gorgeous day or night. It suits my skin tone and hair colour so well, and for me is my Holy Grail of lipsticks.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy04SEp7que8gi9dkGuwYbCooOU-8e4yIg_SQeC2sppgnjKI9KT6PDh79NRpzX3WwN9i_-lhIJkEnPdlf9eOvsZr3i3BUWWHQtn639mveT0062oK0Bj0sqsN4q42Vre-pQzugFo8Mws-A/s1600/DSC_1676-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy04SEp7que8gi9dkGuwYbCooOU-8e4yIg_SQeC2sppgnjKI9KT6PDh79NRpzX3WwN9i_-lhIJkEnPdlf9eOvsZr3i3BUWWHQtn639mveT0062oK0Bj0sqsN4q42Vre-pQzugFo8Mws-A/s1600/DSC_1676-1.jpg" height="400" width="325" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there you go! Have you tried Pink Truffle or any of the Lip Butters? What's your ultimate lipstick?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy x </div>
Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-60461398690198963172014-04-03T10:35:00.001+01:002014-04-03T10:35:16.883+01:00New Discovery - SilkFred.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love finding out about a new fashion hotspot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was browsing on Facebook early this morning, when a link shared by a friend caught my eye. The website was called <a href="http://silkfred.com/">SilkFred.com</a> and the images being advertised were of a gorgeous black jumpsuit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I love me a jumpsuit and this one was perfect! Harem style trousers, V neck and very slouchy. I immediately visited the website, without really looking into it too much and purchased the jumpsuit in black and in a blue tropical print. I couldn't pick between the two and at under £40, I thought, get both, see if they look good, if they do put them away for the summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I made the purchase, I then started to browse around the rest of the website. I was so impressed with the unique collection of designers, that I clicked on the "About Us" page. SilkFred.com are basically a website dedicated to scouting out the best untapped and newly emerging fashion designers. Their collection of designers are so cutting edge, I hadn't really heard of many of them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can browse the online boutiques of these rising stars of the fashion industry, who's collections are all hand selected by the SilkFred.com team. The designers are a mixed bunch of trend-makers, each with their own brand concept. They are sourced at London Fashion Week, graduate showcases and shows and launch pad style initiatives. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've put three of my favourite designers below; Never Fully Dressed, Dancing Leopard and Vaccine. Their collections really caught my eye and I'll be sure to keep visiting the website to see which new and exciting designers they recruit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you visited SilkFred.com before? What do you think of the concept? Enjoy x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkZ5zo1grj6yU_OGK1EMAdmZRFGPtQ83TTjtn0K20EUywJ6ek5Rca93C9vqk-JnvxCM0CEmj_7wJmw3GHcm-xwer7v6I0PK71zcoR69iyoeTFFlHbsztsSmQ0FUUvEJ79R8_jUQCDVuI/s1600/silfred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkZ5zo1grj6yU_OGK1EMAdmZRFGPtQ83TTjtn0K20EUywJ6ek5Rca93C9vqk-JnvxCM0CEmj_7wJmw3GHcm-xwer7v6I0PK71zcoR69iyoeTFFlHbsztsSmQ0FUUvEJ79R8_jUQCDVuI/s1600/silfred.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-53801184285214442912014-03-22T21:47:00.004+00:002014-03-22T21:47:27.886+00:00Statement TeeI've never really been a Tee kinda gal (tea yes, t-shirt, no!)<br />
<br />
I get why people like them, they are comfy and easy to chuck on with a pair of jeans etc...but they've never really been...well...me. That has changed a bit recently. As I've lost a little bit of weight and have a new very short pixie crop, I decided to break out of my comfort zone of tights and dresses and invest in some jeans. Skinny jeans to be precise. After a bit of research on the old blogosphere, I decided to try the Topshop Leigh jeans, as there are a lot of rave reviews about how flattering yet soft and comfy they are...a must for me!<br />
<br />
I picked up a pair in dark blue and quickly fell in love. I then went back and repurchased a pair in black and grey and am trying very hard not to get any other colours just yet, as I still want to shift a few more lbs!<br />
<br />
Anyway, now that I have some suitable jeans, the t-shirt seemed a necessity. Just as well really as they are everywhere, and I mean everywhere this season! The humble Tee has exploded onto the high street for SS14 and everything from subtle prints to vibrant slogans goes. Primark have an amazing, huuuuuuge selection but I had spotted a couple in River Island, which I wanted to get my hands on.<br />
<br />
The first is a simple white slogan Tee, featuring the slogan "Tres Vogue Madam." Yes it's a bit of a naff slogan, but I really like it...fashiony without being too in your face. I've already worn this with faux leather joggers and my Leigh skinnies, and a blazer and it looks fab.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW-bonMkt86eqgeQmByQNWvYwdbibjeXDTl2O6DzafKES-Cnjgpk9zVbj0DaogHT1khswe0UwJOuDTdgqv5GSkt1FfQCTxXkh2LJ9vPazj2-2-KifCisXa450FRgIa5QQpQi_oQZXAzc/s1600/tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW-bonMkt86eqgeQmByQNWvYwdbibjeXDTl2O6DzafKES-Cnjgpk9zVbj0DaogHT1khswe0UwJOuDTdgqv5GSkt1FfQCTxXkh2LJ9vPazj2-2-KifCisXa450FRgIa5QQpQi_oQZXAzc/s1600/tee.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The second is a nice black tee with the slogan "Little Black T shirt." Again, so simple yet so effective. I've been wearing this with my grey skinnies and cut-out boots and in the summer, I'm planning on pairing it with a super girly skirt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7gQ6vu4ikRuga2AWb9Ex3ZHCHcGBQLklMZIVowcrxoQsWdHQ7eiS-AKmRVQZ5XGDt2GWYomlkAh7dzEIUn49b5x8IDXmQ9NXTj5Tm_Suh1Mxz9T3o6zpwPTFK9sVYgDvPZwdSVrZOgc/s1600/tee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7gQ6vu4ikRuga2AWb9Ex3ZHCHcGBQLklMZIVowcrxoQsWdHQ7eiS-AKmRVQZ5XGDt2GWYomlkAh7dzEIUn49b5x8IDXmQ9NXTj5Tm_Suh1Mxz9T3o6zpwPTFK9sVYgDvPZwdSVrZOgc/s1600/tee2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked up both tops in a size 14, as I wanted them to be baggy. However, the style is already quite oversized, so a 12 would have been plenty baggy enough! They both have little rolled-up sleeves, which gives them a cool James Dean kind of vibe.<br />
<br />
What do you think of this season's must have statement T? Are they your cup of tea?! (sorry, couldn't resist!) Enjoy x<br />
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-24589540493218772292014-03-10T22:21:00.000+00:002014-03-10T22:21:00.974+00:00The Primark Must-Have Shoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7_Sc6Y_YJvuaWLwsEG7qQgT11JGwvlaIKYOumeRh2FsXVpV13Mxmt922-mid4of_a7-0f9AV5v5vGuZ9drHpAjZM-aHBYrBk7snPKrXrtgutFvAzt0PFtvZY25Bqn9yjMTzQn7ho66A/s1600/DSC_1518-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7_Sc6Y_YJvuaWLwsEG7qQgT11JGwvlaIKYOumeRh2FsXVpV13Mxmt922-mid4of_a7-0f9AV5v5vGuZ9drHpAjZM-aHBYrBk7snPKrXrtgutFvAzt0PFtvZY25Bqn9yjMTzQn7ho66A/s1600/DSC_1518-1.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a little blitz around Primark the other day, as I needed a few essentials...socks, tights, knickers, cotton pads etc, and as I was there, I thought it would be a crime not to have a quick look at the clothes and shoes!<br />
<br />
After snatching up a slogan tee, a couple of cami's and a pair of tapered, silky khaki trousers, I stumbled into the shoe section. My local Primark has had a bit of a makeover, and looking through the shoes is so much easier now. I am really into the whole cut-out look with shoes and boots at the moment. I think they work so well for winter, summer and in between seasons. I've picked up a couple of pairs from River Island recently, but I really wanted a more light weight pair for the summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy0cASWrFH6r5Fr6ME9_yYCrkJrfLnMmypx8BB-lpMRq2Qjtx-b8MC8UZpWAUTeolUpyhOhNPYJBF31gHt9eUPOYxT1C7cb9dFrVYOlvhI0GQ7bAyNx6y3XE8v1-gted3p7CT9wtneTU/s1600/DSC_1520-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy0cASWrFH6r5Fr6ME9_yYCrkJrfLnMmypx8BB-lpMRq2Qjtx-b8MC8UZpWAUTeolUpyhOhNPYJBF31gHt9eUPOYxT1C7cb9dFrVYOlvhI0GQ7bAyNx6y3XE8v1-gted3p7CT9wtneTU/s1600/DSC_1520-1.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then I spotted them. A little block heel, strappy and cut-out effect. Not just one pair...but three...black, white and tan. It was love at first sight and it was also inevitable that they would all end up in my basket. Well, at £14 a pair, it would have been rude to leave a pair! (forgive the exclusion of the white pair in the photos).<br />
<br />
I absolutely love them and predict that these will be my go to shoes this spring and summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfzP-25LSUM_l6SBE2ta5cCJ5pfMkL3Y6nx2V6vax8xbxn0C3p03UPtrrTXzDlmcg-sroydmT2iMAkr1h3sGdkw84BivGJWgUwXSoR-MFObDXmVZRh5khUcs9tsjNKythLlsRO-6VE2k/s1600/DSC_1522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfzP-25LSUM_l6SBE2ta5cCJ5pfMkL3Y6nx2V6vax8xbxn0C3p03UPtrrTXzDlmcg-sroydmT2iMAkr1h3sGdkw84BivGJWgUwXSoR-MFObDXmVZRh5khUcs9tsjNKythLlsRO-6VE2k/s1600/DSC_1522.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmX7Wvjg-DsO1_OsRTDYojEFC5fZLsmOq1ngLmvosPotq1UyejcZ9jq8x9UQsWVuezb8RYP5hl67thGeqxLrV8hS4V6WccUKo5F8S-C_JCl3Pq0klRqVONFhxMKQhstOztLb4iPd1GHM/s1600/DSC_1519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmX7Wvjg-DsO1_OsRTDYojEFC5fZLsmOq1ngLmvosPotq1UyejcZ9jq8x9UQsWVuezb8RYP5hl67thGeqxLrV8hS4V6WccUKo5F8S-C_JCl3Pq0klRqVONFhxMKQhstOztLb4iPd1GHM/s1600/DSC_1519.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What do you think of these shoes? Will you be rocking the cut-out look this season? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-44052835318502489462014-03-08T14:04:00.001+00:002014-03-08T14:04:33.813+00:00Naked Palette Dupes by MUA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzan6psW77ntoU2OBASiSUJI5IIb1Z4Spmwm83g0hJ9OEpQnjCufANYYrRmpq-BP2xIb4ktmxFuVGwrbHT9WQru_BGsgpawYmZSlVf0ic0666_GpSkBhwvqEQyg9hoK1b3qI4ppNv8Sr8/s1600/DSC_1502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzan6psW77ntoU2OBASiSUJI5IIb1Z4Spmwm83g0hJ9OEpQnjCufANYYrRmpq-BP2xIb4ktmxFuVGwrbHT9WQru_BGsgpawYmZSlVf0ic0666_GpSkBhwvqEQyg9hoK1b3qI4ppNv8Sr8/s1600/DSC_1502.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
OK, so maybe I have been hiding under a rock but the last couple of years with the pregnancy and the baby, the "It" beauty must have kind of rolled past me with nothing more than a vague sigh of longing from me.<br />
<br />
Now that I have a new job starting very soon and the baby is almost a year old (can you believe it?!) I have been slowly getting back into the make up, beauty and fashion loving Claire Belle of old. So in the last three months, my make up collection has been joined by all three of the much lusted after Naked Palettes by Urban Decay.<br />
<br />
Now, at £37, these are not a cheap addition to any collection, but, boy are they worth it! I actually worked my way backwards and started with number 3 and after a couple of months of testing, I would say number 1 is my favourite. Now, I saved for these bad boys, but if the thought of spending over £100 on 3 palettes makes you cringe slightly, then do I have a treat for you!<br />
<br />
When I was schmoozing on the high street the other day, I wandered into my local Superdrug and have a looksee at the make up. I never normally check out MUA but I just fancied having a look on that particular day and I was very happy that I did. Lining up smartly on the MUA counter were three palettes, which made me stop in my tracks. OK, so the packaging was not as impressive as the Urban Decay numbers, but the similarities in the colour shades was amazing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qFhwQ0hfi3-Og4rdhMRmrXxVzqSU4fi2lYAjqHFaW4gXYqEng6WLxwcjby48yt9BpDqKz5bKuvGXraqP9FxlwNG-HgDYcG_vhuycZpVNoScrdwxFk3wkyq1oWzOcH_ajaJG2LxDa1Xw/s1600/DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qFhwQ0hfi3-Og4rdhMRmrXxVzqSU4fi2lYAjqHFaW4gXYqEng6WLxwcjby48yt9BpDqKz5bKuvGXraqP9FxlwNG-HgDYcG_vhuycZpVNoScrdwxFk3wkyq1oWzOcH_ajaJG2LxDa1Xw/s1600/DSC_1499.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Undressed - £4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyfPko8RBZ5JUNNNrJhmE0JCzXy_Ig96B7WshTHmGY5jWLDl52-mWr2RFcj5q0nTXS-gjArNrP6XDo02ScZrusI76j_SFZ2YjeNlV5TFSl70xm0oOw_JCmZh4krsBr78PLw1DBT7vtwE/s1600/DSC_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyfPko8RBZ5JUNNNrJhmE0JCzXy_Ig96B7WshTHmGY5jWLDl52-mWr2RFcj5q0nTXS-gjArNrP6XDo02ScZrusI76j_SFZ2YjeNlV5TFSl70xm0oOw_JCmZh4krsBr78PLw1DBT7vtwE/s1600/DSC_1500.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaven and Earth - £4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tcyT5kZ-LxudV51vtTrzRXt02gmWRvTipaK82Ojo0LePiHOAUkQ6d4q3vwe8Cot2xDSGLTa-ag06pAOY6rSpIzZVNYtjBxhQkvvi1n4XgoXxuK5ZOHuDxlYNwCuGt9IHxmaMolX5qkI/s1600/DSC_1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tcyT5kZ-LxudV51vtTrzRXt02gmWRvTipaK82Ojo0LePiHOAUkQ6d4q3vwe8Cot2xDSGLTa-ag06pAOY6rSpIzZVNYtjBxhQkvvi1n4XgoXxuK5ZOHuDxlYNwCuGt9IHxmaMolX5qkI/s1600/DSC_1501.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Undress Me Too - £4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Introducing Undressed, Undress Me Too and Heaven and Earth...the gorgeous 12 shade palettes from MUA. Featuring a selection of matte and shimmer nude and natural shades, these palettes were just begging to go into my basket and at £4 each (yes...£4 each!!!) I really could not resist. I really can't get over the price tag on these palettes, so I was expecting the quality to be a bit meh. Again, I was wrong. With the right eye shadow primer, these shadows are buttery soft and stay put with hardly any creasing. They blend together so well and the colour selection works so well in creating subtle or bold smokey eyes, with shades for highlighting, contouring and deepening.<br />
<br />
It's taking some time to get through 36 shades, but if you are lusting after the Naked Palettes but can't justify the price tag, then I cannot recommend these MUA beauties highly enough.<br />
<br />
Have you tried these palettes? What do you think of them? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-70880364796587129902014-03-01T12:41:00.000+00:002014-03-01T12:41:36.113+00:00Anthropologie Whipped Cream and Pears Candle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXBJGo3oIFPn9_Hhf7BnwqtlAN9DhFS_ZQth3MiXCWUjeF9Uc7WSLG01pOofQLJM-cQjGYcF5IITQWIHGdC2sGG6QTY0pm4y48tVq-ap4agtUew5kvQ1TNFxgvYRX9HhciUdZMJDF8C0/s1600/DSC_1453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXBJGo3oIFPn9_Hhf7BnwqtlAN9DhFS_ZQth3MiXCWUjeF9Uc7WSLG01pOofQLJM-cQjGYcF5IITQWIHGdC2sGG6QTY0pm4y48tVq-ap4agtUew5kvQ1TNFxgvYRX9HhciUdZMJDF8C0/s1600/DSC_1453.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I am a huge candle fan. Whenever I have a birthday or Christmas rolls around, you can be sure that there are several candle requests on my wish list.<br />
<br />
Over the years, I've sampled quite a few different brands and scents and my all time favourite candles come from the beautiful Anthroplogie. To be exact, their Illume Boulangerie range. Not only do the candles smell amazing and look fabulous - they come in gorgeous, vintage French style ceramic screw top jars, but they are a great price. £14 for 40 hours burn time...but I've found they last slightly longer than that. My top fragrances have been the Sweet Vanilla and Cinnamon and Vanilla and Fig...that is until I tried Whipped Cream and Pear last year. A-MAY-ZING! Just the most precious fragrance of fresh pears and sweet cream...sweet but not sickly and makes the whole house smell beautiful.<br />
<br />
I was very excited then when my hubby presented me with a hand wrapped parcel from Anthropologie for our anniversary on the 27th. I opened it up and a HUGE candle fell into my lap. Upon inspection, it was a giant version of the Whipped Cream and Pear candle. The Incremental version of these candles is brand new and twice the size of the original size, giving you 80 hours of amazing burning time. That's a whole lotta goodness. At £24 it is a tenner more expensive than the original, but with double the burn time, I think this is great value for money, especially when you take into account other luxury brands are at least £10 more than this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UfKPog5x-PFOjmava5dgOSSnv3X8ccJlb8k7AXmRgV238jy5BfFgf7a-P88HWmOK1i3QcVUeCHbaCQIRvWG4r8zbBI8cT6tvAx2FsX0eTUy1c1jl0bglIUMlNtLiJwU2hZKH6yF1Qvc/s1600/DSC_1454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UfKPog5x-PFOjmava5dgOSSnv3X8ccJlb8k7AXmRgV238jy5BfFgf7a-P88HWmOK1i3QcVUeCHbaCQIRvWG4r8zbBI8cT6tvAx2FsX0eTUy1c1jl0bglIUMlNtLiJwU2hZKH6yF1Qvc/s1600/DSC_1454.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFM-_AUDoR5P1cuEXWWxHJYMFYZwxhbcq7heLu3-pw-Yo-mH7qHjcRGF80eUqcNIzZKYh-hsM6ceNja5r556ldSY6V4FxJuSdkBAFBufCS8TM6mQbUixVI9aiYk7acjveh9ttWU3QlkA/s1600/DSC_1457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFM-_AUDoR5P1cuEXWWxHJYMFYZwxhbcq7heLu3-pw-Yo-mH7qHjcRGF80eUqcNIzZKYh-hsM6ceNja5r556ldSY6V4FxJuSdkBAFBufCS8TM6mQbUixVI9aiYk7acjveh9ttWU3QlkA/s1600/DSC_1457.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
What do you think of Anthropologie candles? Are you a fan? Enjoy x<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-19966691317627928212014-02-28T12:44:00.005+00:002014-02-28T12:44:41.765+00:00O.P.I Glitter Polish Dupe...From Poundland!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk5bkkKzjq5dI1-QGyGjIB5kAZLv7IWV5XwB1oJRim54vJOgeSc3V5ktlnyO0FvHnRjrRUW7TDddAftMZH-G3XB6JkH6QsjMrKJKXQ7iYLg9zen-YEagtfrxx-cujFHzsINtBXAfqBzU/s1600/DSC_1469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk5bkkKzjq5dI1-QGyGjIB5kAZLv7IWV5XwB1oJRim54vJOgeSc3V5ktlnyO0FvHnRjrRUW7TDddAftMZH-G3XB6JkH6QsjMrKJKXQ7iYLg9zen-YEagtfrxx-cujFHzsINtBXAfqBzU/s1600/DSC_1469.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I love finding a good dupe for a pricey or out of stock product. There is something very satisfying about making a little discovery like this, so I was very excited when I spotted a little something something at my local Poundland the other day.<br />
<br />
Now I'm a huge Poundland fan...I go quite regularly to pick up essentials like baby wipes, cotton wool pads, Wotsits (!) boring kitchen essentials etc. I normally bypass the beauty aisle, as I am very wary of random, unknown brands, especially when it comes to make up and skincare. However, I decided to have a little look, just to see what they had. Amazingly, they actually had nail polishes and eyeshadows from some great drugstore brands - Maybelline, Rimmel and even Sally Hansen. Feeling like a greedy little girl, I grabbed a load of them and plonked them in my basket. Then, my eyes fell on something sparkly...<br />
<br />
It was Poundland's own nail varnish brand, Pretty. Quite a lot of them. The first thing that caught my attention was the packaging...identical to O.P.I. Good solid glass bottle with a chunky black, matte lid. I was impressed. I delved deeper to look at the colours. The sparkly one that caught my eye went in my basket first, as it was an exact dupe of O.P.I's Rainbow Connection, that cult blogger polish, which was impossible to get hold of. Gorgeous speckles of pretty rainbow sparkles. Not only did they have this beautiful glitter polish, but confetti polish with different coloured hearts, iridescent shapes and more, all suspended in a clear polish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnT-T5WVvsADZJ_xqu1HMv7qJWSWucecgTq7wHCGSCHiUlngLsTbdEYBfU_e4lsxPedlD0Zz7R8bXxjkJvD6_EiV1JGXVFOXzKaQrpsS_XvnbBvuQtkAb37ikwZ8fwJbxflDPUzCT3HE/s1600/opi+muppets+rainbow+connection+nail+polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnT-T5WVvsADZJ_xqu1HMv7qJWSWucecgTq7wHCGSCHiUlngLsTbdEYBfU_e4lsxPedlD0Zz7R8bXxjkJvD6_EiV1JGXVFOXzKaQrpsS_XvnbBvuQtkAb37ikwZ8fwJbxflDPUzCT3HE/s1600/opi+muppets+rainbow+connection+nail+polish.jpg" height="320" width="183" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJxW8B5jQWG3wPCXbBv_M1f5z16f0GxI2Kh1SjZHl3uyDsikXf5LDxsLXbEz-QmRem7CU8Ul0Nrn7M5yMvMvq7QZDUabHKVsmxYBSeVpuUJNUwKq-Eb49mT5KBb9Y1mvuILFfMgpOVY/s1600/DSC_1460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJxW8B5jQWG3wPCXbBv_M1f5z16f0GxI2Kh1SjZHl3uyDsikXf5LDxsLXbEz-QmRem7CU8Ul0Nrn7M5yMvMvq7QZDUabHKVsmxYBSeVpuUJNUwKq-Eb49mT5KBb9Y1mvuILFfMgpOVY/s1600/DSC_1460.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
I loaded my basket with a few and off I went. When I got home, I tested out the rainbow polish straight away, expecting to be disappointed with consistency. Wrong! A clear, non gloopy finish with a good application and decent brush and staying power...3 days without a single chip! I was impressed. This polish looked great layered over a pretty nude and by itself, with a few coats to build up the sparkles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyONUYEh3ChHia2BMyDBip_ubjQD2yjLKULWero9f1rrUuARwX2nhapBzbsrCZNnc7JI7Coue1dcpaOc81WuCe4-gJH0_R3XjXUkxrPGhG5MY3oGlF6qJrWJZwslrPNQexMaoUCXf-ok/s1600/DSC_1467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyONUYEh3ChHia2BMyDBip_ubjQD2yjLKULWero9f1rrUuARwX2nhapBzbsrCZNnc7JI7Coue1dcpaOc81WuCe4-gJH0_R3XjXUkxrPGhG5MY3oGlF6qJrWJZwslrPNQexMaoUCXf-ok/s1600/DSC_1467.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrtJ9tArh4Nhxz1zAk-Oq2Q352NCvS84cTteXBZqcPnzaommeoU_eJ2s9cWDioVn-jD1N3iEHeVFboWByMvsNHLHhlCScqL_3zVPPYxgKo9T_sSLhvmmZJBQD2Q74coFWlqsN3gT6cwM/s1600/DSC_1465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrtJ9tArh4Nhxz1zAk-Oq2Q352NCvS84cTteXBZqcPnzaommeoU_eJ2s9cWDioVn-jD1N3iEHeVFboWByMvsNHLHhlCScqL_3zVPPYxgKo9T_sSLhvmmZJBQD2Q74coFWlqsN3gT6cwM/s1600/DSC_1465.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you go...an amazing O.P.I dupe for a mere quid! #winning<br />
<br />
Have you tried out any Poundland beauty products? What did you think of them? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-54707267290485915292014-02-07T18:05:00.001+00:002014-02-07T18:09:06.251+00:00New Year, New LookJust a quick update today to see if you have noticed anything different?<br />
<br />
Well, if you are a long term reader then you might have noticed that my blog has a completely new look. Seeing as I created my last blog design about 3 years ago, it was really high time for a new design. So when my lovely and very talented artist friend <a href="http://www.rachelthomasjones.co.uk/">Rachel</a> offered to create a new logo and background for a birthday present...I jumped at the chance!<br />
<br />
What Rachel has created is so perfect for me and Belle of the Ball. She has illustrated me, looking far prettier than in real life...I do love this girl, and drawn a whole load of my favourite things to complement the background and basically give the blog that little bit more personality, which it really needed.<br />
<br />
I am so, SO happy with it and I can't stop looking at it. If you are looking for a new look blog, or looking to get some beautiful artwork created, Rachel is an amazing artist, who I highly recommend. She has also painted a stunning picture, which is hanging in my lounge. She has a <a href="http://www.rachelthomasjones.co.uk/">website</a> showcasing some of her work, and she can be contacted through that. Get in touch! She's fab and super lovely to boot. <a href="http://www.rachelthomasjones.co.uk/">http://www.rachelthomasjones.co.uk</a>/<br />
<br />
What do you think of Belle of the Ball's little makeover? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-90934005875814627822014-01-26T11:38:00.000+00:002014-01-26T11:38:34.129+00:00Nails Inc Couture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlEpyVGUJnQRk8fByrEm4hUR_j21gFZQS2mv3GyHI9F5kgom9shsu6hzVcwZqdPO7lJo7O7br5V1ci0kYgvgYpW8OcpsfpCMxO6HW6fNnSpJfjhprod-SgIhjlrkkTGDry2AB4t3Jd74/s1600/DSC_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlEpyVGUJnQRk8fByrEm4hUR_j21gFZQS2mv3GyHI9F5kgom9shsu6hzVcwZqdPO7lJo7O7br5V1ci0kYgvgYpW8OcpsfpCMxO6HW6fNnSpJfjhprod-SgIhjlrkkTGDry2AB4t3Jd74/s1600/DSC_1280.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I went to visit my lovely friend Sarah the other day, she presented me with a belated birthday present.<br />
<br />
I knew she was excited about it because she has been telling me how excited she was about it for about a month before my birthday!<br />
<br />
She handed me a beautiful white glossy box with black ribbon around it and immediately my eyes fell upon the "Nails Inc" logo and the "Couture" stamp on the front...heart rate went a little faster at this point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8kjSJaIHYG8gut4wHE4lt-yJcR3caQ9Dd3hdKzn6NMWX6Y9Gkbc9cxbATZaKtL0mRhQV65uE6Ckduwdlt2m-PC6HFUFIUpnpE0x7RTnv2HlAkqhB8KFQ3M8RzSDMD7uoNhjnFSQCxWU/s1600/DSC_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8kjSJaIHYG8gut4wHE4lt-yJcR3caQ9Dd3hdKzn6NMWX6Y9Gkbc9cxbATZaKtL0mRhQV65uE6Ckduwdlt2m-PC6HFUFIUpnpE0x7RTnv2HlAkqhB8KFQ3M8RzSDMD7uoNhjnFSQCxWU/s1600/DSC_1272.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I opened the box and inside was a simply stunning glittery gold nail polish, nestled snuggly in its packaging. The gorgeous gold glitter polish would have been gift enough, but what I didn't realise was that this was a personalised bottle of polish, designed by Sarah. The lid is an amazing black leather with chunky silver studs! So me! The colour is actually called Chelsea Embankment and then I looked at the base of the polish, and darling Sarah had named it after me - "B'day Belle" and the product code "CBF 30" (those are my initials and yes my age!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc2_8DPH0wS_a5NouXJwrYe-LohLW6sMtdqdQu4XLtB74iqw7e8OV5VHCDaVhuQFaJ2keggc9D_qOu0_Ypbr-xnWdu8lzs9_ZeN7MK8voLWqiRpoyNJSq1lyNzkZplBmFL5URGIyIp6s/s1600/DSC_1273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc2_8DPH0wS_a5NouXJwrYe-LohLW6sMtdqdQu4XLtB74iqw7e8OV5VHCDaVhuQFaJ2keggc9D_qOu0_Ypbr-xnWdu8lzs9_ZeN7MK8voLWqiRpoyNJSq1lyNzkZplBmFL5URGIyIp6s/s1600/DSC_1273.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2Z6n56P1cuz09tKpjCRec41cB5yZ0t9A8Xu10mrOhyphenhyphenGyePOJ2RV66KErjWeiylG71ESQ711ta55PDxybC-30QuZHvUOPYCHNKP7676RTYQko-g7xR7_zh4ClsvePLszbEzIe-ux79UU/s1600/DSC_1278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2Z6n56P1cuz09tKpjCRec41cB5yZ0t9A8Xu10mrOhyphenhyphenGyePOJ2RV66KErjWeiylG71ESQ711ta55PDxybC-30QuZHvUOPYCHNKP7676RTYQko-g7xR7_zh4ClsvePLszbEzIe-ux79UU/s1600/DSC_1278.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6hHu1b9X1PayUxTSswaluXLRIOpk0M8Hnjn1N7gv8tKy-8X98dtMkUVI1XDvQR6lJxEvZYy5VxNbJAfRd1XWxTUVZ2bvDmNE_6_NiNmPVIgHUXlkWY1yBYJX_1TCW3mn4ugsVxQZxxc/s1600/DSC_1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6hHu1b9X1PayUxTSswaluXLRIOpk0M8Hnjn1N7gv8tKy-8X98dtMkUVI1XDvQR6lJxEvZYy5VxNbJAfRd1XWxTUVZ2bvDmNE_6_NiNmPVIgHUXlkWY1yBYJX_1TCW3mn4ugsVxQZxxc/s1600/DSC_1279.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I was so blown away by this incredibly thoughtful and personal gift and I absolutely love it. Sarah then told me about the <a href="http://www.nailsinc.com/couture">Couture service</a> that Nails Inc provide online, so I checked it out when I got home. It is an amazing thing to do for someone, of they love nail varnish as much as I do. You start by choosing your lid design, then the colour and then you personalise the name. You also get little stickers to add to the base if you want to.<br />
<br />
What do you think of my very own nail polish? Didn't Sarah do well? Enjoy xBelle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-30064754180043123522014-01-25T14:48:00.004+00:002014-01-25T14:48:57.051+00:00Pixi Glow Tonic Vs Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbVXgJvnmK7S36f0_T9E7-MKv31KNKTRUXo7RfrivATs8EwmR3P3VwGuuCJ_9RPZCf-ETR7BA5Y1ri8XANDNexEUFHO4orXHME9mtG0xTn0GLXCc8bjSYOYVp4go-758fGUVcp5NSxO0/s1600/DSC_1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbVXgJvnmK7S36f0_T9E7-MKv31KNKTRUXo7RfrivATs8EwmR3P3VwGuuCJ_9RPZCf-ETR7BA5Y1ri8XANDNexEUFHO4orXHME9mtG0xTn0GLXCc8bjSYOYVp4go-758fGUVcp5NSxO0/s1600/DSC_1266.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been a big fan of the cult product Glow Tonic by beauty brand Pixi for quite a while. I picked up a full size bottle from their Carnaby Street store back in August (read about it <a href="http://belleoftheballfashion.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/skin-care-haul.html">here</a>) and I am only just running out now. Keep in mind I have been using it pretty much every morning and evening since August, so my £16 went a very long way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
However, now that I have only a few pumps left (sob) I thought about repurchasing OR trying out something new. Toning is such an important part of the skin care regime and I do not take it lightly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK67yvgi4vOkCD1yCF57NpXczq9ZspMzzVs-0KXFI6s_IUGyJ_YcXmo6rL5-ImoV4annlksAmT3pqU5Y2LuNSUFMH-xpOmjPK5t1OZbjtt5Ibb3Pv8pAQZr4GEoRlD0F5JQMgPfUis0M/s1600/pixi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK67yvgi4vOkCD1yCF57NpXczq9ZspMzzVs-0KXFI6s_IUGyJ_YcXmo6rL5-ImoV4annlksAmT3pqU5Y2LuNSUFMH-xpOmjPK5t1OZbjtt5Ibb3Pv8pAQZr4GEoRlD0F5JQMgPfUis0M/s1600/pixi.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been hearing some very good things about Ren's Clarifying Toning Lotion and after going back and forth between repurchasing or trying something new, I decided to give the Ren toner a go.<br />
<br />
I picked it up at my local M&S (yes they stock Ren! How amazing?!) and at £18 for a bottle, it is £2 more expensive than the Pixi Glow Tonic, but seeing as these products last so long, it's worth the investment.<br />
<br />
So what do I think? It might be a little too early to say it, but I love it! It is an exfoliating toner, much like the Glow Tonic, but it is very gentle. It contains <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; text-align: center;">Salicilin, Glycolic Acid and Tartaric Acid, which all help to unclog pores, get rid of dead skin cells, prevent breakouts and tone. I used it for the first time at night and my skin felt so refreshed and clean, and in the morning, I noticed a difference in the brightness and softness in my skin.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; text-align: center;">Overall, I am very happy with this toner. It really leaves your skin soft, bright and feeling utterly toned and cleansed. I use it after my Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and Bioderma and always follow with either my Origin's Ginzing moisturiser or an over night Youth Code by L'Oreal.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; text-align: center;">Have you tried the Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion or the Pixi Glow Tonic? Which do you rate? Enjoy x</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5AMKgbndbdgvLFAw89JKRe8NLXq1_NxXG-XYL7hK3L6oKmtUtQcKlamDOTbpo5qxCRrvmAFSTaS8JbzcSLwWxjydmEbGJd7oTkSxQxzLFmvupVOCmi6OaQJlDGSHyy6eGImpM1QeIko/s1600/DSC_1270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5AMKgbndbdgvLFAw89JKRe8NLXq1_NxXG-XYL7hK3L6oKmtUtQcKlamDOTbpo5qxCRrvmAFSTaS8JbzcSLwWxjydmEbGJd7oTkSxQxzLFmvupVOCmi6OaQJlDGSHyy6eGImpM1QeIko/s1600/DSC_1270.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-51896362671600317582014-01-17T11:58:00.004+00:002014-01-17T11:58:40.748+00:00Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnyByV2gQztxFReYimQ5uhgfjRBfE9xhk1_4SpS0k8DMnuwvbXdqJx78FkHr-5BWiWiNplttPKpc1173MwnBjFIK50DBNxnvu3B0K87ih0Gnamdj4C0rgKuZLscaZPgUjCe_I63CKawM/s1600/DSC_1246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnyByV2gQztxFReYimQ5uhgfjRBfE9xhk1_4SpS0k8DMnuwvbXdqJx78FkHr-5BWiWiNplttPKpc1173MwnBjFIK50DBNxnvu3B0K87ih0Gnamdj4C0rgKuZLscaZPgUjCe_I63CKawM/s1600/DSC_1246.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh I haven't blogged for a very long time. I am a very naughty blogger *slaps wrist.<br />
<br />
How are you all in blogger land? I hope 2014 is treating you very well so far. It's so far given me a chicken pox ridden baby and a nasty horrible cold that will not budge. I've also been working on a lot of writing for another project so I do apologise for my non-blogging ways, and I will try and get back up and running as normal ASAP!<br />
<br />
I wasted to share with you my favourite Christmas present, given to me by my lovely hubby.<br />
<br />
Now, I may have given him a few hints, which he obviously received loud and clear, as I got this stunning Michael Kors rose gold watch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOYWlNCIoAaDY6Ko8RslaKl_4tFVUAm53nLDNwe2FUuUcOF72InXzU1UEQ2Afxr4mXG66BDvKXtqZ4ZDV6D4m2WwqWJUxCpCCgdqLANOshMx4qfXEcvOIahlO4A4wr7kUP2SBeQhOrZA/s1600/DSC_1241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOYWlNCIoAaDY6Ko8RslaKl_4tFVUAm53nLDNwe2FUuUcOF72InXzU1UEQ2Afxr4mXG66BDvKXtqZ4ZDV6D4m2WwqWJUxCpCCgdqLANOshMx4qfXEcvOIahlO4A4wr7kUP2SBeQhOrZA/s1600/DSC_1241.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yo9sqrKPiwgkfhCgZo3MYTfRGiqLpxcYEmrka28RQZrCvkbuYLKVYu5rFLMmA7x_vovJhAWSBYkU0-MIVlJlLhCsN-yPSlV_IMplXXkwhcqOtrramxna6nV5nxsJff__G-Q1tHI7So8/s1600/DSC_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yo9sqrKPiwgkfhCgZo3MYTfRGiqLpxcYEmrka28RQZrCvkbuYLKVYu5rFLMmA7x_vovJhAWSBYkU0-MIVlJlLhCsN-yPSlV_IMplXXkwhcqOtrramxna6nV5nxsJff__G-Q1tHI7So8/s1600/DSC_1242.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I have NEVER owned a watch before. I know, crazy. I never really saw the point in them, and as I don't really do bracelets, I have never really wanted one. However, when Darren got me my <a href="http://belleoftheballfashion.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/birthday-bonanza-weekend.html">lovely rose gold and diamond bracelet</a> for my birthday in October, I decided wrist jewellery ain't that bad. So, I had a look online and fell in love with this stunner by Michael Kors.<br />
<br />
This is the Bradshaw watch and I don't really know all the techy specifications, but it has an analog display, date, time and stopwatch and it's chronograph...and most importantly it's really pretty!<br />
<br />
I had to have three links taken out of it, as it was quite big, but now it fits perfectly and I absolutely love it. It goes with everything and finishes off my outfits, giving them a bit more of a smart yet edgy touch.<br />
<br />
What do you think of this rose gold beaut? Are you a fan of Michael Kors watches? Enjoy x<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpri-BxA0crzpQXkXRttR6QIVpImjwcu3iB5CtyUEK-wIW7Wsbhm_8ZfPUp3lRkIYZrWxPFF-SK201JAM_IcaZlZeCG3XYXe22-dUR2j4hvD4jFaYPQUF1_rzEDQL9sw7vwhPsffo-o4/s1600/DSC_1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpri-BxA0crzpQXkXRttR6QIVpImjwcu3iB5CtyUEK-wIW7Wsbhm_8ZfPUp3lRkIYZrWxPFF-SK201JAM_IcaZlZeCG3XYXe22-dUR2j4hvD4jFaYPQUF1_rzEDQL9sw7vwhPsffo-o4/s1600/DSC_1234.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd_5t1gb5BkRM_SrzwxTOuG9zKNlW4u5ojroVHLb2Awiuxix7EguuiVHAndB2vmrk6hBgbZte3Qnc2RgNmRWb_M-UKZ3wdkqns3cUKqlVdmCKhTPPj39m6G0bb_luYmZAKRTCGKJw-7Q/s1600/DSC_1237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd_5t1gb5BkRM_SrzwxTOuG9zKNlW4u5ojroVHLb2Awiuxix7EguuiVHAndB2vmrk6hBgbZte3Qnc2RgNmRWb_M-UKZ3wdkqns3cUKqlVdmCKhTPPj39m6G0bb_luYmZAKRTCGKJw-7Q/s1600/DSC_1237.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzx8NnEp9C7n7kwwQwA0oOoxzek_3SxhyTTOGXstPLwVNoM83oGJm9k3rNvy0HlNQbFkRAa8K0ceJPNiMLaRSs0WpGVhTRWo0PtZ9Dm9uNMwITB5yaO0rUGaPYti-5aanuqjm1b5DY9I/s1600/IMG_20140117_100743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzx8NnEp9C7n7kwwQwA0oOoxzek_3SxhyTTOGXstPLwVNoM83oGJm9k3rNvy0HlNQbFkRAa8K0ceJPNiMLaRSs0WpGVhTRWo0PtZ9Dm9uNMwITB5yaO0rUGaPYti-5aanuqjm1b5DY9I/s1600/IMG_20140117_100743.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124056304658953794.post-50907909729410337232013-12-24T09:15:00.000+00:002013-12-24T09:15:29.174+00:00Happy Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCMSBBMk0KH_RCmSo_BDrsTUP0ZC0agTRZb-zBicVBiMu1Tp2VRl6w_jI3HNTtWh43HlD_hNOIGS2tbJRD_X-aabC8ElIvW2-8xU6LYijvB93e4JdMBgAUBY_tRlVNKv7ZKp35e_VqJs/s1600/elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCMSBBMk0KH_RCmSo_BDrsTUP0ZC0agTRZb-zBicVBiMu1Tp2VRl6w_jI3HNTtWh43HlD_hNOIGS2tbJRD_X-aabC8ElIvW2-8xU6LYijvB93e4JdMBgAUBY_tRlVNKv7ZKp35e_VqJs/s640/elf.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I just wanted to do a quick post today as I won't really have the chance to post tomorrow...being Christmas and all!<br />
<br />
I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already. This year has flown by. I keep thinking how crazy it is that this time last year I was pregnant, I had no idea if I was having a boy or girl and my life seemed totally different. It's been an eventful and wonderful year and I am very excited to see what 2014 has in store.<br />
<br />
I'm going to be spending today with my hubby and Elijah and Christmas day is going to be with both mine and Darren's family, which will be fun - especially as there will be two babies experiencing their first Christmas, complete with lots of presents and wrapping paper - every baby's favourite thing. Boxing Day will be spent in my onesie and then with my whole family (about 25 of us) at my auntie and uncle's house.<br />
<br />
I can't wait and I will definitely not be counting Points for a couple of days...we're doing Nigella's turkey recipe, so the diet is on hold for 72 hours.<br />
<br />
Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a wonderful day and that Santa brings you everything you wish for.<br />
<br />
Happy Christmas from the Belle of the Ball family to yours xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAmyJAXWromPOeR2DKdD2B7fpoOlJQE654d4kHfvzjyaCCnPrk1nmvFjg9tkFM-l8KSipYsCImNwtCabkgb5zp7oy_T0nzmqX09Ju4fb5ir7jHloZPygOoyS9a9szg58TigXAXQ4jSpA/s1600/eli2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAmyJAXWromPOeR2DKdD2B7fpoOlJQE654d4kHfvzjyaCCnPrk1nmvFjg9tkFM-l8KSipYsCImNwtCabkgb5zp7oy_T0nzmqX09Ju4fb5ir7jHloZPygOoyS9a9szg58TigXAXQ4jSpA/s640/eli2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDFSorWMsuZdtLVbQ6ZTt7uEmelZy0xEs4hoODsupK4IF-zIyj1QP-sQzARvdzDonAeylznwJogWihgb3hP0V3NKN_B-PXWXWq2rJ7jk31oHGoAc5nIuETre8ICp_HZvjnwGz5JEe8_w/s1600/my+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDFSorWMsuZdtLVbQ6ZTt7uEmelZy0xEs4hoODsupK4IF-zIyj1QP-sQzARvdzDonAeylznwJogWihgb3hP0V3NKN_B-PXWXWq2rJ7jk31oHGoAc5nIuETre8ICp_HZvjnwGz5JEe8_w/s640/my+boys.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b6Pe0fMhe6tVB3hJhsUot8wYNg7NzAd9MgFUKs-0t3kde4jijtyHjsooOstH5OGQBEzVWezHGt5V8VZGfZx8hE9ujXCkbrw9xO2DH45WFnoxP0E_h5SjiNUHlNIu47x3FUBliPRt8PA/s1600/xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b6Pe0fMhe6tVB3hJhsUot8wYNg7NzAd9MgFUKs-0t3kde4jijtyHjsooOstH5OGQBEzVWezHGt5V8VZGfZx8hE9ujXCkbrw9xO2DH45WFnoxP0E_h5SjiNUHlNIu47x3FUBliPRt8PA/s640/xmas.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />Belle of the Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576058371500703578noreply@blogger.com0