YSL LIPS

A few months back I did a post on a YSL lip product that I was obsessed with but I never had a good enough reason to buy more colours, especially when I don't even wear half of my collection. However when my sister told me she was going to Estonia immediately I thought DUTY FREE! It was the perfect excuse to buy some more colours because lets face it, it is slightly cheaper and if it's discounted it has to be bought. (Enters covers eyes emoji)

I like colours that add a tint and glow to your lips without it looking like there is too much product on them, that's why I went for the two subtle options and then a brighter red for when I feel like making more of an effort.

1. Ysl Rouge Volupte Shine 62K501 (3)
2. Ysl Rouge Volupte 62K601 (17)
3. Ysl Rouge Volupte 62JN01 (17)

The Ainscow Hotel

Last weekend was spent at the new fully refurbished Ainscow Hotel in Salford, Manchester. After a lovely weekend I thought why not write a informal review about the hotel.

I discovered the four star hotel after browsing laterooms.com (a hotel service provider) a week before my visit. After several page turns on their website this boutique hotel appeared with a gallery of images that looked very chic and perfect for a girls weekend. Once looking at the room details in more depth I discovered it was quite cheap for what I was getting. For a double, two story room with WIFI I paid £125 which in my opinion is quite reasonable especially compared to the standard hotels such as Premier Inn and Holiday Inn which, cost around £150-£200. Not only that it was a decent amount for what the rooms looked liked! If you know me I like quality in what i'm buying, i'm all about the presentation, if something doesn't look appealing or presented in a certain way I'm not as interested. So I booked it without a doubt and added breakfast to my order (an extra £10 per person).

Upon arrival I was quite impressed, the hotel looked exactly like the images, very modern yet still classically elegant. The staff were very helpful and welcoming, and not only that, the city centre was a 5 minute drive or 10 minute walk away. The only issue I had with my stay here was the lack of long mirrors, how's a girl meant to get ready without a long mirror?!

Despite my vain need for a long mirror I definitely recommend this hotel, it is perfect for a weekend away whatever the occasion!

A week in the life....

Today I thought I would talk about something a bit more personal and not to do with fashion, beauty etc but more about my lifestyle and what a normal weekday consists of. Let me warn you it's pretty hectic but I wouldn't have it any other way, I'm a person who is always on the go and I like always being busy, yeah it's nice to relax once in a while but that's what Sundays are for right?

MONDAY- FRIDAY
My morning commences at 5:30am where I get ready to head to my local gym for a morning functional training class or spin session. After a tiring and sweaty 45 minutes or longer depending what workout routine I'm doing I rush home roughly around 7:00am. When I get home it's all manic as I have to be ready by 7:30am! I make myself a hot water with lemon and then jump into the shower, once showered I then rush to get ready for work ensuring that I ironed and got all my stuff ready the night before. If I have time I will make myself a plain omelette with avocado for breakfast, if I don't I will usually quickly make a nutri-bullet juice. After a rushed breakfast I head out the door to make my 7:50am train. I arrive into town for about 8:10 so I have enough time to grab a green tea and sit down for a break. After catching my breath I head into the office, 3 and a half hours later it's lunch! My stomach by this point is rumbling for food so I head into town for either sushi, noodles or I will eat a home made salad. On my way back to the office I browse around the stores to see if anything tickles my fancy, which it always does! Back to work I then power through the next couple of hours. 5:00PM strikes and it's home time, packing up my desk I head to the station and jump on the next train home. I arrive home around 5:45pm, take a candle lit relaxing bath and then have dinner, if I'm not feeling too tired I will force myself for an evening run to clear my mind and feel refreshed. After a tiring day I aim to be in bed around 9:00pm so I can read for a bit then fall asleep. Next day, same thing.

SATURDAY
Saturdays are usually a bit of  a later start as I don't go to the gym in the morning instead I'm volunteering at a local charity store for a couple of hours. After my contribution for some hours I head home to shower and change into comfortable loungewear usually consisting of yoga pants and oversized jumpers. The weekend is usually made for baking, so the sisters and I all get involved and bake a cake or muffins or some kind of dessert. Saturdays are also treat day so I can indulge on what we have baked! The rest of the day will either be spent doing something active or having fun. Then about 6pm I head to the gym for a evening workout just to make me feel somewhat active for the day. After the gym session I head home, shower, get changed and make dinner then relax with my family or friends.

SUNDAY
Oh sundayssss, the best day of the week as it is pretty much a lazy, do nothing all day kind of day. The day starts when I'm woken by the delicious smell of indian breakfast which we have every sunday without fail, after a filling breakfast I then shower and make myself somewhat presentable and carry out any errands, these are either cleaning, blogging, ironing, picking up things, the usual. The rest evening will be spent eating the traditional sunday roast, pampering myself and getting things ready for another hectic week ahead.

August Favourites

Is it me or is time going really fast this year?! It felt like only yesterday I was blogging about the start of the month and that I had so much to look forward too! Anyway enough about time, these are my favourites from this month.

Food- Cashew Nuts

Since starting work I was worried that maybe I will be tempted by all the free food at the office and indulge a bit too much but so far so good, thanks to cashew nuts. They are a great filling snack that are good to eat at the desk, but I think I need to cut down my intake to a bag a week rather than 2-3 bags! I can't help it, they're so addictive.

Music- Party Next Door and Sam Smith

Although my two choices this month are completely different styles of music I am loving both of these albums! Sam Smith's voice is so soothing and mellow and just makes everything much better and on the other hand Party Next Door has a style of music similar to The Weeknd; an alternative Rap/ R&B genre.

Film- Sex and the City box set & That Awkward Moment

How have I only started watching the Sex and the City box set! I'm so hooked at the moment and I'm even switching nights out for a night in with pizza and continuous episodes of this series.

The Awkward Moment is my favourite film of the month, purely because how hot Zac Efron looks in this film. It's about three male friends who make a pact not to get into any relationships however behind closed doors they're all secretly having relationship and falling head over heels in love. It's a cute chick flick film and worth a watch.

Person- Alexandra Markina and Chloe Helen Miles

During my stalking habits on Instagram I found these two bloggers who I have fallen in love with. Alexandra Markina is a Russian model who's looks are to die for, she looks great all done up but looks AMAZING with her natural flawless face, skin and body! Chloe Helen Miles- expect a lot of posts of her amazing figure, it's quite depressing actually. This fitness and fashion blogger has it all; a great body and fantastic style, just up my street. Check them out!

Markina's Instagram

Chloe Helen Miles's Instagram

Restaurant- Homeslice Pizza in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London

O.M.G if you're a pizza addict like me you will not want to leave this place! This dainty hidden restaurant in Neals Yard, Covent Gardens serves the biggest and tastiest pizza ever. You can choose your pizza from the menu written on the board and can even half it with another pizza flavour. As well as that your flavours are not the ordinary dominos ham and pineapple they consist of ingredients such as pesto, aubergines, scallops, spinach and artichoke etc! It's definitely in my top 5 restaurants of all time, so I highly recommend!

THE WORKWEAR EDIT: BAG

Zara Bag- £29.99

Like every other female I carry way more than what I need in my bag on the daily basis, so I have forced myself to only carry the essential things I need for work. I like a bag that has structure so I can find everything I need too, that's why this bag is perfect! It has three different compartments, which allows me to organise all my stuff and due to the size I am able to see exactly whats in my bag!

What's in my everyday work bag:
A black umbrella- You cannot rely on British weather
Karen Brady book- A motivational and inspiring read for the train journey
House keys- The obvious
Headphones- They do not leave my side
Pens- I do have to do some work...
iPad Mini- Apple-I do not need to explain this or the next one
iPhone 5s- Apple-
Crocodile clip- Lee Stafford- To clip back my unattractive windswept hair
Lipstick in Pigalle- Nars- Makeup necessity
Eau De Lierre- Diptyque- I like to smell nice
Diary- Ryman- To organise and schedule my busy life (if you have seen my Instagram, you would know that I have purchased a new diary which I will be using in the new year)
Coral purse- Reiss- I work in the city, I need money
Hand cream- Aesop- Working hands need good care
Notebook- Paperchase- To write notes and important information

I'VE BEEN NOMINATED- Liebster Award

Thank you Eleni Mac for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Here it goes, probably the longest post I have written. Enjoy.

RULES OF THE LIEBSTER AWARD
1. Write 11 facts about yourself
3. You must answer all 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you.
4. Nominate 11 new bloggers and give them 11 questions of your choice.
6. Let the bloggers know that they have been nominated

11 FACTS ABOUT MYSELF

1. I have small eyes that make people think i'm European or Thai. I'm not. I wish I was, but no I am fully Indian. (Does this count as two facts?)

2. I withdrew from University after 6 months.

3. I am a neat freak! I love everything to have a place and hate having a messy room.

4. My favourite colours are grey, white and black. Yeah I know the standard minimalistic colours but I just love the clean cut and simple look of these colours especially together. 

5. I have extremely thick hair, it may not look like it but it is heavy and takes me ages to straighten or curl it! 

6. I love doing outdoor activities like rock climbing, running etc.

7. I get up at 5:30am every morning to exercise. I like to feel productive before the day has properly started.

8. Buying homeware and storage is my favourite kind of shopping.

9. I hate to admit this but i'm a bit of a hoarder, I like to keep little things that bring back memories like tickets, cards, photos etc and I store them in a box.

10. I love to be organised and like being prepared for any situation.

11. I'm a bit of an IT geek. I love computers and working with different programs and softwares.

ANSWERS TO ELENI MAC

1. What made you start blogging?

I have read blogs since forever and always tried to create my own but I just never stuck to them. When I was deciding to leave university I felt like I wanted to get involved in something that I would enjoy and be able to express my fashion and lifestyle views so why not try blogging again BUT this time stick to it. So the week after exams I started my gazillionth blog and simply titled it after my nickname and this is where I started to express my 'expertise' of fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

2. If you could only wear one make-up brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would have to be Nars because I don't like any other foundation. 

3. What's your favourite clothing brand?

Is it even possible to have just one?! Whistles and Zara are my favourites obviously because they do quality and effortless style perfectly and are also affordable. But if I had an unlimited amount of money I would definitely choose Acne or T by Wang.

4. Why?
Explained above.

5. Do you post at a set time each week, do you have a particular routine?

No I don't, I post when I want to but I should really think about doing this.

6. What's been the best bargain you've ever purchased?

Ermmm this is a tough one. I don't know whether you would call this a bargain but about 3 years ago I bought my gym kicks- Nike Free Runs in neon pink for about £40/50 when they were selling at £60/70 especially this colour. I still have them and they're in great condition, so I guess you could call that a bargain right?

7. What do you love about yourself? 

I hate questions like this but since the rules state we HAVE to answer every question, I would probably say my height/ long limbs. I am around 5ft6/7 and have a longer bottom half rather than top so I like the way my clothes fit on my body. I don't know what it is but I like clothes on taller people I feel like it makes the clothes look more sharper. (I hope I'm not offending any shorter people)

8. What's your ultimate goal in life career wise?

Well just before I went to university I wanted to do a Sociology degree then get a PGCE (teaching qualification) and become an A Level Sociology Teacher. However not everything goes according to plan and situations change so right now I have no idea what career I would like to get into. I've always had the goals of being a successful woman, being on a good salary so I can afford the lifestyle I want and move to Strasbourg, France. These goals still have not changed but I'm currently entering the route of Law so we shall see how this turns out.

9. Who do you admire?

Inspirational- Karen Brady and Victoria Beckham
Fashion- Rumi Neely
Beauty- Blake Lively and Gisele Bundchen
Lifestyle- Sarah Wilson, Vanessa Hudgens, Olivia Palermo

10. Why?

Apologises, I couldn't name just one.
Inspirational- These two businesswomen inspire me greatly, it shows that with hard work and determination you can be a successful woman in the world of business. (A little feminist here)
Fashion- With style, so many people inspire me whether that be designers, bloggers or celebrities. I admire them all, they all have their own unique taste. A particular blogger's style I love is Rumi Neely, I love they way she manages to pull off every outfit with such effortless elegance and style.
Beauty- These two are goddesses.
Lifestyle- When it comes to healthy living I love Sarah Wilson, the fact she quit sugar and lives her dreamy organic life in Australia makes me super envious. Vanessa Hudgens I love you gurrrl! She has this edgy hippy vibe which I love and by the looks of her Instagram feed her lifestyle is pretty rad too. Olivia Palermo- If I could have a prim and proper lifestyle it would definitely been hers, she's so elegant and oh la la. Especially with Johanne as her Fiancé, they are in fact the most p.e.r.f.e.c.t couple!

11. If you could do anything you wanted for a single day, what would you do?

Explore and zip line the Bali water/rain forests

I NOMINATE:

Eleni Mac

Love from Be

Eat Read Glam

Live Long Laugh Hard Love Much

Melanies Plum

Jane Khodos

Daily Mayli

Love Some Life

Keep Calm Kari On

Bibii Blue

A Little Taste of Mine

MY QUESTIONS TO THE NOMINEES

1. How long have you been blogging?
2. What is your must have beauty product?
2. A clothing piece you could not live without?
3. Summer or Winter?
4. Top 3 beauty brands?

5. Top 3 clothing brands?

6. Curly or straight hair?
7. In three words describe your style?
8. What camera do you use for your blog images?
9. Can you speak any other languages? 
10. If you could live in any country, which would it be?
11. Deserted island situation, your bag can only hold 5 things...

THE WORKWEAR EDIT: SHOES

Standing at 5ft 6/7inches, I'm too tall to be wearing those mid/ high pointed courts which are *stares into space* beautiful because they are not appropriate for an office job. Not only that, I will be travelling to and from work by train as well as having to run around the office for a long period of time. So as you can imagine it can be very tough on my feet, therefore I need practical and comfortable but not forgetting attractive shoes. These five are my favourite flat and heeled work shoes because they are pretty yet so comfy and suitable for an everyday office job!

1. Grey points- ZARA
2. Black leather very low heel points- MANGO
3. Grey and diamante pointed flats- NEXT
4. Black ballerina flats- H&M
5. Black suede points with gold heel- JONES

Update: I HAVE A JOB!

Last time I wrote one of these updates a lot had happened in my life, I just left uni and was trying to get to grips with life, throwing in a last minute trip to India too! Now I'm back with an another update, don't worry it's far more positive. I have a job!! After many applications, interviews I finally found a scheme which suited me down to a T and luckily, the firm loved me as much as I loved them!! So in a one week, I start a years long placement with the global law firm DLA Piper! I was so pleased to be offered a place on the scheme, so many people applied but I was the one they chose! This scheme is a great starting point for my future career, whatever that will be, and will open my eyes to the world of work, law and business. I'm so excited to kick start this new venture of mine and see how this all turns out.

Due to this big change in my life I have decided to devote several blog posts about the world of work, this feature will include workwear inspiration, what to wear to work, what's in my work bag and appropriate office shoes because what's a fresh start without a new wardrobe right?!

July Empties

The end of July is fast approaching so I thought I would share what products I have been loving this month. As you can see from the emptiness of these beauty products I have used this few a lot and definitely need to stock up asap!

The Nars Irresistiblement bronzer is my favourite by far, I just love the way it looks against my complexion and how it creates a great natural line defiance rather than harsh sharp lines.

I am in love with the smell of this Rituals blossom water body mist, it's perfect for these summer days as it gives you that fresh and floresence smell.

The La Roche Posay effaclar duo product was my life saver when I was abroad because of the heat and being on the ruaccutane tablets my skin became crispy and dry and I had a lot of random marks and upcoming pimples. This product slightly minimised these marks and got rid of any upcoming spots. After finishing my tablets I still used this product and my skin has never looked so clear, it looks moisturised and is perfect for the odd marks that appear.

If you're looking for a natural shade lipstick I definitely recommend the Mac matte lipstick in Mehr. The nudish and brown tone stand out against my skin tone and give me plumper lips but still looking very natural. Perfect for those minimal make up days.

In a previous blog post I reviewed the Ojon Rare Blend shampoo and conditioner and raved about how much I loved it, well that time has come where the bottles have nearly finished and I don't know what to do. The prices for the haircare were quite deer to purchase on the regular basis so I don't know whether to buy a new affordable brand of hair products and see how I get on with those or to splurge a bit and buy them. Tough decisions right?

GRADUATION

Yesterday my eldest sister graduated from Nottingham Law School with a LAW DEGREE! I couldn't have been a prouder sister, after hours on end studying she finally did it. Here's a few photos of the lovely day with family and friends.

WHAT WE WORE:

ME:
Grey low hem dress- The White Company (Be warned it gets very flowy in the wind)
Black strappy heels- Zara
Jewellery-Tiffany & Co silver bracelet and Nixon Watch
Black and white zipped clutch- Zara

ON MY FACE/ BODY:
Mac prep and prime natural radiance primer
Nars sheer glow foundation- Syraccuse
Laura Mercier translucent powder
Clinique even better concealer
Nars bronzer- Irrestiblement
Barry M liquid eyeliner
Estée Lauder mascara sumptuous extreme
Tom Ford lipstick- Flamingo
Sally Hansen tan- Medium
Diptyque perfume- Eau de Lierre

THE GRADUATE:
Black body con and chiffon dress- Asos
White strapped heels- Zara
Accessories-Burberry Watch

YOUNGER SISTER:
Red dress- Zara
Brown butterfly sandals- Next