Winter Glow Makeup Routine

 

It's nearly Christmas!

 

And 2015 (what!?)

 

And

 

I have a cold.

 

Great.

 

 

 

I have made some little changes to my everyday makeup look because I want to look fresh and good on camera as I am going to Spain for Christmas!

 

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99 - I recently bought this because I was convinced by all the good reviews out there, it has a medium coverage and a slightly dewy (and glowy) finish which is the perfect texture for me.

 

- Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19 - Do you know how much I love this? It had a great coverage for dark spots and works well under the eyes. Personally, I find it can be a little drying under the eyes but if you mix it in with your foundation it is fine. Also, I get through a tube of this stuff really quickly so I'm always making trips to Boots to get more which is a little annoying.

 

- Rimmel Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer £5.99 - For the extra glow in the inner corners of my eyes   

 

- Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder £3.99 - To set my concealer and minimize shine

 

- Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder £7.99 - I have had the same one for 3 years (not an exaggeration) and have used it everyday and it has not run out yet. Now that's what you call a miracle.

 

- Rimmel Lasting Finish Mono Blush in Santa Rose £3.99 - I have used this forever and I can't get enough of the natural flushed look 

 

- Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara £7.99 - I would say this is Maybelline's best mascara (I think its the brush that really makes me like it)

 

- Rimmel London Scandaleyes Thick & Thin Eyeliner £5.49 - Perfectly natural but I find it is a little fidgety to apply

 

 

I hope my experience had  helped anyone looking for new products to add to their routine. I personally get excited to apply my makeup now especially with my new foundation.

 

What is your favourite drugstore product that you would recommend?

 

Priyanka xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packed for Spain 23/12/2014

Christmas and New Years in Spain?

 

It will be interesting to see how that goes and if I packed the right type (and amount) of clothes!

 

The thing I have learnt from going on family holidays is that you have to be comfortable (bring the necessary things to feel as much at home as possible) and to get up earlier than everyone else so they don't keep moaning that I take too long in the bathroom getting ready.

Also some packing tips:

-Count the days you're going for so you take the right amount of clothes (especially small things like vests and socks etc.)

-Take comfortable shoes that you can walk in for hours

-Fold your clothes into small rolls to try and compact everything together and make the best of your space

Note to self: Be patent and refrain from getting angry when pictures don't turn out right because a glum face wont do any better.

I absolutely love the quote:

Life is like a camera,
Focus on what's important,
Capture the good times,
Develop from the negatives,
And if things don't work out,
Take another shot.

Preach.

Merry Christmas everybody :D

Priyanka xx

Superdrug Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel Mud Masks

I search of a new face mask, I stumbled across Superdrug's Purifying Witch Hazel Face Mask and I wholly and totally fell in love with it. I have found that my skin reacts well to clay and mud based face cleansers rather than gel bases from brands such as Clearasil.

Beware (sensitive skin types).  Both these masks dry tight on your skin so at first it can feel a little uncomfortable but to me it feels like then it is actually working on my skin.

Knowing me, I dragged my friend on a very exciting secret mission to get to a Superdrug store and buy another one - the best thing about these masks is that they are pretty cheap, effective and the little bottle might not look like much but it does last a good amount of time.

These babies have become a part of my skin care routine and I feel that my skin is left fresh and renewed. I use it twice a week (after washing my hair which is wrapped in a towel and out of the way) and this way just when I think my skin is looking a little tired out...my face mask comes to the rescue.

Have you tried these masks? If I was to buy another mask which one would you recommend?

Priyanka xx

Mocks Finished | Catching Up | Christmas Plans 2014

Woaahh. I can explain everything.

EXAMS.

I have literally had no time to myself for the last 3 weeks because of my mock examinations that took place. The first week started off with a 10 hour art exam (in complete silence), drama rehearsals and performances (which meant I unwillingly had to stay at school until 6.30 on both days which led my mum worrying and coming to find where I was). The other two weeks were full on exam, revision, lack of sleep, fatigue, coffee and exams (3 exams a day some days!)  You can probably tell I was drained out....

One thing to bare in mind during difficult situations like this is:

If Katniss Everdeen survived The Hunger Games (twice),
Than you can survive Mock Exam Week (twice).

Words of wisdom just there.

Now its all finished and I am free for the rest of the Christmas break! My friend and I celebrated with a coffee and cake date where we looked at the food longer than we ate - I got a Banoffee Pie (which was 70% cream) and we enjoyed a latte from her coffee machine that makes me jealous every time I step into her kitchen.


AND NOW FOR THE EXCITING PART - SPAIN!

Oh yes. You read it right. Spain.

More specifically, my family has planed to go to Malaga for 10 days and I am more than excited! (hence all the exclamation marks) This is the only thing that has got me through the last few weeks of misery. You should look at some of my first posts on my amazing (but unfortunately short) trip to Los Angeles here :)

Let me know what your plans are for the Christmas break - Are you travelling anywhere or spending time at home with your family? I would love to know :)

Priyanka xx

Things That Make Me Happy #7 Dressing Up

Yes, doing your makeup, wearing pretty little dresses, straightening your hair and pampering yourself.

I mean, isn't that what every girl wants?

 

Its really a form of self appreciation; to take some time to look gorgeous, feel confident and be excited from time to time.

 

Right now its hard to be nice to myself (or even have a moment to reflect) because of my intense revision/school/lack of sleep/no motivation period. I feel that I have to constantly be revising or I'll be cheating myself which really isn't the case.

No. Actually I am going to try extra hard to be positive because that's what I promised myself I would do. Anyway I do have Spain to look forward to at Christmas - I literally cannot wait!

The thing that really makes me happy is getting dressed up for Christmas and New Years parties.

Wait a minute.

I need to go shopping.

For dresses.

Shoes.

Jewellery.

and Christmas presents of course.

This year is almost over.... *insert panic face*

What type of dresses are you wearing over the holiday season? What's your favourite nail colour because I cant wait to get these girls glammed up!

Priyanka xx

Things I have learnt during Secondary / High School

 

Umm yes.

 

This is my year 6 class photo. Its one of the last primary school photos before all went to new schools, to start new lives, make new friends and make memories.



 



 

 

Its really strange (and scary) to think about how much I have changed since the age of 11 and all the amazing memories I have made with my new friends since then. Here are some of the things that I have learnt from being in secondary school  sorry but 'High School' just sounds way better!)

 

1. In the UK schools (as far as I know) don't have huge lockers that you can decorate like in American movies.

 

It sucks.

 

A lot.

 

I spent all of my time in the last year of Primary School dreaming of the ways that I was going to decorate my locker. I don't have any older siblings to tell me how it was actually going to be like - and the best part is then being stuck with a tiny bottom locker for the rest of the years. Great.

 

2. Your friends can change often.

 

Some of the first friends I made in year 7 I loved. I thought that we were always going to be friends and that we were stuck together. To be honest some of them I don't even say 'hi' to never mind hang out with.

 

3. Confidence is key.

 

I find people so intimidating sometimes (especially on a bar hair day but that's another story) but really sometimes you just have to fake it to make it so that you actually start believing I in yourself. Its not possible to stay quite during all those long, boring hours of school and expect to enjoy it. You have to push the boundaries, participate in class, discuss things with other people and share you opinion and the you will already be interested in learning and socialising.

 

You can see my ten top tips here.

 

4. You might be the ripest, juiciest peach but people are still going to hate peaches.

 

Its not possible to please everyone. Its hard to be clever, pretty, funny, confident, enthusiastic, creative and hardworking at the same time. You just have to concentrate all your energy in being the best version of you that you can be. Then everything else will fall into place.

 

5. Make every day count.

 

If you think about it you're spending at least 5 years of your life at the same school, so its a waste of time hating it (literally). Every moment should count towards something good, something positive, towards your future. Make friends that encourage you and influence you well instead of people you actually don't like being around. Its you life. Its you choice.

 

I hope some of these things open up your mind and help you survive school :)

 

I'm sure I would have told myself these things when I first started but I had to figure it out myself.

 

Priyanka xx

 

 

 

 



 

 



Favorite Blowdry Products

Some people have difficulty dealing with their hair in humidity, but I struggle with my hair in the rain and wind.

Urgg.

It annoys me so much that after I spend my precious time washing and drying my hair to fall how I want it, all ready for a new week- it just turns into shambles on the short walk to school (even if I try to keep my hood up, see where I am going whilst also attempting to look decent and awake).

Then I get to school and I feel all my efforts have gone to waste.

Anyway, when my blow drying efforts are kind enough stay I find that these 3 products are the best:

- Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Body Booster Moose

I recently bought this product because my old moose ran out. It does exactly what it says - if you use a round brush (this is the new one that has been saving my life recently), it gives you a TON of volume...its scares me a little sometimes but we don't have to mention that to anyone else.

- John Frieda Straight Fixation Styling Crème

 

I bought this product a long time ago; I only use it for my fringe/bang area by putting a little product brushing it through and then blow drying it upwards.

- Heat Protectant  

Okayy. Im guilty.

I always forget to use protectant but I am realising that heat can actually damage your hair after repetitive use.

Guys. Use it!

I would appreciate so much if you could let me know how to dry your hair or the products you use to keep you hair looking... sane.

Priyanka xx

Tips to Get Better, Longer Sleep

My life would go nowhere if I did not sleep properly or long enough....or happily.

Have you ever noticed that if you cry yourself to sleep you always wake up in a bad mood?

Well here are some tips from my own experience that can ensure that you are fresh and ready for a new day and a new start.

1. Get into bed at least 30 minutes before you plan to sleep

This is so that your body can fully relax and unwind; all prepared :)

2. Put down your phone and any other electronics

You might have heard it before but my form tutor has told all of us (multiple times) that its a scientific fact that electronic devices keep you awake - we are all guilty of the endless instagram scroll and twitter feed.

3. Read a book.

I would recommend The Hunger Games but you know I'm a little biased. The point is that reading slowly shuts down your mind and the words on the page get longer until you can't keep your eyes open any longer.

4. Think of happy things

Ask yourself what the best parts of your day was, smile, think of tomorrows goals, celebrate your life! Clear your mind of any unhappy thoughts and make sure that you've finished everything you need to before you sleep so your stress free.

Even plan an exciting breakfast for tomorrow morning because it (and coffee) sure seems to get me up!

5. Stretch out your body.

You don't really realised how tense your body can get during the day, so moving around a little can help with deeper sleep.

6. Set yourself a 'bed time' so you know that you get at least 8 hours sleep

Now that your body is refreshed and relaxed (and that banging head ache is gone along with those under eye circles) you can go and

conquer

 the

 world.

Priyanka xx

Berry Belicious Breakfast Yogurt Parfait

 

 

BREAKFAST.

 

It is the most important meal of the day.

 

I'm not even going to let you try and argue.

 

Its a fact.

 

So don't skip it !

 

 

I bet you are all grabbed by my 'spur of the moment' title idea.

 

Because I'm pretty surprised by my own creativity :)

 

Its so important to kick start your day the right way and there is not better way to do it than a fully nutritious, filling, healthy meal to provide you with plenty of energy in the morning.

This is quick and easy, so as long as you have the ingredients you have no excuses.

You will need:

- Your favourite bowl

- 1 Banana Sliced into 'coins'

- A handful of Raspberries / Blueberries/ Blackberries/ Strawberries... (what I am trying to say is - any berry of your choice!)

-Fat Free Yogurt (I used Onken Strawberry)

- Granola - I would suggest Special K Granola because not only does it taste good but it is lower in calories, fat and is notorious :)

-Chia Seeds (Optional)

- A Spoon

- A Chair

- Yourself

- Your mouth

I think that covers pretty much everything.

Let me know what your all time favourite breakfast is and if you enjoyed this recipe!

Priyanka xx

The Reading Habits Tag

 

So I was reading through some blogs when I stumbled upon Water Painted Dreams and saw that she had done a 'Reading Habits Tag' that really caught my attention - so here I am doing it myself :)

These are a some of my favourite books...

I even received a Mockingjay Pin for my birthday last year. This is how you tell if someone is obsessed with The Hunger Games!

1. Do you have a certain place for reading at home?

I literally have to pull my finger across the page to keep on track if I'm trying to read around people... their just so distracting! Honestly, the best place I can read is in my warm, cosy bed by myself (and even then my mind keeps drifting to other things).

2. Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Both actually, sometimes old recipes, notes or fresh bookmarks but if I don't have anything I always end up reading the past 5 pages again to track back where I was.

3. Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter or a certain number of pages?

I usually stop reading when I get tired but if I get to a really good part or its nearly the end of the chapter I keep reading.

4. Do you eat or drink when reading?

Sorry, I'm not the greatest multi-tasker.

But I love sipping on my Peppermint tea every night before I go to sleep; (I cant go to bed without it!)

5. Do you watch TV or listen to music whilst reading?

That's virtually impossible.

Seriously, how do people even do that?

6. One book at a time or several at once?

It depends really. I'm usually all against that but if its a boring book or one that we have to read from school then I read something more captivating on the side. You can tell what type of books I am into right?

7. Reading at home or everywhere?

Mostly at home because I feel sick if I read in the car, its too noisy at school and well I try to read on holiday as much as I can but knowing me I'm probably out discovering other things...

8. Reading out loud or silently in your head?

Oh gosh.

Sometimes I read out loud for 'practise' in case a teacher asks me to read something out in class and I completely stumble on all my words. Otherwise, I read loudly if I am trying to concentrate and it helps me to stop drifting off and thinking about everything else in the world.

9. Do you ever read ahead or skip pages?

Noo. Unless somebody purposely reads the last words of my book out for me but that does count does it?

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it new?

Books are meant to be read so it might as well look like it. Actually, I used do everything I could to make sure my books never got bent and were always in perfect condition but it never worked so I simply gave up on that dream....

11. Do you write in your books?
Not unless its a book we are reading from school because we are required to make 'perceptive and analytical notes'.

12. What are you currently reading?

Delirium by Lauren Oliver. OMG I love it! From what I've read so far its so captivating! In fact I'm going to go and read more of it now.

Good Night.

Priyanka xx

A Sunday's Unwind...

05/10/14 Sushi from Costco

Sunday Funday.

I like that.

A lot.

After a week of school, work, revision, work, lack of sleep, stress and everything else annoying in this world (which includes walking to school in the wind and creating a mess of my newly washed, blow dried hair - as you can see I have been working on a solution for  here) a Saturday's sleep in and my Sunday Routine is the most relaxing and appreciated thing in the week.

Even after a week of hard work my dad finds that 'The whole house should not be sleeping until 9am' is the right statement to be making. How ridiculous.

My Sundays goes a little like this:

- I usually get up at 8am, hope that its sunny (that hope soon fades away as its no longer summer),  then get dressed, put on the washing and eat my hot apple oatmeal which I usually eat before my run for energy.

- As fast as I can, I start to hoover the house; I figured there are always ups and downs with living in a 3 floor house... I mean it take a damn hour to hoover it all.

- I'm always being told off for being late everywhere, but they don't understand it not always me. I get dragged into all sorts of things (mostly tidying up my little brother and sister's mess) so I'm mostly late to my '10 o'clock' run with my friend.

-I love running! It seriously wakes me up and clears my mind ready for another week at school. It is getting colder so it's going to get increasingly difficult to get me out and running especially in the gloomy drizzles.

- Once I get home I have the 'worlds longest shower', put on a facemask, dry my hair and eat (an exciting) lunch.

I usually do some art homework, get my bag and lunch ready and chill.

I can confirm that this is so much more awesome than it sounds, seriously.

Just imagine if no one came up with the idea of having a 'weekend' ?

What does your weekend usually consist of? Let me know :)

Priyanka xx

New Buys | Denman Thermoceramic Barrel

Winter and my hair doesn't seem to get on very well.

No, that would be an understatement.

They hate each other.

I preach the whole, 'Embrace What Your Born With' thing but I do wish that my hair was a little more manageable because the lovely kinks at the front of my hair are not very lovely at all.

I watched some videos to see how to blow dry the front of your hair so I flows away from the face when I realised that I really need a round brush.

The annoying thing about me is when I want something, I will do my best to get it as soon as possible, so I bought the Denman Thermoceramic Barrel from Boots for £8.79, which by the way, I have been absolutely loving!

I does everything it says I will: smooth, high speed, quick and simple styling. I tried straightening my hair with this and it took me just under 20 minutes which is incredibly fast compared to other times where it has taken me around an hour (yes, imma stingy perfectionist). It can also curl your hair but I have yet to try that puzzle.

Seriously, don't take my word for how helpful a round brush is... go out and buy one and then thank me for making your life that little bit less complicated:)

Priyanka xx

Things That Make Me Happy #6 Coffee

We all saw this one coming eventually...

I love the brumble of the kettle in the morning, the bitter sweet smell that drifts in the air once the  water bubbles into the coffee; releasing the aroma and energy that bursts softly in the room.

Most of all, I adore the bitter but not quite sweet taste that sparks all my neurons; awakening and  breathing life into me and preparing me to be more than energetic to live the day.

Sometimes I put my unwinding, drifting dreams into my cup of coffee whilst other times I realise I spend too much time admiring it.

I think that this picture puts all my ideas and feeling about coffee into one photo: coffee comes from different, exotic parts of the world and by drinking coffee it takes me to so many places and inspires me to do so many new things with an open, active mind.

The fact is that any country you travel to, there must be a coffee shop somewhere, being there for someone who needs it.

I might get excited over coffee often, but there is a good reason - it's an act of celebration towards life :D

Take me to a coffee shop and you won't get rid of me.

Tell me you like coffee and that's all I'll talk to you about.

Drink coffee with me... you must be my best friend.

I am scared that by drinking coffee regularly it will stop affecting me and that it will merely be a drink rather than a stimulus.... is that really true?

Who else loves coffee mornings?

Priyanka xx

Natural and Glowy Everyday Foundation

I'm getting older. It's a fact. It's really terrifying but it's happening.

It seems as though as I'm getting older, the more picky I'm getting with how I look all the time and that means my makeup routine has changed quite a lot since summer began.

I have been loving L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation because its very light on the skin but also gives a hint of fresh faced colour which is great since my tan is wearing off and my radiance is dying out (how incredibly sad).

I apply a little (less than a whole pump) of the foundation on the back of my hand and then use my finger to dot it mainly under my eyes then a little more on my chin and forehead.

Using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush I use little circular motions to blend it into my face. This brush is amazing for blending a little product evenly across my whole face; if you haven't brought a Real Techniques brush yet, the chances are your missing out!

I also dot the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer under my eyes and on any blemished and blend it in with my brush.

If I feel that I'm need a little more waking up I put a little bit of Rimmel Match Perfection Highlighting Concealer in the inner corners of my eyes.

That's my base done.

Now for the rest of my face...

What is your favourite day to day foundation? |Do you have any tips and tricks on how you apply it?

Priyanka xx

Things That Make Me Happy #5 Fruit Salad

I lovee fruit.

The only thing that I dislike is that even if I eat a whole bowl full of different types of fruit it doesn't completely fill me up, so I end up eating something else in a craze of feeling very hungry before dinner time (which my family thinks is okay to eat at nearly 9 pm - its not). 

There really is no better feeling than eating lots of good, nutritious fruits at once and it doesn't even seem a chore because I've been happily having my fruit bowls everyday and it taste so ummm ...fruity.

 

 

Go and eat fruit salad everyone.

 

Yes, even you and I bet you'll feel a heck of a lot better :)

 

Do you know anyways to make fruit salad more filling?

 

Priyanka xx

Let's Keep These Bright Colours Going

Hey did I tell you about the time that I spent a heck lot of money in the New Look summer sales?

Well it happened.

 It was real.

 I felt so damn awesome after that.

One of the tops that I purchased was this one, it really caught my eye on the hangers; I think it was the really bright colours (but don't trust me with that) and I had an instant 'O.M.G in need this in my closet' moment.

I wore this out with my friends and I felt so 'summery' and happy...you know that really good feeling.

I think that this is a real statement top and keeping the accessories minimal is key. It would look really nice with heels -  actually so trendy; but I cant wear heels to save my life and I don't own a pair so that sucks.

 

 

 

Together lets conquer the world with bright, bold colours, high heels, the summer heat and girl power.

 

Are you in?

 

Or are you in?

 

Priyanka xx

 



What's in my School Bag?

 

 

Its that time of year when we're all back at school or work and back to our busy schedule. This year I haven't been the most organised person because usually I buy my school bag before school actually starts. Oops.

So I did drag my dad to Marks and Spencer's  midweek on a run to get a little more organised. It was a success though, I love my new bag! I have always had trouble finding a strong bag, that looks good and will do the job of  holding way too many books all year round... you should really be feeling sorry for me.

I thought I would share with you the things that I have in my bag practically all year round.

• Mini Nivea Hand cream: My hands tend to get so dry and irritating, especially during the winter months

• Baby Lips/ Lip Balm: When your lips are dry and you don't know why...

• Body Spray: After P.E. essential :)

• Pencil Case: Here you see a fully stocked pencil case but fast forward a few weeks and I guarantee that there wont be much inside since everyone likes to 'borrow' my pens without asking

• Keys: I need and would like to get back into my house. Also I have my locker key, USB and lots of key rings that I have supposedly been collecting from the past years of my life.

• On average around 4 exercise books, school diary/planner and reading book: I just borrowed 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green from my friend since I've hear that its really good. I cant wait to start reading it, the only annoying thing is that I am a really slow reader because everything in the entire world seems to crop up in my head when I open up a book. Interesting.

• Umbrella: I live in England. Enough said there.

• Water bottle: I like to keep hydrated but sometimes it can get annoying especially when I've downed a bottle of water by break and another by lunch and it seems as though I spend all my free time in the toilet. Thank you to my friends though for not leaving me after 4 years together. Much appreciated.

• Purse, Travel Card, money: Wait, no money. I'm sure I spent all of it during the summer. Damn.

• Oil Blotting Sheets, hair band and bobby pins: For that much loved, much hated mid-day physical education class.

• Paracetamol: Work (and people) can give you a headache.

• Fruit and Lunch: I really don't like 'school dinners' and I really don't think it's at all 'healthy' as much as they insist it is. Better make my own yummy lunch than complain really.

What essential things do you keep in your school/work bag?

Priyanka xx

Healthy and Filling Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie

Normally I'm not one for breakfast smoothies because they tend to lead me unsatisfied and hungry in the morning. One thing I've learnt is that I really don't like being hungry in the morning because I then go and snack on everything in my fridge. Not good.

When I came up with this, I chucked loads of random ingredients, that I would normally eat for breakfast, together and blended away... I don't know how but it came out much better than I expected.

So here is the recipe: (Serves 1)

- 1 cup of Hazelnut milk (sub any milk but this gives a different taste)
- 1 Banana
- 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Smooth Peanut Butter ...( I still can't believe I got through the hole tub in a month. That's some kind of record)
- 1 Pack of Quaker Instant Oats or 1/2 Rolled Oats
- 1 1/2 heaped tbs Cocoa ( depending on how chocolaty you'd like it)
- Handful of ice cubes (optional)

Throw all your ingredients into your blender and blend away!

This is probably my favourite smoothies at the moment and I love sippin' it with my smoothie straw! Maybe its just me.  Also, I have been using my blender a lot during the summer holiday for baking and smoothie-ing  - I love it.

I really hope that you enjoy this smoothie recipe! Let me know if you substituted or added anything that makes it taste  better.

Priyanka xx

My Girls | Westfield | Shopping | Frozen Yougurt |

Summer. Summer. Summer.

Yes, Priyanka we understand so stop lazing around and get out of the house.

So, I decided that I needed to get back on the London Underground and go to Westfield Shopping City. For some reason I love the tube, apart from the obvious filth everywhere; it gives me freedom because I can go anywhere. I guess really you only appreciate these things when they come infrequently and not when you have to travel my train everyday to work.

One day I do want to travel to lots of different countries, see new places, meet new people and do new things but it seems as though I have some years to pass until then so I'm going to make the most of it - the most of now.



Don't these babies look delish? We were hungry okay. Who can resist some Yoomoo Frozen Yogurt in a shopping mall full of cafes and restaurants anyway?

To be fair they do look like a piece of art, even though I was a fail at using the machine at the 'create your own station'...well I'm no ice-cream maker we've all discovered. 

Did I tell you I love my friends so very much? Who else would I have to annoy and drag around with me...

 

We did pop into New Look to try on some heels and I discovered that I can't walk in heels to save my life! They hurt. Forget about walking, just standing in them hurts. I praise everyone who can do it all day every day, I really do.

See ya from the top.

I got dared, so I did and before any staff could tell me to go up the right escalator instead of running up the one going downwards.

More walking, eating, drinking Monster for 'energy' since the shopping centre is so big. We also managed to play hide and seek in Holister claiming it's 'too dark' to shop in and annoyed a ton load of people on our way. Next time its elevator pranks I promise.

We're here to make childish memories right?

Priyanka xx

August Favorites 2014

Personally, I think that the photo looks like something exotic from Ibiza but that's just moi.

I'm so glad to be doing my first ever monthly favourites; hopefully they will be coming every month with things beauty, fashion, food, books and everything I have been loving!

This month I have been loving...

 1. L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation - This foundation I picked up in Boots because I needed a darker colour to fit in with my summer, tanned skin (yes, I actually tanned). I did spend at least 45 minutes with a by-then-a-very-annoyed-friend-that-needed-to-get-home to find a  colour that actually fit me, but we succeeded at the end. The foundation is low coverage and gives a lovely hint of natural colour which I find is great for an everyday look.

2. Marry M Gelly Nail Paint in Greenberry - I'll keep it quick. I love this colour so much, it reminds me of summer and every nail polish in the world should be this colour. That's kinda what I mean.

3. Superdrug Witch Hazel Mud Mask - This mask is great for clearing out my skin; I use it twice a week and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. It hardens quite a lot which might be a little stripping for people with more sensitive skin but I use a honey mask straight after it to renew the lost moisture back into my skin. Every time I use this mask I feel lovely and refreshed and it smells good.

4. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - This is a major upgrade from the sponges I used to use to apply my foundation with. I was pretty sure that this brush was going to be great because of how many people use and love it. It blends foundation and concealer out very well and makes it easy to use a little product all over my face.

5. Calcot Manor The Lazy Evening Dry Body Oil Spray - This is the best smell ever. It smells of summer, the sun, the blazing heat, the golden coast of Los Angeles and the long drifty, lazy, beautiful evenings in California under the blazing stars. Well, that's how I would describe it to you because I used it through the whole summer last year and every time I spray it on now it reminds me of that place, I really wish I was right now, and makes me smile every single time. If you don't believe me, go and buy it yourself.

6. The Maze Runner by James Dashner - I miss reading a good, exciting book. From when my mock exams started I couldn't get into a book and enjoy it but this really has been bringing me back into the flow. Its action packed, unexpected and exciting. Plus, on the cover it  says ' a must for the fans of The Hunger Games'... so you can see it has been calling for my eyes.

7. Calvin Klein Jeans Sunglasses - Its only a short time in the year that you can wear sunglasses and I love my white ones, they go with pretty much everything :)

8. Ikea Milk Frother - Coffee? No this makes more than milk, water and instant coffee granules mixed together. It makes it look like a posh cappuccino especially with a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top. Really, it  changes home coffee forever.  

I hope that you have found something here that you fancy trying out... and if you already have let me know what you thought about them!

Priyanka xx

Spending Summer This Way and That...

Summer is nearly over.

What? That went way too fast for me and to be truthful its completely unfair that I spend ALL year looking forward to summer and making plans for it to play in fast forward.

I'm not going to give up though, I'm going to always make it sunny in my head all the time and nothing (not even the famous British weather) is going to dull my sunshine :)

So here are the exiting things I spend the last couple of weeks doing:

-Made a bonfire and then sang and danced around it (sorry neighbours)

-Watched The Fault in our Stars and came out with my 3 friends all in tears. I'm the sensitive, dreamy type that cries at movies and songs; keep that in mind.

-Drank lots of Starbucks and annoyed my mum by bringing home the plastic cup with my name on every time...more about that here

-Had the most amazing day out in Oxford Street and Hyde Park for my friends birthday which you can see here

-Had a proper picnic in the park ...twice!

- Ate colourful, way too pretty to eat but I'm gonna eat anyway macaroons

-Got my makeup done in mac

-Attempted to skateboard but ended up sitting on it being pulled by my friend

-Went berry picking and tennis playing

-Did way too much baking

-Went to Lake District with my family

-Used my new camera a ton more

-Had barbeques (the most summer-ish thing you have to do)

-Roasted marshmallows on the barbie (she says in a failed Australian accent)

-Splashed my cash in the New Look sales for summer clothes

-Wore shorts practically every day...yes, that makes me very happy 

-Bought a milk frother to make posh looking coffee :)

- Indulged in ice-cream after a long time

- Actually got tanned

-Volunteered at my local library

- Started to get my inspirational wall ready

- And the rest of the time I spent sleeping, eating, watching movies, reading 'The Maze Runner', being lazy, sleeping and dreaming...

Lets all wish that summer comes again soon.

How have you all spent your gorgeous summer days?

Priyanka xx

10 Tips to be More Confident

 

Confidence is the best thing someone can wear.

Confidence comes before your makeup, before your gorgeous hair, clothes and skin. It comes all from the inside, from how you feel about yourself and how you act on that towards other people.

Any of you who are reading this; you are beautiful.

Yeah right.

That's what I would have said last year but since then I have opened my mind to many aspects of my life and from that I have learnt many new things about myself  and how loving myself is very  important.

1) Be yourself.

 

 People will like you for the real you, not someone who is so afraid to let go and act like themselves because they are afraid of what people will think about them and their beliefs.

 

2) Don't listen to people who are not worth your time ... (because the haters gonna hate).

 

 At the end of the day, who's there for you but ... you? Its not worth backing down to people who say things about you, especially when you start to speak out, there are always those people who want to kill your confidence and accuse you of 'seeking attention' but all they really are is mean ...( and a liar, and pathetic and alone in life and mean ~ Taylor Swift). Yep, she is one of my idols because of how relatable she is; I even went to her Red concert in February which was absolutely amaazingg - which you can see here.

 

3) Love yourself. Wholeheartedly and with the most pride. The best thing that you can do is accept who you are and turn that acceptance into something beautiful. Its really one of the first steps to be happier with who you are and when you can you will see that other people find it much easier to you too. 

4) Be spontaneous because life starts at the end of your comfort zone.

 

That's speaks for itself really. I always overthink things and am so indecisive that  I eventually give up making a decision and rely on someone else - but I am making that change because the less I think about 'what I am going to do' or 'if that's the best solution' the more time I can actually do that thing and enjoy myself. Anyway new experiences are more exciting and sometimes you just have to jump into the deep end. Head first.

 

5) Accept or Change.

 

Some things about yourself you might just have to accept but other things you can change if it lowers you self esteem or if it is something you don't like about yourself. For the first time I have actually stuck to my new years resolutions (which you can see here) and one that has impacted my life greatly is being more active and healthy. I don't think its shallow because by starting to work out  gave me a way to picture my goals and identify what I want and seeing the results from things that you work hard for can only make you happy and even more motivated to stretch your goals further. From the beginning of 2014 I know I have become stronger both mentally and physically; looking good is a bonus that has made me more confident with how I look.

 

6) Take drama / public speaking classes.

 

Everyone thinks I'm quiet or did until recently; my mum suggested that I do some kind of public speaking to gain more confidence so I joined one-to-one sessions doing acting and speaking to work towards grades in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts). By doing so,  I now feel so much more confident in speaking with new people, in class and in front of an audience. It was a sudden change for others to see; especially after a rather embarrassing 'inspirational' speech that I delivered to my whole year group. The weird thing about me is that I speak louder than I normally would in front of an audience...sometimes a little too loud given that I am speaking into a microphone...

 

7) Think positively about every situation. 

 

What happens, happens, but you can change how you feel about it by the way you react. A positive mind, a positive attitude, a grateful heart and wilful soul; what else could you want? 

 

8) Do what makes you happy then you won't have time to be sad :)

 

9) Believe in yourself and be patient because its a growth not a sudden change.

10) BE WILD. Seize every opportunity, embrace every instinct, jump into the unknown, let go of all of your worries and simle like your life depends on it.

 

 Now, inhale...

 

...and exhale...

 

and go kill'em georgeous because you are so worth it.

 

Priyanka xx

Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate Energy Balls

Ooh yes. I bring out the Peanut Butter, Oat, Banana, Chocolate, Coconut ENERGY BALLS.

 

I haven't really come up with a good enough name for it yet but they do provide energy and contain all the above ingredients so I guess the long name is fine for now.

 

The first time I made this, I was in a real hurry (unfortunately to revise) and eat something chocolaty but healthy and found this recipe...

 

After that day I have been completely loving these life saving balls of scrumminess- and whenever they magically disappeared from my fridge it seems to be my duty to make more because otherwise I continuously crave them. Its just how my body works.

 

They are a perfect pre-workout snack or something for when you need a little chocolate without eating the unhealthy stuff.

 

So here we go, you will need...

 

- 1 Large Mashed Banana

-1 Cup of Rolled Oats

- 2 Tbsp Organic Peanut Butter

- 1 Heaped Tbsp of coca powder

-1/4 Cup of Desiccated Coconut

-2 tsp Stevia

- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

 

Mix all the ingredients up in a bowl and then get a little messy and use your hands to make them into balls about the size of a table spoon.

 

Place the balls on a round plate and place them in the fridge for at least an hour for the best taste. This part is the hardest part...waiting. Don't worry, if your anything like me then you can enjoy a taster and scrape anything left in the bowl and on your fingers like I mention here :)

 

*Please note that the amount of each ingredient depends on your personal preference and that you can adjust them as you wish...and still make them taste amazing!

 

Hope you all enjoy one of my favourite snacks and find ways to make it your own.

 

I think you also might realise I have quiet a sweet tooth here...

 

Priyanka xx

Concealers: My Buys So Far

 

If I could only have one product in my makeup bag it would be a concealer. 

 

I always feel like if I get the right concealer then that's really all the coverage I need for an 'every day' look, but a good concealer has taken some time to reach and in my opinion they are also hard to track down especially since everybody's skin and preferences are different.

 

So here are all the concealers I have tried from the drugstore:

 

1. Collection 2000 Cover Up stick: This is the first concealer that I have ever bought. On top of that It is the first makeup product I have bought by myself (anything before that would not have been more than a lip gloss or nail polish). I would have said it was wonderful back a few years ago because I had never tried anything else but now I can tell you that it has a good coverage but it quite dry and cakey especially under the eyes. When I went to cover up a spot it made the spot stand out more due to the fact it was thick and flaky.

 

2. 17 Hide Away Concealer: My most regretting boots trip ever. I tried to make this concealer work so much. I really put all of my effort into blending it out differently, with a sponge, under the eyes, on spots but no where did it look close to nice. The packaging and consistency of the concealer looks nice at first but when I applied it to my skin it was orange, cakey, and looked like it would flake off my face. Also, I tried to wear this on the hottest months and it made me feel so self conscience about myself that I would barely look at people in the eye because it was rubbing off all over the place and I looked gross. I also tried covering up spots but it left then even worse. After this I have been put off 17 products - I haven't even dared to look at their makeup section since.  

 

3. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer: I was really happy when I bought this back in Canada last summer (followed by my incredible, but short dreamy trip to Los Angeles which you can see here). I was on the internet searching for reviews on concealers for weeks until I stumbled across this concealer that really drew my attention. I think that it really does reduce puffiness around the eyes and hides away dark circles brilliantly. I would still be using this if it weren't for my face being more tanned. In the winter it looks lovely and matt when set with a transparent powder.

 

4. L'Oreal Lumi Magique Highlighing Concealer: I love using this for highlighting my brow bone because it makes me look more awake, for the inner eyes and under the eyes but on top of another higher coverage concealer or foundation to make my eyes 'pop' a little more. The brush is lovely to apply it with and I would recommend using it in conjunction with another concealer for a little more coverage.

 

 5. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer: What's all the hype for from bloggers and youtubers about this concealer? Well if you haven't tried it you wouldn't  know. It has a great coverage and is actually not flaky. Horayy! Its an all round concealer for under the eyes, covering spots, scars and dark skin pigmentation which is great for those that want the coverage without wearing foundation everyday. Its the only concealer that I have bought that looks fine on spots- that is the result of following the newest makeup craze!  AND it last for pretty much all day and tries its very best to resist sweat. Bonus.

 

6. Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer: Again this is a lovely highlighting concealer to use with foundation or another concealer, around the inner eyes, cheek and brow bones. I think this has a little  more coverage than the L'Oreal Lumi Maqique but they are pretty similar.

 

I hope my experiences with concealers help find a perfect concealer for you skin.

 

Please let me know any concealers that you would recommend and what they are best for!

 

Priyanka xx