Boosh Weight Loss Programme - Countdown to Wedding Anniversary Day One

I've been "Boosshing" for 24 hours now and thought I would give you a quick up date on how I am getting on.

Yesterday I started the day with a Vanilla shake which tasted delicious, I just mixed the satchet with water chucked in a few ice cubes and used my Breville Active Blender to whizz it all together. You do get a free shaker but I find the blender gives you more of a frothy milkshake consistency

Lunch was a Chicken & Leek soup this again was delicious. I used a hand whisk to mix the powder with cold water in a bowl and then warmed it up in the microwave. I drank this as a cuppa soup type of meal and really enjoyed it.

Dinner was Thai Chicken curry that I mixed in a bowl and then heated in the microwave, this again was really tasty.

For my last "meal" I warmed a mint chocolate shake in the microwave and served it in hot chocolate mug.

Throughout the day I drank water as you do need to drink 8 glasses.
 
I am hungry, I'm not going to lie, but, I do think that any diet when you first start is tough so I'm gonna hang on in there. The weekend will be a challenge, but hopefully I can keep focused....fingers crossed.

Boossh Weight Loss Programme - Countdown to Wedding Anniversary Intro

Over the last 12 months or so my weight has crept up so, I have decided to do something about it.

It is my 20th wedding anniversary in 5 weeks time and I thought I would use that as an incentive. On the actual day we have to move my daughter from halls of residence to her new house, so most of it will be spent cleaning but, who knows what surprises hubby has in store for me after (a girl can dream can't she?). Anyway, even if we just go out for dinner I want to buy a nice dress and feel good in it....more about that later.

I am aiming to lose about a stone which I think is achievable, if I can manage to stay away from the wine, biscuits, takeaway on a Saturday night....mmm they sound so good.....

Okay, I'm back in the room! To help me stay on track I have purchased 5 weeks worth of shakes, soups and meals from Boossh. I am hoping that having my meals planned coupled with the fact that they are quick to prepare will stop me from cheating.

I will update you on my progress every couple of days or so to let you know how I am getting on.
 
Wish me luck......

My Meals For The Next 5 Weeks

Lancome Hypnôse Drama Mascara - Makes Eyes Pop

I realise I'm a little late to the party but I have just discovered Lancome's HypnoseDrama Mascara.

Lancome Hypnose Drama - Instant Full Body Volume Mascara - Boots


I normally avoid high end mascaras as I think they are incredibly expensive and they dry out just as quickly as any drugstore brand. However, when I purchased my Teint Miracle foundation I received a free gift which included a sample size of Hynose Drama mascara. Well I say free gift, I did have to spend about fifty quid to get it, but, It does give you the opportunity to try new products! I loved the sample so much I have since purchased the full size.

Every single mascara I have used smudges under my eyes, even many so called waterproof versions but this one stays put. I can wear it all day and it looks just as good as when I first apply it.  It is pricey but I think its worth.  It as doesn't dry up as quickly as other brands, so I guess it works out about the same price as I would use two drug store mascaras in the time that this one takes to run out. Then there is the phenomenal length and fullness it gives, you definitely get a full lash finish which isn't every ones cup of tea I know but I love it!

Give it a try I think you will be impressed, if the price puts you off get a sample or put it on your birthday or Christmas list, they often do gift sets around the festive season which are better value.

Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside - Bank Holiday Weekend

Bank Holiday Weekend by feelinggoodover on polyvore.com

Its Bank Holiday here in the UK this weekend and I'm going to visit my mom in Kent. She lives less than 2 minutes from the sea front and a good time is had by all, especially Taylor my dog.

The problem is, what to wear?  Bank holidays are notorious for bad weather! This week we have had hail, rain, wind and sun so what will the weekend bring?

During my stay we will be walking on the beach, shopping for a gift for my sisters birthday (it's a big one this year, sorry sis for mentioning it) and visiting an outdoor vintage car show.

I obviously can't take everything in my wardrobe (strict instructions for hubby) so I have put together a long weekend away "collection" (ooh get me getting all Versace on you).

I hope you like it....

Rimmel Colour Rush Balm

Those who follow me on Instgram know I have stepped out of my comfort zone for dark red nails and stepped into the summer light.

That got me thinking....mmm what about a matching lipstick...

I went into my local Boots and found almost a perfect match, Rimmel Colour Rush Balm in Boom Chic A Boom.

Rimmel London Colour Rush Balm| Long lasting and vibrant color - Boots


I purchased it on a whim really and didn't have much hope but I am really impressed, it did not bleed  and lasted all day. I didn't line my lips or top up during an 8 hour day and it stayed put. The Colour range is fantastic, ranging from subtle nudes to full on Pinks.

I do love my nudes but I think Summer is a good time to experiment with different looks and bold colours and at £5.99 it is worth stepping out of your comfort zone.

Triple Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are super easy to make and will become a firm family favourite.

To about make 10 cookies you will need: 

200g butter

300g caster sugar 

1 large egg

275g self-raising flour

75g cocoa powder

A splash of milk 

1 large bar of milk chocolate

1 large bar of white chocolate

1 Daim bar

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees

                                                                               

Cook for 11 minutes, don't worry if they still look  squidgy, that's the perfect consistency. They  will still cook as they cool, giving you the  perfect soft cookie.                   

Cream together butter and sugar 

Add egg

Stir in all the dry ingredients

Add a splash of milk

Break up the chocolate with a rolling pin and add to the mixture, mix well.

Line a baking tray with baking paper

 Spoon the mixture onto the baking trays

 

 

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder - Shade 01

Get a natural glow.....

This is one of my holy grail products for achieving a natural glow. We all know that contouring is massive right now but, if you are, like me a bit nervous, I think this is a great "toe in the water" product.

A lot of highlighters look amazing on younger skin but unfortunately most of them draw attention to fine lines like you wouldn't believe. I love that super shiny highlighted cheek look but damn does it show every line that crow delivered.


This powder from Laura Mercier gives you a subtle glow with no shimmer at all and it doesn't highlight or settle into fine lines. I sweep over the top of my cheekbones and sometimes in the very corner of my eye to brighten. It's a bit pricey at £25 but it will last for ages.....promise.

Maybelline Color Tatoo 24 HR Creme Gel Shadow

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow| Long Wear, Vibrant Colour - Boots

I have had this product for a couple of weeks but have not really put it through its paces but yesterday this baby had to work hard.I applied it at about 11am with a flat brush, I have tried putting it on with my fingers but find I can't get a precise enough application.

11am

I met my friend for dinner about 5pm then went to see Take That in concert. One sweaty concert later full of dancing, clapping and a bit of squealing we are on our way home.

I finally get to bed at about 12.30am and really pleased, my eye shadow hasn't creased or rubbed off at all, its still looks fresh despite the fact that the rest of me looks exhausted.

12.30am exhausted

The light in the bathroom isn't great sorry but I had to work with what I had.






I'm not sure about the 24 hour durability as who can stay up that long, but if you want a long lasting shadow without the use of a primer, this certainly does the job. In fact I'm off to purchase more colours.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream - A Perfect Summer Foundation Alternative

I love my Lancome Teint Miracle but when the Summer comes and hopefully a bit of sun, I like to switch to something a little lighter. Last year I discovered Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - Boots

I had tried a few drugstore tinted moisturisers in the past but wasn't impressed, the coverage was practically none existent and by the end of the day I just looked shiny. So when CC creams came out I thought yeah, yeah another tinted moisturiser.  However, Clinique give you a 7 day sample so I thought I would give it a try, I was determined not to like it...I ended up buying the full size!



It is much more than a tinted moisturiser the coverage is great! I would say light to medium, so just I just put a little concealer around my nose area but that's it. The whole result is very natural and it really gives your skin a glow, plus it feels like your wearing nothing so its great for hot weather. I apply it with a foundation brush or fingers if I'm in a hurry, this is not a "buffing in" product. It has a SPF30 so it's ideal for those long summer days, fingers crossed.

Give it a try I think you will be impressed.

Asda Wonderfit Jeans - I love you

Who likes Jeans shopping????

Did I hear a resounding hell no?

There's nothing more depressing and soul destroying than shopping for Jeans. They either fit on the bum but are too big round the waist, fit on the waist but are too big on the bum or just plain make you feel like your the size of an elephant. That's why I love Asda Wonderfit Jeans.

They look tiny when you first buy them and your first thoughts are there's is no way my butt is ever going to fit into them! Have faith, they stretch to fit your size, giving you the most comfortable Jean ever! They sit nicely on the waist so you don't get the dreaded muffin top and they do not gape at the back. They do go a little baggy after a couple of wears but just stick them in the washer and they snap right back into shape.

They come in Skinny and Straight fit at the moment but I am sure as they grow in popularity as more styles will be added. You can even custom them yourself, I recently cut the knees in mine to give them a more trendy look.

The correct sizing is as follows :-

XS = Ladies size 6 - 8
S =  Ladies size 10 -12
M = Ladies size 14 - 16
L = Ladies size 18 -20
XL = Ladies size 22 -24

Of course they are never going to replace a well made pair of jeans but for £18 they are great for school runs, shopping, weekends with the kids or just plain feeling fat days.  I order online as I can never seem to find them instore, it's easy and you can collect for free. Give them a try let me know what you think.

Big Hair? - No Problem - Babyliss Big Hair Spinning Brush

Say hello to my little friend........

Babyliss Big Hair Spinning Brush

BaByliss Big Hair Spinning Brush 2885U - Boots I am really bad at blow drying my hair. I start off well, sectioning off the hair, using a big round brush to create volume but by the time I am halfway done, I'm in trouble. The brush has managed to tangle itself so badly into my hair that it needs prising out. My arm aches, I've unblown my blow dry as I can't control the air flow and to be honest by the time I've reached the top section I'M BORED!!

Cue the Babyliss Big Hair.....It makes blow drying a breeze.

It works best on damp hair, which I think is a bonus as I do my make up first. The brush rotates in both directions so you can either curl your hair under or flick it out. It's great for creating volume on the crown and is brilliant for fringes long or short. I had a full fringe about a year ago and used it in the reverse setting to help my hair lie flat (I have a cowlick).  My daughter who has very curly hair also loves it, (she now has her own as she kept stealing mine) she finds it helps to cut down on straightening time.  

There are 2 heat settings and one cool (although the brush doesn't rotate on the cool setting). I tend to use the medium setting to help prevent heat damage. Simply section your hair with a clip turn on the brush and off you go. Tip: Start the brush spinning before you start to work on the required section of hair.

The spinning brush emulates the same sort of technique your hairdresser applies to get volume.  It polishes as it dries so it leaves your hair super shiny and full of volume. Don't worry if your hair isn't long it's also great for creating bouncy bobs if your hair is shorter.

The Finished Result

Brighten Up Your Eyes - Part Two - Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

This product is more of a luxury item but I think its worth the money as you only need the smallest amount. The current price is £19.50 and I ordered mine online as my local stockist is about 30 miles away .

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Power

I have always had a hankering for an under eye brightening product that did a good job on more mature skin and I think this pretty much does everything it says on the tin (or rather packaging).  It is beautifully soft and doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles. I apply it as a finshing powder in a "V" shape using a gentle patting motion with a Bare Minerals brush that I got in a kit but, never had a use for.

Its great for that subtle contoured look and I use it everyday as I find it helps to brighten and set any under eye concealer preventing it from sliding around.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Brighten Up Your Eyes - Part One - Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer

I've found a nice little cheap product that brightens up the eye area a treat. It comes in 3 shades and its just £5.49.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Concealer - Boots

 

I apply it just in the inner corner of my eye and blend it out to about a third of the way along the bottom lash line. I don't apply it all the way under my eyes as I did find it creased a little after several hours, but used sparingly its a beaut.

Enjoy A Posh Cuppa For Less - Aldi Specially Selected Forest Fruit Infusions

In my quest to be healthier and reduce my sugar intake, I'm always on the lookout for tasty alternatives to my usual Cappuccino or tea with two sugars.  Recently I discovered these beauties in my local Aldi and I'm so impressed I just had to share them with you.

Specially Selected Forest Fruit Infusions

They definitely give posh fruit tea bags a run for their money with their smart packaging and cute little bags filled with Apple, Rosehip and sweet Blackberry leaves.  They also taste great and at only 13p a cuppa they are definitely worth a try.

Its All About the Falsies - Lashes that Is

I love false eyelashes...on everyone else!

Whenever I wear them I end up looking as if I'm auditioning for Rue Paul's Drag Race. However, these particular lashes were recommended to me and as they were only £1.79 from Amazon I thought I would give them a try.

Wowsers...they were brilliant!

They went on like a dream (I did cut them down a little) but the final result was very natural and just gave my lashes extra va va voom.

I think for the price they're a no brainier...give them a try and let me know what you think. I have included a link below.


SODIAL(R) New Thin 10 Pair Natural Black Long Fake False Eyelashes Eye Lash Makeup

Thai Green Curry Recipe

I am lucky enough to have a Thai Mini Mart quite close to me and I`ve passed it many times but never gone in as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I suppose I thought I would feel a bit intimidated as I'm new to Thai cooking and usually get my ingredients from the supermarket. Anyway, one day I plucked up the courage and went in and boy am I glad I did.

Here's the recipe that was given to me by the two charming ladies who run the shop. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Ingredients From My Local Thai Shop

How Thai people make Thai Green Curry.



Ingredients
6 ounces chicken (in smallish bite sized pieces, or thin little strips)
1 cup all natural coconut milk
4 white aubergine
100 grams pea aubergine
5-6 kaffir lime leaves, shredded
2 tablespoons fresh Thai basil leaves
1-2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar
oil for cooking
1 tablespoon green curry paste
Method
Briefly fry the curry paste in a bit of oil until fragrant, reduce the heat, and add 1/2 cup coconut milk slowly. Continue to stir while cooking until a thin film of oil appears on the surface.
Add the chicken and other ingredients.. Cook over low heat, slowly adding the balance coconut milk, until the chicken begins to change colour. Adjust the flavors to suit yourself. Cook over low heat until chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a serving dish, top with a few leaves of fresh basil, and serve with jasmine rice. Makes two small servings.

My Favourite Brow Product - Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow Pomade

Lets talk Brows...

In the 1980`s I was blessed with a pair of eyebrows that would rival Brooke Shields or Cara Delevingne, I threw the tweezers away and loved the low maintenance look.

Me aged 17

Then the 90`s happened and it was all about the skinny brow and baby did I hit those tweezers hard. Fast forward to 2015 and its all about full well defined brows, the trouble is, years of over plucking have left me with sparse brows that no longer behave themselves. They refuse to grow back and despite my best intentions those follicles are digging their heels in and will not make an appearance. So I was left with no choice but to fake it!

I purchased a couple of brow pencils initially but found them either too dark or orangey for my cool skin tone. Then I heard about the Anastasia brow range and decided to give it a try.

The gel is really creamy and you can build up the intensity for a more dramatic look. The colour range is excellent  whether your a strawberry blonde or a dark brunette and it stays in place all day. I apply mine with a flat angled brush as this gives you more control over the application and shaping.

In their labelling Anastasia Beverly Hills states the products is waterproof but I haven't tested this as I don't bother "putting on my brows" for swimming or the gym. However, my daughter who cannot even load the dishwasher without her brows being "on fleek" wore it everyday last year in Tunisia in 85 degree heat and didn't seem to experience any "brow sliding".

The cost here in the UK is £15 and I purchased mine online. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and if you have any further questions please ask and I`ll do my best to answer them.

Banana Pancakes With Blueberries

I actually feel a bit of a cheat calling this a recipe as there are only 3 ingredients!  These pancakes are healthy, cheap and make use of those brown spotted bananas that the kids wont eat. The blueberries are optional but I like the way that some of them burst slightly when cooking to give a blueberry jam type of flavour, delicious.

Mash up two ripe bananas and one egg together in a bowl until you have a batter type consistency (I used a potato masher)
Warm a little butter in a frying pan (you can use a cooking spray if you prefer)
Add the batter to the frying pan and cook until it starts to bubble then flip them over and cook on the other side. Voila healthy pancakes that can be eaten anytime of day not just at breakfast.

My Current Favourite Foundation - Lancome Teint Miracle

My Current Favourite Foundation - Lancome Teint Miracle

I say current as I'm always on the lookout for "the one" (sorry husband) I mean that special foundation that will erase the years and give me back my youthful glow.

After many expensive mistakes I stumbled on this little beauty at my local Boots store.

First of all you are shade matched (the colour range is excellent) and your given a decent size sample that's lasts approx 7 days, which I think is brilliant as it really gives you the chance to give it a thorough road test.

It is a medium coverage foundation that can be built up without looking cakey and I find it best when applied with a flat top brush. It doesn't settle into fine lines and provides just the right amount of glow without looking greasy or like your having a hot flush. I personally do not powder over mine  but of course you can if you wish but I would suggest that if you do, you just apply a light sweeping over the T zone as too much would spoil the subtle glow.

Lancome`s website states that you get 12 hours wear which I think is a little generous but it does stand up to a full day at work, shopping or evening out. It also has a SPF15 which is great as we all know the effects of sun damage. Its a bit pricey at £29.50 BUT it does last ages and I always think if you use a good quality base you can get away with using cheaper products to complete your look. Its the same principal as an expensive pair of shoes or handbag can make a cheaper outfit look a million dollars. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I hope this review has been helpful and please let me know if you have any further questions and I will try my best to answer them. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and I will speak to you all soon x