New York Beauty Haul

Hello guys! 

I can' believe how long its been since I've blogged. I did think that I would find some time whilst I was in America, but I was so busy out there that there just wasn't the time. I am going to do a detailed post on my Summer, but for now I just wanted to give you a quick look at some of the beauty products I picked up whilst I was away. I could of bought so much more but then I would of never have stopped, so I had to have some self control!

MAC Lipsticks- Sushi Kiss, Hearts Aflame, Flat Out Fabulous, All Fired Up

MAC Warm Neutral Eyeshadow Palette 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown & Pro Pencil in Base 2

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

 Benefit they're Real Mascara 

Opi Nail polish- (L-R) Amazon...Amazoff, Cant find my Czechbook, Pamplona Purple, Essie nail polish in Serial shopper, Opi scores a goal, Live.Love.Carnival and Got a date to-Knight! 

 MAC Minerlize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze, Extra Dimension Blush in Bareness, Refill Blush pans in Raizin and Pinch me

Real Techniques Starter set and Brow Groomer 

(image from google)
Clairsonic Mia 2

I'm looking forward to trying out all the these beauties and will be reviewing some of them shortly.

xoxo

Camp America!

(image from google)

(image from google)

This summer I have an amazing opportunity to take part in Camp America (CA)! This is something I have always wanted to do and for some reason I never got round to it. However this year I have started to do things for myself and not let opportunities pass me by and more importantly, not have any regrets. So I made the decision to apply for Camp America and thought what happens, happens! 

Application-Interview 

For those of you haven't heard of CA, I'll explain a little bit about it and the process on getting on the programme. Before I start, please note that applications for summer 2014 are closed, so if you're thinking about going, it will be summer 2015! In a nutshell, CA is a programme where internationals can work in America at a summer camp in various different roles (think The Parent Trap film and Beaver Falls TV show).
Firstly you have to start by filling out an application on line. This is quite detailed and can take some time, but make sure you fill it out in as much detail as possible, particularly the skills section as camps are looking for people who can bring something extra to camp. You also have to create a sort video about yourself to give potential camps a bit more insight into what you're like (cringe!). They also ask for 2 references, which can be from employers or someone from your university/college. 

After you have submitted your completed application, you will be able to select an interviewer. For some people, they can get placed at a CA Recruitment fair, which are held throughout the country. This is where representatives from camps come over to find counsellors and gives you the chance to find out about camps in detail, and more importantly, show them your personality face to face and if they like you, they can hire you on the spot (just make sure you bring a printed copy of your application as well as references with you and your deposit if you have paid already). I didn't attend a fair, however I heard from others that it gets very busy and crazy, so be warned.

Next for me was my interview. On your CA profile, you can select an interviewer near your area. These are people who have been previous counsellors or work in the CA office. This isn't like a normal job interview; it's very relaxed and casual and I met someone in a coffee shop, but sometimes people meet at the interviewers house. My interview lasted about an hour and it was very informal and gives you the chance to ask questions that aren't answered online. About a week after my interview, I found out my application was approved and that I was now on the programme as a general counsellor (I'll explain the different roles in a minute). 

Placement 

The thing to remember here is that just because CA has accepted you, doesn't mean you're going to camp; the next step is being placed. If you're not offered a place at a fair, then it's just a waiting game really, hoping that a camp will get in touch with you. It was only a couple of weeks later that a camp was interested in me and I carried out an interview via a series of emails. They offered me a job, however I made the decision to turn it down as I didn't feel it was right for me. This was a huge risk as there is no guarantee that another camp is going to be interested, but for me it was the right choice. I was lucky enough that a couple of weeks later another camp interviewed me, this time via video chat and offered me a job there and then and it was a camp that was definitely more suited to me. I will be spending my summer in charity funded camp in New York State for underprivileged children from inner city New York. I will be working as a Camper Liaison, where I will be dealing with the behaviour side and difficult children, as well as helping counsellors deal with them.

Visa 

Once you have been placed, CA will send out your Visa pack and CA t-shirt. You then have to fill out special visa forms (which I won't go into as it's quite long) and then select your embassy appointment. The USA Embassy is in either London or Belfast, so fortunately for me I didn't have to travel far to the London office. My visa appointment was very quick and I was in and out in less than an hour.

Roles and types of camps 

Originally I was put on the general counsellor programme, which I think is the most common (I was offered the Camper Liaison job later on). This basically means all-rounder and you will be with a group of kids throughout a set period and usually bunk with them, as well and taking them to every activity. Advanced skills counsellors are specialised in certain areas, such as Sports, Film/media, Arts and Crafts, plus many more. The counsellors will be planning and running the activities. You can also be hired as a Lifeguard. Finally there is Campower, where you work behind the scenes, such as working in the kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance worker.

There are many types of camps that you can work in and on your application you can select a preference, as well as stating ones you aren't prepared to go to. The Types of camps are:

 Private/Independent

Special Needs

Agency/non-profit

Girl Scouts

Faith Based

Speciality Camps

Underprivileged

Day Camp

Costs 

The thing that most people want to know first is how much do I have to pay and how much do I get paid. In terms of wages, CA prefer to call it 'pocket money'. This is because it really isn't a proper wage, it's more like, well pocket money! The current rates are listed below (in US Dollars) and what you get it determined on your skills and qualifications. 

Counsellor- Standard- $600-$850
Advanced Skills Counsellor-$700-$950
Counsellor- Special Needs- $700-$950
Campower $1200

This year, the CA fee was £731. This includes flights, insurance, visa, police check and taxes. 

Throughout the whole process, there are always people on hand at CA to help you with any questions or problems you may have, either via email or phoning them directly. Pretty much everything is handled by them, apart from your visa forms, but again they give you so much help in completing that. After you are placed, your camp will be on hand with any questions that you have for them, and many have Facebook groups where you can meet fellow counsellors before you go. After camp, you get time to travel around America on your visa (30 days for counsellors, 10 weeks for Campower). I have yet to decide what I'm doing after, but I like having the option to see more of America.

So, not sure what to do with your summer and wanting a new experience, then why not try CA! I can't wait for camp and I'm sure I'm going to have an amazing time and will create some amazing memories. When I return I'm going to write a post about my camp experience and let you know my thoughts and opinions and what I decided to do after camp.

In terms of blogging, I really don't know if I'm going to have the opportunity whilst I'm out there, it all depends on the internet access and time, which I won't know until I get there. I really hope that I can do an update at least half way through, even if it's just a  quick one.
 But for now, its bye from me for a while! Enjoy your summer everyone!

New York here I come!!

For more information on CA, visit www.campamerica.com

xoxo

The Slender Blend by Protein World

For a long time now I have been wanting to start taking a protein shake and I couldn't decide on one that I wanted. However a friend mentioned Slender Blend by Protein World and had heard good reviews about it, so I did some research, read a few reviews and decided to take a chance and order it. I was originally looking for a shake to take mainly after my workouts to help build and repair my muscles. However, I've been trying to shift the stubborn few pounds, so I thought replacing some meals may not be such a bad idea. 

The Slender Blend Weight loss claims to:

Nutritious meal replacement

Aid weight loss and weight management

Enhance body tone

Improve skin, hair & nail health

Stomach friendly

I decided to just order the shake, however they do bundles and Slender Blend can be bought alongside Fat Melter capsules and multi vitamins as part of the weight loss collection. The collection is designed to keep you full, help you lose weight fast, speed up your metabolism, burn fact and help the growth of lean muscle. 

My delivery arrived very quickly (2 working days) and I was happy to receive a shaker as well as I don't own one. I chose chocolate flavour, but there is Strawberry, Vanilla and Banana to choose from. I have tried a couple of protein shakes that my brother has and I found them to not taste very nice at all are a quite grainy in texture. However I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and light this shake is, with no lumps or feeling like I'm drinking a cup of sand. And it helps that it tastes nice too! I also received a weight loss guide and Slender Blend shake recipe. Another thing I like about this is the packaging. I know what doesn't make a difference to the actual product, but I like that it looks a bit more feminine unlike the majority of protein drinks. I've only been taking it for just under a week, but I am noticing some definition coming through in my abs, but I will give an update in a couple of weeks to let you how I got on with it.

Their website also has a recipe section, giving you lots of ways to mix up your shakes. There a various products on their aimed at different needs, so there is something there for everyone. 

Slender Blend cost £30 for 1.2kg, plus p&p and is available at www.proteinworld.com

xoxo

Harper's Bazaar Birchbox- May

 

This month Birchbox has teamed up with Haper's Bazaar to bring you this special edition box. I instantly loved the box when I first saw the design and it just makes it a bit more interesting than the usual brown box. I have to say I think this is my favourite box so far and I'm very pleased with the products I received, particularly the Benefit mascara and Soigné nail polish.

In my Harper's Bazaar box I received:

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara | £19.50

Soigné Nail Lacquer (Full size) | £11

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning and Bath Shower Oil | £39

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo | Protect & Condtion | £14 each

Liz Earle Beauty Co. Cleanse & Polish  Hot Cloth Cleanser | From £13.25


It also includes an subscription offer to Harper's Bazaar of £12 for 12 issues, saving 76%. I think Birchbox have done very well this month and it's definitely worth investing in, especially considering the value of the products. I look forward to more special edition boxes like this. Sign up now to get your Harper's Bazaar box at www.birchbox.co.uk for just £10 a month plus £2.99PP

xoxo

Clearasil Ultra Blemish and Marks Scrub

Lately I have started to suffer from bad skin and I had a breakout not so long ago which lasted a while and it isn't something I usually suffer from. So naturally I wasn't happy and I tried various scrubs and washes to try and tackle it. Once the spots had gone, I was left with blemishes and marks that just didn't want to go away. So I went on a hunt in Superdrug to see if I could find anything that might work and Clearasil had an offer on so I decided to try their blemish and marks scrub. I think the last time I used a Clearasil product I was about 12, so I didn't have much to go on, but I just took a risk and purchased it. 

So the all important results! Well after using Clearasil Ultra Blemish and Marks Scrub for a few days I started to notice a difference already. At first I wasn't sure if it was just in my head because I didn't think it would work so quickly, but I was definitely starting to see a small difference. I started using the scrub once a day as recommended and increased to twice a day once I got used to it. It says that the scrub can be drying on the skin, so they say to try it once a day at first to see how your skin takes to it. As I have naturally oily skin, this didn't affect me and increasing to twice a day was fine for me, but I did still notice that it made my skin drier, so if you already suffer from dry skin, just be aware of the effects. The scrub isn't rough on the skin, as I have used other scrubs that are quite harsh, but this is quite gentle and soothing and has a gel like feel to it. It also smells really nice too.

After using this for 4 weeks, my skin is noticeably different and I'm extremely happy with how it has reduced my blemishes and marks. It hasn't completely cleared it up and I still have a way to go before it's back to how it used to be, but it's a huge improvement. They have two other products in the Blemish and Marks range, a Wash & Mask and a Treatment Cream. I haven't tried either of these but I think I'm going to invest as I've had good results with the scrub and I want to get rid of the rest of these stubborn marks. 

Clearasil Ultra Blemish and Marks Scrub costs £5.79 and is available from Boots and Superdrug.

Have you tried any of the Clearasil Ultra Blemish and Marks range? Can you recommend a product to tackle those stubborn blemishes?

xoxo

Focus T25 update

(image from google)

So a little while ago I posted about a new fitness programme that I was doing, Focus T25. As promised, I'm giving a quick update on my progress. After 5 weeks of Alpha phase 1, 5 days a week, so far I have been impressed with what I have achieved. 

Saturday is known as "Staturday", where you take all of your measurements and can see the progress you've made each week. Although in terms of weight I have only lost 2 lbs, the biggest change has been in my size. I have lost just over an inch around my hips and just under an inch around my waist, thighs and arms. For me, this is more important than what the scales say as I'm more focused on changing my shape physically and toning up and gaining more muscle, which we know weighs more than fat. 

I have just started Phase 2, Beta this week, where the intensity increases and focuses on sculpting lean muscle and I will also be using the resistance band for some of the workouts. I feel that my fitness has improved over the last 5 weeks as well and by the last week of phase 1, I managed to get through the workouts with a lot more ease. I can slowly see my shape changing and have even had a few compliments. So far so good!

 I'm not going to lie it is a commitment doing it 5 days a week, however it's only 25 minutes and the time does go by surprisingly quick and before you know it, its over; you just need to stay dedicated. After all, 25 minutes  of your entire day isn't exactly much, it's less than an episode of Eastenders! 

I hope the next phase produces even better results with the increased intensity and I will do an final full detailed review at the end.

Have you been doing Focus T25? What were your results?

xoxo

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil

After trying L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Micellar Solution, which I spoke about here and having been really impressed by it, I thought I would try their latest product, L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil. 

This claims to "instantly dissolve all traces of make up and impurities, help to re-balance the natural oil production, restoring optimum levels of hydration to reveal smoother, healthier looking, radiant skin". This is quite a light oil and isn't very thick and makes application very easy. Pump 2-3 drops in your hand and using your fingertips, massage over dry skin, including your eyes and lashes. Then, using warm water, rinse until all makeup is gone. I use a muslin cloth with warm water to remove it as I find it wipes it off a lot easier and muslin cloths are very soft. Once water gets on it, it turns into thin milky texture that's quite softening. 

I'll admit that I was a little sceptical at first about rubbing the oil over my eyes and lashes and I wasn't sure how easily it would remove my eye make up, but I was wrong. After gently rubbing it over my eyes, I was surprised how quickly it removed my make up and with no irritation whatsoever. It's very soft on the skin and leaves it feeling very smooth, which I think may also have to do with the fact that you massage into the skin instead of rubbing it and what I also like is that there is no need for cotton pads, so you save money there! I'm really pleased with this product and would definitely recommend it.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil costs £7.99 from Boots and Superdrug and is currently on offer with a third off in Superdrug.

What are your thoughts on cleansing oils?

xoxo

Birchbox- February

February bought me my second Birchbox! They came wrapped in a cute little bag this time and I'm really happy with what I received this month (for those of you who don't know about Birchbox, read my previous post here).

This month I received:

Urbanveda Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish | £8.99

Gilchrist & Soames The London Collection Shower Gel | £13.75

Beauty Protector Protect Oil | £16

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner | £12

Leighton Denny Nail Colour | £11

Green and Blacks Dark 70 % Chocolate

I'm a nail polish junkie so I was really happy to receive this lovely pink/peach colour by Leighton Denny. I recently read about the launch of Eyeko so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this in my box and I'm looking forward to trying it, as well as the other goodies in my box.

There's still time to get your February box so order soon!

xoxo

My new fitness challenge- Focus T25

 Exercise! The word that fills many people with dread. For some, like me, exercise is a very important part of life and like to work out. I do enjoy exercising but I find going to the gym really boring and I find it hard to keep myself motivated when I'm there. I much prefer going to classes or DVDs because someone is telling me what do to do (I guess that's the lazy me talking). These days, there are so many different ways to exercise that you can't get bored and you can guarantee that there is something out there for you even if you're not the most keen. I'm always willing to try a new fitness programme and a new thing I have recently started is Focus T25 by Shaun T, the creator of Insanity. For those of you that haven't heard of or tried insanity, the name says it all. I have completed Insanity myself and it's intense, hard and will definitely test you physically.

After the huge success of Insanity, Shaun T created a workout designed for those with less time on their hands. Focus T25 is a fast 25 minute workout with no breaks, that you do 5 times a week (plus an additional day for stretching). Like Insanity, Focus T25 is split into 2 stages over 10 weeks. However the difference this time is that even though stage 2 is harder, the time remains the same at 25 minutes. Stage one is the Alpha cycle, where you build your foundation using only your body weight. There are 5 DVD's for each stage and you alternate the workouts using the calendar provided. Then comes stage 2, the Beta cycle, where the intensity increases and the workouts are focused more on your core to sculpt lean muscle after you have created your foundation in phase 1. The main idea of Focus T25 is to focus intensively for 25 minutes straight without stopping. They have someone doing a modified version of the workout if you find the moves difficult at first, until you're able to work your way up to the advanced level.

I have been doing this for 2 weeks and so far I'm enjoying the workouts and they're going very quickly. I haven't lost weight but I measured myself today and I've lost a just under and inch off my hips and arms, so let's hope this continues over the next 8 weeks. I will be reviewing my progress at the end of Alpha phase, then again after I've completed the whole programme.

When you order Focus T25 you get:

Quick start guide

Eleven 25 minute workouts

Nutrition guide

Wall-size workout calendar

5 day fast track

Resistance bands

Focus T25 costs £99, which is quite pricey (you can pay in stages). It's available at http://www.beachbody.co.uk where they also have a huge range of workout programmes, including Insanity. However, if you google it you can find a lot of their products cheaper somewhere else, such as Cheer DVD.

"Your focus begins now"

xoxo

Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel

(left Origins, right Clinique)

I couldn't count the amount of face creams I have used over the years. I never used to pay attention to the ingredients in them and I was probably using the wrong things for my skin. One the problems I have with my skin is that my T-zone can get quite oily. I use a primer as a base and powder on top to set my makeup, but I find that throughout the day, I constantly have to touch it up and I become quite fed up of the shine. So whilst I was in America a couple of months ago, I thought it was the perfect time to invest in a couple of creams aimed at oily skin as it's a lot cheaper there. After reading some reviews, I decided to go for Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion and Clinique's dramatically different moisturising Gel.

Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion

A little while ago I posted about an Origins product, their Drink Up Overnight Intensive Overnight Mask and as I was really impressed with it, I thought I would give some of their other products a try. They have a whole range of zero oil products including cleansers, toners and spot treatments. After using this cream for a few days, I did notice a reduction in oil after using this cream, but I wouldn't say loads. I do love the mint smell of the cream though. It's quite a thin cream to so it's not heavy on your skin. Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion is on the rather more expensive side at £23 for 50ml, especially considering the size and unfortunately it doesn't come in a bigger size either. I have to day that even though he did help a bit with the shineAvailable at 

www.origins.co.uk

Clinique dramatically different moisturising Gel 

I heard a lot of good things about Clinique's dramatically different moisturising gel (winner of The Sunday Times Beauty Award) and Clinique products never really fail me. When I first used this gel I noticed straightaway how much it took the oil out of my face, in fact it almost felt too dry at first. However, after using it again, it didn't feel dry and I noticed the difference throughout the day. My makeup lasted longer and there was a lot less shine. It didn't get rid of it completely and I didn't expect it too, but there was definitely a difference to when I used a moisture for normal skin. You only need to use a small amount and it lasts for quite a while. Clinique's dramatically different moisturising gel costs £17 for 50ml or £29.50 for 125ml, available online at www.clinique.co.uk

Personally I feel that Clinique works better for me. I did see a reduction in shine from the Origins, but for me I found the Clinique works a bit better. As I said, Clinique is more drying, so I think that this would be better for those with quite oily skin, and for those that have only slightly oily skin Origins maybe better suited as it's not so intense. Maybe if I used some of Origins other zero oil products, it may have an even better result as the cleanser would take out some of that extra oil. Also, Clinique is better value for money and gives you a choice of sizes.

Do you suffer from oily skin? What would you recommend to fight the shine?

xoxo