Slimming World Week 3, 4 & 5

Potato, spinach, cheese and bacon bake, recipe from http://www.shecookssheeats.co.uk

Tuna steak with sweet potato mash and spinach 

Just a quick update on my Slimming World progress. I have combined 3 weeks together because to be honest I didn't have that much to share. Things started to slow down at week 3 and I only lost 1/2 lb, which I wasn't very impressed with as I was doing things exactly the same. Week 4 however I managed to lose 1.5 lbs and I think because I cut down on the amount of pasta I was eating and changed my lunches, it made a difference. 

Week 5, 1 lb down, making my total weight loss after 5 weeks 7.5 lbs! I finally got my half stone award and I'm so happy with my progress. I don't lose weight quickly and with Slimming World, I'm doing it the healthy way unlike other diets I've tried. I can notice a difference in my body and a lot of people have commented that I've lost weight (always a good sign). I'm half way through my goal and I'm hoping that I continue at this pace. If I could lose around 2 lbs a week that would be even better. I'm currently on the Easter holidays for 2 weeks, so I'm not that hopeful I will have good, if any loses over the next 2 weeks, but I will try as much as possible to stay on plan, but it is Easter and we all deserve a treat right?!

Above are a couple of pictures of some of the meals I've made. I'm been coming up with my own meals mostly, but there have been times where I've found some really good ideas and recipes online. SW is a huge community and there are thousands of people out there to give advice and so many ideas and information on the internet. Below is a list of a few low syn treats that I have been having whilst on the diet, in case anyone is looking for ideas. I am always looking for new meal ideas and low syns so I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Cadbury Buttons treat size - 4

Muller Light yoghurts- free

Muller Light Goodies- 2.5

Milky Bar treat size- 3.5

Malteser Mini Bunnies- 3

Cadbury Curly Whirly- 6

Rich Tea Fingers- 1

Options Belgium Hot Chocolate (11g serving) - 2  

Hartleys Sugar Free Jelly pots- 0.5

Are you on SW? How is your journey going?

xoxo

Bold Metal Brushes by Real Techniques

Arched Powder

Flat Contour 

Angled Liner 

 
Pointed Crease 

Recently Real Techniques introduced their new line of brushes, the Bold Metal Collection. As soon as I saw them and I knew I needed them in my life. They have been hugely popular and it took me a while to get my hands on the ones I wanted, but I have finally got the 4 out of 7 that I wanted. 

Arched Powder

I love a good powder brush and this hasn't failed to impress. I love the angle of the brush as it gets in every corner of your face, which larger round brushes don't do. It's really soft on your faces and the powder sticks to it really well.

Flat Contour 

I think this is definitely my favourite out of the four. I love that the bristles are compact, which makes it quite a solid brush. The flat angle of it allows you to do perfect contour lines and definition. The first time I used it I used too much powder on the brush, not realising how heavy it would apply. However next time I just used a lot less and built it up until I got the desired look. This is a brush that is going to be my go-to when it comes to contouring!

Pointed Crease

I've been on the hunt for a pointed crease brush for a while, so I was really happy that this was in the new collection. It glides easily along the lid and allows you to create a definition along the socket line, making it easy to blend out, or great to leave as a defined line.  

Angled Liner

Great for creating that cat-eyed look, this is my daily brush and it is the perfect thickness for creating any line and gets into the inner corners of the eye really well. I much prefer this type of liner brush compared to fine liners and I think it gives more of a precise line .

I am in love with all of these brushes and really can't fault them. The quality and texture of the them is great and they look very high end and elegant. 

Overall I think Pixiwoo have done a great job in creating a higher end line of brushes that are great quality and do the job perfectly. I would definitely recommend these brushes that I tried and I think that they're up there in terms of quality with brands such as MAC. 

What are your thoughts on the new Bold Metals Collection?

xoxo

Slimming World- Weeks 1 & 2

If you read my previous post, you'll know that I recently started Slimming World (SW). I'm now entering my third week, so I'd thought I'd give a little update on how I've been doing. 

Week 1

Well the first week was a challenge, trying to adjust to a new way of looking at food, counting how many syn foods I can have, weighing out certain foods. I did find that I was really hungry, and on SW you're not supposed to feel hungry. They say to fill up on all the 'free foods' such as fruit, veg and meat and even though I seemed to eat large amounts of fruit, it just wasn't filling me up. I do exercise a lot, so I think I just wasn't eating enough calories. As I was eating so much more fruit then usual, I felt very bloated throughout the week, so I wasn't really sure what the scales would say. But I was pleasantly surprised that after 1 week I had lost 3.5 lbs! 

Week 2

After a good start in week 1, I felt the second week was a lot harder. I missed my favourite sweet things and although I done the same amount of exercise and followed the same food plan, I had a feeling a wouldn't see a great loss or any at all. I managed to lose 1lb, which I wasn't that happy with, considering I done the same as week 1. I would ideally like to lose 2lbs a week, but a loss is a loss I guess. 

A negative of the diet is the cost. All diets cost and I don't think this is that much different to others, however I have found that I have spent quite a lot of money on fresh fruit mainly. As they are speed foods and meant to speed up the weight loss, I have been trying to eat loads of fruit and veg, which isn't cheap. It really is so much cheaper to eat unhealthily these days as you can spend £20 on food in Iceland, such as frozen pizza and chips to feed the family for a week, and spend the same on fruit and veg that only last a few days. My purse is definitely feeling the negative affects of dieting. I shop in places like Aldi for my fruit and it still costs enough and doesn't last, so my next mission is to figure out how to do this on a budget! I do feel that my life the last 2 weeks have been consumed by food and SW and I need to not let it take over my life. I also invested in a new pair of digital scales so I can keep track of my weight accurately throughout the week and if I miss any meetings.

So after 2 weeks I have lost 4.5lbs and I don't think that's too bad.  I would update you in a couple of weeks with my progress.

xoxo

Slimming World Challenge

It's no secret that I'm into health and fitness as I've done a few posts on different workouts and diet shakes. Whilst I'm still a fitness freak and frequently exercising, lately I have been feeling stuck and can't get past a certain weight. I started to see that a few people I know have lost quite a lot of weight using Slimming World (SW) so I started to do some research and borrowed the SW book from a friend. 

After looking into it, me and my friend decided to take the plunge and go to our first SW meeting this past weekend. I was actually quite nervous to go at first, but there was absolutely no reason for me to be. The consultant was lovely and explained exactly how it worked and gave us a chance to ask questions. On your first meeting, you receive the info pack to help with your weight loss mission, the 'bible' of SW. It claims to have everything you need to help you lose weight and maintain it. During your first session, you get weighed (privately) and set a target for yourself of how much weight you want to lose. There is also help on their website and using the app to help you find certain foods and plan your meals, as well as thousands of recipe ideas. 

During the session, the biggest loser of the week (the person who lost the most weight), receives a fruit basket and they also do a raffle. It also gives people the chance to share their stories and any struggles they might be having and get advice from one another. I really liked the sense of comradery within the group and that everyone is there for each other with no judgement, just support and encouragement. I've planned my meals for the week, which they encourage you to do so you know exactly what you've having and less chance of slipping up, so I'm all ready to go. I also picked up some of their ready meals, which were launched just week, for days where I don't have the time to cook. I'm glad I'm doing with my best friend so we can help each other out and moan about our struggles together. I'm really hoping this works and puts an end of all the other fad diets I've tried. I'll be updating you with my progress along the way, but if anyone of is a SW member, any advice you can give will be most welcome. 

Are you a SW member? Or are you trying any other diets? I'd love to hear about them!

xoxo

Birchbox Loves (February)

This month Birchbox brings you 'Birchbox Loves' in celebration of Valentines day. I took a break from Birchbox whilst I was away last summer and have started to get them again this year. I'm pleased to say that they haven't disappointed this month and I'm quite impressed with what I received. 

This months box included:

London Butterflies Bath Salt Scrub- £35

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen -£10

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in Silver-£11 

Liz Earle Beauty Co. Botanical Shine Shampoo-£10

Wild About Beauty Rose Water Illuminating Serum-£22 (full size included)

The Chia Co Oats + Chia-£4.95 

I'm most looking forward to trying the 'Wild About Beauty Rose Water Illuminating Serum' and the 'London Butterflies Bath Salt Scrub'. I really think I got a lot more than what I paid for this month and have got a varied range of products. Sometimes the boxes can be a bit of hit and miss, but this one is definitely a hit.

Are you a Birchbox subscriber? What do you think of the Birchbox Loves box?
xoxo

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade has instantly become my favourite eyebrow products ever. I've have used many different products over the years to try and get the 'perfect brow' that will last all day, but none of them seemed to have had staying power. I picked up Dipbrow Pomade whilst I was in America and I think it's one of my best makeup buys.

Unlike a power, Dipbrow Pomade is a creamy, gel like formula that claims to be "waterproof, smudge proof and ideal for creating defined, natural-looking brows that won’t run down your face if you’re caught in a torrent, or melt in a hot (foreign) clime". It also says you can use it as a eyeliner too, but I have yet to use it for that. For me, it definitely does what it says on the tin. The product is so quick and easy to use and glides onto the hairs and stays put all day. It helps to give a defining shape to my brows and easy to apply using an angled brow brush, (I use MAC 266 brush). I start by outlining my brows first to get the right shape, then filling them in. I also like to highlight my brows using Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills products are finally available to buy the in the UK at www.cultbeauty.co.uk. Dipbrow Pomade comes in 11 shades (I'm using dark brown) and cost £15, which, considering how long this product lasts, is definitely worth the investment. A makeup must have! 

Have you used any Anastasia Beverly Hills products? What are your thoughts? 

xoxo

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