My New Years Resolutions 2011

Having taken part in Claire Portis' Life Coaching Workshop a few weeks ago I have learned that goal setting is far more successful 

than traditional New Year's Resolutions.  

Claire's workshop is named "I Wish, I Can, I Will" 

and this name was dreamt up by Claire 

whilst lying on her sun lounger wishing she could do a marathon.  

She is an inspiration because Claire then ran the London Marathon 

(with some 'Can' 'Will' and a LOT of training in between!)

Apparently by telling other people our goals i.e YOU and by writing the goals down, we have a far higher chance of achieving said goals.

So here goes with my New Years Resolutions (AKA Goals): 

1.  To keep up with my favourite exercise classes; kettle bells, Resistance Table Pilates & Running once a week.  I am aiming to walk a marathon on the North Downs in April for my best friends' brother who is suffering with Motor Neurones Disease.  I am also running a half marathon in May.  Definitely time for me to locate my running trainers.

It is easy to get stagnated in your schedule, this year why not try something different like my kettle bells sessions, which are only half an hour twice a week and with a great group of girls, what more could you want?!  I know, I know a sofa and a TV but come on 'no pain no gain' and all that.  

Read more on GB Personal Training, they have a great members section with workouts to do at home.

2.  To detox, detox, detox, now it's fair to say I wholly overindulged over the festive period, BUT imagine my surprise when I had piled on half a stone (yes 7 whole lbs) Urghhh.  I think I NEED the 'evolution diet' which is to be followed for 30 days, I'm not quite sure about depriving myself of drinking tea, so may be doing my own variation (sorry GB boys)!  You can read all about this and follow the good and bad foods guide for a healthier more svelte you for 2011.

3.  To give blood regularly, I have just looked at the link, entered my postcode and found out that my local centre is open on 4th January 2011, so that's where I will be on Tuesday.

4.  To present myself everyday as if I am going to be on television (or bump into an ex!)  I feel more confident and perform better if I look my best.  

Right I really must go and have a spray tan.

I would LOVE to hear yours, please leave comments below 
OR join the  Blog Hop below with your 
New Years Resolutions/Goals for 2011 Posts 

and take a peek at others for some inspiration too.  

Enhance your Eye Colour

"I would like to know the best eye shadow colours to enhance Blue eyes, also is black kohl on the inner rim of the eye a big no no." Jadlgw (Latest GIVEAWAY winner).

To enhance your eye colour choose an eye shadow which contrasts with your own eye colour, matching your iris will only result in the eyeshadow showing.
Would you display an amethyst on a purple background?

For blue eyes, opt for browns and taupes.  I like Nars Blondie and Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes, which comes with an application guide and a concealer. 

For brown eyes, slate blues and navy look great.

For green eyes apply mauves and liliacs.

As for black kohl for inner rims of eyes I prefer to apply black cream eyeliner with a brush just on the outside of the rim touching on the lashes to give them a more dramatic look.

Home Made Face Packs

Thank you Marzena for your request for home made face packs.
During this festive time we have hopefully got time to have a little 'me time' and these simple face masks are the perfect treat for your skin.

For oily skin: 
Mix a teaspoon of brewers yeast with natural yoghurt and pat onto the face, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
A rehydrating mask:
Flesh of half a cucumber mixed with natural yoghurt, three pureed strawberries and a teaspoon of honey.  Apply to the face and leave to dry before wiping off.

For an anti wrinkle mask:
Mash 3 slices of banana with milk and spread on the face, leave for 20 mins and rinse with warm water.
ADD to any of these:
A whisked egg white to tighten and tone your skin
OR
The whole egg for extra softening for skin

Members Only Shopping

Members Only designer shopping with up to 80% off.  

I know the regular sales have begun, however if you are fed up with what they have to offer why not try one of these high end designer sale sites at high st prices.  The sales change weekly, fortnightly or monthly and include these designers to name but a few.

Secret Sales: 7 Jeans, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein

Cocosa:  Nicole Farhi, Hunter, DKNY

Vente Privee: John Smedley

Brand Alley:  Jimmy choo, Dior, Miu Miu

Enjoy sale shopping all year round - yay! xxx

GIVEAWAY WINNER

My 'How to Walk in High Heels' signed book contest ended and I just picked a winner using this fun fruit machine tool and I am delighted to announce the winner of the guide to everything a girl needs to know...

Drumroll please, now without further ado, the lucky winner is...

Jude Dunn (Jadlgw)

Congratulations, this fab style bible will be on it's way to you.

Many thanks and look out for my next GIVEAWAY coming very soon.

Feetalicious Home Pedicure

A home pedicure is a well deserved treat

You will need:
a washing up bowl
Half a cup of Espsom Salts
Scholl Rough Skin Remover
Warm water
Foot file
Orange stick
Nail file

Cotton wool
Nail varnish remover
Toe separators
Duri Rejuvenate clear base coat
Origins Reinventing the Heel
Chanel Rouge Noir nail colour, fab for Christmas

How to:
Fill the bowl with warm water and add the Epsom Salts
Soak feet for 5-10 minutes
Rub feet with exfoliating product
Put feet back in the bowl and wipe the product off then towel dry the feet
File the feet on any dry areas i.e heels
Apply Origins Reinventing the Heel all over the feet using a massaging motion

Push the cuticles back using the orange stick
File the nails straight across

Wipe the nails with nail varnish remover
Put toe separators between the toes

Appy Duri Rejuvenate
Apply Chanel Rouge Noir and leave for a few minutes before you apply the second coat
Apply another coat of Duri
Leave toes uncovered for 12 hours

Admire your gorgeous feet

Walking in Heels is Like Riding a Bike

Thank you to Gemma, who has asked the straight forward sounding question "How do we walk in high heels?"  Well the answer is: Firstly we are taught the history and facts, which in turn will help us select the heel and who better to guide us in choosing the shoe than Manolo Blahnik?  

Then we are to consider the occasion to help determine the height and style of heel and of course the mode of transport we will be using (there are taxi heels and tube heels).  The surface you will  be walking on is a factor, as is the company you will be with, their height and whether you will be dancing or sitting.   Not to mention the duration of the evening, the dress code, weather and alcohol intake. 

All of these points and more are covered in the comprehensive chapter, provided in the book "How to Walk in High Heels" by Camilla Morton.  Enter my GIVEAWAY and be in with the chance of winning the style bible which will keep you looking and feeling confident, in heels.

The best selling author Camilla Morton has generously donated a signed copy as a GIVEAWAY.

To enter:

1. Become a Follower of my blog (see the button on the left hand side bar)

2. Leave your beauty/fashion 'how to' question in the comments

3. For 2 bonus entries, tweet and facebook this giveaway (let me know you have)

Last entries by Midnight Friday 24th December, winner to be announced Sunday 26th December.  Good Luck.

A Brogue Clad Step Too Far

Now there are some items in my comfort zone i.e cashmere EVEN Angelina Jolie has come round to my way of thinking.  However I have heard it called the uniform for Yummy Mummy's and although that is not derogatory, I'm not sure it's how I want to be labelled.

Some trends I have just not been able to carry off are the brogue, harem pants and leather leggings, just not flattering, unless you are a super model or 20 years old.  

I think for me there is a line, where fashion must not take over from style and these trousers just would not look good on me, maybe it's an age thing, I am just more confident in my cashmere and jeans.

Gorgeous but just too scary for me...

I am looking into these as a new purchase

Let me know your thoughts 

xxx

How to Apply Eyeliner Cream; Gel or Liquid

Thanks Nic's Notebook for your 'How to' Beauty Question:

"I would like to know how to apply liquid/gel eyeliner properly... can NEVER do it right lol!"

This look can be achieved with eye liner cream,liquid or gel, it is your choice.  My personal favourite is this Laura Mercier Caviar Cream, from Space NK, which gives a pure long lasting colour.  

Whichever product you choose be sure to use small sweeping strokes to create a solid fluid line.  Don't use your finger to pull the eyelid taut, use a cotton bud and press it in the crease of the eyelid to hold it taut, this is much more gentle.  Start from the middle of the eyelid and work outwards and extend the outer corner.

Next work from the inner edge to the middle.  Use the cotton bud to wipe away any mistakes.  If you are using gel, make sure the brush is angled and covered evenly and use small even dabs and strokes.  Remember you can always make the line thicker, but it is difficult to neatly make the line thinner, so build it up as you go.

It is worth investing in a good brush to apply cream eyeliner, this one (again from Space NK)is perfect for getting close to the lashes.  It allows you to dab colour on the inside of the top lashes and in between lashes on the lower lip, creating a thick lash look.

Enter the 'How to Walk in High Heels' Signed Book GIVEAWAY and send in your 'How To' Beauty, fashion or style question.

How to Walk in High Heels GIVEAWAY

The Girl's Guide to Everything, hmmm quite a big claim, but for a 480 page book I am pretty impressed and cannot think of anything else I need a guide to.  This is a practical guide to being fabulous in all aspects of our life, where nothing is off limits, no challenge ignored, no stone unturned, well you get the picture.  Of course there is a thorough guide to walking in high heels, in ALL scenarios; airport, carpet, car, rug,  escalator, fire escape, to name but a few.

This reference book for stylish women is focussed on useful tips which we can dip in and out of, it's not a patronising 'How to be a Good Wife 1950's - tie a ribbon in your hair and have dinner on the table for your husband' kind of way.  More a glide through life looking your best.  It is written with humour and knowledge.

This bestselling book, is set out in chapters with titles such as 'Being Socially Adept' and 'Joining the Jet set', it is clear in its writing. So straight forward in fact that it almost gave me the confidence to believe I too could actually invest and dabble in the city, place a bet and buy a home.

Camilla Morton is a fashionista, who is lucky enough to be able to call the likes of Manolo Blahnik and John Galliano friends.  Her insights into, how to survive New Year's eve and how to shop for Christmas, will be most helpful in the next few weeks.

The only negative I can think of is that the title and book cover may suggest frivolity, which for me is fine, no I would go further as to say appealling.  However I hope this does not put off other women, because this truly is a must have for us all.

This is a unique book, my own copy has pages turned over and is well used.  Camilla has generously donated a signed copy as a GIVEAWAY.

To enter:

1. Become a Follower

2. Leave your beauty/fashion 'how to' question in the comments

3. For 2 bonus entries, tweet and facebook this giveaway (let me know you have)

Last entries by Midnight Friday 24th December, winner to be announced Sunday 26th December.  Good Luck.

If you are not lucky enough to win the GIVEAWAY you can use this link to buy 'How to Walk in High Heels' at Amazon.

Brilliance in Blogging

As a total newbie I am truly ecstatic to have been nominated for the British Mummy Bloggers' Brilliance Awards in the Fresh Voice 2010 category and would LOVE for you to VOTE for me.

 Stay tuned to pick up some easy to follow ways to look after yourself, which in turn will make you look and feel fabulous.

British Mummy Bloggers

I was fortunate enough to attend the British Mummy Blogger's lunch last week.  Having submitted my Christmas post for consideration, I was honoured to be selected to read my 'Christmas Carol'  to all attendees, which I managed almost without tears!  
This fantastic event was held at  St. Martin's in the Field Crypt in Trafalgar Square, which truly is a stunning venue.

I met some great Mummy Bloggers, too many to mention, oh OK then here are a few: Mummy's Little Monkey, Not a Notting Hill Mummy, Kelly Cheesley, Liz Frazer.

This event was generously sponsored by Heinz, who spoilt us with a three course meal in which we were told we were to guess the secret ingredient... I did have visions of baked beans on toast, but no we had delicious turkey and stuffing AND the secret ingredient was Heinz tomato ketchup in the stuffing (phew!).  

When we left we EVEN got a fantastic goody bag from Muddy Puddles, who also attended the event.

There was a Secret Santa type opportunity to take home an early Christmas present, the idea was simple and worked really well.   We were to hand over a book of our choice, my chosen book was 'How to Walk in High Heels' by the fabulous fashionista Camilla Morton, wrapped with a note about why we enjoyed the book.  In return we took away a mystery book.  I opted for a  festively wrapped gift with a sprig of Christmas Tree.  It was certainly a good choice in fact a Booker Prize Winner 'Life of Pi' a fantasy adventure novel.  Ohhhh escape awaits me...

A HUGE thank you to Karin at Cafe Bebe, Susanna at A Modern Mother, and Jen of Jenography for all their hard work in making this fab event happen.

Inexpensive Vs In Our Dreams

Quilted down jackets are not just cozy (much like wearing your duvet out) and light, they also keep us looking bang up to date.  With the predicted snow forecast take a look at these two options and keep yourself warm.

In Our Dreams

Armani Jeans fabulously tailored for a flattering look, this winter style item can be bought at Harvey Nichols of course! £370 (online or in store) 

Inexpensive

This gorgeous Uniqlo coat has all the style and the added benefit of a hood and is an astonishingly inexpensive £29.99

Happy shopping

xxx

What's on your beauty or fashion wish list?

Dear Santa, 
I have been a very good girl ALL year...  please may I have

The much coveted Mulberry Alexa bag, held here by the 
gorgeous influence Alexa Chung.

 Skull Scarf by the talented late Alexander McQueen

My own personalised number plate - don't ask, 
I would just really like one.

Space NK Clarisonic exfoliating brush, which cleans the skin thoroughly enabling our skin care products to work more deeply - don't you know?!

Creme De La Mer Foundation used by the gorgeous stars of 

Gossip Girl; Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

Massage Gift Voucher, spa day....... 

I know, I know but a girl can dream. 

Lots of love the beautyglo

Having looked at this list, I seem to be rather high maintenance 

(oh my poor husband).

Let me know what's on your wish list.  xxx