LIFESTYLE Archives - Page 8 of 9

My Christmas Traditions

Happy Christmas Eve eve everyone. I can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, I’m so excited.
Half of my family are Italian so Christmas Eve is a pretty big deal for me along with Christmas Day of course.
Here are a few traditions that my family, friends and I have that make me feel wonderfully festive.

1. Christingle Service
I adore going to the local church for the Christingle service.
My friends and I have been going since we were little.
We are probably a bit old to be going now as it is a service aimed at the kiddies but
we make our own christingles and take them along to sing all the best carols.

2. Christmas Eve Party
Every Christmas Eve my parents host the best party of the season.
All our neighbours come by and drink cocktails and eat lots of food until midnight.
We always manage to fit in a game of charades…and sometime the bell ringing carol game.
If you don’t have this game you simply have to buy it for next year.

3. Bedtime Story
Every Christmas Eve my hubby reads me a bedtime story of a Christmas book of my choice.
If I haven’t drifted off into a festive slumber we watch The Snowman or Polar Express with a sleep timer on our TV.

4. Early Risers
Every year since I was little my brother and I would come running into each others bedrooms at about 5am. Now that I don’t live at home and we have aged a little my brother texts me at about 7am then comes running round to my house to check out what presents I have got before helping Liam and I cart our goods over to our parents house.

5. Stockings
Father Christmas still pops by my parents house for me, so as soon as I get to my parents house I open my stocking and give my parents their stockings that I organise for them.

6. Church
Everyone in my parents street goes to the Christmas church service.
Literally the whole village walks to church together. It is a short and sweet family service full of festive loveliness.

7. Bubbles
Once we get back from church my dad and brother have glasses of fizz waiting for us and breakfast cooked.
We then sit down to open all of our tree presents.

8. The Hunger Games
A whole load more of my family arrive at about 12 and we open more presents and drink even more fizz.
We then wait for lunch/tea/dinner to be ready.
The moment the roast dinner hits the table we are all silent. Half an hour later we are happy bloated balls.

Eeeeeek just writing this I am practically giddy. Soooo exciting.
What are your traditions?
I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all have the most magical time xXx

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND STAY IN HAMBURG

Last weekend a group of us went to Hamburg to get in the festive spirit.
I have always wanted to go somewhere like Germany to experience the Christmas markets and Hamburg definitely lived up to my expectations.

Where we stayed: Radisson Blu, Hamburg
Where we ate dinner: Hans Im Glueck
Where we ate brunch: Alex Pavillion
Where we ran: Alster Lake

The weather was appropriately cold and I dutifully wore five layers of clothes.
As a vegetarian I really struggled to find food I liked yet I guess this was to be expected in Germany.
The sweet treats were however scrumptious.

Top Christmas Markets In Hamburg:
1. Winterwald
This was my favourite market as there were far less tourists.
Hidden in the back streets you really felt as if you had stumbled across a hidden gem.
We sat and drunk Glug spiked with Rum in the Christmas tree garden.
The only problem was that we didn’t find this market until half an hour before we had to leave for the airport.

2. City Hall Market
This is the biggest and most popular Christmas market in Hamburg, sitting outside the Town Hall.
I would strongly advise only going to this market in the daytime and during the week not at the weekend.
We went on Friday afternoon and it was lovely and quiet but on the Saturday evening you could barely move.
There is a Christmas decoration shop at the far end of the market which is well worth queuing to go in.
The shop is filled with millions of decorations and twinkly lights. Decoration range from €1 to €100s.
Top Tip: Make sure you see Father Christmas fly over the market everyday at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

What I wore:{Roll Neck Body: Topshop}
Everyone needs the black funnel neck body from Topshop.
It was a great base layer to keep me warm and stop and chilly breeze sneaking up my top.
It makes any outfit look a little more sophisticated.

{Scarf: Zara (similar) . Coat: Zara (similar) . Jeans: Topshop .
Boots: Vagabond . Gloves: Marks and Spencer}

{Roll neck Jumper: Zara (similar)}
I bought this roll neck knit jumper from Zara a few years ago. It is huge and incredibly warm.

{Hauptkirche St. Petri, Hamburg}
I love going to churches in foreign countries and lighting a candle for lost loved ones.
This church had an incredible candle display where you melted an area to stick your candle to.

{Neuer Wall, Hamburg}
A street lined with very expensive shops and decorated impeccably.
{Hat: Zara}

My hubby wore:
{Shirt: Gap . Jumper: French Connection (similar)}

Christmas Theatre Trips

Every year I try to book tickets to the theatre at Christmas.
There’s no better excuse to get dressed up and drink cocktails than going to the theatre in the West End at Christmas time.
I have recently been to see Elf and Funny Girl.
Elf was very festive and perfect for this time of year while Funny Girl would be perfect all year around.

ELF

Stars: ***
Where we sat: Circle. Row G. Seat 32
Ticket Price: £78.50
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Buy Tickets

As many of you know Elf is my favourite film. As soon as I heard the musical of Elf was coming to the West End in London I jumped at the chance to buy tickets.
There was a lot of press regarding the extortionate price of the tickets for Elf but there were definitely a few average priced tickets available.
When you are in the Domion theatre you can see the stage pretty well from all the seats.

Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud played the part of Jovie. I was really impressed by her vocal abilities in her solo number. She definitely didn’t get the chance to show that off whilst in Girls Aloud!
Ben Forster played Buddy the Elf and he picked up on loads of Will Ferrell’s Buddy-isms.
Special credit goes to Joe McGann playing Walter Hobbs who perfected James Cann’s voice and mannerisms immaculately.

I feel the story was well adapted for the stage but as no one knew any of the songs it didn’t create the normal musical theatre atmosphere of the audience humming along.

The magical ending was perfect for kids and adults. There was snow falling from the ceiling and Father Christmas somehow flew over the stalls like a One Direction concert!
The majority of the audience were in their late twenties, early thirties but the show was definitely aimed at the kiddies.

FUNNY GIRL

Stars: *****
Where we sat: Row B. Seat 15
Ticket Price: £40.00
Tube: Southwark / London Bridge
Buy Tickets

I have never seen the movie of Funny Girl but I know a lot of the songs, having sung them in singing classes as a kid.
We were lucky enough to go to one of the previews of the show.
It is currently running at the Chocolate Menier Factory in Southwark before going to the Savoy next year for an extended run.
I was so pleased to have seen it at the Chocolate Menier Factory.
It is a lovely small theatre and I got to sit in the second row, making me feel as if I was part of the show.

Sheridan Smith and Darius Campbell played the leads and were wonderful.
Darius has come a long way since the days of Pop Idol.
He executed a heartfelt portrayal of Nick Arnstein.
If Sheridan doesn’t win an Olivier Award next year I would be shocked.
Smith played the part of Fanny perfectly. Her voice was wonderful and hit all the big notes. Her rendition of Don’t Rain On My Parade was fabulous.
I don’t quite know how she managed to tear up in so many scenes…such an incredible actress.

Top 10 Christmas Movies

Last week I released my Top 10 Christmas Books but this week I thought I should share with you my Top 10 Christmas Movies.
I have a whole shelf full of Christmas movies. Choosing just 10 was a tricky mission.
As I write this I wish I had included Arthur Christmas and even my Friends Christmas Boxset (not technically a movie but a great dvd to own).
What is your favourite Christmas movie?

1. The Polar Express
If you ever have a chance to see Polar Express at the IMAX then please go.
I love this film and quite like to have it playing in the background at nighttime.

2. White Christmas
Probably the oldest Christmas film I own.
Definitely one to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
A great singalong.

3. The Snowman
I have fond memories of watching this movie when I was very very young.
I used to have a Snowman water bottle cover and hug it until it was threadbare.
Fabulous movie and so cheap to own.

4. Nativity!
Nativity! was so successful that the made a few more.
This movie is English comedy at its best but
I really wish they stuck to this one off as the following were a little less great.
A great laugh out loud family movie.

5. Elf
My absolute favourite film EVER.
Funny even after the 100th viewing.
If you don’t own a copy, get it now!

6. The Holiday
The only Christmas DVD Liam will allow me to watch when it isn’t Christmas.
Every actor has been cast perfectly.
Heartwarming and perfectly depicts the festive season in the UK and USA.

7. Home Alone (Boxset)
Home Alone 1 and 2 are Christmas movie classics.
2 and 3…not so much but I couldn’t resist owning the full boxset.

8. Santa Clause (Boxset)
I adore the Santa Clause movies.
Number 1 is the best but the follow ups are actually quite good because they kept the original cast.

9. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
This movie makes me wish I could experience Christmas in New York with my family one day.
I would love to own the house at the end of the movie…one day.
Richard Attenborough is perfect Father Christmas.

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Exactly the same story as the newer version.
I can’t decide which version I prefer but Attenborough is probably the best Father Christmas.
Love Actually, Arthur Christmas

Top 10 Christmas Books

Christmas can be a stressful time for a lot of us.
So many presents to buy, cards to send, outfits to decide on.
One of the best ways to de-stress is to wrap up all cosy on the sofa with a mug of tea and read a good book.
Christmas books are my absolute favourite because you can transport yourself to a festive land.
Below I have chosen my Top 10 Christmas Books that you must own.
(Each book name below is a hyperlink so you can easily find the book on Amazon).

1. Christmas A Very Peculiar History
This book feels like a special gift. The pages are edged with gold leaf. The pictures are beautifully annotated.
You will learn so much about the history of Christmas but in a very fun way.

2. The Fox At The Manger
A gift from my mum I adore this book. I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but it really is gorgeous.
Written by the author of Mary Poppins, it is a must have.
A book to read to the children but you will enjoy it too.

3. A Child’s Christmas in Wales
A wonderful Welsh tale for all my fellow Welshies out there this Christmas.
Lovely colourful illustrations.

4. Through A Glass Darkly
A very emotional and heartwarming story between a sick girl and an angel.
I took this book off my parents when I was quite young thinking a would try and read a grown up book.
I really enjoyed the story and it has stuck with me for a very long time.

5. The Night Before Christmas
A traditional story to read the night before Christmas.
My husband bought me this special copy a few years ago.
Even as adults we read a Christmas story to each other every Christmas Eve.

6. Something From Tiffany’s
This chick lit is a quick romantic read over the Christmas period.
Who doesn’t wish for a little blue box under the Christmas tree?

7. Miracle On Regent Street
Another Christmas chick lit that I loved.
A magical and hopeful Christmas story to read on your daily commute.

8. Little Women
Everyone must read Little Women at least once…for me three times.
Definitely one of my favourite stories. Everyone should have a copy on their bookshelf.

9. I Heart Christmas
I adore the ‘I Heart…’ series by Lindsey Kelk.
I tend to read one of her books every summer holiday.
I read this very quickly last Christmas and loved it.

10. Fairy Christmas
Not quite a book to read but more a book to treasure.
Open up the book to see what all the Christmas Fairy’s get up to at Christmas.
The pictures are magical and there are lots of creative festive ideas of things to make over the Christmas period.

Boxing Workout

After a week of social media all about the Victoria’s Secret fashion show I thought I would create a workout routine with Liam from Elevate to help us all get arms even the Victoria’s Secret angels would envy.
#trainlikeanangel
I was exhausted by the end of this work out and had aching arms and back for a couple of days
…in a good way.
Boxing is one of my favourite ways to exercise. It is exhausting and exhilarating.
It is also a great way to let off some steam after a stressful day.
Even if you don’t have someone to partner up with you can do shadow boxing with or without gloves.
Shadow boxing is when you just punch the air instead.

{Boxing workout You Tube video link at the bottom}

Boxing Exercise Plan – In association with Elevate Sport

Warm Up
3 minutes of skipping

Boxing
A 10 minute boxing combination
-jabs
-cross
-hooks
-ducks

Burpee Muscle Build Ups
-20 Squat Thrusts
-20 Squat Jumps
-20 Burpees

{Don’t forget to stretch your arms}

What I am wearing
Top – Nike
Jumper – Victoria’s Secret
Leggings – Nike
Trainers – Nike
Hair band – Accessorize
Boxing Gloves – Everlast
Skipping Rope – Sweaty Betty
Yoga Matt – Jack Wills

London Christmas To Do List

As I sit here with my Christmas candles burning, wearing my Christmas PJ’s and The Santa Clause soundtrack twinkling in the background (my favourite Christmas album of all time!) I know that many people would sigh and say it’s too early, what are you doing!?
Yet as a blogger and a crazed fan of Christmas I must start my festivities early to number one get my blog posts ready but number two, why not make the festive season as long as possible? Is there anything wrong with being happy?

Every Christmas I try my hardest to do all my Christmas shopping and any boring admin by the 1st December. This gives me the whole of December to party and celebrate.

Below is my London Christmas To Do List that has everything that I recommend you do for this festive period.

Hotel
Charlotte Street Hotel
I have mentioned this hotel in many blog posts so you already know I adore it.
The atmosphere is cosy, the food and drink are top notch and the staff treat you like royalty.
You must stay here at least once in your life and experience living smack bang in the middle of London.

Theatre
Elf The musical
With great success on Broadway and touring the UK, Elf is finally coming to the West End this Christmas.
I am yet to see this musical but I have booked my tickets I am really excited to go.
Elf is my favourite movie of all time so I am praying this show will be fabulous.

Craft
Heal’s Christmas Wreath Workshop
Why not do something a little different with your friends this year.
Heal’s are putting on some festive “Make your own Christmas wreath” workshops at their London shops.
{Kingston, Westbourne Grove and Tottenham Court Road}.

Market
Winter Market – South Bank
20 Nov – 24 Dec
There is no fee to enter.
I go to the South Bank Christmas market most years and Ialways have a wonderful time.
The atmosphere and the chilly breeze from the River Thames is perfectly festive.
The riverbank is filled with wooden huts selling traditional Christmas food and gifts.
After your chilly shopping experience pop into Skylon (below) for a cocktail.

Cocktails
Skylon
Nestled above the Royal Festival Hall this bar is a hidden gem.
All the staff behind the bar know everything there is to know about cocktails and have an extensive selection of wines and spirits.
Take a seat by the window for beautiful views of the River Thames and some great people watching.

Christmas Fair
Winter Wonderland
{no entry fee and no need to book but peak times get very busy}
Everyone must go to Winter Wonderland once.
There is something for everyone.
There are the gorgeous alleyways full of wooden huts selling beautiful presents,
the crazy Oktoberfest style bar selling ginormous beers,
the wooden chalets selling the best hot rum cider
and the crazy loud fair rides for the kiddies…and adults.

Ice Skating
Somerset House
There are so many wonderful ice skating rinks in Britain at Christmas time.
My all time favourite will always be Somerset House for it’s beauty.
Fortnum & Mason sponsor the event and provide a wonderful Christmas tree.
Book a 16:00 slot in December for the best experience. You will be skating in dusk.
Not too dark to start with but by the time you finish all the Christmas lights will be sparkling around you.

Christmas Lights
Sloane Square.
London has wonderful Christmas light displays.
Sloane Square and Kings Road are always my favourite.
It is stylish, understated and wonderfully twinkly.
With the Kings Road behind and The Saatchi Gallery in front of you, you will see
the most twinkly Christmas tree and lights.

Shopping
Liberty
I believe Liberty is the most gorgeous of all the shops in London.
With its wooden interior and cosy nooks it fits Christmas perfectly.
During the lead up to Christmas they often have live choirs singing in the balcony.

I hope I have inspired you and let me know if you go to any of my suggestions.
Have a wonderful festive period.

A Night Out In Soho

I am very excited to present my first in a series of “a night out in…” blog posts.
Tonight I am starting with one of my favourites… a rather boozy night out in Soho, London.
Below is a map of your night adventure, drawn by my talented hubby Liam. (Make sure you print it out or save the image to your phone and take it with you).

1. Pizza Pilgrims
If you read my blog post, the Best Pizzeria’s In London, you will already know that Pizza Pilgrims is one of my Top 6 Pizzeria’s in Europe.
Where better to start off your night than with a pizza at Pizza Pilgrims.
Order yourself a margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella with an Aperol Spritz on the side.
*Top Tip: Get a seat upstairs by the window for some fabulous people watching.

2. Princi
Princi is like no other place I have ever been. The whole ambience created here is so peculiar and absolutely wonderful during night and day.
It feels like one big party in a grown up cafeteria.
You will meet more foreigners than Londoners in here. Not so much tourists though.
More like Europeans living in London hanging out in their own secret eatery that they never told you about.
*Top Tip: After your hearty pizza it is time to order another Aperol Spritz (they are fantastically large). Order one chocolate walnut cake to share.

3. Amathus
A few doors down from Princi is my favourite Wine Shop (I actually do not like wine but the spirit shelves are abundant). Amathus sell pretty much every alcohol brand you can imagine and more. The owners and all the staff really know their stuff. The staff always recommend the perfect alcohol and if you ask really nicely they let you taste before you buy, if they have it open. Liam and I have spent many a night tasting a multitude of different rums which is then followed by a very large shopping bag.
*Top Tip: Treat yourself to a bottle of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum and Sambuca Molinari for sipping purposes once you get home.

4. Ham Yard Hotel
The last bar tonight is cool, calm and delectable.
As part of the Firmdale Hotel Group, everything feels very familiar to Charlotte Street Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel and Soho Hotel etc. yet Ham Yard has a slightly different cocktail and food menu than the others. Order a cocktail and some frites to soak up some of the boozy tipples for your journey home.
I haven’t tried it out yet but Ham Yard hotel have their own bowling alley and cinema…maybe I should include a trip there next time.
*Top Tip: Order the Havana Nights cocktail for a fresh, fruity, syrupy and boozy hit of rum and Chambord.

5. Home/Hotel
With Picadilly Circus tube station only a few steps away, jump on the tube home.
Once home you can put your shopping from Amathus to good use. I love a yummy night cap of a slowly sipped large shot glass of sambuca or rum before drifting off for a long slumber to many episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Let me know if you go to any of these places and I hope you have a fantastic night with your friends or maybe on a romantic date?

5 Ways To Fake Being A Morning Person

The clocks have changed, giving us an extra hour in bed. Although this helps a huge amount it can still be really difficult for a lot of people to wake up in the morning.
I am personally at my most alert and productive from about 7pm…not helpful at all.

Having had lots of early call times for jobs over the years I have worked out how to be a morning person.
Here are my 5 tips on how to fake being a morning person.

1. Be prepared
Make sure you have your clothes for the next day picked out and your breakfast prepared.
In your dozy state you don’t want to be fiddling around chopping up fruit or trying to work out what clothes looks good on you.

2. Ban screens
Do not look at screens in bed. Simple!
I try to stop using my phone half an hour before going to bed and I try to not touch my phone when in bed at all.
It is so easy to get caught up in a social networking black hole and never get out.
Studies also suggest that the blue light from phone screens keeps your mind awake.

3. Take notes
I always have a notepad and pen on my bedside table because I tend to come up with my most inspirational ideas at night and I do not want to forget about them after a long nights sleep.
It is also a good idea to write down any worries that are keeping your brain active. Once they are on paper, there is no need to worry your brain with them.

4. Count your blessing
It might sound a little hippy trippy but I find this really helps.
Rather than counting sheep, I like to count everything I am grateful for. This not only puts you in a good mood and stops you thinking about anything you may have forgotten or are worried about doing the next day but can really make your mind be peaceful.
Before my wedding I used to count guests instead of sheep…this worked really well. I’m not sure I ever managed to count every guest before nodding off.

5. Timing
Timing is key. By this I mean the timing of going to bed and your alarm call. It is obviously important for you to get enough sleeping hours but do not stress about it. The more you stress, the less sleep you are going to get. I like to give myself a full hour from my alarm call to the minute I have to step out the door. This gives me time to shower, do my make up and leisurely eat my breakfast with the TV playing in the background.

I never snooze!!!
This is a really key point for me. If you snooze you are likely to fall straight back into a very deep sleep and the next time you wake up you will be even more tired than before you pressed the snooze button.

I hope these tips can help you become more productive in the morning. A little extra tip is to wake up happy. Think one happy thought when you wake up and everything will work out fine.

My 5 Autumn Loves

When I was younger I didn’t much care for autumn. I found it depressing that the summer was over. This was mostly because it meant the end of the school holidays. As an adult I have discovered all the excitement of autumn and must admit I now find it one of my favourite times of the year.

Below I have listed my 5 autumn loves, explaining why this time of the year is so wonderful.

1. Candlelight and fires
I adore those evenings when it is super chilly outside but you have nowhere to be. I love sitting on the sofa in front of the fire with candles all around the house…and Strictly Come Dancing on the TV.

2. Anticipation
There is so much to look forward to. There’s Halloween, fireworks night, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve to plan for.
Eeeek…very very very excited for all of the above.

3. The food
Hot soups and warm baked cookies are my comfort foods of choice at this time of year. A big bowl of soup and a crusty loaf on the side is a perfect lunch when out and about. My favourite place to get soup when I’m in town is Pret. Their vegetarian soups are always yummy. I keep an eye on this page each day to see if they are selling a soup that I fancy.
I also feel this time of the year is a key baking time. A freshly baked biscuit is wonderful with a big mug of tea. Why not try out my Chocolate Dipped Orange Zest Biscuits for that festive flavour.

4. Bright and crisp mornings
How incredibly gorgeous are those bright mornings to wake up to! I love it when the sun is shining bright, there are no clouds in the sky but the air is super chilly. These mornings are actually my favourite to work out in. I love going for a run or going to Bootcamp in this weather. The mix of sunshine and endorphins is always a winner to me.

5. The fashion
A gorgeous coat, jeans, Chelsea boots, thin layered jumpers and BIG sunglasses are my favourite go-to outfit of the season.
My main aim is to prevent being cold so I can run around in the leaves like a big child whilst keeping warm.
(Keep an eye out for my next blog post on my ‘Autumn Fashion Picks To Keep You Warm’).

What do you love about autumn?

My First Vlog!!

I had quite a busy day today so I thought you may like to come along on the journey.
See what a modelling casting is like and learn about what a fittings model is.
Hope you enjoy. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel and comment if you want any more YouTube videos,
M x

All Over Body Workout

Everyone knows that feeling of not having enough time to fit in a workout. Yet, we all know we will feel a lot better after a little bit of exercise.
Here is a quick and simple all over body workout you can do anywhere with no equipment or gym membership necessary.
In association with Elevate.

Warm Up:
Leisurely 5 minute run
Work Out:
x10 High Knee Step Ups
x10 Tricep Dips
x10 V-Sit Twists
(Make sure you stretch after your workout)

Thanks to Elevate for the workout routine
www.elevatesport.co.uk

What’s In My Handbag {evening edition}

What’s in my bag : evening edition

I have always loved reading bloggers posts about what is in their bag.
I have been using my Mulberry Lily bag constantly and have had no trouble cramming it full of everything I need for a night out.
Here is a little insight to what I keep in my bag on a night out.

Handbag:
Mulberry Lily {black glossy goat with soft gold}
I have always adored my Chanel 2.55 but it seems everyone in the world now owns one (fake or otherways) and I am sure the same will happen with this bag.
I feel it looks as classic as the Chanel 2.55 but a little more individual. It fits a lot more in as well. I have only had this bag for a month but have used it constantly.

Diary:
I seem to buy a Moleskine diary most years. I live out of my diary and it has taken me years and years to find the perfect one. My requirements are week view, slim to fit in any bag, stylish and enough space to write down all my casting details for each day. This diary fits all of my needs.

Purse:
I have wanted a new purse for a really long time and this Mulberry French Tree {black glossy goat} purse is simply heavenly. It fits so many cards in and has space for coins and notes. The only downside is that the card slots are a little tight so when pulling out your credit card the cashier may have to wait a moment. I am sure it will ease up after a while…I have only had the purse for a couple of weeks.

Pink mini notepad:
You will always find a Moleskine notebook in my bag. you never know when your next great idea may spring up.

Eyeliner:
Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in NOIR.
My husband bought me this eye pencil for Christmas and I use it every day. I have been a Rimmel eye liner addict since I first started using make up and have never branched out until now. This eyeliner last a lot longer. I don’t need to sharpen it as much, probably because it has a much more intense colour than the Rimmel Jet Black kohl so you need less.

Lipstick:
Clarins Joli Rouge 730 in PINK BLOSSOM.
My mum bought me this for Christmas (bit of a trend here…I only seem to try new products when people buy them for me 😛 )
I use this lipstick for castings when I need a natural look and for those evenings when you have a strong smokey eye and don’t want a full on lip with the strong eye look. It is a bit weird of me to say but it smells so scrummy…a bit like strawberry roses. Go on pop into Boots simply to give it a sniff.

Lipbalm:
Balm Balm Rose Geranium lip balm in a tube. Everyone knows I am a real Balm Balm addict. It is 100% organic and I have never had dry lips since using this product…whats not to love!
Balm Balm is one of those fabulous multi-purpose products. I always keep it in my bag and use it for my lips, hands and any flyaway hairs on nights out. Its dinky size is perfect for your evening bag.

Tweezers:
Pink mini tweezerman.
This is the travel tweezerman in bright pink. I also have the larger ones that I keep at home but these small ones are perfect to keep in your handbag incase you spot any strays whilst you are out.

Hairclips:
You can buy these standard hair clips from most shops but these ones from Superdrug have some sort of plastic safety bit on the underside. I adore these because they don’t get any hair tangled up in the clip and pull your hairs out. Also, they look super cute and schoolgirl retro.

Pencil:
I bought this pencil from Paperchase years and years ago. It is so small but perfect to keep in your smallest of handbags.

Pen:
I love these Stabilo pens…simple.

Hairband:
If you saw blog post on Popband a few weeks ago you may already know why I love these hairbands.
They don’t leave a kink in your hair which is great for nights out when you just need to pull your hair out of your face but don’t want to ruin your freshly blow dried hair.

Oyster Card:
I would obviously have my Oyster card in my handbag but I do not currently have a nice case for it…can anyone suggest a pretty one?

An interview with Keavy Lynch

In 1998 a classic pop song was born and it will forever warm our hearts.

♫ “Some people say I look like me dad…” ♫
{C’est La Vie}

From then on B*Witched were known for their catchy lyrics and Double Denim.

I have had the privilege of knowing Keavy for almost ten years and can vouch for her being one the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
It is no surprise that she is now a trained counsellor sharing her caring side with many others.

Miss Lynch has amazing skin, legs to die for and a thick mane of hair. What is her secret?
I am dying to find out a little more and she has kindly agreed to share some tips with us all.

What should every woman try once in her life?
To put herself first. Women are natural givers and can often forget to think of themselves, especially in a family setting.

What is the best advice you have been given?
If you don’t look after yourself you can’t look after others. You matter too.

What elements do you believe make up a beautiful woman?
Good question!! Confidence, kindness and self care.

What book are you reading at the moment?
The Alchemist. If you haven’t read it, I would recommend it. I loved it and it inspired my spiritual side.

Before I go to bed, I…
Say what I am thankful for.

What is your ultimate stress reliever?
Going for a long walk with my precious dog Paris.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Home and Away.

What do you do to keep fit?
I walk everywhere I can, I love to jog and I have a workout I do at home with free weights and using my own body weight.

When you were in B*Witched did you do your own make up or have a make up artist?
We always had a make up artist. I remember the first time we met with our make up artist, the make up was quite heavy, which I didn’t like but it was all trial and error as we hadn’t worked together before. As soon as we communicated what we wanted he was amazing from then on.

Did growing up with a twin sister influence your fashion sense?
Good question, when we were younger we were dressed the same. When we were old enough we made a conscious effort to dress differently and establish some visible individuality.

Has your skincare routine changed since you were a teenager?
Yes, my skin wasn’t great when I was in my teens to late twenties and I tried so much to correct it. I can honestly say the one things that made most difference was starting to drink hot water and lemon every morning and I have found products that suit me.

What is your one go to beauty product that you couldn’t live without?
I called it my ‘magic’ mascara. I am allergic to the glue for false eye lashes and this is a great substitute when doing big shoots. I use Relian mascara, it has a gel base and then you brush on fibres, it is amazing!!

What are you up to at the moment?
I went back to college a few years ago to do a diploma and a degree and am now a qualified Humanistic Counsellor, I work in Private Practice. I love my work with my clients.
www.keavylynchcounselling.com
I am also the lead singer of my function band called ‘The Collection’
www.thecollectionlive.co.uk

Twitter: @Keavylynch

5 Top Tips to getting started in the modelling world

I am asked this by a lot of friends and friends of friends that want to get started in the modelling world. Many people I know have been duped by rogue agencies promising people modelling work. The AMA only really lists those agencies that are very high fashion and are incredibly selective with who they take on. Do not be disheartened but these agencies requirements, I believe there is a modelling niche for every person on this planet. You just need to find yours…Maybe I will get in to this in another post one day.

1. NO REPUTABLE AGENCY IS DESPERATE FOR MORE MODELS

Do not trust an agencies web page that says, “sign up here”, “we have loads of work for models, join now” or “we are looking for new models”.

2. DO NOT PAY UP FRONT FOR PHOTOS

If you need photos to build up a modelling portfolio a good agency will either book you a TFP (Time/Trade For Print) or allow you to pay the test shoot off with your first job.

3. DO NOT PAY TO JOIN AN AGENCY

You do not need to pay to join an agency. Your agent will take somewhere between 15%-30% agency fee for each job you book.

4. WORD OF MOUTH

For piece of mind I would recommend applying only to agencies that you have been recommend to. This will give you piece of mind.

5. GO SEES

Agencies receive hundreds of photos from aspiring photos every day. It is unlikely they will take any notice to photos that you email through.
Go in and see them! No, seriously if you want to be seen then you have to go in and see them. They will give you more time and will realise that you are serious about a career in modelling.

One for luck…

6. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. I don’t mean to end on a negative note but if an agent promises you work then they are likely to be dodgy. No agency can guarantee you work but they can tell if you are right for their job briefs that they receive each day.

Ritz Crackers Campaign

On a very chilly Friday morning I made my way to Clapton…miles away from Surrey…to shoot a campaign for Ritz Crackers. Until this day I had never eaten a Ritz Cracker before. This Friday saw me bite handfuls of them and they are scrumptious! I was really pleased to have booked this job. The casting just involved me posing in front of the camera smiling lots. These commercial modelling castings are often known as the money making jobs because the brand has to “buy you out” for a set amount of time as well as the day rate. I get booked for more of these jobs than fashion shoots because I am rather smiley 🙂 I actually got told on a recent casting that I smile too much…it certainly put an end to my smile in that casting…super scary casting director!
The job was so much fun. There were five models all twenty-something’s there to smile, laugh, eat and drink…”such fun”!
The campaign will be about for the month of June starting today in the Metro (picture below). You will also spot it in glossy magazines and around the shops and at bus stops. Let me know where you spot it 🙂