Kate Spade Giveaway

Well today I thought I would do a special Christmas Giveaway to all of my readers, this year has been quite a big one for me on the blogging front and I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without all of you. So, whilst on a recent shopping trip with my mum, I came across this amazing Kate Spade purse and thought it would be a great giveaway. I have one myself and absolutely love it, though I only use it for special occasions and I hope you like it too.

Kate spade was founded in 1993 with six simple handbags that shook up what had been a quiet accessories category. Fifteen years and a handbag revolution later, wit and playful sophistication are hallmarks of everything "kate spade," a world that now includes a broad array of products. A strong sense of personal style and a passion for color set the tone for each kate spade collection. kate spade continues to find inspiration in the everyday and the unpredictably elegant, bringing a graceful, exuberant approach to style and living.

So the prize up for grabs from today is this:

Kate Spade Tudor City Stacy Purse - worth £105

This is a medium sized Kate Spade purse in Ringwald Pink and it features a button snap to close and inside you will find multiple card holders and a photograph/ID section.  On the back of the purse is a zip pocket for your change and of course space for notage inside.

All you have to do to win is complete the entry form below.

Some of the options are Mandatory and must be completed, if they are not done so (and I check everyone) your entries will be removed from the competition.

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7 Wedding beauty trends for 2015

Before long we would have verge head first into 2015 and if you are engaged, this quite likely is the year of your wedding.

Whilst you might have be floating calmly in this year, thinking “oh, it’s still ages away”, now 2015 is here, a developing panic arises. This is the year you’re getting married, yes, MARRIED!

Have you got your very long list of things to do? Have you already ticked anything off?

Whilst wedding site can help you with the logistics of planning, as well as giving you a fantastic list and contacts of supplier sin your area, one aspect you can really have fun with is the beauty.

Here are the top trends to look out for in 2015:

Flower power

For any do, have you thought about decorating with flowers?

Delicate flowers such as baby breath, orchid and bellflower are the perfect decoration weaving in and out for elaborate do. Ideal for spring/summer weddings and those couples with a more relaxed, hippy outlook. This is definitely a style for the bohemian style wedding so if you’re after an elaborate and sleek updo, maybe steer clear! This is one for beachy waves and mellow vibes.

Minimalist

Over the past few years, wedding dresses have definitely taken a much more subdued effect. For example, the uncomfortable bodice has been replaced with flapper style fabrics with beautiful detailing. To suit this vintage style, hair and beauty has become understated and the effect is stunning.

Hair styling wise, we’ll see the low bun making a bit of a comeback after the romantic era of textured curls. This is so simple and really allows your dress to shine and jewellery to shine (literally).

Beauty-wise, less is always more, and in a wedding scenario it is so striking. Along with the minimalist low bun, your make-up can be toned down. Beautifully clear skin is a must for your big day so make sure you book yourself in for a facial and you’re the big day, apply a light brushing of pink or peachy blush depending on your skin tone.  

A coating of mascara and defined brow is all you need because the focus for 2015 will be the lips; a subtle coating of a pink is perfection.

Vamp it up

On the opposite end of the scale, if you’re seeking for originality and dare to break from the strong wedding conventions then a strong burgundy lip or smoky eye can really set yourself apart from the rest. Even a combination of the both, although delicately applied, would look incredible.

The vampy lips have been seen on many catwalks including the fantastic Naeem Khan and whilst this won’t be every bride-to-be’s cup of tea any shade of red would make a bold statement, and there is a shade for everyone out there.

Something blue

Not strictly beauty related, but blue wedding dresses have been a predicted trend for next year, and something that will mean one less tradition to find. Whether it’s a muted turquoise or eggshell, the blue symbolises that a brighter season is upon us and is so different too.

Paper for one year

Taking inspiration from the one year anniversary, the wedding catwalks have been full of origami style designs.

This is perfect for the bride and groom after a high class and formal affair, it is the perfect accompaniment to the shiny ballerina bun and simple yet sleek style fashion.

As well as your hair, you can have a paper theme running through with elaborately cut out centrepieces, lace table cloths and white intricate decorations.

Nude nails

Nude nails are perfect for any wedding scenario, but in terms of fashion trends for SS15? Well, they’ve been given a slight makeover in terms of design.

Using the nude shade as a base, the top coat can be subtly decorated. For example, the Monique Lhuillier show saw a wonderful splatter effect in white and silver that perfectly complemented the shimmering turquoise and cream gowns. The designs were edgy but not distracting.

Flashes of orange

Whether this is in the ceremony, the dress or the beauty, flashes of orange have much the same effect as blue; a bright and airy wedding for the new season.

Beauty wise, I love the peachy hue for the lips complete with a really subtle blusher. For the skin, this is one for matt skin rather than dewy, so do grab a decent cover up powder and keep near-by to top off. In fact, you can find some really brilliant ones that don’t cost an arm and a leg too. Check what’s out there with enough time to test before the big day.

Are you getting married in 2015?

Tesco Beauty Advent Calendar - Day 1

This year I managed to get my hands on the Tesco Beauty Advent Calendar, it looked brilliant from the start when I first saw it advertised and hopefully it will live up to expectations.  it cost £50 and was available online and through some Tesco stores.

The Calendar is said to contain everything you need to complete your Christmas party look, with brands such as Nip+Fab, Korres, Katy Perry, Dr. LeWinns, Baylis & Harding and Tanya Burr behind each door, it is bound to be 24 exciting days.

So every week up until Christmas, I will do a weekly round up as to what has been found within my Advent Calendar and if you follow me on Instagram, you might be lucky enough to see each item as I open it!  As today is December 1st, I thought I would be kind enough to show you what was behind door number one:

So behind door number 1 we have a pair of Eylure naturalites 116 eyelashes which have an RRP £5 from Tesco. Described as follows:

"Add instant glamour to your look with Eylure Naturalite false lashes in 116 Black. The reuseable strip lashes are suitable for all eye shapes and all occasions, even regular wear. Adhesive and instructions are included with the easy to apply, lightweight pair of false lashes".

I might give these a go, though I am not the most patient when it comes to applying them.  That said, I am quite pleased with the content behind door number one.

If you have an advent calendar, please tag me so I can see what you get from your calendar and if you have a Tesco calendar, I would love to see what you get!

Bee Good Bee Pampered - Beauty Gift Set

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that I am a huge fan of the brand Bee Good. For those of you who have't heard of them, Bee Good is an independent British skincare company based in rural Hampshire, who have harnessed the centuries-old healing powers of British honey, propolis and beeswax in an innovative skincare range, designed to make a real difference without the use of parabens, synthetic colour, mineral oil, silicone or SLS/SLES. Each and every one of their products are described as being packed with hard-working intensively soothing ingredients, there is nothing better to care for your lips than this nourishing and protective treatment delivered from the flower, to the bee, to you.

For a limited time only, the lovely people over at Bee Good have created a Bee Pampered gift set just for the Christmas and it contains a couple of their best sellers and some gorgeously decorated biscuits. It's all packaged in a recyclable box and priced at just £20.

Inside the box you will find

The Honey, Borage & Echium Intensive Hand Repair 50ml and Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm 10ml along with Three Little Bee Bakery biscuits which are just so cute, I didn't want to eat them - but now have!

The Honey, Borage and Echium Intensive hand Repair is an intensive multi-use repair treatment containing moisturising British wild flower honey and replenishing British echium oil, to bring some TLC to hard-working hands and feet.  The hand lotion is quite rich and has a really good pump dispenser on it to help distribute the cream, one pump is more than enough for hands.

The Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm, which I am a huge fan of, is bursting with a blend of British beeswax and a blend of British crambe, echium and borage oils. Working together they bring some welcome relief and rescue to dry or chapped lips not to mention it has a truly addictive scent!

Have you tried any Bee Good products yet?

15 Festive Favourites

The lovely Louise from Confesstionsofasecretshopper tagged me to do this, so here I am being all festive - the only thing missing is a Christmas Tree, twinkling lights and some mulled wine, but hey ho.

01. Favourite Festive Food

I love a proper Christmas roast and I even like Brussell Sprouts and would quite happily eat them all year round. I also love Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce, Mince Pies but really really detest any Christmas cake which has marzipan on it - rank!

02. Favourite Reindeer

Vixen - Rudolph gets far too much publicity for my liking, so I am choosing Vixen to be my fave!

03. Favourite Day of Christmas

10 Lords are leaping - I always cackle when it gets to that bit meaning I am either drunk, can't remember the words or someone got it wrong!

04. Favourite Christmas Song

The Pogues with Kirsty McColl - Fairytale of New York. Such a classic. Just add into the mix, I cannot stand Mariah Carey, all I want for Christmas is not you Mariah, or your high pitched wailing, thank you!

05. Favourite Present

Well as I got Married on Christmas day in Vegas, I should be saying my husband, I didn't have one before I got married and haven't had another since, so he is quite unique.

06. Favourite Festive Film

Santa Claus the Movie, ELF, Bad Santa, Home Alone and it isn't Christmas without a bit of National Lampoon

07. Favourite Festive Cracker Toy

I once got one of those handy keyrings with a screwdriver, scissors, tweezers and mini corkscrew on it which was quite handy, I haven't got it now, but it was probably the best thing I ever got.

08. Favourite Cracker Joke

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?


One that's deep pan, crisp and even!

09. Favourite Christmas Decoration

The Angel which sits on our tree, it belonged to my Nanna who sadly passed away a few years ago.

10. Favourite Christmas Candle Scent

I haven't got any Christmas scented candles - that needs to be recified! I do have a bit of a thing for Yankee Candle Midnight Jasmine right now though.

11. Favourite Christmas TV Advert

well it isn't christmas until this advert comes onto the telly! Even now I still get excited when I first see it and then everytime after

12. Favourite Festive Tradition

We always open a present at midnight, more to celebrate our wedding Anniversary than anything else and I really love doing it.

13. Favourite Place to Spend Christmas

As long as I am with Beautykinguk, I am happy wherever I am and doing whatever we do. As we have no small people, we have just ourselves to please, unless we are visiting family.!

14. Favourite Christmas Fact

All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts!

15. Favourite Snowman Accessory

It isn't a snowman unless there is a carrot for a nose - fact!

OOh well that is the end of Louise's tag, I hope you enjoyed reading it and if you have any interesting facts, I would love for you to leave them in the comments below!

I tag the following people to take this next ...

Kimberley - Kimberley's Beauty Blog

Steve - Beautykinguk

Keeley - PhatCupcake

Bex - Futures

Lisahh - Lisahh-Jayne

Sarah - Life In A Breakdown

Introducing Beauty Kitchen

Beauty Kitchen believe in 100% natural, 100% effective and 100% affordable products and that you shouldn't have to compromise on your beauty products to be good to the environment.

I was sent some amazing products from the Chill Me Range** which is described as being "A relaxing and calming blend of some of natures finest chill out ingredients" Those ingredients include Benzoin resinoid, lavender, petitgrain, eucalyptus, clary sage, geranium, ylang ylang, bay and rosemary.

In my lovely little pack I have Chill Me Hand scrub and Chill Me Massage Oil. Both items are suitable for Vegans and 100% natural.  What is more exciting is knowing that someone has stood and made them personally and that they are not simply mass produced.

The Chill Me Hand Scrub is said to be a relaxing and calming blend of some of natures finest chill out ingredients, including Lavender and Geranium.  Using fine sea salt for exfoliation, this hand scrub is absolutely wonderful.  As soon as the lid was removed from the little glass jar, the scent is literally amazing, the fragrant blend of rosemary becomes evident and adds to the whole experience.  Relaxing it most definitely is, especially when I convince the mister that he needs to pamper me.  Once you have finished, simply soak your hands in some warm water for a minute or so, they will feel super soft and smooth.

Chill Me Massage Oil is again added to the stunning list.  As with the hand scrub, the main ingredients are of organic Lavender and Geranium which on their own to smell brings about a feeling of relaxation, but it is whether you use it as an oil or drop a few little drops into the pamper for a full blown pamper session.  I use the lid as my guide as to how much I am using, fill it then drop it slowly into a running hot bath or warm it between my palms in preparation for a massage. The oil is so gentle that if you have any dry skin, it works really well to moisturise and soften the skin.

These two products are absolutely wonderful and would make a great gift for friends and family, especially with Christmas coming up,  cannot recommend them highly enough.

The big trends in accessories for 2015

Yep, Christmas is well and truly upon us. It is easily the best time of the year, and a time for indulgence, from food to gifts. It is of course the perfect time of year to show your loved ones you care, and this doesn’t mean spending a gazillion pounds either.

It won’t be long before Christmas is forgotten; the mince pies have been devoured, the decoration are in the attic for another year and we look ahead to a brand new belonging in the form of 2015. Have you thought of any resolutions yet?

Everyone knows I love my beauty, but fashion and accessorising is all part and parcel of the whole package. What’s the point in showing off your amazing new watch if your nails aren’t shiny from a post-manicure?!

The New Year also means sales and there are big savings to be had. Whether it’s a stylish designer watch from Watches of Switzerland or a gorgeous pair of earrings and necklace combo from your favourite high street (that happens to now be half price too=win!) there will always be an accessory that takes your fancy.

Here are some of the best to look out for in 2015:

Bright and Bold Earrings

Whether it’s sporting just one absolute show-stopper or opting for traditional Avant Garde style jewels, if you want one focus next spring/summer, opt for the statement earrings. I mean, check out these ‘crocodile tear’ earrings:

So clever! And I love the Parisian style jewels and Art Deco style, and you can find such perfect jewels at market and vintage stores whether they’re online or in person. Often one of a kind, you can really make your sense of style as unique as you really are.

Experimenting with your looks is so fun so why not try teaming your minimal outfits with crazy big gold or silver hoops and added bling in the form of a Chanel chain bag.

Gorgeous Gladiator sandals

It’s weird even meaning the word “sandals” when we’re in the midst of such a chill (winter is well and truly here ladies and gentlemen) but before you know it, the sun will be back and summer holiday will be booked. Save yourself the effort and rush that comes with missing the  fashionista boat and get ahead of the game.

SS15 has brought with it a more stylish gladiator sandal in the form of thin, high heel and gladiator style boots that can easily be styled with your festive party outfits for that extra bit of “Wow!” factor.

Circular detailing

This is a peculiar trend and one generally not spotted, but circular shapes are everywhere this season; they’re hard to miss in fact!

Where you will see a lot of them is handbags. The clasp detailing has been seen from Victoria Beckham to Celine with many clutch bag incorporating this into the handle so that striking clasp is at the fall front. Of course, a metallic handle also looks so striking.

It isn’t just bags and purse opting for the circular motion, but necklaces, bracelets and even sunglasses too.

In terms of the bracelets and necklaces, it’s all about being bold. Bamboo style rings decorated the front and geometric shapes gives a real 60s feel. When styling, you can leave your clothes minimal and express yourself through the bling instead!

Pastels pastels pastels!

Come to mention the 60s, I couldn’t help but fall madly in love with the Moschino show for SS15 ; it was Barbie themed. The outfits all looked so much fun, and there was definitely a pink theme running throughout.

Now, not every woman is a pink fan, and it can look a little tacky in the wrong concept so what are the basic rules. For starters, if you’re wearing all pink from head-to-toe, you better have the attitude to back it up! It’s a daring look and can easily look either frumpy or overkill when not executed properly.

The easiest way would be to opt for a light sugary pink knit. It will keep you cosy during chilly winter days and will be perfect come spring for those slightly less chiller evenings.

I might be looking a little far into the future, but the top designer have already had their spring/summer shows for 2015 so hop to it! And be one step ahead of the rest.