Afternoon tea anyone?

Last week I was very kindly invited for a spot of afternoon (or evening!) tea at the Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel. I was over the moon to be invited as afternoon tea is my favourite thing in the world - doesn't everything taste so much nice in miniatures?! Before we got down to business we were treated a few glasses of pink champange which went down very nicely after a long day at work. Then it was on to a tour of the fabulous hotel! Aisling, Lily, Sarah and I were gobsmacked at the beautiful view over London. You could see for miles! It was certainly a talking point.

We were led to the Tangerine Cafe Bar where we were given the history behind the notion of afternoon tea and the proper etiquette.  It was very hard to not scoff all the treats in one go given our rumbling tummies! Millennium have tried to put a twist on the event with three types of mini scones available. We were given a selection of chocolate, savoury or raisin scones. The first one was my favourite - I may have had three... I was really impressed with the chocolate cup especially as everything was edible! At £17.50 for two people, it really is quite the bargain as it's amazing value for money.

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Bring me flowers in the pouring rain

Outfit:

Smart black blazer: New Look

Sheer black pu collared blouse: New Look

Yellow, black and blue floral trousers: Asos

Nude studded court shoes: Primark

Yet another pair of patterned trousers have graced my legs. These beauties were a complete bargain from Leather Lane market for only £12. They're £45 on the Asos wesbite - current stock too! The market does come up trumps sometimes. With the bipolar weather trousers seem to be my new best friend. I really don't want to wear tights when it's coming up to May but it's far too chilly sometimes to go bare legged.

I wore this out for my dad's birthday meal at the Carvery. I'm not quite sure it was wise because as usual I completely overstuffed my plate and came out with a waddle. Completely and utterly worth it. Food babies are always the best kind in my opinion.

Are you a patterned trouser fan?

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Top five festival tips

Luxe Models London is a big fan of festival fashion. With the summer season fast approaching they've offered us some stylish tips to make sure you see the festival out with a bang. Who said you can't be sensible and stylish?

001: We all want to look our best at music festivals but it's just not possible to pack 10 lipsticks, 4 blushers, 2 bronzers, 5 concealers and 1 mascara. Streamlining is the way forward. After all we're all aiming for the 'natural' look! Pack some handy facewipes to make sure you don't have any mascara running down your cheeks. That isn't the look we like to go for!

002: With lack of showering and general washing facilities, it's hard to make sure your hair looks stylish. This is where a hair donut can be a lifesaver. It takes ten minutes and voila you look like you've just stepped out of a salon! Make dry shampoo your new BBF. It's amazing for giving your hair a bit off oomph and for fringe fashionistas.

003: Converse may look chic but flip flops help your feet breathe - they also help keep your feet from getting dirty in the dreaded showers. Havaianas are THE celebrity flip flops to have and they come in a range of colours. Go for a bright pair to stand out from the crowd.

004: Finally don't forget to pick up a faithful tote bag to carry all your belongings around. They're lightweight and can fit a mountain of junk. Go for a music themed one of your favourite band. Even better pick up one from the merchandise stand as a souviner.

005: You never know what the weather is going to be like in old Blighty so make sure you pack for all weathers. Take along a snazzy rain mac in case of a shower but also pack a straw hat in case the sun decides to show it's face. Boaters and fedoras get the thumbs up from us. You don't have to spend a fortune on sunglasses, pick a colour other than black to make a statement. Finally don't forget to pack the sunscreen just in case!

What are your best fashion tips for festivals?

Guest post on behalf of Luxe Models

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#George Style

Last Saturday I attended the High Fashion George at Asda press event with Lily and Aisling to coo at pretty summery clothes - it was certainly the weather for it! I'm a massive fan of George and always used to make a trip to the top level of Asda when I worked in my town before I started. Now i'm working in London I seem a bit out of the loop but this will change after seeing all the beauties at the weekend!

I was very impressed by the clothes on offer. From neon shades - the blazer is to die for - to ethic inspired women's bags, George had covered every trend especially in the women's dresses. I personally love a pencil skirt and the snow leopard print ticks all the boxes. It's the ideal skirt to be dressed up for a night on  the tiles or down for a day at work. I'm not usually a women's swimsuit fan but the tiger print number really caught my eye. It'll be perfect for my holiday next week. These absolutely amazing floral print trousers i'm holding were my favourite item in the collection. Can you believe they're only £12?! I can't wait to get my hands on them.

With the vintage inspired Powderpuff Girls giving me a makeover - I wish I could do eyeliner flicks as good as them! - I was ready to hit Carnaby Street to take some street style pictures. It was the first time i'd ever attempted street style but it wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would. I got a few nos but on the whole everyone was eager to have their picture taken despite having a mad woman chase after them down the street! Sports Luxe seems to be the most popular trend on the streets of London.

Thanks so much to the George crew for having me. It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday!

More pictures can be found on my Facebook page if you want to have a nosy.

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Keep your head up, keep your heart strong

Outfit:
Cream sleeveless sheer blouse: c/o New Look
Blue Aztec print trousers: Primark
Navy studded slippers: Primark
Beige trench coat: Topshop
Faux diamond statement necklace: Primark

Can I get a hell yeah for managing to bag these snazzy trousers for a mere £5? Gotta love Primark sales eh?! I do love getting myself a good bargain. I seem to have Primark tourettes and shout out 'BARGAIN £5!'. My boyfriend has informed me I resemble a 70s throwback but I love them - i've already worn them twice this week. I wore this to attend to the George at Asda event with Aisling and Lily yesterday. But there'll be a seperate post on that soon! The squinty eye look is not very attractive I know but the sun was everywhere in my garden!

The plan for today is to hit up the bootsale, visit my aunt as it's her birthday and pop down to Southend for the afternoon for some fish and chips by the seaside. It's the first Southend trip of the year - how exciting eh?! You always know summer is trying to rear its head when you take a trip to the seaside.

Are you making the most of the nice weather?

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This week i'm loving - Seche Vite

I finally caved into blogger hype a few months ago and purchased Seche Viteon from Amazon. I don't know what I seem to do but i'm lucky is my nail polish remains chip free for more than a day. More often then not it chips within a few hours. I blame working on a competer all day for ruining it! At first I couldn't get on with it and didn't find it made much difference. But then Sarah suggested I use a thin coat rather than the thick one I plastered on. It worked a treat and now my polish lasts for around 3-4 days which is amazing! I find it works best on Barry M and OPI. No 7 still isn't really that good unfortuately.

Have you been converted to Seche Vite?

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#AxCircus

This last image should be a warning to never leave your phone in the hands of fellow bloggers...

Last week I was very kindly invited to what seemed to be the blogger event of the year! My twitter feed was going crazy with excitement as it seemed all my favourite bloggers were attending. My idea of a perfect night out! It was in honour of the first ever AX Paris advert - it's pretty snazzy so make sure you keep your eye out for. Held in an amazing venue called Circus, we were treated to an impressive fire eater as pictured above, a man spinning around on a giant hula hoop - made me feel a bit sick! - and some arcobats. I think I might have watched open mouthed! As always it was so much fun to have a natter with all my favourite people whilst drinking cocktails and munching on the yummy canapes.

I didn't get to have a nosy at the clothes as much as I would have liked - I was too busy nattering to everyone in sight - but I did notice they had some cracking dresses! With such pretty colours, there are a few that are on my wishlist.

Thanks so much for Etail and Ax Paris for putting on such an amazing event - you really pulled this one out the bag!

I left my camera at home so these were taken on my iPhone hence the not so great quality. #bloggerfail. I'd lose my head if it wasn't screwed on!

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We could have been anything that we wanted to be

Outfit:
White animal print t-shirt - Primark
White vest top - Primark
Brown super soft skinny jeans - Primark
Brown tassled loafers - Clothing at Tesco
Navy lightweight jacket - H&M
Brown satchel - Primark

Yet again another Primark sponsored outfit - I can't seem to stay away! These jeans were tucked away with the labels still on. I brought them around Christmas time - shameful eh? They were buried under my mountain of trousers in the drawer found when I was rummaging around for things to sell on a bootsale. It doesn't really help my case when I insist I have nothing to wear does it?! Does it bug anyone else that everything seems to be sheer lately? I'm getting a tad fed up of always having to layer a vest top under EVERYTHING. This is a t-shirt so why isn't it opaque! I really liked the subtle print, it made it a little bit different from a standard white t-shirt.

Today will be spent pottering around sorting things with my nan for bootsale tomorrow rounded off with a trip down the pub to see some friends after cooking a romantic meal for my boyfriend and I. Hopefully i'll be making my fortune at the bootsale tomorrow - keep your fingers crossed people want to buy my rubbish!

What do you have planned for the weekend?

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March empties

001: Original Batiste Dry Shampoo - Already reviewed.

002: Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make Up Remover
This was recommended to me by Sarah - she's a bit of a skincare guru - as she's a fellow contact lense wearing too. I fell in love with it and am already on my second bottle. It has a gel like consistency and feels lovely on my eyes. It glides on and doesn't seem to leave any grease behind. I'm looking to try other products of this brand if you have any suggestions!

003: Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner Enriched with Grape Extract
Not much to say about this apart from it doesn't break me out and i've been using it religiously for around 4-5 years. I don't think i'll ever stray! I don't see the point of splashing the cash on a toner.

004: Lee Stafford Breaking Hair Treatment via the Beauty Drawer at work
I picked this up from work as I needed a new hair mask. My hair was looking dire! I've got a Lee Stafford hairdryer and used his dry shampoo before so was expecting good things. I wasn't disappointed. This did the trick perfectly and lasted a good few months as I only a treatment every fortnight or so. I didn't think the price was too shabby as i'll buy it again once i've used my other hair masks i've collected. Thumbs up from me!

005: Caudalie Eye and Lip Cream
This small sample came with some Caudalie products I ordered. The sample was so small I don't really know if it made a difference. But it felt gentle on my skin. Gotta be a plus point right?! It's suppose to reduce dark circles which seem to haunt me. Maybe i'll order the full size to try it out. Anyone used it before?

006: Soap and Glory Flake Away
I'm a massive fan of Soap and Glory and always find them in my present haul come Christmas' and Birthdays. I could smell this for hours and it makes me skin feel silky smooth. I find it a great choice for fake tanning. It really feels like it works - sometimes a bit too much maybe!

007: No 7 Protect and Perfect Day Cream SPF 15 - Review here

008: Caudalie Eau Demaquillante Cleansing Water
I use this in the evenings to take off my make up. It seems to scrap off every last bit and makes me feel lovely and refreshed before going to bed. I will make sure this enters my basket again but as with the case with the hair mask, I seem to have required a few cleansing products I have to use up first.

009: Nip and Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads
I once again required these through work. I'd read about the brand and was eager to try them out for myself. I was a bit underwhelmed and don't think i'll be splashing my cash on them. I didn't really think they made a difference and I have other exfoliaters I prefer.

What did you use up this month?

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Things i'm loving this week - Kate Moss Lipsticks

L-R 101, 01, 19, 20

I have to admit one of the best things about working for a magazine are the beauty products. We have an insane amount of bits and pieces coming through the office and every now and again we get to raid it and take home some things that tickle our fancy. I'd heard so much about the Kate Moss lipsticks for Rimmel so made sure my grubby mitts made a beeline for them.

I'm a complete sucker for a red lip - I will look like a 50's siren one day- and this one fits the bill perfectly. It's lovely and bright so it really packs a punch. In theory the nude one should make me look like a 60's sex kitten but in reality I feel like a frumpy housewife. I'm not a 100% sure on it and think it has too much of a rose undertone. Maybe it'll be a grower. Number 20 hasn't been worn yet but it'll be ideal for the summer months - if they ever come... It'll be going in my suitcase when i'm off to Turkey in May and will set off a killer tan very nicely indeed. I'd recommend you prep your lips with plenty of lip balm to ensure they're silky smooth before you try the matte shade. It's not very forgiving in my opinion when your lips are looking a little chapped!

Have you ever tried this range of lipsticks before?

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Tell me the one about the friend you knew

Outfit:
Black blazer: New Look
Cream sheer sleeveless dip hem blouse: C/O New Look
Purple patterned tapered trousers: Asos
Ankle strap pointy court shoes: Primark
Nude studded clutch bag: Present from the lovely Sarah

These trousers are a god send. Why? Because they're like wearing PJs in public. They're such soft material and loose in all the right places. The best £30 I have spent in a long time. Anyone else find that Asos is like crack? I just can't seem to not click that button and place an order. Send help please? Or least donate some cash so it can continue please! Can you believe these shoes are from Primark? They really seem to be upping their game in the shoe department recently. My dad commented they look like bondage shoes but I think that's what drew me to them in the first place. Pretty fierce eh? I was very kindly given a voucher when I popped along down to the New Look press day so I treated myself to this blouse. It's such a great basic for work and going out. At under £13 you really can't go wrong!The collar will look great peaking out of a brightly coloured jumper.

I've spent today eating my weight in chocolate eggs - it'll be hard to get back on the weightwatchers wagon on Tuesday. I seem to have turned into a complete pig since Thursday. Those scales will not be my friend. I'm off out for a Thai tonight with my cousin, his girlfriend and my boyfriend for a bit of bonding. The night will probably consist of lots of drink, too much food and the disbelief of how crazy our family is but yet we wouldn't have it any other way.

Hope you have a fantastic Easter Sunday whatever you do!

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Survive Easter with Weightwatchers Hot Cross Buns - Recipe

Easter can strike the fear of God into any Weightwatcher. All that chocolate, cake and roast dinners is enough to make anyone go mental. Sometimes it can be hard to resist everything. However I found a cracking Hot Cross Bun recipe in this months magazine meaning you don't have to miss out. They taste just like the real thing!

You'll need:

450g of Bread Flour

1 tsp of salt

1 7g sachet of yeast

1 tsp Mixed spice

1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon

50g of currants

150ml of lukewarm skimmed milk (reserve 1tbsp for brushing)

25g of low fat melted spread

50g of caster sugar (reserve 2 tsp for the glaze)

1 egg

For the crosses:

2 tbsp of plain flour

1tsp of caster sugar

Makes 12

5 Propoints each

001: Place the shifted flour, salt, spices, yeast and currants in a bowl and mix well.

002: In a seperate bowl, combine the milk with 75lm of lukewarm water and add the egg, spread and sugar. Make sure you beat well. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees/ gass mark 6 or 180 degrees on a fan assisted oven.

003: Take the dough out and knead it on a chopping board. I did this for around 5-6 minutes but it's entirely up to you.

004: Make 12 even balls of dough and mark a cross with a knife.

005: Make the paste mixture for the crosses. Place in a piping bag and make an even cross. If I did these again i'd use a larger nozzle as the crosses were not thick enough for me! Brush them with milk before popping in the oven.

006: Cook in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until they have risen and are a golden brown colour. As soon as you take them out make the glaze with 4 tbsp of boiling hot water and the reserved sugar.

Serve them hot with some low fat spread. Don't forget to add the extra propoint. Let me know if you make them!

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Things i'm loving this week- Collar necklaces

Pink and yellow neon spike necklace: Primark
Black and white chain necklace: c/o New Look
Cerise pink bobble necklace: Primark
Rhinestone bib necklace: Primark
Studded mesh rhinestone gold necklace: c/o New Look - only in silver on the website

I thought i'd put together a new weekly feature including my favourite things of the moment. This week I can't seem to get enough of collar necklaces. They look brilliant under a shirt collar or a plain dress. The bigger the better in my opinion! I seem to be drawn to wearing all black at the minute so they really help to jazz an outfit up. This beauty from New Look will look amazing under a white shirt - it's the perfect colours for the summer. This necklace from eBay is a brilliant bargain and might be a necessity when I get my paypal account refilled! I think the simplicity makes it so lovely.

How do you feel about collar necklaces?

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