Bloggers that (LDN) Lunch


Well LDN Lunch was amazing even if I do say say myself. I honestly don't think it could have gone any better and from what I can gather everyone seemed like they had a really nice day. There was lots of gossiping, cocktail drinking, ahhhing over outfist and lots of food consumed which was what of course it was all about. So can we do it all again soon please ladies?

I must say a huge thank you to my partners in crime Eloise and Claire. You two really were amazing. Plus a huge thank you to everyone that made it, it was so nice to finally meet some of you in person. I knew there was a reason why I talk to you all so much on Twitter ;) It was such a shame that I didn't get to talk to more ladies, I found it all a bit overwhelming but in a good way!
Just look at the concentration in my face! Thanks to Kirstin for capturing that! This is the best photo of my whole outfit but you guys have seen it all before here.
Eloise and I getting our organising caps on. Once again thanks to Kirstin for the photo.

The lovely Chelsey, Charlotte and Rachel. Photo was taken by Charlotte.

Nomnomnomnom
Did someone say cocktails?
The beautiful Lowri, Sarah and Gem - it was so so lovely to meet these girls!
Sian winning the best dressed blogger. Very well deserved!

Lovely ladies Sian, Stacey, Rebecca (who is actually from my hometown, small world!) and Sarah

Be sure to read the #LDNLunch hastag to see everyone elses posts on the day :)
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Review: Liz Earle skincare

A little while ago, ok a long while ago now, I was very kindly gifted two skincare products from Liz Earle. Thank so much ladies :) I've waited this long because I wanted to use it all up so I could give you all a balanced reviews. After all how can you tell what a product is like if you've only used it a few times eh? I am so sorry about the bad quality images, I somehow deleted the ones I wanted to use and have thrown the packaging away so I can't photograph them anymore :(

The first product I was gifted was the Skin Repair Moisturiser and it retails at £18.25 for a 50ml jar. I chose the cream suitable for dry and sensitive skin. First of all I love Liz Earle packaging, it's such a pretty colour and looks really nice on your dressing table. This cream was really thick which is what I look for in a cream, I like to feel my skin really soak it in. Smell is also really important to me, after all who wants to put a stinker on their face? Certainly not me! Luckily this smells lush, almost fruity. I think this is due to the avacado oil. I suffer with dry skin especially around my nose. I find if I don't use the right mosturiser it starts to look like i've been buying some of the wrong coke. Not a good look to be perfectly honest. But this completely combats that look which is perfect for me! The only downside is how quickly it ran out. I like to lather my face in moisturising meaning that face cream never last me that long. I'll be buying this again as soon as my funds allow. I do think it really pays - excuse the pun- to splash out on moisuriser as you can really feel the difference. My skin felt so supple and clean, i've really noticed the difference now i've had to go back to my Johnson one - it's good but it doesn't quite get as high marks as Liz Earle.



The second product I was gifted was the Instant Boost Skin Tonic spritzer and it retails at £12.50. I just didn't really get on with the spray. I first of all tried to spray it directly on my face but then I didn't like the feeling of the product dripping down my face. I then tried spraying it on and then immediately wiping it around my face with a cotton wool pad. Then finally I settled on spraying it directly onto a cotton wall pad and wiping it over my face. It does take about 6-7 sprays before i'm happy with the amount of product. The toner does feel lovely on my skin but I don't think it helps me anymore than my cheaper one does. I didn't find it as good for my skin as I had the moisturiser and Cleanse and Polish. I don't think i'll buy this again. However I have no complaints with it and like I said I do think it's a really nice toner.


Have you got a favourite Liz Earle product? I am a complete convert!
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Lady in red

Outfit:
Red skater dress with black belt: Matalan
Black tights: Primark
Patent mid heeled courts: Next

Not the most ground breaking outfit i've ever worn but this is what I typically wear to work. A knee length dress with heels. I'm lucky in the fact I can wear what I want but I just don't feel comfortable turning up to work in jeans. It's always nice to get a little dressed up everyday isn't it? This dress was an absolute bargain at just £9 from Matalan, my lovely mother hunted it out for me. It really is such lovely quailty and fully lined. Not bad for under a tenner! I think it's going to become a staple for me. I instantly felt I had a spring in my step this morning wearing such a bright dress!

It's LDN Lunch tomorrow girls! How quick has it come around? I am so excited to meet all of you and have a good old natter. And of course some well deserved cocktails! I really hope you all have such a lovely time. A massive thank you to my buddies Claire and Eloise who have both sweated blood to make sure this all comes off. See you all tomorrow! :)
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Spring in your step


If i'm honest I spend most of my time looking at pretty dresses and wishing I had enough money to splash out on them all. Alas I do not

This knitted striped midi dress will hopefully be mine very soon. Well as soon as enough people buy my junk off ebay. It really is perfect for when it gets a little warmer and we can start venturing out with bare legs. Hopefully that's not too far in the distant future. I'd wear it with white TOMS (i've yet to invest) and my straw vintage bag. It's currently in the sale so what other excuse do I need to buy it?


This other asos beauty need to get on my body as soon as possible too. Look at the beautiful cut out waist?! But it doesn't come with a beautiful price oh no. It's a purse hurting £50. Still I may treat myself with next months wages as it would be ideal for my holiday (something I again need to invest in... see a theme?)

This floral Matalan midi dress would be absolutely perfect for work. Its just the right length and dressy enough for a day working in the city. It also comes in three other colours and for just £18 I admit I am tempted to buy them all.

This grey topshop dress isn't the most exciting dress but it's one that I can imagine i'll wear time and time again. It will look just as nice layered up for the winter months as it will in the summer with sandals and bare legs. Hopefully this will be in my hands next week when I hit Westfield to celebrate the joy that is payday. Just a shame I have to show some restraint and save most of my wages. Boo!

Finally Lavish Alice is a company that seems to be doing the rounds around blogs and they've caught my eye. Especially this fantastic flamingo print dress. To me it just screams vintage which is of course right up my street. At only £22 I think it's a complete bargain!
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She saw it and she grabbed it and it wasn't what it seemed


Outfit:
Brown full pleather skirt: Primark
Brown scalloped blouse: Primark
Nude platform shoes: Primark
Nude envelope clutch: Asos


Yet again i'm a walking advertisement for Primark.

Losing 6lb means that i'm slowly gaining my confidence back and things in my wardrobe are starting to fit better. Hence why I decided to finally pull the tags of this skirt and blouse after buying them way back in October. Who said I have too many clothes? This leather skirt is one of my favourite things in my wardrobe but I never know the right occasion to wear it. It's too long for a proper night out, too risque for work and too leather to wear everyday in my lovely ugg boots and see though leggings town. So i've decided to brave it during a dinner at Zizzis and cocktails in the town next door. What could be a more perfect occasion?

Like I said I went out tonight for dinner, sadly had to stick with pasta as pizza is too many proproints boo hiss. But i'd rather have a few glasses of wine beens I haven't been out in three weeks. ANYWHERE! Being a pauper is not fun. But it was payday yesterday so I deserve to make the most of it. It was seeing all my favourite people as we haven't had a chance to all get together since my birthday outing at the end of last month. Being a grown up really is pants.

Have you got anything planned for the weekend?
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Recipe: Weightwatchers Salmon, red onion and courgette frittata


Recipe adapted from Weightwatchers.

Ingredients:
100g of Smoked Salmon (original says 120g but I didn't want to buy a 300g packet of salmon!)
1 red onion
1 courgette
6 medium eggs
2 packs of green beans
Pepper
3 tablepoons of dried herbs
1 teaspoon of cooking oil
350g of new potatoes

The original recipe doesn't include the red onion nor the courgette but I just thought it bulked it up a bit. You can put whatever veg you fancy in it!

6 propoints per serving
Served 4
Takes 30 minutes

001. Chop the potatos into quarters and boil them in the water for 10 minutes
You don't have to chop them up but I found that they cooked quicker. Once they're tender and cooked slice into small pieces.002. Chop all red onion and courgette in however small you fancy! 003: Put a teaspoon of oil into a large frying pan and chuck all the veg in. Don't forget to keep stirring so it doesn't stick to the bottom. 005: Crack the six eggs into a bowl (i'd use a bigger one in future as you can't whisk very well in a small bowl) and add the three tablespoons of dry herbs. It does say in the orginal recipe to use fresh herbs (parsley and dill) but we just used what we had in the cupboard. Up to you what you choose to use! Wisk the ingredients together.
006: Pop the potatos in the pan and poor the egg mixture over the veg and potatoes.
007. Chop the smoked slamon into little pieces and spread evenly across the frittata. Cook on the hob for around 10 minutes so it sets. Then pop into the oven to help brown it off.
007. Ta da! Personally next time I think i'd add some baby corn as the plate looked a bit empty. I think it's more of a summer dinner than a winter warmer. It was very nice, even if I do say so myself! I think I did pretty well for my first time making something from scratch. I think everyone is my house were in shock that I actually made something edible and the house isn't burnt down. Rather enjoying this Weightwatchers lark!

Let me know if you make it!
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You treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough

Outfit:
Floral skater dress: Topshop via carboot
Black chuncky cardigan: Primark
Black leggings: Primark
Black jelly bow boots: Market
Polka dot ails: Models Own Back Wah nail pen and 17
Cream cameo and pearl statement ring: Primark
Black leather satchel: Charity shop
Purple socks: Primark

These boots were a treat from my dad to chear me up after i've become such a diet bore. Who knew food played such a big part in my life? Eating and shopping really are my most favourite things to do! The boots really remind me of the Vivienne Westwood collaboration with Melissa and as I can't afford the real thing these are the next best thing! They were a bargain at only a tenner! This is my lazy outfit, an outfit I seem to be wearing far too much lately. It's just so comfortable but yet I somehow look like i've made a little effort. One of the reasons why I love dresses, they always add a little oomph don't you think? I am so usually anti-leggings but I really couldn't get away with wearing tights with this dress. I am sure the people of Essex do not want to be flashed...

P.S I don't usually go out with such a filthy bag it looks clean in real life honest!
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A snapshot #9

001. I was treated to see The Muppets on Valentines Day, considering I wasn't actually suppose to see my boyfriend (he had football training) I actually went out three days on the trot. I'd like to be abandoned more often please! The Muppets was ok, not really my sense of humour but I did laugh in some parts. It was just really silly!

002. I was also treated to dinner at Pizza Express the day after Valentines Day. I have a lot of making up to do when I start getting paid, got a feeling he needs to be spoilt! I had nowhere near the amount of food as I usally have, darn Weightwatchers, and could easily have eaten a second pizza. But I was pleasantly surprised about how tasty the Leggera pizza were, I had goats cheese, spinach and caramelised onion. Healthy doesn't always have to be boring! Even saved enough points for a cheeky starter!

003. I was the lucky recipient of some beautiful lillies for Valentines Day along with TWO boxes of chocolates (Lindor and Milk Tray). My boyfriend always seems to come up trumps, he knows my favourites! They are currently making my room smell lovely!

004. As I mentioned in the Pizza Express I am currently on Weightwatchers. And busting my gut at Jazzacise, went three times this week and my body is hating me. It's going well so far having lost 4lbs at my first weigh in :) I don't think it will be nearly anywhere near that for my second weigh in tomorrow. Although I have not gone over points on any given day I have eaten quite a lot of junk this week. Whereas as last week i'd never eaten so healthy! I'm looking for a 1lb but would be over the moon with 2lbs. I'm going to start getting into cooking, would you be interested in seeing some healthy recipies on here?

005. I have also reached over 300 readers on my blog this week. To say I was pleased would be an understatement. I'm honestly so honoured that you've all took the time to click the follow button. Thank you all so much :)

006. I also recieved my RAK swap organised by Char from the lovely Helen. Isn't is all lovely? I can't wait to make some cupcake, already trawling the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook. I'm thinking the Gingerbread cupcakes? I just need to make them one week where i'm not using too many of my weekly points! The purse is perfect to keep my pennies in on a night out and i've had to stop my mum from stealing the cute teaspoon. Thanks so much Helen :)
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Yet another Glossybox review

I've been a subscriber to Glossybox since about September but I never really post about them because there are always so many going about and it can get a bit samey. But this month I thought I would test all the products rather then just show what I recieved as I always love reading reviews. The reason why this review is so late, the next Glossybox is due out soon! Also it will make me use them as i'm ashamed to admit that I've only probably used about 30% of all the things i've recieved. I have far too many lotions and potions!


1-2. Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream and Clarins Extra-Firming Night Cream

I must admit I was a bit disappointed to recieve the Clarins as I was kind of hoping to get the nail varnish. But alas I didn't but I suppose that's the whole idea of a Glossybox, you never know what you're going to receive. I had always viewed Clarins as an older persons brand and the majority of people I know that use it tend to be around my mums age and the fact they were "extra-firming" didn't dispeal this stereotype. I don't think I need to start thinking about anti-winkle or firming products until i'm the wrong side of 25! But nevertheless I gave them a try and was very pleased with them! They have made my skin feel very lovely and soft. A little goes quite a long way in my opnion. To my nose they smell very "clean" and it's not at all an overpowering scent, sometimes this can be off-putting if it lingers on your skin. It will be a shame when they run out as there's no way I can afford the £46.50 and £48 price tags. However it has made me think that maybe I need to start investing in a night cream as I only mosturise in the morning.
3. Murad Skin Perfecting Primer

As I don't wear foundation I had never seen the point of wearing primer. I have been meaning to invest for one for my eyes though as my eye make-up never seems to last very well. Gem suggested Urban Decay which i'm still yet to buy. One day! I was pretty happy to recieve this to give it a go so I can find out if it really is worth investing in a primer! To be honest I didn't see what it brought to my make up as I only really wear make up when I have contacts in. Once a week if that. I didn't feel all clogged up like I do when I attempt to try foundation thankfully. Anyone else feel like they can't breathe in it? I can't say I thought the primer made my make up last longer nor did I look glowing haha! I am going to use it up though and maybe i'll fall in love!
4. Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner

Eyeko was a brand I had seen in Superdrug and on twitter but i've never actually taken the plunge to buy something from the company. I tend to stick to the same make-up brands and don't experiment. I wear very boring and basic make up! I loved the packaging and the pencil looks very asthically pleasing. But it's so mis-leading as the long silver end doesn't have any product in it at all making the eyeliner very small! Green is no usually a colour i'd pick but suppose we all have to venture out of our comfort zone! But I was pleasantly suprised by the colour, it actually looks really nice! Admittedly not that much different from my normal black one. The eyeliner has great staying power, I only had to re-apply one throughout the day. It's made me think maybe I could pull off other coloured eyeliner too!

5. First Aid Beauty body moistriser

I have moisturisers coming out of my ears after both Christmas and my birthday. But I always welcome another one! This mosituriser promises to be safe for sensitive skin and free from harsh chemicals. I suffer from quite dry skin and it's made worse if I don't put some mosturiser on after I come out the shower. I've been using this for about a week and it really has madde myself feel lovely and soft. The cream is lovely and thick and feels quite expensive. Nothing worse than a runny mosturiser which is why I tend to stay away from body lotion. The full size bottle costs £10 and I think i'm going to hunt it down in Boots come payday. I am usually a hardcore Palmers fan but sometimes you don't always want to smell like chocolate!

What did you think of your Glossybox if you recieved one?
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Rawr


Outfit:
Leopard print midi dress: Topshop
Black long sleeved cardigan: Primark
Thick black tights: Primark
Black heeled leather ankle boots: Topshop
Black short shaggy faux fur coat: Primark
Red plastic watch: Toywatch
Black glitzy statement ring: Primark


My birthday dresses seem to be doing the rounds, only have one more to show you after this! I absolutely love this dress, I have to stop myself from wearing it everyday. It so comfy but yet looks like you've made an effort. These boots are another Topshop purchase that never seem to be off my feet. I splashed out on them with my Christmas money although I still nearly had an heart attack when I had to hand over £70+. But they are without a doubt the best thing i've ever "invested" in, I can see myself still wearing them next winter and hopefully the winter after. Even if they did cause me to fall down the stairs in M&M world in front of a million tourists. Oh the shame...

Off to The Only Way is Blogging (TOWIB) today, little bit nervous to be honest. I am really looking forward to mingling though, always nice to meet people who share the same interests and everyone so far i've met has been absolutely lovely! If you're going tweet me and don't be afraid to come say hello! I don't bite! I tend to stare at people rather than approach them because i'm too shy so if you see a werido it's more than likely to be me! Catch me on twitter @sophiesophuk
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Love is in the air

With Valentines Day just around the corner (seriously how is it February already, the years going far too quick!) the lovely people at Motel Rocks are holding a special flash discount to celebrate. Like we all need an excuse to buy something new eh? Simply enter the code LOVE20 at the checkout and you'll bag yourself 20% off. Amazing! Best hurry up as it runs out on the 14th!
They have some very pretty things in their Valentines section. How amazing is this underwear set? The print is amazing and I love that it's just so retro - right up my street! They have some really lovely dresses and playsuits that will be perfect for whenever not just for Feb 41th. I'm just a bit gutted that i'm skint as I have my eye on quite a few things!
Let me know if you buy anything!
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I just want you to know who I am


Outfit:
Long sleeved navy and cream chiffon dress: Primark
Navy tights: Primark
Faux suede navy heels: Barretts
Nude envelope clutch: Asos
Floral statement ring: Primark
Coral nail varnish: Rimmel 60 seconds 430 Coralicious (gift from friend)

Another one of my birthday money buys. It reminds me a bit of a dress that was in Topshop before Christmas, it was a similar style but cost £50. This however was a bargain of £17. You can't really tell in the photos but it has buttons on the inside of the sleeves. Gotta love little the little details. Must admit this bag is one of the best things i've brought in a long time, goes with everything so expect to be getting sick of it soon! I'll be using it everytime I go out!

I wore it out last night for my friends birthday, we went into the next town for a few drinks and dancing. I must be getting old as I didn't recognise any music that was playing. I like a bit of Indie and pure cheese! I always feel like I have to be a less covered up if I go out anywhere other than London.I could never wear my birthday dress out dancing in the town I live in, I'd get an unbelievable amount of dodgy looks! I've never been that girl that wears tight bodycon dresses with cut outs and my boobs on show. Not even when I was 18. Think i've always dress a little bit too old for my age and conservative. This is my perfect clubbing dress - short but covered up!

Today shall be spent recovering in bed, have yet to get out of it, and ebaying my whole life. My bank balance is looking very sorry for itself recently and it's about time I did something about it! Going to have to venture downstairs soon though as my dear old dad is making me a bacon and egg sarnie! Perfect hangover cure!

What do you have planned for today?
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About me
A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

Get in touch at
sophie.warner89@yahoo.co.uk.

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