Starting Slimming World

Hello:) Hope you are well so today I decided to do Slimming World I'm not going to bore you with the 'new year new me' malarkey because that doesn't work with me I see it for what it is just another day. Although for some people that doesn't mean these new year resolutions aren't enough to kick start motivation I just don't seem to follow things through especially as a 'new year resolution' which I must admit is my downfall. It appealed more to me than Weight Watchers because there is no counting/weighing/measuring, I can eat as much as I want including all the carbs, still enjoy proper meals & also have treats everyday in the form of syns.

This will actually be my second attempt at Slimming World I joined only a few months ago around August like today I just decided to go for it- not talking myself out of it just going to the nearest meeting. I was only there for two weeks- yes I know it was a pitiful attempt. It definitely wasn't a a traditional 'diet' I ate until I was full, I was constantly snacking & in the two weeks I lost half a stone-yes! I didn't do any exercise what so ever & there wasn't a salad in sight, I also had chocolate every night. Why did I stop? One weekend I had some major changes including moving to a new flat & getting a new job both were unexpected & completely stressed me out. So from that weekend on Slimming World wasn't priority I started eating unhealthily again for convenience & put weight on. Instead of brushing myself off & starting again through embarrassment I just didn't go back- which was pretty silly of me.

Today I woke up pretty positive for a change & I decided I wanted to give Slimming World another try. Being New Years Eve I didn't realize that all the classes near me have been changed to different days i.e yesterday so the next class wont be until the next week. I still have my Slimming world pack & with the power of the internet I have access to hundreds of delicious recipes. The reason to 'why now' is with the gain of even more pounds I've put on with over indulging on Christmas goodies I literally cannot breathe in my clothes. I also have PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome so I really need to shed some weight to reduce my symptoms & basically live a healthier lifestyle. I may do a post about PCOS in the future, I would love to speak to more women who have it as I don't actually know anyone who suffers from it. I don't have a particular weight goal I just want to be healthy & happy as does everyone else. According to the BMI chart I need to lose about 4 stone & I'm in the obese category but I'll be happy with any amount of weight loss. I've actually been over a stone heavier than what I am now at my heaviest & have been overweight all my life. I'm excited to start this journey again properly & will hopefully learn how to actually cook. I'll update every week to let you know how I'm getting on.

Have you every tried Slimming World?

So it's time to say goodbye to 2013 hope you have an amazing Hogmanay and stay safe, see you next year!

Christmas Goodies 2013

Hello I really do apologize for the lack of Christmasy posts I haven't been feeling too well for the past few weeks so have been taking it easy- I know its such a bad excuse but I will hopefully make up for it in the upcoming weeks. I hope you had a lovely Christmas & have an amazing new year with your family & friends!

I've seen a few blog posts of what people got for Christmas so I thought I would do a post too. I spent the day with my family, my boyfriend also spent Christmas with us this year he usually goes back home to Manchester to spend time with his family but wanted to celebrate with us so it made this year extra special. I'd like to say that I got all dressed up but as every year I spent the day at my mum & dads in my jammies watching t.v and eating, my idea of a perfect day. I had such a lovely day & hope you did too.

 I'm so grateful & I absolutely love everything I've received. I got some amazing chunky real leather boots from new look I haven't took them off since Christmas day they're so comfortable & I love the chunky heel. They give me an extra inch or so to my height so yes I am now over 5ft with these boots on. These beautiful diamond studs that I cant stop staring at, Jimmy Choo perfume that smells like heaven. Lush bath bomb set & this lush FUN set I love play-dough & have been reliving my childhood I almost don't want to actually use it- of course these smell amazing! These Bodyshop bits are passion fruit which I've never smelled before but is now my favorite scent from there. I think these are only out at Christmas- you should go have a sniff of these babies before they go. Gorgeous jewellery from New Look & Primark the beaded bracelet & rings are hand made by my amazing auntie, make-up bits from MUA I love the nail polish & the Real Techniques Miracle complexion sponge that I've used everyday since. Of course some snugly p.j's & socks that I've already worn & chocolate that I've shamelessly devoured & always look forward too .

I also got some money that I'm putting towards some holiday bits, we go away at at the end of January. We booked this holiday earlier this year and its surprisingly our first. My boyfriend has really bad panic attacks and anxiety so will have to see how this holiday goes but after this there will hopefully be more to come:) I can't wait to see some sun!

 What's your plans for New Year Eve?

My Christmas Wish List

I'm not going to lie the whole blogmas/vlogmas has been a complete fiasco for me just a number of minor problems & sorry excuses such as bringing the camera & forgetting the memory card, forgetting the camera altogether when actually doing something fun, losing my precious iPhone (which I am slightly devastated about) the cash machine swallowing my bank card & a few other minor hiccups. Already being halfway through the Christmas season maybe blogging/vloging the odd day is better I will hopefully be more prepared next year.

For now I thought I would do my Christmas wishlist.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Treatment Foundation (link) I'm a huge fan of Bobbi Brown I've tried a few of their foundations my favorite that I've tried is the extra repair foundation which leaves a lovely dewy finish to my very dry eczema prone skin. I've nearly finished the tub but probably won't buy again due to the spf 25 which unfortunately gives me major flashback in pictures. This foundation doesn't have any spf so I can have the option to wear an spf moisturiser during the day & not worry about the flashback on a night out.

Office Black Chunky Boots (link) As much as I love my trusty Dr Martens they're navy & don't go as much as a black pair would, I did have DM's in black patent but had to throw them away as I wore them to the point they were actually talking to me- no joke. These boots are gorgeous from the extra chunky sole that would add much needed inches to my 5ft ish frame with decent grips for the winter, to the little buckle & front zip that reminds me of boots I had in school during the 90's.

Primark Hat It may come as a shock but I only purchased & wore my first hat a few weeks ago which was a beanie- haven't took it off since. I know that I'm late on the hat bandwagon but this is just so cute! I think it would be lovely against my dark hair (on a very rare good hair day) To me this type of hat is a bit out of my comfort zone as I'm just easing into the beanies but I'm still in love.

River Island Shearling Biker Jacket (link) Ive been eyeing up this jacket for a few months now & I'm still lusting over it. Who doesn't like a good biker jacket? The fact that its longer to hide your bum & has a shearling lining just seals the deal.

Mythic Oil Shampoo (link) & Conditioner (link) I haven't been here long enough to stress the fact that I have the frizziest hair you will probably see in your life. To say it resembles a birds nest is an understatement, although with the power of Ghd's (thank you!) people are non the wiser unless there's humidity or rain involved.... I already use the mythic oil on a regular basis (lets face it my hair needs all the moisture it can get) & have high hopes for these too.

Valentino Valentina Perfume (link) My all time favourite perfume is the Valentino Rock & Rose which has about half a mm of life left but wont throw away, I think they've stopped making it as I cant seem to find it anywhere:( This newer offering from Valentino doesn't disappoint I had a little sniff of it when I was last in town & have wanted it ever since, the bottle is pretty cute too.

What's on your list this Christmas?

Blogmas Day 2 & 3

Blogmas/Vlogmas Day 2
Hello and welcome to Blogmas Day 2:) Today I received some goodies that I ordered last week I just get so excited when I receive post that isn't junk mail. The first thing was a remote for my canon camera. I am such a slow learner with technology but also one of those people that doesn't read the instructions either..... After filming my Party Season Lookbook presuming that when I stepped back the camera would focus on its own I was so upset that all of my content was just all blur. It was so frustrating that I was on my own but luckily my boyfriend finished work early and helped me that day. So voila this nifty little remote will solve my future blur problems & was the best £2 I've ever spent on eBay:)

Another purchase was an early Christmas gift from my boyfriend he knew I wanted to start vlogging some content but terrified to take my Canon 600D out as Ive already had a few near misses & don't want to risk breaking it or taking it on holiday with us next year. As we are always out for a bargain we looked at very.co.uk for the Black Friday deals and we luckily had a £30 off voucher too. We came across the Canon Powershot SX240 HS & it had some good reviews. With the offer & voucher it came to £70 which we thought was a pretty good deal. I can't wait to have a proper play around with it tomorrow as I'm just home & its already pitch black outside :( I watched the season finale of the Walking Dead which is  one of my ultimate favorite shows it left us on such a cliff hanger I can't contain my excitement for the next season that starts on February. What shows do you like to watch and recommend?

Blogmas/Vlogmas Day 3
I did a little vlogmas today with my new camera- I didn't manage to get footage outside as I had to wait in for the yodel man/woman to collect something & he didn't even come!!! I waited from 9am until 8pm like an idiot I am so upset. I decided against posting it as all I did was moan all through vlog, better luck tomorrow. What did cheer me up though was having some Ben & Jerry's Phish food with frozen yogurt it tastes the exact same at the regular. I've tried most of the ice creams they have through the years but I don't seem to like any them....Whats your favorite Ben & Jerry's ice cream?

 

Much Love Christina Xxx

My favourite winter nail polishes

Hello:) I thought I would do a little post on some nail polishes that I have been loving this chilly winter season. There's a mixture of different brands in my collection but I have to say that in my experience I prefer Topshops formula as I find that they chip less & I don't need as many coats to have a true colour pay off. Apologies for the horrible hand pictures I have really bad eczema & my skin is really thick, if you have eczema you will know what I mean.

From pinky to thumb.

Revlon Vintage 570- In the bottle this polish looks more like a deep pink but on the nails its a little more red.

 Technic Carnival Topcoat- A burst of different coloured glitter in a clear polish to me its Christmas confetti in a bottle. This brand isn't the best quality it seems to take forever & a half to dry & the smell is stronger than other polishes I've tried but for the price I cant complain too much. I have Revlon Vintage 570 as an undercoat.

Revlon in Scandalous 761- A gorgeous purple glittery topcoat mixed in with a sheer black polish so it vamps up any colour of  polish underneath. In this look I have Revlon Vintage in 570 as an undercoat.

Technic South Pacific - A beautiful teal colour which has been my favorite nail polish this season as much as I love my deep reds and navy this colour just makes me happy- is that weird? (Unfortunately the camera isn't picking up its true colour)

Topshop Big Smoke- Is a muted grey that sways towards nude compared to the brighter polishes that I have been wearing recently, but equally love nonetheless.

What nail polishes have you been wearing recently?

Much Love Christina Xxx

Blogmas/Vlogmas? Day 1

Hello so winter is finally upon us & I've been debating whether to do blogmas/vlogmas this year? I've been watching other peoples through the years & love to see what other people get up to in different parts of the world & maybe you would like to see what the Christmas season is like for me in Glasgow? I will probably vlog/blog with a few days of content then upload as I don't want to be too boring but I'll let you be the judge of that:P I'm not going to have a mad Christmas this year as I'm going on holiday in January that we booked way back in the Summer. This is going to be our first holiday funnily enough even though we've been together for so long but my boyfriend suffers from anxiety and panic attacks so its took a lot for him to even think about booking a holiday abroad but we'll see if he even steps on the plane. Also more importantly due to the tragedy that's happened in the Philippines recently I'd rather have a more reformed Christmas and focus on whats really important & that you don't need a lot of money to have a lovely Christmas:)

December :1st

Well today was pretty chilled out I had my driving lesson this morning this is about my 5th lesson to date and tried to master the act of reverse parking which I didn't do to well at but there's always next time. I'm usually the annoying giggly driver waving sorry to everyone for stalling or driving a little bit too slow/fast but today I was filled with a little bit of road rage. I was on a pretty steep hill at the traffic lights & slowly trying to get through the system of finding the biting point-releasing the hand brake-acceleration when the daft women behind me started revving her engine, calling me all sorts from what I could lip read & beeping her horn. However I managed to chug through the amber light & leave her behind. When I waved to say sorry I sneakily gave her the finger- yes that was my revenge. I also wore a beanie today for the first time ever (how exciting) it may be glued to my head for the rest of winter.

I went into the city center with my sister & sadly walked past a scene of another recent tragedy that happened in Glasgow on Friday night when a police helicopter dropped from the sky & crashed through the roof of a busy pub. So far 9 people have been confirmed dead, as the services battle through the wreckage. A memorial service was held today in Glasgow Cathedral for those who had lost their lives but there's fears there may be more bodies under the rubble. My thoughts go to the families and friends of the people who sadly passed.

This is a little summary of my day stay tuned for more (hopefully) happier vlog/blogmas:)

Let me know if your doing it this year.

Much Love Christina Xxx

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11343167/?claim=aq7kxfeh9nv">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Sweater Weather Tag

Ross Hall Park Glasgow

Rouken Glen Park Glasgow

Whats your favorite candle scent?

 Would you be surprised if I said I've never owned a Yankee candle? I might ask Santa for one this year....:P but my favorite candle scent is coffee galore by Lily Flame or anything with a berry scent.

Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate?

Definitely coffee without a doubt all year round, I'll have tea if theirs nothing else & although I'm a chocolate fiend I'm not really a big fan of hot chocolate.

Whats your best Autumn memory?

I've always said that Autumn is the most beautiful time of the year and last year my boyfriend proposed to me at the waterfall in Rouken Glen park.

Favorite thanksgiving food (changed to favorite A/W food)

It has to be soup the chunkier the better anything goes except carrot & coriander or tomato.

Whats Autumn weather like where you live?

Unpredictable is probably the best word to describe Scottish weather but when the sun does eventually come out through the chilly weather everyone is happy.

Whats your most worn sweater?

Probably the same cardi/jumper that everyone has been rocking this year the fuzzy one from Primark (you know the one:P)

Must have nail polish for Autumn

This season I've been turning to a brand called Technic in the colour South Pacific which is a beautiful teal colour.

Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

I will never understand football so leaf piles- always.

Skinny jeans or leggings?

I live in leggings or dresses with thick tights.

Combat boots or Uggs?

I used to wear Uggs all the time back in the day but they would get completely wrecked with the all the rain that we Scots have so its been my trusty Dr. martens.

Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

 I haven't actually tried it yet........

Whats your favourite Autumn TV show?

 I don't really watch Autumn shows like X- factor or I'm a celeb I'm more into watching a series like the Walking Dead or American Horror Story the Coven that's on right now.

What song gets you really into the Autumn spirit?

Hmm I can't really think of a particular song I just like listening to whatever s on I'm easily pleased.

Let me know if you've done this tag:)

Much Love Christina Xxx

Curvy/ Plus Size Affordable Party Outfits

Hello:) I've put together a few outfits for the up and coming party season that everyone is beyond excited for. Now being a size UK 14/16 and only 5ft (ish) tall I find it quite difficult to find things that look nice, is affordable and that I actually feel comfortable in. I think you'll be surprised with the bargains I've found but I'll let you decide if these items tickle your pickle.

Outfit 1: Velvet Mesh Fairy

Black Velvet Dress £22 Asda also in Red

Black Sandles £22 New Look (cant find online but only bought few weeks ago)

Necklace £4 Primark
 Lipstick Rimmel Kate Moss 107 mixed with black eyeshadow

Outfit 2: Oriental Twist

Blue Dress Asda £16 Also available in Pink

Kimono Asda (sale £7) Sold Out
Necklace £4 Primark
 Same Black Sandles £22 New Look
 Lipstick Rimmel Kate Moss 107

Outfit 3:Blue Leopard

Same Blue Dress Asda £16

 Leopard print Belt £3 Primak

Earrings £1.50 Primark

Bow Shoes £5 (whipped the skulls off available in 4x other colours) everything5pounds.com
 Lipstick Rimmel Kate Moss 107

Outfit 3:The Spotty Midi 

 Peplum Top (Old Dorothy Perkins)

 Spotty Midi Primark also similar in Asda Skirt £12
Belt £2 Primark

Same Black Sandles £22 New Look
Lipstick Revlon Pink In The Afternoon

Outfit 4: Winter Backdrop

Maxi Dress Ebay (3x maxi dresses org. Tesco Bargain at £17)

Maxi Skirt £5 Ebay (org. river island, cut off mini skirt underneath)

Jeffrey Campbell Lita (Dupes everywhere)
Necklace Primark £4
Lipstick Rimmel Kate Moss 107 mixed with black eyeshadow

What will you be wearing this party season?

Much Love Christina Xxx

Philippines Typhoon Haiyan - My family story from Albuera Leyte

As many of you have heard there was a horrific storm that raged through the Philippines. Although born and raised in Scotland my mum is from the Philippines I've been there back and forth on holiday and even lived there for a few years when I was younger so this country will always have a special place in my heart. My family are from Albuera in the island of Leyte which is on the opposite side of Tacloban City were the media have been broadcasting and is one of the worst hit. The picture above was taken June this year when my mum and dad went there to visit and this is the beautiful view that greets them from the porch. As you you can see there isn't much distance from peoples homes to the sea.

Despite this tragedy hitting this beautiful nation there was hope for my family as their lives were all spared even though they stay directly across from the sea. There are many members of my family living there including very young children. At the time of this typhoon my cousin was eight months pregnant with her third child,  during this roaring storm she gave birth to a miracle baby called Jerome weighing only four pounds named after his father who tragically died earlier this year. My cousin gave birth at our home with no medical help and the fear of losing her and her families life in an instant but managed to pull through despite a treacherous typhoon. We have been lucky enough to have contact with them just after the storm hit as the generator was fixed in their small town and my mum has been speaking to them everyday and have been told that thier water supply from the mountains wasn't damaged so Albuera fortunately has had running water although we don't know how safe it actually is. The mayor of the town has been distributing what little food they had salvaged and is being shared out to all the families.

The generosity of the countries giving millions of pounds and aid is over whelming. Although relief aid has been given it has been slow reaching some people with over a week since the storm my family in the town of Albuera has said they have only started seeing relief help come in yesterday. There has been planes dropping parachutes of supplies to which they are extremely grateful and trucks have came into Ormoc City handing out goods which has been a battle to get through the wreckage. Even though money has been sent over from families the queues to the bank are miles long and people are being sent back home to come again the next day, a few shops have also been opened with limited supplies.

Since typhoon Haiyan my family have been trying to piece their lives back together. Although they have been fortunate enough not to lose anyone they have been left without a roof over their head, shortage of food and little water but the community have came together to rebuild homes, clear the wreckage and share whatever necessities they can find whilst waiting for further help. This is one of the very few fortunate stories that will be seen and the threat of disease is still a very high risk to the survivors. 

Although my family was spared there are millions of people still waiting for help. The media has only shown destruction in the larger cities but there are still remote islands that haven't had any contact and time is running out. Please please spare a thought for the people of the Philippines their once beautiful country is now unrecognizable and has now became ruins. If you haven't already please donate to the Philippine Red Cross Oxfam  Unicef or any other organization, no donation is too little and will be greatly appreciated.

 

If you have family living in Albeura, Leyte and haven't managed to make contact yet please let me know and I will speak to my family to see if they have seen/ heard from them.

Thank you xxx

Beauty Haul

Hello beautiful, so recently been shopping here & there and accumulated some beauty bits that I wanted to share with you. Some are bargains that I've found, repurchases and bits that I've bought from the Superdrug 3 for 2 offer on all make-up which lets face it makes us all go a little crazy & I may be hopping along to superdrug and boots again pretty soon. Direct links to items will be below I've also made a youtube video if you want to check it out.

Gel Wash  

Purifying Micellar Solution

 Absolutely in love with these two skincare products I have very dry & sensitive skin my eczema very rarely agrees with anything so  having these in my life have been a godsend there's no burning, itching or me weeping. The gel wash is really good when my face is just irritated and manages to soothe it and the 3in1 micellar solution is a definite & better dupe of the infamous Bioderma which I have tried but love this more in my opinion. These will defiantly be future repurchases & for a mere £2 each from asda I can't say no.

Chocolate Orange

Fizzy Cola Bottles

Strawberry Laces

Carex handwash who dosnt want thier hands to smell exactly like these sweets.

 Cutex Nail Polish Remover

Cotton Pads

My favorite nail polish remover always a repurchase does the job well & after you use it leaves a nice sweet smell (I swear) please don't sniff it straight from the bottle.

 100% pure virgin coconut oil

The most multipurpose item that everyone should have in their possession it has so many uses its unreal. I use it as an anti-dandruff & hair treatment once a week I melt a few tablespoons in a bowl, massage it into my scalp & through to the ends of my hair. I then stick a plastic bag over my head to retain the heat & let it work its magic for a few hours then wash as normal. I also use it to remove waterproof mascara, and as a moisturizer when i come out the shower/bath. I even eat it by mixing some with boiled rice or in my porridge in the mornings. Just a few things you can do with this amazing oil.

 MUA Fixing Mist

Gosh anti-wrinkle Primer

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation

Sleek Luminous pressed powder

Sleek Luminous Pressed Powder- Although this isn't actually for me I thought I'd include it anyway. My sister wanted this for a bronzer but apparently I bought the wrong thing she wasted the suede pressed powder (oops) It has quite a lot of gold shimmer through it & i think it would look lovely with a light hand dusted over the cheeks instead of my usual pinky/coral blush.

 Mua fixing mist- claims to hold your make up in place for 8hrs whilst hydrating the skin and giving a dewy look. I can't really comment on this as I haven't actually used it yet but I've seen some good reviews and I'm hoping it does exactly what it says on the bottle- will keep you updated.

Gosh anti wrinkle primer- has been great I've used it every day since I've bought it. I do feel that it holds my make up longer and gives me a nice smooth base for my foundation. It doesn't dry out my skin or emphasize the crustiness (ewwww although its the truth) and it hasn't aggravated me at all so my sensitive skin is happy for a change.

Bourjous happy light foundation- the latest offering from bourjous I'm quite a fan of their range, I havent tried this foundation out yet but I'm excited to give it a try. I tested it down my neck and swatched it on my hand to find my colour & decided to go for a lighter shade that normal as this range seems to be slightly darker or dare I say it more orange than their other ranges. After shopping I walked to the car in un heard of beaming sunlight in Scotland I looked at my hand which was oompa loompa orange. I'm hoping it was swatches of the darker shades or this foundation will  have to find happiness in the bin.

What have you bought recently?

Much Love Christina Xxx

DIY- Ragdoll dress & make up

Hello beautiful:) Just a quick post about how I made my ragdoll dress, there's also a make up tutorial on my youtube channel for this look if you want to check it out. Hope you enjoy:)

All you need is an old dress I (bought this one from Miss Selfridge a few years ago)

random scraps of material (bought all this material for a nifty £2.50 from Remington Kings and  asked for 10cm strips) buttons, hem tape, scissors and glue.

Its pretty simple just chop up the materials & stick it to the dress with hem tape but you can also use fabric glue, sew, or even staple that's the beauty of DIY you can rock it your way. Stick on a few random buttons & put 2x larger buttons on the sleeves to make the dress look like a pinny. And voila you should end up with something like this.

Ragdoll Make Up Tutorial

I also threw on an old shrug for cover up some tights (feel free to rip) & my killer crimson Unif hell bounds. Hope you had great Halloween:)

Much love Christina xxxx

Creepy Ragdoll Costume & Halloween Glasgow Movie Drive Through

Hello beautiful:) This is my first post (yaaaaay)last night I went to the Halloween movie drive through at M&D's theme park to see Insidious.It was our first time seeing a drive through movie & it was pretty good despite the cold & rain & the windows fogging up constantly (will defiantly bring a blanket to snuggle next time!)As the tradition of Halloween I wanted to dress up this time as a creepy ragdoll it was pretty rushed though as my sister wanted me to do her skull make-up which took longer than expected.A great night & a highly recommended if you are in the Glasgow area around Halloween its only £25 per car & you can bring your own food & drink. What's your plans for Halloween?? Much Love Christina xxx