Happy is the new black.

When we're happy we give off a vibe to those around us. It's not about how good our hair looks or how firm our butts are- we're happy, and that's what people notice.

We all care a little too much about our looks and when we're unhappy with ourselves, it comes across. It's unlikely that anyone will think "Oh so-n-so's makeup isn't great this week" or "her thighs are rubbing a bit more than usual" just because we've been thinking those things. But those feelings will rub off on others; an unsettled, awkward feeling that can put people off or set them on edge.

Now if you're one of those people who thinks like that about your fellow creatures on a regular basis you need to lighten up and stop being so hard-core judgemental! We all judge, don't get me wrong, we are human. It's in our nature to determine our opinions about others based on appearances. BUT try and be nice and don't hold one's appearance against her; good or bad.

With regards to fashion, were so lucky to live in a time with so few rules. It is perfectly acceptable to embrace your own style or create a new one. There's tons of body acceptance movements so any size of person can experiment and be awesome with fashion. There's loads high street stores with accessible fashion, charity/second hand shopping is huge and cool and so is clothing modification! Even if your skint, get creative and just rip up your jeans or cut up your dad's old shirt and voila! You can be trendy again.

There really is tons to be happy about in fashion and in life, really. Gone a bit sentimental now but whatever...

 This summer, Be Happy! It's something that looks super hot on everyone.

xxx

My Body Dysmorphia (it's not what you think!)

I've rather recently become aware that the image I hold of myself is not exactly the same as the one I realistically, well, am, in real life.

As vain as this sounds I've always thought I was fairly photogenic. I'm not saying I'm perfect in any way, shape or form, but I take an ok picture. It's only recently I've become aware that the way I feel on the inside (sexy!) doesn't always come across in photos!

*For the record I don't ALWAYS feel like *a model* and I'm not trying to be an asshole- It sucks we have to be apologetic for liking ourselves, but I know I'm not like a tiny size 2 or whatever so don't feel like you have to shame me because I'm a size 10! I know I have flaws, we all do. Yes, haters, even you.*

But it's like Neo in The Matrix and his "residual image"; how we all imagine ourselves to look isn't necessarily based on reality. Well, my residual image is definitely better than the real thing but, hey, it feels good to be her on the inside anyway! ;) 

Who is your residual image based on? Fact or fiction? Is it a good thing to think you look better than you actually do, or is it just annoying?? 

Ps! I realize body dysmorphia can be a very real, very dangerous concern and I hope I don't offend anyone by seeming to make light of this issue. But I feel it's important we face it from all angles and sometimes focusing on the positives can work wonders!

Gratitude!

I wanted to write a little post of gratitude since I've been neglecting my blog in lieu of preparing for my daughters 2nd birthday party on Saturday- if you've ever been to any of my parties you'll know there has to be a theme, so this one is 1950's diner style! Super excited but by creating these little soirees I'm giving myself about 100% more work than if it were just say, birthday party themed (as if 12 toddlers and preschoolers running around on sugar highs isn't enough) but it's fun and gives me something to put my energies into.

I have also been preparing for a visit from my family from overseas- like, all of them!!! Dad, Step-mum, brother and his GF are ALL flying over this week (SQUEEEEE!!!). It's been two years since I've seen any of them in person, I've never met the girlfriend and none of them have my 2 year old!!! The last time I visited Canada I was about 13-14 weeks pregnant with her, and my big one who is now 4 was not even 2 when we went.

So I've got lots to be grateful for, and I'm really very grateful for those of you who are regular visitors to my sporadic posts; including my newfound readers from Russia! Holla!! Please leave me some comments, I'll have 'em translated if necessary! But that goes for those of you who speak my native tongue as well! Id be ever so grateful for some feedback and since I'm feeling so grateful, any input would be graciously received. I promise not to hurl insults back at any constructive criticism.(Be kind tho, no mean shit.).

 I've got some bugs to work out of my fashion profile series- I'm having technical difficulties with some photos. Which I know is implausible to anyone more technologically savvy than me..so pretty much everyone. But I'll try to check in and do a little this or that over the next 3 weeks while my fam is here... Any requests?

What has everyone else been up to for spring/Easter break? Any style moments or un-moments (ie BAD) I need to hear about??

xxx

Spring Beauty mini-haul!

As I've previously stated: I love painting my nails! I also have a mild obsession with daisies, so I've been pinning daisy manicures like crazy on Pinterest. I decided I definitely needed yellow and white to pull of a classic daisy, and I was right!

Because of Easter (another reason to LOVE spring!) I got paid a day early and a new beauty store opened at Swindon outlet centre in the same week! Hello! Must've been kismet; there is no other way of explaining the extraordinary coincidence of my decision to buy new nail varnish and a huge new beauty store with an entire wall devoted to polishes opening!!

I took photos of this new store, called simply "Beauty Outlet", but I've accidentally deleted them. Ooops.

Anyway, I spent £9 and got two nail polishes, a mini manicure set (for my ridiculously mature for her four years old daughter) a nail art pen and a new blush brush. Score!!

Mini haul!

So I found a couple tutorials on Pinterest and gave daisy nails a go! I used W7 in white, Barry M Belly in Blueberry, and Astor Fashion Studio in Yellow Buttercup (fitting, don't you agree?) and this was the result!

I'm pleased for a first attempt! They're already chipped from a hard morning's work, so I'll go e it another go, possibly on top of pink this to.e, and let y'all know he it goes!

Which nail trends are you dying to try? Tag #springboard and let me see 'em!!

xxx

#hairtime

I've recently rediscovered TIGI's "Dumb Blonde" range and splurged on the shampoo. For those of you who haven't tried TIGI products, they are awesome! They're not cheap, mind, but a 400ml pump bottle like this will last me at least six months. So at £13/bottle that's only around £2 a month! I'd easily spend that on cheaper shampoo a month. I'm trying to get back to making purchases that have a bigger initial spend but save me dollahs in the long run. More on that later...I've tried a few of the TIGI ranges over the years (the oatmeal honey shampoo/conditioner set smells like cookies!) but I always faithfully return to Dumb Blonde.

 The packaging has gotten a makeover in recent years, but the stuff inside the bottle is as good as ever. After one wash with the shampoo my hair was waaaaay softer and smoother, and its purple! Being a bleach-a-holic, any purple tones in shampoos and conditioners help banish the brass and are always welcome!

I also use Pro:Voke "Touch of Silver twice a week brightening shampoo"- it's basically thick purple slime that you lather up with and leave to soak like little old ladies would have done with their white washing in bygone times. Either way it does the job and reduces the fiery-ness of my blonde.

Another little miracle worker I've stumbled across recently is "Dove hair therapy: Express Treatment conditioner". It was on offer so I gave it a spin and its lush! Having dry and brittle hair from said bleaching, I always leave conditioner in to soak for the duration of a shower. Even though my hair is fine I always need the extra moisture. This went on nice and thick and stayed on, not slipping down my neck ruining my clean time. I love it! New favourite for sure. Although at £4 for a measly 180 mls and the way I get through conditioner, it might have to be a little hair treat once in awhile instead of a regular jobby. Hey-ho, I'll take what I can get!!

What are your favourite hair treatments? Tag #hairtime and let me know!

xx 

City Fashion Profile: London

Being a Canuck abroad, I've  always found it interesting how different fashion can seem in one city to the next. In a world of global fashion trends and international retailers, how does one keep her style original? I've profiled women in different cities on this side of the pond and across it, each with an individual style. Let's see how different fashion really is around the world! To start us off we've got Amanda Lawrence from London. Amanda is a fellow Canadian in the UK and is based in London working for Net-a-porter.

LC: Hi Amanda! Tell us a little about yourself.

AL: Hiya, I'm Amanda, originally from Victoria, BC, which is on a pretty little island on the West Coast of Canada. I work for a major online luxury retailer in the Customer Care department and have done for 4 years.

LC: Which area of London are you in?

AL: I've been in the UK for just over 4 years, and have lived in Blackheath for about 3 1/2 of that. It's a great village in SE, about 25 minutes on the train to Charing Cross and 20 minutes walk to work which is ideal for me!

LC: What is your favorite thing about living in London?

AL: I love that I'm anonymous; I like being a little fish in a big pond! There is amazing food, accessible live music gigs and diversity.

blazer-Topshop
lace top-Glamorous, boob tube- Topshop
trousers- Aritzia
shoes-MiuMiu
cat ring-Nach Bijoux

LC: Where do you like to eat and/or get coffee?

AL: I would eat lobster everyday if I could afford it, so while it is a little splurge I love going to Burger & Lobster for their lobster roll! Yum! Coffee is tricky in London, it's not that great and I am not a Starbucks kind of person...I like the Algerian Coffee Store on Old Compton Street for a solid £1 double espresso...but for people watching Bar Italia on Firth Street, Soho, is fun...I've seen Paloma Faith, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter perched there.


LC: Ooh I get so starstruck when I see celebs! Do you freak out when you see celebrities, or do you keep your cool?

AL: The only person I lose my cool over is Miles Kane! Haha I saw him at a Father John Misty gig a few weeks ago...I internally lost my cool, text everyone I knew and stalked him for a few minutes until I decided it wasn't worth missing the gig for! But actually I usually just pretend I don't know they're a big deal, haha!

silk top-Aritzia
jeans-Urban Outfitters
boots-ASOS

cat ring- Nach Bijoux

 LC: Tell me about your favorite shop.

AL: Liberty, hands down. I could spend hours looking at the Annina Vogel Jewelley counter alone. It has such a great vibe and style to it.

LC: According too you, where's the best place to go out?

AL: Depends on what you're after. Tiny clubs playing Northern soul, hidden speakeasies, or pubs! I like Soho or some areas East.

LC: Who is your fashion Icon?(alive or dead!)

AL: There are people I admire for always being pulled together and looking impeccable but fun, Gwen Stefani is one of those people. I like the 60s and love to flip through old pictures of Brigitte Bardot, Marianne Faithfull, Peggy Moffat etc.

LC: Did you follow London Fashion Week?

AL: I did! I have to pay attention a little for my work, but it's not something I'm fanatical about. I've worked at LFWend for the last 3 seasons which is always fun to be involved in.

dress-Topshop
coat-Whistles
fur collar-vintage
shoes-Charlotte Olympia

 
LC: What do you get up to at London Fashion Weekend?

AL: I usually work at theoutnet.com stall either selling or educating customers on our brand. It's fun seeing all the bloggers dressed to the nines and being a part of the whole thing.


LC: What are the new season trends you're dying to try?

AL: I'm so happy 60s and 70s styles are so readily available! I've been working my legs and butt all winter so come spring short dresses will be mine!!!

LC: Where do have your hair done?

AL: I get my hair done at Pimps and Pinups in Spitalfields Market.
pimpsandpinups.com

LC: Which magazines/websites/blogs do you follow regularly?

AL: Vogue, Porter and Love magazine are all go-to!

anorak-ASOS
leggings-ADIDAS
bag-Alexander Wang
sunglasses-Gucci

LC: Tell me about your personal style and how it has evolved in recent years?

I like to look sexy and cute everytime I walk out the door...maybe not the two classiest adjectives...but it's the truth! It took me until my late 20s to realize being nearly 6 foot tall with long legs and curves in all the right places is actually a really good thing for me!

My personal style is quite personal, I don't follow or copy anyone consciously. It is rare I'm not in all black. I'm not sad or depressed I just feel the most comfortable in it. Is it ok to call myself a blonde bombshell with a whimsical twist?!

Blonde Bombshell

LC: Uhh, yeah!!

AL: When I was a teenager I wore whatever I wanted and was heavily influenced by grunge and punk...shaved head, purple hair, all my clothes from second hand stores. I think having that much freedom being young has left me with a bit of a "don't care what you think" attitude and confidence towards how I present myself now.

LC: I love that! It's so awesome that fashion has less rules now and it's more about bringing your own brand than it is about wearing them. Tell me about the top 3 pieces in your wardrobe.

AL: My 60s vintage leopard print coat, it's lush! I hemmed it about 5 inches, took off the ugly attached belt and changed the buttons...it's perfect.

dress and bag - Alexander Wang
coat - vintage
boots - Zara

Black skinny jeans from Urban Outfitters, they don't sell the ones I'm in love with in Europe! I get them sent over from the States 2 pairs at a time! They're high waisted, perfectly tight and long enough for me!

Chelsea boots!! They are my absolute fave! A classic leather pair of Chelsea boots work with nearly everything in my wardrobe...don't know what I'd do without them.

LC: What is your guilty pleasure- food or otherwise!

AL: Too many to list!! I am a big fan of mid-century Scandinavian design and recently spent way too much money on a teak cheese plate with hand blown glass dome lids to cover the cheese...it's beautiful.

Amanda's prized cheese plate!

Thanks to Amanda for participating in my little social experiment, and also just for being a unique and gorgeous lady!
Any questions or comments for our lovely Amanda about The Big Smoke or where to pick up mid-century Scandinavian cheese plates? Comment below or on StyleSurround' s FB page www.facebook.com/stylesurround.
Come back for my next profile, Patti Aberhart from one of my favourite cities ever, Bristol! Ta-ta for now! x

unexpected nightlife

When faced with a choice, Swindon might not be the place many are drawn to for a stylish night out. Understandable as by reputation, Swindon isn't on the list of most covetable place to live, or shop, or to go out. But, it really isn't half bad. In fact, it's actually rather good...

The one overwhelming piece of advice I received was to hit up Wood Street, and basically ignore the rest of town. We followed this advice and it seems everyone was on to something, or the one thing, that Wood Street is where you want to be if you're looking for a fun, trendy night out.

Looking out of the window of Baker Street bar you wouldn't know you were in grey, industrial Swindon; you could be anywhere. A pub-lined street in London, a trendy alley in Bristol. I didn't actually mind where I was at that moment as I had two very large and lovely (and two for one!) raspberry flavoured cocktails called "Eclipse" in front of me, tinting everything a lovely shade of rose.

We had a less satisfactory experience with the Long Island ice teas, and decided to move on to The Old Bank, which is spread across three floors. They house a restaurant on the ground floor, a bar/lounge on the first floor and a bar/dance floor at the top. We bypassed the restaurant completely and headed straight for the bar in the middle. We were greeted with lovely cocktails (I had a French Martini, divine) and a very respectable selection of beers and wines. There was also a very nice selection of people to be seen on this floor. I love a bit of people watching! We met these beauties:

as well as various other socialisers at The Old Bank. After another beer (him) and a cocktail (me) we headed upstairs to check out the disco. Again pleasantly surprised! I'm not sure what I was expecting but obviously it wasn't much as I was thrilled by each new discovery. I was dreading what the music would be like as I don't really listen to the radio anymore and haven't kept up with new music or bands for ages. I figured I just wouldn't know any of the songs played and I'd have to bob along, not really enjoying myself. Luck was kind to me though, and the DJ played just the sort of stuff I like to dance to when I'm a little sauced! He played Beyonce, Justin Timberlake... etc etc but it was right up my slightly tipsy alley. Yay! I finally got to have a little dance!

It must've been about midnight and we decided to hop next door to Mackenzie's; a long sprawling bar with lots of tables and still more pretty people. We may have gone to these bars in a reverse order as Old Bank was filling up while Mackenzie's seemed to be winding down. But we met some nice people and ended up having a lot of fun! By this hour the male population was definitely better represented in the style stakes, we found these guys propping  up the  bar:

And these ones holding down the smoking room:

All polite and lovely young men, we had very fun banter and convo until it was time to turn in.

I'm not sure if Swindon will ever be "up-and-coming", but if a few more outsiders saw this version that I saw, one might be able to overlook the grey squat buildings and the somewhat unsavoury peoples hanging around the town centre, and appreciate the coolness that is there!

All in all, a very worthwhile night out and one I am keen on repeating. All of the people in the bars and even the people manning the bars were all really fun and nice, and well, it really is worth remembering not to judge a book and all that as you may be very, very surprised with what you find on the inside.
Night! x

Time Travel

Remember when people used to get dressed up in their Sunday best whenever they went travelling? No? Me neither.

I feel like I missed out on that era though; like I was born in the wrong time. All those pictures of 1950'50/60's nuclear families: the kids in knee-high socks and saddle shoes, mom in her tweed skirt suit and matching pill box hat... *sigh* Dressing for travel always gives the impression of going someplace better, never knowing who you'll bump into.

It seems like a dying art form. Now we're all about yoga pants and whichever recreation of leggings/jeggings/treggings that we had on hand. Although there are a few people who manage airport-glam very well. Celebrities mainly, but there's always THAT woman at the check-in looking impossibly chic in her designer jeans and blazer making everyone in the place feel extremely bourgeois.

Anyway I'm off on a little train journey with both my little ones tomorrow and was thinking I may just put in the effort that families used to do in bygone times...and then I pictured myself tripping over my heels and getting the pushchair stuck in the "gap" whilst simultaneously losing the favourite teddy and I've gone 360 back to jeans, tee and high tops. I'll leave the glam to the big guns and just go cute mum instead. Yup.

See you at the station. x

Best Bitches x

Remember in the 90's when you shared "best friend" necklaces with the little hearts broken in two (or three)? I loved those. I mean, how many did you have? Honestly? We used to get ours at Claire's in the mall, and I'm sure I got through a few.

I have now found the grown-up version. They're on Etsy and they are completely awesome!!

I came across them completely by accident while browsing Etsy one day. I knew I wanted to get my besties (mwah! Love ya buddies! xxx) and I some matching jewellery, but I was thinking more along the lines of friendship bracelets (we got those as well  at a stall at Farm Festival for my 30th Bday, so it all worked out!) but I wasn't expecting these.

"Best Bitches".

Could not have said it better. I knew they'd be perfect so I ordered them four months in advance of Christmas (no I'm not really that organized, just didn't want to wait!) from "Ouroboros Designs LA" on Etsy (shop here: OroborosDesign'msLA ). 

Tara is the shop owner and she could not have been more kind and obliging if she were Mary freaking Poppins! Especially as I was fussy about the postage and packaging and changed my mind on order dates about three times...she kindly looked past all of that and still provided me with awesome personal service and friendliness! 

She makes all of her pieces by hand, many of which are made to order, and can even make bespoke pieces should you so wish. The prices were reasonable and the quality excellent! I've been wearing mine since New Year's Eve when I bestowed the broken heart upon my best friends. 

Tara also creates beautiful Native American inspired pieces and charming woodland creatures. I like the look of the Art Deco rings and earrings, and the black diamond ankh ring. 

Deco-Tribe earrings

I had a really cool shopping experience with Tara and Ouroboros Designs and I'm loving the necklace like crazy! I feel a huge trend stemming so go and get your best bitches their nametags!

Find Tara at: www.etsy.com/shop/OuroborosDesignsLA

And on Twitter: @OuroborosLA

perfect 10

I love painting my nails. I wish I had more time to paint them more often but it's almost a no-go these days with two little monkeys running around! And going to the salon to have it done? Like a beautiful, rare, now extinct creature. Gone for good (or at least until they start school).
Before I broke up with full-time nail painting I perfected the art of the perfect brushstroke by carefully observing my beauty therapist's technique during manicures. I will share with you what I have gleaned.
Here's what you'll need:

I'm using Barry.M gelly nail paint in "Greenberry". I absolutely LOVE Barry.M nail polishes! Love!! They have the best variety of the coolest colours..and the all-in-one top/bascoat is the best I've ever used. I switched for a while, kind of before I realized how devoted I was. I ran out and decided to try another brand (a more expensive brand, might I add!). Fail! I bought another Barry.M clear coat without using the "other" clear coat ever again, and I haven't looked back.

So we have a base/topcoat, nail polish in a colour of your choosing, some trusty cuticle oil as well as polish remover and a q-tip.

First you gotta shake the sh*t outta your polishes. I like to do it with one in each hand to save time. Pow. You need clean, dry and UN-moisturized hands (obvs, but hey, gotta say it!). Painting on top of oil or cream will make the paint go all weird and wiggly and it won't stick to the nails. I am constantly using hand cream during winter so I had to consciously stop myself putting it on about for 30 minutes before this mani! Now a base coat. This helps the colour stick to the nail but also prevents staining.

I always paint right to left and leave my thumbs for last. In my mind it seems to make sense and I smudge less using this method.

 TIP: Don't start a nail job too close to bedtime. Your nails will be tacky for at least four hours (!) and will be all crisscrossed and smudged in the morning. Boo.

When the base coat is nice and dry, it's time for colour! Wipe the brush so you have a decent amount of paint on it, but it's not dripping down the brush. You only need 3 strokes to cover the whole nail. Do not be tempted to do more! This keeps the polish even and smooth and shiny! The only exception to this rule is possibly the thumbnail as it's a bigger nail. Start at the centre of the nail and push the brush flat before you stroke up and away along the nail. Make sure you don't go too close to the cuticle; you want to create a line of polish that follows the cuticle but doesn't touch it. This is what gives your mani a professional look.

Middle stroke first..

Now repeat this stroke on the left side of the nail by overlapping your first stroke. This will build coverage ready for the second coat.

Repeat again by overlapping on the right side of your nail, like so:

Push the brush down gently as you polish to get a thin even coat, and leave a space between the edge of your finger and your paint. This creates a nice clean line and minimizes the amount of polish around the edges of the nail. Wait 1-2 minutes before polishing your other hand. The first coat will look a little thin. Don't worry about any patchy bits; they'll get cleaned up in coat #2!

Here's what the first coat will look like.

Once you have finished the first coat on both hands and given a few minutes to dry, it's time for coat number 2! Repeat the method above, using three strokes to apply your second coat. You can use a bit more polish for this coat to smooth out anywhere that looks a little thin, but stick to the 3 strokes! That is the key here.

Uno

Dos

Tres

Once you have finished your second d coat, relax for a few minutes (good luck if you've got kids around!!) and don't touch anything! You don't want to ruin all your hard work so far. Next, top off your colour with a clear topcoat, being sure to paint up and over the tops of your nail to seal on the paint and prevent chips.

I managed to finish all my nails without smudging or bumping the skin around; this time! If you were not so lucky, this is where your cotton bud and polish remover come in. Use a tiny bit of remover on the q-tip; do not soak it! If it's too wet the liquid will drip into the nail bed and ruin your manicure! A tiny bit will work. Scrape off any booboos you made while polishing and just let the liquid dry on its own. Once your nails have completely dried you can wash off any residue and properly moisturize again.

Now finish off by brushing oil along your cuticles and let dry some more. Nail painting is a waiting game. If you are not patient it ain't gonna happen! For the perfect finish don't do ANYTHING for at least an hour! Have your phone/tablet next to you or the telly turned on BEFORE you start so you don't have to dig around in your bag or in the couch for the remote! The longer you leave 'em drying, the longer they'll last. If I do a really good job I can get a week out of one colour which i could say the same about any professional main I've had done.

I would like to mention that I did not give myself a proper manicure before polishing, so if my dry cuticles offend you, well, sorry. I would recommend giving your hands a proper once over before polishing, but as a busy mama even managing to get polish on is a bloody miracle sometimes! I will cover a hand scrub and buff on StyleSurround some time, but as this is the last post in my first ever Beauty series, it's gon hafta wait! So here they are, finished product. Hope this helps you get a better finish on your nails!

If you think you might like to see this in a video, please let me know (and I'll consider it!) ;)

Adios!

Makeup Review: "B." exclusive to Superdrug

I was shopping for an all-important eyebrow pencil yesterday when I came across the B. range at Superdrug. The prices were super reasonable and upon closer inspection it turns out to be cruelty-free and vegan! (I don't think you're meant to eat it, no.)

I purchased the "B. Groomed eyebrow kit" in 006 blonde. It has a pencil tip, a wax tip and an eyebrow brush and it was on offer for £2.19 from £4.19. Bargainous, don't you think? Being the price it was I felt no qualms in also bringing home the "B. All mascara" in 001 Black for £4.99 from £9.99. I go through tons of mascara so I almost always need a backup.

I tried the wax before pencilling in the first eyebrow but felt the pencil didn't stick to the skin, rather it slipped off and didn't leave enough of a mark- this may be because of my inexcusable lack of actual eyebrow hair though. My eyebrow products need to work HARD as I actually have to recreate the whole thing and try and make them it look at least ssupernatural. If you have a decent natural eyebrow that needs only a little correcting and the hairs taming I think this would really work for you! That said the colour is really nice, it's hard to find blonde coloured pencils that actually draw on blonde and not brown!

soft n' natural

The B.All mascara I really like! I find so many inexpensive brands so disappointing. I usually end up spending on two or three mascaras the same as if I'd bought one mid-in range tube in the first place! It took five or six coats to get the volume and coverage I like, but that's the same with most high street brands for me. This one is def a keeper!

For me, this is pretty thick! I have fairly sad eyelashes as well as eyebrows so am continuously on the hunt for good products in this area!

I'm very happy with the discovery of this makeup range, and can't wait to get my hands on more while at these crazy good prices! The packaging is slick and not too "brandy", and even though it's not a designer brand I'd  have no shame if anyone was to see it in my makeup bag! I noticed some beautiful eyeshadow palettes and the nail colours look really pretty too..a new high street go-to?

Have you tried any of the B. range at Superdrug? Tweet me your thoughts! @LCseriously #B.forbeautiful

Shop the range at Superdrug B. for Beautiful .

one step ahead

The days are finally getting a teeny bit longer and I'm already dreaming of summer. Alongside these dreams is the overwhelming urge to start body prepping for those long, warm, flesh-baring days ahead. Let's start with toes:

If you haven't already, take off your toenail polish! I usually take mine off end of October, as no-one is going to see them except my husband and possibly my football friends in the change room; in neither of these instances does it matter as neither care what my toes look like. You now have a chance to grow out any staining (fan of red polish anyone??) and it gives you a chance to see the state of the nail so you can guide it into the shape you want as it grows.

If your nails are short, let them grow for 3-4 weeks before trimming them, depending on your rate of growth. Follow the natural shape of the nail and gently file any sharp edges after clipping. Don't trim too far back but neither should you let them grow longer than the end of your toes. Once you are happy with the length and shape, leave them alone for another couple of weeks!

Tonight before you go to bed get out your trusty pot of Vaseline and slap that stuff all over your feet. Rub it in to the corners that are especially bark-like, then slap on another layer. I always rub it into my hands as well; two birds with one stone and all that. Now for weirdness: clingfilm each foot before putting on socks for bed. This helps the goop soak into your foot instead of your sock.

Mmm attractive...

Tomorrow morning before you get in the shower, remove wrapping and using a foot file or pumice stone, file your heels, toes, and any other bits on your feet that need buffing! Use the file while it's dry and you'll slough off twice as much, twice as fast. (Make sure you are giving your file or stone a wash with antibacterial soap when you're done to prevent any gribblies growing on there.)

Once you're in the shower use a foot or body scrub on the whole foot and even the calf and lower leg while you're there - I like the Soap & Glory range of scrubs; they're nice and coarse and I feel like they actually make my skin soft. But if you don't have one already just use a handful of coarse sea salt or granulated sugar for each foot! Use a foot cream or a yummy-smelling body butter on your feet before you dress.

Try and do the Vaseline, file and scrub at least once a week between now and Daylight Savings Time and you'll have super soft and shiny footsies, ready for display. Once it's warm enough for your feet to be out facing the elements, you may want to scrub more often, especially before and after any sandy days out or holidays, as feet really take a beating then!

To get stains out of your toenails, soak your feet in warm water with a whole lemon squeezed in. I like to add baby oil as this helps counteract the drying effects of lemon on the skin. You can also use a whitening toothpaste. Just keep your old toothbrush, use a pea sized amount per each set of toes and brush each nail until frothy. As a bi-product both methods make your toes smell nice! Make sure you give your feet a wash afterwards to rinse any leftover product (or fruit) residue and moisturize to keep them soft.

On top of all this try to use a cuticle oil once a day. It's a good habit to have for fingers and toes; although I usually forget until I do the soak and scrub..oops! BUT some is better than none in the long run. The saying "summer bodies are made in winter" applies to beauty as well as fitness; put in a bit of prep now and you'll be sashaying along the seaside with a bag full of body confidence come summer.
xxx