KIKO Milano Bargain Buys

Hiya all, sorry that It's been fairly quiet on the blog recently. Summer is a busy time, but I have lots of new posts coming up and exciting things for the upcoming months! 

If you haven't seen on my Insta account, I have just got back from being in Italy for a short holiday, just north of Luca. A fab week spent eating, drinking, sleeping and chilling by the pool (I did play tennis a few times to get a bit of exercise in). On our final day, we went to Viareggio to spend some time bathing on the beach, but I couldn't resist a little bit of shopping! KIKO Milano had a sale on, and when I walked inside to see bargain buckets of beauty and makeup products I just couldn't help myself...

I was amazed, and with the total of these two products, Super Duper Less is Better Cream Blush and Signature Eyemarker Liquid Liner, totaling to only three euros sixty, I am now looking back thinking I was a total fool and should have stocked up and bought Birthday and Christmas presents in advance! 

I assumed that as they were so low in price that they must have been lacking in quality, and I was so so wrong. Okay, so I've only been using these two products for the last two days, but in that time I can truthfully say that this is the nicest cream blush that I have ever used, the tone is beautiful, and it lasts leaving your cheeks flushed and blushed for hours at a go. The liquid eyeliner is also a steal, the application is fab, leaving thick and clean lines instantly, without having to press down hard onto your skin. Unfortunately, the precision isn't as great at the Bareminerals liquid liner that I usually use, but for one euro it's pretty amazing, and I usually end up using a cotton bud to smooth and shape each line anyway. 

I am pretty chuffed with both of these. I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT MOREEEE, WAHHHH 

Kristy x

Rimmel London's new Stay Matte Lip Colours

So I've recently joined the Influenster gang, and luckily enough my first voxbox package was these lovely Rimmel London Stay Matte Lip Colours! These really have been a fab introduction to the Influenster programme, and have made me rethink my daily makeup routine. They are quick and easy to use, and last throughout the work day. 

I was sent 5 new beautiful shades; Midnight, Blink Pink, Rose & Shine, Blush, and Latte To Go. So far I have only worn Blink Pink, Rose & Shine, and Blush, for either a night out or to go to work, as I believe those are the three that are better suited to my complexion. Don't worry I will be sharing more pics of how to pull off those other daring shades soon on my Insta!

Whilst trialing these products I was slightly skeptical, as I had previously heard reviews that they flake and come off fairly easily. I have to say I completely disagree, and that even when wearing the Blink Pink on a night out drinking, it still remained on my lips when I ventured back at around 1 in the morning. I think that this may indeed be affected by the smoothness of your lips, due to the matte nature of the lips colours they do tend to dry them out, so if you have naturally dry lips I'd give them a quick exfoliation before wearing these, as it's likely to improve the chances of them staying on for longer. 

I usually steer away from any products that even slightly resemble lip gloss, but these are a must! 

K.x

Working Out for Busy People

After graduating last June I wrote a few blog posts on 'How to Exercise at Home' and 'How to Achieve A Good Gym/Work Balance'. Since then I have moved from being the My Baba Editorial Assistant to a Product Stylist for good old Net-A-Porter, a job that isn't your standard 9 to 5, but rather 8 to 6, although I can't complain as I now have a 4 day week! I've also just moved from home to my new place, and have joined a fab new gym called Bounce. I thought I'd do a little fitness post, as I haven't in so long, to celebrate my new membership!
 
 On my extra day off I try to get to the gym in the morning, in addition to a workout session at the weekend and Yoga practice every Wednesday Rules. I've realised that getting yourself to the gym 3 times a week just isn't always possible for everyone, so I thought I'd write a post for those of us who are only getting to gym 1-2 times a week, and how to get the most out of your sessions. 

1. Train Full Body: 

If you are only getting down to the gym 1-2 times a week you want to be maximising each session by hitting your whole body.

2. Use Compound Movements:

 target the largest muscle groups as this will burn more calories and get most out of the session: think pushes, pulls and squats.

3. Superset Movements and Use Circuits: 

Save time, allow you to work your whole body without being there for hours, this also keeps the intensity high, keeping your heart rate up, meaning you will get cardiovascular benefits as well as strength gains.

4. Train Core Stability Not Abs:

 to be the most efficient, work to stabilise your core, not just doing 1000s reps of crunches which work the superficial muscles. Work the functional ones to get the benefits that a strong core gives you (reduced back pain etc).

5. Finish off with Some Sprints:

 To maximise cardio benefits as well as strength training, jump on a bike or treadmill and push out 4-6 all-out sprints for 20 seconds, taking as long as you need to recover between, but make sure you are going full-out during the sprints. This finisher will have your heart rate through the roof, just make sure to bring a sweat towel!

Here's an example session that I am using at the moment:

Strength Circuit 1

3 sets of:

Squats with Barbell x10

Bench press with Dumbbells x10

Bent over rows with Dumbbells x10

(Resting 1-2 minutes between each set)

Strength Circuit 2

3 sets of:

Stiff Leg Deadlifts with Barbell x15

Standing Dumbbell Shoulder press x15

Machine lat pulldown x15

(Resting 1-2 minutes between each set)

Core circuit

3 sets of:

-Plank on Swiss Ball for maximum hold

-Russian twists with medicine ball x15 each side

-Super-mans 3-5 on each side 

HIIT Cardio(Bike or Treadmill)

Start with a 2-3 minute warm up to get the blood flowing

Perform 4-6 all out Sprints for 15-20 seconds

(Rest as long as needed between Sprints)

Take a 3-5 minute cooldown on the machine

Holiday Hot List

So I've just got back from Mexico, a week of beautiful tropical weather. We experienced blue skies, sandy beaches, cool pools, as well as tropical rainstorms and trekking through the rainforest in well... rain. Now I'm back I thought I'd share my holiday hot list. One of the best parts about the lead up to a holiday is that you have an excuse to get in some sneaky shopping because let's be honest you can't wear everything you wore on last summer's vacay, even if nobody else remembers, you will. Run round the shops and take in the summer vibes, a new summer wardrobe gives you a feeling like no other! 

I've put together a holiday checklist, of all the items, whether fashion, beauty, or accessories, that I think every girl needs in her suitcase this summer. 

1. A Selection of Sunglasses

From top to bottom: Marks and Spencer, Rokit Vintage, Matalan.

2. SUNCREAM

Did not burn once with these! a bit more on the expensive side for suncream but they are VERY water resistant and you shouldn't have to re-apply (although I did because I have very pale skin).

 3. Beach Bag 

A beauty from Primark

4. Beauty Essential: Hydrate + Refresh Spray

I've already sung my praises about this product for a while, but this is great for cooling yourself down when you get all hot and bothered. 

5. Sliders

My Zara Basic (bitch) sliders. I'm in love.

6. Beauty Essential: Mini Toiletries 

Always great as you can ditch them before packing for the plane home.

7. A Super-Cute Sports Bra (I had the best yoga session on the Sky Bar overlooking the beach)

This one was a purchase from GAP, it's super-comfortable and stretchy, great for yoga! 

8. A Good Read (A suggestion from Sheerluxe)

So I'm currently half way through this but can honestly say it's a great read. It's an assortment of short stories from different women's perspectives. Not light-hearted, but a very good read! 

9. Kaftan 

This little number was a purchase from H&M. There are so many kaftans on the market right now, but some people are charging far too much for them. This one is a perfect throw-over for at the beach or by the pool. 

Binging at Brick & Liquor

Just over a week ago I headed over to the best new hotspot in Tooting, Brick & Liquor. A few nibbles and just one drink soon turned into trying out a few too many from their brand new cocktail menu, which was released the day we visited. 

We started off with a Clover Club, Vanilla-infused gin, lemon juice, egg white & homemade raspberry syrup, typical of my usual drink of choice, sweet and fruity. 

We then nibbled on their Carnivore Platter, all elements bursting with flavour as the next. Teriyaki Steak Skewers, Chicken Lollipops, Pincho Moruno Lamb and Rum & Coke Ribs, served with our home roasted focaccia and our Brick & Liquor dips. One word. YUM. The focaccia and rum and coke ribs where the highlights of the platter, and are making my mouth water just thinking about them.  

In celebration of their new menu, we were then asked behind the bar to make a cocktail of our choice. I went for the Deconstruct-Reconstruct, a cocktail very similar to a Bramble, A deconstructed cocktail with Beefeater gin, lemon, sugar, egg white & Crème de Mure. It was absolutely delicious, but be careful as gets stronger as you drink it, with a mini beefeater gin bottle hung upside down, slowly seeping into the drink as you slurp through. 

Finally, we saw off the night with a Ninety 9. Bring back those childhood memories with Absolut vodka, apple, vanilla liqueur,& vanilla foam. They top it off with some whipped cream and a wafer, so it looks just like a 99! 

A 10/10 experience! I'll be back, and will be the first in line to the opening of their second bar opening in Clapham this Summer!

Going Bananas Over Zeadora

Recently I've been lucky enough to receive my gorgeous STEPHANIE clutch from Zeadora, a brand that came to my attention via instagram for their simplistic designs and beautiful marbled texture bags. 

The first collection was named after the founder Lisa's Grandmother, Zea Theodora, and were all entitled after her favourite songs that she used to play on the piano. I feel that brands that have these extremely personal touches seem to have an extra drive and liveliness behind them, which is most definitely the case for the Zeadora boxes! The second collection, which my STEPHANIE clutch is part of, became more vibrant and bold in their designs, but just as luxurious as the originals, whilst appealing to a wider audience. 

Each clutch comes with their own duster bag (as all good bags do), and two changeable gold and/or silver straps, depending on your choice of design. Mine currently dons the heavier and thicker chain, for a more casual day-to-day look, but I know that I will definitely be using the thinner one come my Summer holiday to Mexico, for a stylish evening look. 

I have to say aside from their STEPHANIE clutch, which I am undoubtedly in love with, I have also had my eye on the wonderful ROMY. Fingers crossed, I might be able to get my hands on this one after payday or as a treat for my Birthday! 

Here's a little peak at the whole collection. Thanks so much to Lisa and the Zeadora team for my bag, a timeless piece that I can strut my stuff in whether it's for a meal, day out, evening or occasion.