Moving to Denmark!

I have been given the most amazing experience of moving to Denmark for four months in partnership with Uni. As much as this is an exciting time, it is equally as daunting. I've never lived alone, doing my own cooking, cleaning and washing! Luckily I have the companionship of another student on my course - hurrah. 

The University we will be studying at and staying nearby is in Aarhus, one of Denmark's biggest and most cultural cities.

So from February to March 2015 - all blogs will be uploaded from shabby student halls wifi! As much as the future posts will be for my own documentation and future recollection of the experience, I'm also sharing this experience with those who choose to read my blog. I understand that not everyone can afford to travel - I couldn't, coming from a one parent family, until this year due to having some student loan left over and therefore it gives others the opportunity to 'Armchair travel' (or wherever else you are).

I plan to be able to document my travels around the country and not just Aarhus. Also, I hope I can help other students who are considering Erasmus/Exchange programmes. Especially when it comes to packing, booking flights and VISA'S.

It's such a beautiful country and I cannot wait to share this experience! I'm so excited!

Gemma xxx

Bucket List #31 Visit Ancient Egypt Sites: 2014 Trip to Luxor

2014 has been the year for travelling! Ever since I got my passport in April, I've craved flying to exotic places. Firstly there was Ibiza and shortly after I was lucky enough to book a holiday to Luxor, Egypt - home of Valley of the Kings, The River Nile, Luxor Temple and much more!

We set out to make this a packed holiday with an equal balance of pool. My mum and I had the best time! Even if the heat creeped up to 45 degrees!!

We stayed in the Iberotel Hotel Luxor - which we highly recommend - this hotel went above and beyond with their service and its location was beautiful. We had a Nile view room which was breathtaking. 

We also ventured on some excursions, visiting Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, Luxor temple, Luxor Museum and a One day Nile Cruise to Dendera Temple.

I would have loved to visit Cairo to see pyramids and do a camel ride in the deserts. But unfortunately, our budget wouldn't stretch that far. I wouldn't change this trip for the world though!

This has been one of the best holidays of my life and I'll doubt any other holiday will.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara Review!

Everybody is looking for longer, fuller lashes - aren't they?

Well Urban Decay's new Perversion Mascara claims to do exactly that. Their promise is 'Bigger, Blacker and Badder lashes' and I can second that. I also used the sample version of Urban Decay's Subversion Primer (I'm a big fan of these creamy white primers which thicken lashes).

Below are pictures of my eyelashes before mascara, after using the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara with the Subversion Primer and also a contrast picture of my everyday mascara.

No Mascara.

Everyday Mascara.
Rimmel Scanaleyes Retroglam
Two Coats.
£6.99

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
and Subversion Primer
One coat primer, two coats of mascara.
£17, Debenhams

TIP: Apply mascara once the primer is dry. Wet primer = clumpier lashes

I do normally curl my lashes because they find it hard to keep a curl. However, I know that not everybody enjoys using eyelash curlers so for the comparison, I didn't curl my lashes. 

The Urban Decay mascara was definitely more black and gave my lashes more volume but I'm not sure if I'm 100% sold on the formula (it seems too wet) and the mascara wand is quite big, making application difficult. I do LOVE this mascara but I think I've tried better, cheaper drugstore/high street mascaras.

I've been blessed with quite long lashes and therefore I think mascara's don't seem to differ. I'm still yet to be blown away by a mascara. But, I have used this one only twice so there is still some time to fall in love with it.

 

The Scandaleyes mascara gives a very natural look to the lashes.
I hate skinny, plastic mascara wands which makes this mascara perfect and it distributes
the product perfectly

This Urban Decay mascara has a much more false lash effect and
has a lot of voluminous power!

Once again, my love for thick, fibre wands has been fulfilled.

Thank you for reading, what's your favourite mascara/top recommended!

Gemma xxx

Lush Henna Hair Colour: Marron Review

Hands up if you're guilty of over dying your hair! Don't worry, there are no judgements on this blog as I am equally guilty. I cannot count on both hands how many times I've dyed my hair, probably not if I used another two hands. I've been dying my hair since I was fourteen and ranged from brunette to blonde, from pink to blue, from purple to red. When I started uni last September I set a goal to not dye my hair for a year and I've kept that promise and have been a beautiful brunette for the past year.

However, this week was THE week. The week to dye my hair. I was on the hunt for the least stressful and harsh product for my hair after its years of bleaching. That's when I stumbled upon Lush's Henna range. They have four colours: Noir (black), Brun (brown), Marron (chesnut, brown with hints of red) and Rouge (red).

I didn't want to go crazy with the colour so I chose Marron which is a brown with red undertones.

I started by visiting my local Lush to speak to the wonderful staff about the henna. Here I was informed of the natural ingredients they have used (there are NO chemicals or harsh ingredients) which included Red Henna for the red undertones and Indigo Herb and coffee for dark and brown tones. To hold all of these dry, plant based ingredients, the bar contains Cocoa Butter to soothe and soften hair and make the bar a solid. Full ingredients can be found on the lush website here: www.lush.co.uk

TIP: Always ask for a tester block. They're completely free.

Before you start, make sure that you have an old bowl to mix the henna in, and old spoon to mix it, a tinting brush for application (I didn't end up using this) and some rubber gloves and lots of because it can get really messy and will stain any skin it comes in contact with. If you'd like, you could apply some Vaseline on any surrounding skin, your neck and ears which will prevent any staining of the skin. I skipped this step and trusted my mum - who was applying the henna for me - not to get any on me!

If you have wooden flooring, I would suggest putting some plastic bags and newspaper down (see below) because as well as skin, it stains wooden flooring and carpet. If it wasn't raining, I would have done it outside.

  

For my hair length and thickness, I needed three blocks (out of the six) of henna.

All you need to add is boiling water and you need to apply then henna hot for an intense colour. 

The henna needs to be mixed to a melted chocolate consistency, I found that I needed to add a bit more water after 10 minutes.

Henna Block, Caca Marron.

£8.50

For more of a brown colour, after applying, leave the treated hair open and airy. Whereas, if you're looking for more red undertones, make sure that the hair is wrapped tightly after application. To keep mine wrapped up, I used a plastic shower cap followed by cling film.
You do look a bit funky but the results are well worth it.
I kept the henna on for 3 and a half hours. After 2 hours, the henna stops colouring, any time after this is for the essential oils and cocoa butter to sink in and moisturise your hair.

Tip: This stuff is really hard to wash out! Buy a big, cheap bottle of conditioner to help the henna soften and wash out easier. 

Warning: If you have dry, thick hair, the henna can feel drying so use a lot of conditioner and after a few days, the full effect of the cocoa butter is noticeable.

Before

After

Thank you for reading! Gemma xxx

Summer Sales: Plus Size Fashion Addition.

Hello again!

I recently saw an inspiring photo with the quote "Summer isn't only for size zero" and I take my hat off to its creator. At a size 16/20 depending on where I shop and the cut, I can border on the 'plus size' category. Summer clothing can make bigger sizes feel alienated and fashionable, reasonably priced plus size clothing is my passion. Sure, I could do more to fit into the average size 12/14 but why should I have to? What is 'normal'? And why should I feel the pressure to be thin when I'm happy with the body I have?

Ramble aside and I know some may not find this useful but its a path my blog may take now and again.

Spot and Pineapple Print T-Shirt
WAS £16, NOW £9.50
ASOS
Prints, especially pineapple prints, have exploded this summer, making this t-shirt a great casual addition to your wardrobe and at a minimal price!

Pansy Print Bikini
ASOS
Top - WAS £18, NOW £10
High waisted bottoms - WAS £16, NOW £9.50
AH, can we take a minute to drool over this bikini. Not everyone is confident enough to wear a bikini, no matter what your size but to me, this is the perfect bikini (I've even ordered this item!). I'm not a fan of halterneck bikini's, bigger boobed ladies will agree when I say that they are not worth the pain and with this two shoulder strap, bra like bikini, with an underwire is pain free and supper supportive. Also, the panelling on the bottoms are a slimming heaven!

Sleeveless Skater Dress (two colours available)
New Look Inspire Collection
WAS £12.99
NOW £9
Finding a good skater dress to flatter your shape can be difficult but at £9, who can argue? Summer wardrobe essential! These dresses can be dressed up or down, making multiple outfits from a single dress, bargain for your money.

Daisy Print Bodycon Skirt
CLub L Plus Size
ASOS
WAS £22
NOW £7
Bodycon skirts are super flattering for plus size ladies, accentuating curves whilst holding everything in. I love this kind of skirt whatever the season and therefore an all year round piece which could be paired with thick tights during the winter. SORTED! 

Jersey Colotte
ASOS Curve
WAS £12
NOW £7
After buying similar shorts from Primark, seeing these was a dream - since I can't find anything close to what I already have and its killing me! I've also purchased these for myself and fingers crossed they live up to my expectations, I find shorts very hit or miss!

Peplum Hem Cami
ASOS Curve
WAS £10
NOW £7
Ooh La La! A lovely twist on an every day jersey vest. I think this item explains itself.


Lovedrobe Crochet Contrast Gathered Waist Dress
New Look
WAS £45, NOW £23
This dress would be a perfect dress for an occasion this summer  - wedding, graduation, party. Also, it's such a bargain. This colour would be flattering for all skin tones and suitable for all sizes. You couldn't go wrong.

I hope you have enjoyed these amazing pieces, there are a lot more out there which are equally as great!
Thank you for reading, Gemma xxx

Summer Sales: Beauty Edition!

Hola!
Summer is upon us all - even if the weather in England is protesting against any signs if sun. Whether you are going on holiday this summer or seeking a new summer look, you're in luck. The summer sales are upon us and if you name it, it's likely to be on sale which is good news for everybody's bank balance.
This post will focus on beauty an skincare, followed later by a fashion post - enjoy!

At the moment, Debenhams have a selection of beauty products which are VAT free. When buying any product, VAT is rarely on your mind and therefore, you don't realise how much VAT you pay - I know that's my case. 
Benefit's The Porefessional is a wonder product and as a sufferer of big pores, living without this product isn't worth thinking about- but it can is quite pricey..

The Porefessional, Benefit. Was £24.50, Now £20.41. Debenhams.





Moving over to ASOS now, but sticking with Benefit, Benefit make-up blows my mind, you certainly pay for superb quality.
This Benefit kit, great for make-up beginners.
Included is a full size They're Real mascara, Hoola bronzer and two mini The Porefessional Pro Balm's.
Exclusive to ASOS.

Was £43, Now £30. Free UK delivery.







When going on holiday, packing light is essential, as well as looking after those brows. A full face of make-up can be a hassle on holiday, keeping your eyebrows well groomed frame your face and make you feel put together still, which makes this miniature set perfect! This Tweezerman set includes a brow mousse/gel, highlighter and a mini spooly - all in an organised clear case.


Tweezerman, Mini Brow Rescue Set. Was £25, Now £16. ASOS.



Have a special occasion this summer? A wedding, prom, graduation? The smokey eye look can be a daunting concept and process but fear not with Eylure's guide and specific products for a confident, accomplished smokey eye! The set includes three eyeshadows for a natural or dramatic smokey eye (buildable colours), a mini mascara and eyeliner, reusable eyelashes and a step by step guide!

Eylure Get The Look Kit - Warm Smokey. Was, 19.50, Now £10. ASOS.






Warm, summer weather can prove a tough time for lips. Nobody wants chapped lips, its just not a good look for anybody. The one thing better than lip balms are lip butters, they are generally much more moisturising (in my opinion) and Nip+Fab have this gorgeous trio gift set of lip butters in Sweet Lavender, Rose Otto and Fresh Berry.

Nip+Fab, Rose and Sweet Lip Butter Set. Was £6.99, Now £4.50. ASOS.






Let me know what your sale beauty picks are.
Thank you for reading and I hope that you have enjoyed this post. Gemma xxx