My Charlotte SunJelly bag !

My Charlottes already getting her fill. Full of wool and crochet projects. This week I was the proud winner of Beauty In The Mirrors Twitter competition to win my very on SunJellies bag. Boy was I excited. At first I hadn't realised I had won, due to Twitter notifications on my app being down for the day. Then on the morning of my vibe class, I awoke to beeps and tweets. I immediately contacted the lovely people at SunJellies and requested the beautiful Charlotte. Black of course, that is the only colour I seem to wear. That, or white and the occasional red or floral/Paisley/Aztec pattern. But that is strictly occasional. For special times. They don't happen much. 

And on Thursday, it arrived. All collapsed down like nobodies business. Easy to assemble and in less than a minute I was taking photographs and posting pictures. 5 minute after that I had already filled it with yet another of my many crochet projects. I cannot wait to test this baby out, food shopping, beach times, even a makeup/hairdryer storage. With a tidy price of £10 you can't go wrong with this sheek black bag. Next on my list, black SunJellies sandals. 

Summer, hurry up please.

Do you guys remember jelly shoes ? 

Don't believe the hype : Fruit water bottle diffusers.

H E A L T H 
Actually, do. 

I'm sure all you food fitness fanatics have seen this plastered over your social media. Instagram, facebook. IT IS EVERYWHERE. And me being a sucker goes, oooh, yeah, gimme. So I gotta. I was careful though, looked high and low for the decent bargain. And bam, found one TK MAXX 4.99 thank you very much. And the hype, well now I know what the whole fuss is about. 

I find myself reaching more for my lemony water than I would the usual plain tap water kind. Not to mention all the benefits lemon water has. Digestion, weight management and skin. WIN WIN WIN.

Have you guys tried any fruit water bottle diffusers ?

I went to watch Fifty Shades of Grey and I bloody loved it.

I went to watch Fifty Shades of Grey and I bloody loved it. 

There. 

I said it.

We have all been there, fallen all smitten for characters and their love story.

The Twilight Saga, being one many can relate to. Yes, you did, admit it. Even though now, your like, what the hell was I thinking ?  We have all been there. 

The same can be said for the love story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Because "kids", that's why we read them and that's why my ass was in that seat at 1'o clock this afternoon. Not because of its questionable written literature. No offence James, you do a good story, but if I have to read; "looks up at him through my lashes" one more time I'm gonna go green man Hulk on you. 

Unlike Twilight, poor choice in actors, (I think just heard the whole world gasp). The people casting Fifty did good. I mean, real good. And it wasn't until I was 5 mins into the film that it had me convinced, because you know, you got to go in with a, "hmmm now I know this could be a bit s***", mentality.

Wrong wrong wrong and wrong again.

They seriously hit the nail on the head. Even how the dealt with the hot and steamy scenes, all were done delicately and weren't distasteful. Do I mention the submissive part ? Yeah, I do. So much controversy has been shed on this story, the films really highlight the turmoil of wanting that relationship and the struggles of what it will bring. But, in all honesty feminism and all that, if that's what floats your boat, then sail away sailor. 

Hats off to the actors, Jamie Dornan and Dakota Jonson, those scenes must have been, errrrrr ... uhhhhh ... difficult ? I am glad I am not Dornan's wife right now, s'all I am saying. 
It was very close to the book. The casting, directing, the music were completely on point. It's Beyoncé people, BEYONCÉ. 

And the ending, oh the ending left me wanting more. Let's hope they start shooting the next one ... 

How do you feel about the Fifty Shades Series ? Are you a lover or a fighter ? 

See movies trailor here ! 

On the go breakfasts, because sometimes you can't be assed for food preppin !

H E A L T H 

Friday was one of those mornings where breakfast certainly was not on the agenda, but something I was willing to squeeze into my schedule. 

In flew Moma to save the day. When I say flew, stared at me as I was perusing the shelves of the cafe before hopping on my train. 

Made with whole grain jumbo oats, apple juice, low fat Somerset yogurt and real fruit. Balanced. And stupendously delicious. Moma pride themselves on giving a balanced, slow released energy fuelling breakfast that will keep you pepping till lunch time. 

What you didn't see is the cheese and ham panini I had straight after. But that's either here nor there. 

What are you favourite on the go breakfasts ? 

Tasty nummys for my tummies !

H E A L T H 
Food. Need I say no more ? I have been playing with what I put in my tummy. From healthy mug cakes, to simply changing my bread from seeded to rye.

Here are a few of my faves. And the inspo behind them ! 

Iced green tea ! Now this little gem came from the amazing Carly Rowena, if you not aware of this youtube hottie. Then get aware. Inspiring, helpful videos and the bod to go with it ! 

So I adapted the recipe a little, chill a jug of green tea. I like the stuff with lemon. Leave this overnight then in the morning blend with frozen mango, a squeeze of honey and the juice of lemon. Booooootiful.

Next is the mug cake ! Now I followed this recipe to the T so head over to Mind Over Munch, where the beautiful Alyssia will rock your world with healthy alternatives. I was a greedy ganit last night and added half a sliced banana, a spoonful of Greek yog and a squeeze of honey. I can't get enough of this sweet treat. 

Now this crumble, is made of some sorcery. This little recipe I found from the lovely Kryshka Cooks, and this is what got through the dark cold winter months. A simple crumble made with cornflakes, a little flour, a little butter and cinnamon. My favourite fillings are peach and cherry. Canned peaches, the ones in its juice. And frozen cherries. Cheap and cheerful. Don't forget to check out this Welsh babes blog, you won't be able to stop yourself. 

Finally, just a simple poached egg on rye toast. With cut up avocado, tomatoes with salt and cracked black pepper. DELISH. 

What is your favourite healthy dish ?

Sunday's Skin.

B E A U T Y

Whilst in town with the ladies yesterday, I thought I'd take advantage and nab myself a sample of Cliniques new foundation. Beyond Perfecting foundation and concealer ! And boy, a little goes a long way. So this pot, will last me a fair few months ! The foundation is thick, but not heavy on the skin and sets well with just a little powder to finish it off. 

I got the fairest of shades, Alabaster. It could have done with being a little lighter, but that's just me being a picky piggy. It blends well and covers most. I had a big ass spot on my forehead too. Nothing that a dense brush and a dabbing motion can't hide. Giving thst airbrushed no massive mountain spots on my face look. 

For dryer skins moisturising is definitely a must, or a dewy finishing spray upon finishing. But for myself, a bloomin oil slick, it was fine. After a couple of hours wear no oil was obvious, although could have done with a little more powder to stop it sliding. Oil slick problems people, foundation just don't wanna stick. 

I paired this with my usual brow kit from Topshop, smudgy black liner and a slick of Rollerlash on den lashes. Which ladies and gents, y'all gonna wanna try that ! See blog post here ! Oh and not forgetting to set it all with some of Lush's emotional brilliance powder, which is a dream. 

Don't forget, most big brands offer samples, so always take advantge of that and don't waste those hard earned dollazzz.

Happy Sunday people ! Have you sampled anything fun recently ? 

Sucked me in !

F I T N E S S 
... And I am not just talking about the belly flab. Today has been the perfect running weather. For me, that is cold, dry and sunny. Nothing beats an icy chill as your pounding away to some drum and bass beats. Or heavy metal, or Fleetwood Mac. Variety is the spice of life people ! As much as I enjoy the cold, getting out there takes a lot of ... balls. Especially when you haven't gone for a run in well over 6 months. So H & M's fitness gear gave me just that, balls.

These full length Lycra are an absolute steal at £14.99. YES. That's on par with Primarks prices. Team that with a long sleeve top, gloves, your trusty sports bra and well worn trainers. 

Outfit, done. 

Have you tried any of H & Ms sports wear ?

Elle makes you feel like a REAL beauty blogger !

B E A U T Y
My first day back and I am wondering the aisles of our local co op. Alas, I stumble across the magazine section. And there it was, with the words, be the first to try Benefits new rollerlash, or something along those lines. SOLD. So I off I trotted, dolla in tow and purchased the blighter.

Benefit and I have a love love relationship. No hate, just a whole lotta love. I adored their original BAD gal mascara and the same applies to They're Real. And now, Rollerlash. I'm all about quick and convenience. So, one swipe and you are volume, length, defined, curled, out the door and running to work cause y'all always late, lashes! The wand is truly something, it hooks the lashes, gripping them to give them a coat of the good stuff.

I cannot wait for this to be released. For those Benefit lovers the date is the 12th of this month. Although, my bank account will just have to wait a little longer ! 

Did any of you guys pick up the March addition of Elle ?

It's Jess !

I'm back !

Hello 2015, yes I realise it is February, but my fresh start, it start's now. None of this new year new me bull**** ! Why not hey February, let's makes some changes cause I don't really like you January.

So, what's new ? 

Other than the blog title, not much. I have been taking some time out and just dealing with well, a lot. 

I moved. My mum got cancer. Then I moved back again.

No easy way to announce that really. But, that's what I have been doing. It has not been easy and support and smile is what has gotten us through this. Cause you know, my mum, she is like my best friend. We come as a one. You know the Gilmore Girls ? Yeah, that's me and her. With just a little more swearing. Well, a lot more swearing. 

But it is, what it is. And I am back. And ready to blog. 

Well, at least I think I am.  

Yes. I am. 2015, let's see what you have to offer !