MY UK Makeup Bag

I'm extremely blessed to have a pretty epic selection of makeup that I can call on to help me. However, it also means that if I have to go away anywhere I tend to go a bit mad with bringing way too much makeup. This trip is no different but even though I have a 20kg allowance for my suitcase, I wanted to break my makeup packing bad habits and cut down on space. Partly because i'd never possibly use it all but also it means there may be space for some newbies for the trip.

I thought I would give you a close up of the eyeshadow palette and cheek products. I always pack two blushers in case I feel like a change. I love the Lightly Toasted palette as you can probably see from some of the shades are. The palette is great for both day and night. I'm all about the contour lately having finally mastered it in a way that suits my face and really love the Sleek Makeup offering.

Other brands I've packed include L'Oreal, Sleek and Flormar

Are you like me and pack way too much makeup?

Have you tried any of the products pictured?

Relaunch Competition

Hi Lovelies, 

I'm back!! You're probably wondering where I went or whether the blog had been closed down. I have been so swamped looking after the kids and dealing with some personal stuff, I really haven't been able to get my mind into blogging at all. I've sat down and had several talks with myself and to be completely honest, I had contemplated closing the blog. But something stopped me, through blogging I have met some amazing people and after Cocoa Browns Passion Persistance Pink event yesterday, I decided to definitely relaunch. 

The event was amazing and seeing Marissa's passion for her brand and some of my blogger friends, reminded just how much I love blogging and that I need to continue doing it. So I am currently working on a schedule that will see three posts a week and a tweak to the blog by adding some non beauty topics.

To kick things off, I decided on a competition,which will run until the 10th October. 

Here is the prize:

To enter

• Comment underneath and tell me if you have ever tried any of these lovelies.
• Like my Facebook page and leave me a comment under the pinned post
• Follow me on Twitter (@anitabeautyblog) and tweet me using #anitasbeautyrelaunch

Sophie's Christening

A few weeks ago, we had Sophie's Christening and I wanted to share a few pictures with you all.

I was really worried about not having anything to fit me so I ordered my dress of Need That Look, I really love this dress, it fitted so well and the fabric is stretchy which made the dress so comfortable.I paired it with which black tights because the day itself was quite cold and wet.

Since I love baking I decided to do Sophie's cake myself. I wanted to forget about fondant and use buttercream. I wanted simple but elegant.I choose a vanilla sponge with pink buttercream filling and iced all over in bright white buttercream. I then decorated with pink and white non pareils. For her name I printed out her name in a font I liked and put in under baking paper. I then tinted white chocolate with pink and painted over her name. It turned out so well and will definitely use this trick again.

I also really wanted cupcakes, but I knew I wouldn't have time to do them myself. I turned to cake genius Agatha from Cakefield Avenue.I choose mini cupcakes, half malteaser and half vanilla with pink buttercream.Agatha was a dream to order from, she is so lovely and I'd definitely reccomend using her for a special occasion.

I also did a sweet table for the kids (and adults) which completely vanished before I had a chance to take a picture. I did manage a picture of the menu. I decided to do a menu rather than having to fiddle around putting labels on the jars.

I Am The Mum Who ....

Hi all, I'm just back from the UK and decided my first post on my return would be the I Am The Mum Who tag. I was tagged by Sharon over on Behind Green Eyes

• has two children, one boy and one girl.
• thought She would never have children.
• loves to bake.
• enjoys a dance while meant to be doing housework.
• gets nothing done in the house as I can't take my eye off Sophie.
• misses my mum every single second of every day.
• is addicted to makeup.
• recognises her stubborn streak in her son.
• is extremely grateful for my two children but don't want any more children.
• loves animals.
• defends those she loves when someone gives out about them.
• has a short fuse. 
• never thought she would get married. 
• is thankful for her supportive friends
• loves glass of wine at the weekends
• has a shoe obssession

I think pretty much everyone who is a mum has done this tag, if you haven't, please do it and send me your link.

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

On Wednesday, it was my brother's birthday. Not being bale to get up to Dublin for it, I wanted to do something nice for him with everything that has happened. So I invited him and my dad up for dinner yesterday and decided to treat him to his all time favourite cake - Chocolate Biscuit. I love that he likes this because it is so easy to make and you dont have to put it into the oven.

Here is my go to recipe for 4 people

220g Milk Chocolate

110g Dark Chocolate (brother isn't a massive fan of Dark chocolate, if you are simply double this and half the milk chocolate)

3 tbsp Golden Syrup

75g Malteasers

110g Butter

225g Biscuits, I use a mix of chocolate digestives and rich tea

1 bag Mint Aero and remaining Malteasers for decoration

All you need to do is melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. (I give it 30 seconds at a time so the chocolate doesn't burn), mix in the golden syrup, crush the biscuits, pop in the malteasers and stir until combined. I used an 8inch round tin with a cake liner so it was easy to remove. when half set, decorate with chocolate of your choice.

I ran out of Malteasers :( 

It's hard to make a chocolate biscuit cake look fancy without going all out with fondant or doing a kit kat cake but it tasted amazing. Next time I'll mix in the mint bubbles.

Are you a fan of chocolate biscuit cake?

Weightloss Update Week 1

So since my 7 days of Eating Clean post, I have tried to keep going with clean eating and on the whole I'm doing pretty well. Apart from the hubby occasionally bringing home chocolate or something equally as bold.

I've started exercising more, every day I am doing some form. I found a great youtube channel called JessicaSmithTV where she does Dance Walking workouts (she also has a few DVD's). Trying to fit in a workout is hard, Jack is grand and occupies himself but with Sophie it's proving tricky. If I'm lucky and she has an hour or more nap, I'll stick on one of my exercise play list and connect it to chrome cast so it plays on the TV rather than the tablet.

I do one of these videos on a Monday and Tuesday. Wednesdays to Fridays, I'm now walking Jack to school. This is a good 25 minute walk from the house, on the way home it's 15 minutes. Mornings take longer purely because Jack starts and stops at least five or six times. This is a twice a day walk.Using the Map My Walk app, I walk just over 6km a day. I have always enjoyed walking and once I have my MP3 player I'm a happy camper. At the weekends, I'm trying to get some sort of workout in but so far it hasn't really gone to plan

My weight has come down a tiny bit ( -2lbs) since my last post. That leaves me with just under a stone until I am back to my pre pregnancy weight. Sophie's christening is the Saturday after next and while I would never try lose the whole remainder I am hoping to loose a bit more. I have a dress in mind but it is still a bit tight.

I plan on continuing eating better, and moving as much as possible. Over the next while I'll do a monthly update with what I've been eating and what exercise I've been doing. 

If you have any tips for me please let me know 

xxx Anita xxx

NYX Butter Glosses

I love a good lipgloss, ones that have good pigmentation and don't threaten to glue your lips together with their stickiness. Since NYX arrived to our shores, I have bought a lot of the products. One that I return to time and time again is NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée. Recently I was sent three shades new to me.

Vanilla Cream Pie is a gorgeous pink shade. I have used this a lot over the last while and can't get enough of it.

Cherry Pie ia a lovely cherry red. I normally steer clear of red but Cherry Pie is a gorgeous red suitable for many skin tones.

Peach Cobbler is a coral shade that I've worn a few times. Usually a peach or coral doesn't float my boat but I like Peach Cobbler. It's not too strong a coral.

Butter glosses provide a sheer to medium coverage so are ideal for ladies like me who don't always want the high impact of a lipstick. They also don;t dry out your lips and can be worn by themselves or over a lipstick. I love these babies so much. They last for ages and are really purse friendly at €6.49. Also they smell incredible! Think Vanilla Cookie

Have you tried Butter Glosses? If so what is your favourite shade

Ziaja Olive Leaf Line

I am a massive, fan of Ziaja, I love the quality and affordability of the products. A few months back, they kindly sent me some products from the new Olive Leaf line. I have given them a good road test and today want to share how I got on with you

Regenerating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid (69c)

I love a good face mask and have tried a good few of the Ziaja ones.  I really liked this one so much that I repurchased it in my nearest stockist. I bought a few, each sachet you get three, maybe even four uses from it so it's really good value. I would love this in a tube! During pregnancy and even now my skin is a bit dehydrated.If I am having a paricularly bad skin day I pop this on and let it soak in. Straight away, my skin feels instantly hydrated and my skin is left with a lovely glow. 

Concentrated Cream (€5.99) 

This has become my go to day cream. The formula is really light and doesn't sit on my skin and the fact it has an SPF20. It give great hydration too. I've had it for a little over three months and with everyday use, it still has a decent amount of product left. 

Duo Phase Eye Makeup Remover (€4.49)

I usually skip an eye makeup remover, finding some too harsh for my overly sensitive eyes and other just far too oily. I approached this lovely with caution because of these two factor. Have to say though I really like it, you don't need al to and because it is duo phase, your not left with oil on your face. It really good for light eye makeup and does a great job on heavier eye makeup too. 

There are lots more in the Olive Leaf line and I have my eye on

 the Cleansing Oil. They can all be picked up in Ziaja stockists and www.originalbeauty.ie

Have you tried this line or anything you rate from Ziaja?

Day Out In Tayto Park

On Saturday, I went somewhere I have wanted to go for an age - Tayto Park. The weather was pretty decent so we thought why not go. We really enjoyed ourselves, there is so much to see and do.

My favourite part was the animals, especially the big cats. They have a much better selection than Dublin Zoo.

Myself and hubby did the Sky Walk which is like a suspended obstacle course. You have three levels. Being brave we choose the middle, hubby actually wanted to do the highest but it was closed because of the wind. I have to say thank god it was because for all my brave talk I was petrified! Scary doesn't even cover it. Once your up there though you have no choice but to go forward because it's a one way system. Once I'd finished I was shaking like a leaf but proud of myself for doing it.

What else you can do

• Tayto Factory Tour - quite interesting seeing all the old flavours and recalling when a pack of Tayto was only 18p
• Vortex Tunnel - a tunnel you walk through that makes you feel like your turning upside down. Freaky but Fun
• Wall Climbing - me and wall climbing don't get on but it looked like good fun

Here are a few more pics from the day - excuse the comfy clothes

I have a few bug bears. Firstly is the price for children between 3 and 14. It's the same price as an adult €14 and to be honest I felt ripped off paying that amount for Jack.

On entry you then have to queue up at a separate booth to get a wristband (€15) or tokens (€1 each) Most things take either two or four tokens. The price for both is the same whether you are an adult or child. We got three bands and instantly regretted it. Because it was fairly windy a good few things were closed. And the one thing I really wanted to do - the zip line had a weight restriction because of the wind. So me and my post baby weight ruled it out.My adorable 2 year old nephew joined us with his parents and he was free in but when it came to him going on anything suitable for him and Jack, he needed tokens. Next time we won't bother with the bands and just get tokens. From speaking to a few other visitors, it was clear most would prefer paying say €25 for entry and to go on attractions.

Gosh! I sound like such a moan and I don't mean to be because it was a great day out.There is lots to do and to be honest there is value for money as you easily spend 5 hours there especially with how the park is growing. Including a pretty epic rollercoaster. I just feel for kids under a certain age, it could be for cheaper.

*Photos courtesy of my brother in law*

Have to been to Tayto Park?

Waxperts Beautiful Body Oil

I really like using oils in my skincare and body regime. What I don't like is when an oil is overly greasy. A good while back I was kindly sent the new Waxperts Beautiful Body Oil but with everything going on, I've only used it in the last few weeks. I was really excited to get using it as I love Waxperts as a brand, their products are lovely and their packaging is fun. 

This lovely oil nourishes and hydrates the skin and promises to absorb quickly. Something I am extremely grateful for. Nothing worse than waiting for a body product to dry!!Post pregnancy, my skin has been dry and a little uncomfortable. I find I have very little time to moisturise so I really like that this is something I can apply quickly and something that dries quickly. The scent is a gorgeous lavender, a scent that reminds me of my granny which makes me smile. It's also a very relaxing scent.

The Beautiful Body Oil retails at €9.99 and can be bought at Waxperts stockists aswell as Cloud10Beauty and Dolledup.ie

Have you tried this yet??

7 Days Of Eating Clean

Over the last few months I have read and seen a lot about Eating Clean. Now that Miss Sophie has arrived, I decided to try eating clean for a week and also lose a bit of the baby weight I put on. 

Before pregnancy my weight was 82kg (so I was a little overweight) and I went up to 102kg while pregnant. After having Sophie, I dropped down to 96kg. This is without any healthy eating and only light exercise (walking Jack to school) The drop in weight is purely just having her. I realise I'm working in kilos, something that was drilled into me during pregnancy because the hospital and doctor works in kilos. I found it very confusing so googled how many lbs are in a kilo (2.2lbs)

While browsing Instagram the other day, a girl I follow posted about a 7 day plan she was following from Fit and Healthy  so I headed over to check it out and emailed Korina for her free 7 day plan. I had looked up Eat Clean/ Fat Cutting plans but found them very confusing and featured expensive ingredients. When I received the Fit and Healthy plan, I was thrilled to find it very easy to understand and feature affordable ingredients. 

I even persuaded hubby to give it a go, purely selfish reasons as I didn't want to think about having to make two separate meals for everything. All measurements in the plan are very easy to follow and features lots of veggies. Korina slightly personalised the plan for me to include a small amount of basmati rice or sweet potato to boost my carb intake and keep my energy levels up. Something I was greatful for as I have felt very tired lately running around with appointments and looking after the kids.

We both found the first couple of days difficult as we were adjusting to eating clean. We eat pretty healthily but on the odd occasion we tend to binge eat or get a takeaway if we are too tired to cook. Preparing the food was easy and once we got used to it, we didn't feel hungry at all. If you are looking for an Eat Clean boost, I would definitely recommend this plan. Over the week I went from 96kg down to 90kg(198lb)

I drank lots of water and green tea, cut out alcohol, fizzy drinks and bad food. I really noticed a difference in my energy levels and my skin improved too. I am definitely going to continue eating clean with the odd treat day. I have an ideal weight I would like to get down too, but am taking it slow and steady

Do you Eat Clean or would it be something you'd consider? If you  have any clean eating tips please share them in the comments. Over the next while I will be doing some more healthy eating and lifestyle posts.

Nivea Q10 Anti Wrinkle Serum Pearls

Nivea is a brand, i have somewhat neglected in recent years. I don't really know why because as a teenager, their products would have featured in my go to items. A good while back, I received some Nivea goodies including the new Nivea Q10 Anti Wrinkle Serum Pearls.

I love a good serum and was intrigued with the pearl technology in this. This beauty boasts Nivea's highest ever dose of co enzyme Q10 and features golden pearls of Q10 suspended in a gel formula. I have used this none stop since its arrival and can say it has help with my post natal dry skin. 

The serum comes in a pump container and I find just one press on the pump is enough to cover my face.  The texture of the serum is like a mousse. I really didn't think the pearls would break down all that well but was suitably impressed once I applied it onto my face. 

Int eh formula, you will find Hyaluronic Acid (smooth and plumps out fine lines and Creatine (which boosts skins regeneration)

One thing I was not gone on is the scent, but this was down to my mad pregnancy hormones. Anything strong made me feel a bit ill. Now I find the scent is still strong but not offensive. These little pearls of loveliness is available in Nivea stockists now and the RRP is €14.99. Pretty purse friendly and ill last a good while. Keep your eye out though in your pharmacies etc because you could happen across a Nivea half price sale.

Have you tried these yet or is there any other Nivea products you rate?

Where I've Been

Hi Ladies,

I'm back. Since my last post so much has happened! Some of you may know my mum was diagnosed with a very serious illness and sadly it was a fight she did not win. Even writing those words is heartbreaking. My wonderful mum and amazing granny to Jack passed away on the 24th February. What makes it even more heart breaking is she never got to meet our beautiful baby girl Sophie. Who arrived on the 26th February. I can honestly say I don't know how I even managed to have Sophie with everything else going on 

It is such a weird time, I'm trying to get my head around not picking up the phone for a chat and her nor being here while at the same time being a mum to my kids. The circumstances are rotten but Sophie is such a blessing as is Jack. My mum wanted me to focus on the kids and as much as it is difficult, I am doing just that. It's such a horrible thing to live though, I miss her so much but know she is looking down on us. 

I've decided to get back into blogging this week, thanks to the support of some very lovely people. My mum was not beauty minded at all but she loved hearing about everything to do with the blog so I am starting back in memory of her.

Say Hello To Smoky Poppy

Ah The Body Shop, how much I love you. From the incredible body products to sultry makeup, there is something about the company that I am completely in love with. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive some goodies from their new Smoky Poppy range. I was a bit dubious if I would like the range as I am not really into floral scents. I find on the whole, they don't really agree with me. More often than not, I get a stinking headache from them. So would Smoky Poppy be any different?

Smoky Poppy EDT (30ml €13.95) is a seductive floral scent, that I have completely fallen for and have worn it nearly everyday. I have avoided fragrances during the pregnancy with most making feel nauseous. Smoky Poppy is different though. I've also had some family member sniff my wrists and they all agree how lovely it is. 

Smoky Poppy Body Scrub (€18.95) is a no nonsense exfoliator with real poppy seeds.It leaves your skin feeling really soft, gets rid of any dry patches and works a treat on false tan.

Smoky Poppy Body Butter (€18.95) I adore the body butters from the shop (I really miss Passionfruit!) so was excited to try this. Like their other body butters, this lovely isn't greasy and soaks in quickly. My skin has been playing silly beggars being quite dry especially my legs but this has helped a huge amount. 

There is also a massage oil, shower gel, body lotion and lip & cheek stick in the range, which can be viewed on their website and picked up in any of their stores. Will you be popping in to check this seductive range out?

Easy Peasy Banana Bread

I love baking, always have. I find it really therapeutic. I tend to do some kind of bake at least every few weeks. I thought I would introduce you to some of my favourite recipes. First up is a yummy banana bread that always goes down well with the family. I have started using coconut oil in some of my bakes but if you don't have coconut oil, vegetable or sunflower will work just as well.

Ingredients

100g Wholemeal Flour

125g Self Raising Four

1tsp salt

1tsp ground cinnamon

80g caster sugar or light brown sugar ( I used light brown this time)

1 egg, beaten

75ml Coconut Oil

3 medium sized bananas

1tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Lightly grease a loaf tin with some coconut oil to prevent it sticking.You can also line the bottom of the tin with baking paper, but I tend not to for this.
2. Weigh out your flours and sieve them. The bran from the wholemeal won't pass through the sieve so add them in after. 
3. Add your salt, cinnamon and sugar to your flours.
4. Coconut oil is solid so weigh out 75ml and melt it in the microwave. Allow it to cool a bit before adding in your egg and vanilla extract.
5. Mash your bananas in a bowl or chopping board. I tend to leave some chunks of banana for a bit of texture.
6. Mix your oil and egg mixture into your flours. You don't need to use an electric mixer, the wooden spoon works better for this mixture.It will look quite dry at this point but once you add the banana,it will get better.
7. Spoon into your loaf tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, until your loaf is golden brown and springs back when you push gently on it.
8. When cooked, leave it in the tin for ten minutes and then remove it to a wire wrack to cool.

* You don't need to splurge on a loaf tin, I picked up mine in Dealz for €1.49*

* Vanilla Extract is better than Essence as it doesn't contain alcohol. It will be more expensive but totally worth it*

*If you don't have a loaf tin, these can make some pretty mean muffins*

*If you have a chocolatey craving, try some nutella on a slice*

I'm always on the lookout to try new recipes so let me know if there is anything you would like to see  and I'll try them out. Also if you try this recipe out let me know 

Waxperts Wonder Pads

Over the past year or so, I've heard great things about the Waxperts Wonderpads. I finally got my hands on a pack and have been trying them now for about a month.

These lovelies are formulated with Salicylic acid, so it can be used to help ingrown hairs, spots and KP. They also contain Rosemary (helps with inflammation) and Panthenol (helps hydration and inflammation)

I'm lucky that I don't experience ingrown hairs, I was more intrigued with how they worked on a particularly nasty spot flare up and on Keratosis Pilaris. I have KP on my arms and usually keep it under control but since being pregnant, I seem to be having a particularly bad flare up.

I've gotten on really well with them. Anytime a spot appears I get a pad straight away and let the pad sit on the nasty for a couple of minutes. I usually use Dream dots but in the sake of research, I just used Wonderpads on the spots. Within a few hours, the spots weren't as sore or nowhere near as inflamed. I then got to work using them on my arms and noticed a big improvement. After three days, My skin wasn't as red or as itchy.

As they are designed for ingrown hairs, I got the hubby to use them after shaving as sometimes he would get a trapped hair. He used them for a couple of days and he seemed very impressed with them. 

I really like these little guys and have plans to order more from Cloud10Beauty soon. They retail at €7.95 and can also be picked up in Waxperts Stockists nationwide. My next plan is to go to their Dun  Laoire salon and try out their wax.

Have you tried these lovelies or had a Waxperts Wax?

Competition Time: Win Some Sleek MakeUP Goodies

Happy Monday lovelies. I decided that I would launch a competition on the blog to say thank you. So  what is up for grabs?, I hear you say. Well I have four very lovely beauties courtesy of Sleek Makeup Ireland. Sleek Makeup is one of my favourite brands, my top products would have to be the I Divine Pallettes and Pout Paint. 

The winner will receive the following

• Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink
• Bronze Block in Light
• True Colour Lipstick in Barely There
• Brow Kit in Light

These would make a lovely addition to any makeup lovers stash. 

I'm not going to give you a huge list of things to do, just comment underneath with whether you have tried Sleek before( if yes, tell me what products I should check out) and tweet the following "Win some lovely @SleekMakeupIRL with @anitabeautyblog http://anitasbeautyspot.blogspot.com/2015/01/competition-time-win-some-sleek-makeup.html"

I'll keep the competition running until Sunday 1st February and the competition is open to Ireland only

Pregnancy Update

I am now on three week countdown!! Eeek! I can't believe how fast the time is going.I thought it would be nice to give you an update on how everything is going. I have taken inspiration from the lovely Adoreabubbles for this.

How Far Along?

Almost 36 weeks!! 

Movement?

Lots! Ever since 18 weeks this little baby has been moving non stop. I love feeling movement but I have to admit on the odd occasion, I beg baby to stop for a few mins as it gets quite uncomfortable 

Everything ready?

Almost there, I've spent the last week going through Jack's baby clothes to see if there was much I could use again. Once sorted they have gone through a wash and are now taking up residence in my chest of drawers. Only thing left I need it the pram, but we're getting that sorted next week.

Maternity Clothes?

Thankfully, this time round, I have pretty much avoided maternity clothes apart from a pair of leggings from Penneys and two dresses. Everything else is clothes from when I was a size 16. There is still loads of room in them apart from the bump.

Sleep?

Not a chance, between everything I find sleeping difficult. If I spend too long on one side I get a cramp in my legs so have to try turn over. I do have a pregnancy pillow that helps a little but on the whole the sleep situation isn't great.

Stretch Marks?

No new ones from what I can tell, but I was left with quite a few from Jack. 

Best Moment in the Last week?

That would be our 35 week scan last week. We got a full half hour looking at baby, which was great. We even brought Jack with us and he got so excited. This is just one of the pics we got.

Gender?

We have been told gender, but have decided to keep it quiet until baby arrives.

Miss Anything?

Yes! A big glass of wine.I'm not a huge drinker but some weekends myself and hubby with have a bottle of wine between us and I miss it. I also miss not being able to do anything in comfort, even shoes have become a challenge to put on.

Weird Food Cravings?

Nope, nothing weird. But I'll get the odd craving for something bold like a bar of chocolate or fizzy drink

Symptoms?

At this point, heartburn is becoming an issue. I've been grand right up to the last week, where it is getting very uncomfortable. I can't stomach Gaviscon this time around so have switched to Rennies.

Mood?

A weird mixture of tired and uncomfortable but also excited

Looking Forward To?

Baby finally being here  and getting to introduce them to everyone especially Jack. 

Taking A Little Break

Hi Lovelies, you may have noticed things have been a bit quiet on here lately. For the last few months I have been coming to terms with my mum being very ill and to be honest I am having a hard time focusing on much. Add to this, that baby is due in a little under 4 weeks (if all goes to to plan).

I've decided to take a small break from blogging until the little one arrives and hopefully my mum is slightly better. I really love blogging and  I really enjoy talking to fellow Irish bloggers. I will return soon, I promise. But for now I will leave you with scheduled posts and the occasional new post.

I constantly have the internet turned on with my phone so I'll be keeping updated with emails and social media. And I'll be doing updates/mini reviews on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I'm hoping  once little one arrive that I'll get some laptop time too when the little one and Jack have gone to bed.