Pregnancy Update #3

Hi Ladies, 

Happy Sunday!! 

It is currently 4am and I am sat up with a cuppa and a box of strepsils, with himself fast asleep beside me. I havnt been sleeping well lately, and have now come down with a sore throat and cold, so thought what better time to write a little update about my pregnancy...?! 

I am currently in my 32nd week of pregnancy, and can say things have been going pretty smoothly of late... Which I am so thankful for. After a bumpy start, with 20 weeks of severe morning sickness, I thought I would never get to the point where I felt well and healthy again. 

After finding out we are having a boy, we had an amazing holiday in Marbella, the first place we went to when we met! It was so lovely to have some quality time together before our little bundle arrives. I think it is very important to make sure to enjoy every second of times like that, as they may be few and far between when we have a energetic little man to look after!! Although suffering with sciatica while we were in Marbella, I was waited on hand and foot by Paul, and couldn't have felt more content and happy. All we could do was talk about the future and our plans for our new little family. Definitely a holiday to remember!! 

Since coming home from holidays, I have been so busy working, that the weeks have just been rolling into one. Between full time work as a personal shopper, and spending every other spare second working on my blog, it's safe to say I am exhausted by the end of each day, although I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Having sciatica and working in a job where you are on your feet and running around all day, every day is not a good combination, but after two spiritual healing sessions, my baby moved off the sciatic nerve and I was instantly relieved of the pain in my hip and leg. Anyone who is suffering from sciatica should definitely give it a try. It is no harm to the baby, and worked wonders for me. I went from limping around, and being told I would need to be signed off work early, to having virtually no pain at all. For someone like me, who is constantly on the go, I couldn't bare the thoughts of being on bed rest from 27 weeks. 

Symptoms wise, I have had a mixture of the typical things to expect in pregnancy, from heartburn to disturbed sleep. I wake every hour to pee (considering moving my bed into the bathroom!) and get an average of 4 full hours sleep a night. Suprisingly, it hasn't affected my day too much, and I am slowly learning to adjust to the lack of rest. Just as well, considering this little guy seems to be a night owl, waking up every night to kick the life out of my poor ribs! I get quite breathless now, especially when I overdo it in work or at home, but nothing a quick two minute rest can't fix. My hair and skin have really been behaving, feeling healthier and glowing every day! I have gained roughly about 10-11lbs so far, but am trying not to get hung up on the figures, as I know I have not been over eating. My only craving has been milk, and I'm talking lots of it!! I never drank milk before, only in my tea or on cereal, but lately I cannot get enough of it... This baby must be craving calcium!

I have had all my recent check ups, and baby seems to be doing great. At my last  check up with my GP, he could tell me his head was low and his little legs and feet were up at my ribs, which explains the breathlessness and constant kicks. I have another check up in the hospital in two weeks time, when I will be into my 34th week. 

I can honestly say, the third trimester is really flying in, and it is so exciting to think in just a few weeks we will be holding our baby son who we have been so impatient to meet! 

If any of you have any questions about my pregnancy and what I have experienced just let me know. I am no expert, but I can finally say I am enjoying being pregnant and embracing my growing bump. I think because I started out so sick, I thought this day would never come. But hopefully, if you are having a tough time with morning sickness, you will get some relief ASAP! 

Lastly, I just want to congratulate my sister Ciara, her husband Justin and my favourite little nephew Ben, on their baby news! They are expecting a new arrival in April, and I am over the moon to be aunty to a fourth little rascal. We are very close, so it's lovely for us to be pregnant at the same time, lots of baby talk and comparing symptoms!! Congrats guys, so happy for you! 

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend everyone... 

Lots of love, 

Rosie

X 

Make Up Focus : Contour and Highlight

Hi Ladies, 

One of the constant requests I have have from my followers, is to tackle the ever popular technique of contouring and highlighting.

There are many ways to do this, with a range of different products, but this is how I like to create the look.

Step 1 -  Make sure to apply your foundation evenly before beginning. This acts as a canvas for the rest of the products.

Step 2 - Take a concealer about two shades lighter than your skin tone. I swap between my Crown Brush concealer palette and MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC20. Using the Real Techniques setting brush, I apply this under my eyes, in a V shape, blending out to the temples. I also apply a little to the centre of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, and above my top lip. Make sure to blend the product out well, to create a natural finish, with no harsh lines. 

Step 3 - I then take Harmony blush from MAC on the contour brush from Real Techniques to begin contouring my face. I start at my ear, and buff downwards towards the apple of my cheek, making sure to only apply product UNDER the cheekbone, in the hollow part of the cheek. Make sure to start lightly and build up the product, as it is always easier to add then it is to take away product.

Step 4 -  I then drag my brush from my ear, up to my hair line, very lightly, to contour the forehead. Again, blending and blending to get a natural finish. I don't contour my jawline, but I know alot of people like this look, so you can add this step in now. 

Step 5 - If you want to make your lips appear fuller, take a small fluffy blending brush and add a little contour to below your bottom lip. This will create the illusion of depth, making your bottom lip appear fuller.

Step 6 - Finally, I like to take MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle, on a angled brush, and apply this to the tops of my cheekbones, bridge of my nose, cupids bow and slightly in the centre of the forehead. This adds the most beautiful glow to the skin, without being 'glittery'! 

There are plenty of other ways to highlight and contour, but this is my prefared method of choice ;-) 

Happy practicing girls,

Lots of Love,

Rosie 

x

Style File : Winter Coats

Hi again Ladies,

So there is no denying that Winter is slowly but surely creeping up on us. Gone are the bright mornings, and sunny evenings. And now with some of the leading stores already setting up their Xmas shops, it is time to get into the winter spirit, whether you like it or not.

Luckily for me, I am a winter baby, and love this time of year. So what better time to tackle the much needed winter coat than right now. 

As a personal shopper, I have noticed people are starting to ask for help in choosing the right one, and what trends are in this year. To be honest, I think 80% of the time, winter coats come back around year after year, with the exception of a few "trend focused" coats.

I have listed my top 5 must have's below, with a link to purchase at the end of the post. 

Happy shopping girls…

1. Fashion Fur Coat - Hitting two trends with this one, fur and monochrome. Not for the faint hearted, but paired with a simple outfit, this can be a great statement piece for the cold months ahead.

2. Classic Trench Coat - This is one you will have year after year. The trench coat is a timeless piece to invest in.

3. Cape Coat - I love the tartan print on this, great for adding some interest to a simple outfit!

4. Pastel Love - embrace your inner girly girl, and add a pastel coat to your wardrobe. Great for brightening up a dull day.

5. Camel Long Coat - This is definitely my favourite piece I have seen this season. The colour is so flattering, the length is chic yet practical, and the wrap detail adds plenty of movement. 

6. Leather with a twist - For those of you like me, who just swoon at anything leather, this beautiful coat is a great buy. Longer than your classic leather coat, it takes you into the winter months, while still keeping it's edge. I love the maroon colour too, bang on trend! 

1. Asos Faux Fur Mono Stripe Coat 

2. Asos Classic Trench Coat

3. Zara Checked Wool Cape

4. Asos Pastel Pink Slouchy Coat

5. Zara Long Camel 

6. River Island Leather Trench

Any more questions, please comment below!

Lots of Love,

Rosie 

x

Make Up Focus : Eyebrow Tutorial

Hi Ladies,

Recently, I have had a lot of questions about my eyebrows, and how I achieve my look. 

I have decided to do a step by step of how I do my brows, and what product's I use.

Like all of us, I have had my fair share of eyebrow disasters, over plucking being the biggest mistake.

I went to town on my brows with a tweezers in my early teens, and am still haunted by any photos I see  of that time, to this day!!

Luckily, I have mastered the art of creating the perfect brow for my face shape, so I will share my tips with you below…

Step 1 - I always do my brows first, before any other make up step. I find I get a better base for creating the over all look once my brows are done.

Step 2 - I use Lingering eyebrow pencil from MAC, and slowly fill in my brows, from the middle of the brow, outwards.

Step 3 - Make sure to use "hair like" strokes, and do not be heavy handed, as otherwise your brows will have too much product and become slightly "scouse" looking!! (Not a good look for anyone!!)

Step 4 - Using a 266 from MAC, I will then drag the product towards the start of my brow, to create a softer finish. feather it upwards, in the direction of the hair growth.

Step 5 - I then move on to the tail of my brow, which I like to be quite sharp. I use the pencil a little heavier here, and make sure to create a clean finish.
(TIP: make sure if you use a pencil, that it is freshly pared and sharp for this)

Step 6 - The next step is the key for creating a HD look. Take a concealer, two shades lighted than your skin tone, with a small angled brush, and outline the brow, top and bottom. This will clean up any product fallout, and create a contrast to the brow.
You can then add a highlight to the brow bone, under the eye brow for an even more dramatic effect.

Step 7 - Always make sure to use an eyebrow brush, and brush out the brows before finishing, I tend to spray a little hairspray on the brush beforehand, to make sure the hairs stay in place all day and night.

I hope this has helped you all, and if you have any further questions please let me know!

Have a lovely Sunday evening ladies,

Lots of Love,

Rosie 

X

Product List : Liner Love

Hi Ladies,

I have been sent a tonne of mails about what products I used to create this look, ever since I posted it last week, so here you are…

1. Face 

- NYX HD Concealer

- Revlon PhotoReady Airbrish Foundation Mousse 

- MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish as my highlighter

- MAC Harmony Blusher as my contour 

- MAC Peaches blusher

2. Brows

- MAC Lingering Eyebrow Pencil

- NYX Corrector Pencil around the edges for HD effect

3. Eyes

- MAC Uninterupted as transitional colour

- MAC Amber Lights on outer and inner corner of lid

- MAC Woodwinked in centre of lid

- MAC Swiss Chocolate on outer corner upper and lower lashline for depth

- Maybelline Master Precise black liner

 - Ardell Demi Wispies lashes

4. Lips

- MAC Whirl lip liner

- NYX lipstick in Pure Nude

I hope this helps girls, and if you recreate this look, please tag me in it!

Lots of Love,

Rosie
x

Style File : 17 Piece Capsule Autumn Wardrobe

Hi again Ladies,

I hope everyone is enjoying this October weather as much as I am…It is, hands down, my favourite month!

I have had many emails asking what I would suggest as my "must haves" for this season. Working as a Personal Shopper also means I am creating capsule wardrobes for my clients on a daily basis, so it is something I have become quite good at narrowing down. 

My top 17 picks are - 

1. Black / Blue Jeans 

My preference is a skinny fit, with as many rips as possible (Just a personal style of mine!)

2. Leather Trousers / Legging

These add texture to your wardrobe. Layer with a chunky knit and flat boots, or glam up with a killer heel for two great looks.

3. Staple Skirt

My go to would be a leather pencil skirt, but you can choose a midi, or A line, whichever you feel suits your shape better.

4. Basic Long Sleeve Turtleneck

Turtlenecks or Polo's have come back with a bang this season. Grab a few plain coloured ones to layer under gilets and other knitwear pieces.

5. Loose FIt White Tee

This goes without saying, every season needs one. I chose them a little oversized, to add some movement to an outfit.

6. Check Shirt

I have a slight obsession with plaid shirts, and add them to nearly every outfit lately. You can wear them open with a tank top underneath, closed and buttoned up for a smarter look, or tied around the waist for an edgier, street style vibe.

7. Chunky Knit 

As the temperatures drop, there is nothing better than slinging a chunky knitted cardigan over your shoulders. Choose a medium to long length, for an extra stylish look.

8. LBD

Whats a capsule wardrobe without a little black dress? To spice it up, choose one with a little something extra to it, like a backless dress, or asymmetric hem, to add drama.

9. Leather Jacket

This also goes without saying, a good leather jacket is an absolute must in every wardrobe, and will take you through season after season. Whether its a soft buttery leather with waterfall front for the elegant lady, or a structured, heavier leather with lots of strong hardware for braver woman out there, you will wear this with EVERYTHING!

10. Duster Coat / Trench Coat

A huge it this season, and a great transitional piece, before you jump into your heavy winter coat. Opt for a neutral tone, like black or beige to get the most wear out of this layering piece.

11. Gilet

It can be fur, leather, or even knitwear gilet, but all three will become a staple for layering up in Autumn. Fur gilet's can be layered over a basic polo on mild days, or over your leather jacket on the cooler days ahead.

12. Chelsea Boot

Anyone that knows me, will know I CANNOT be without these. I have many different chelsea boots, but always seem to go back to my favourite tan leather pair. Invest in a well made boot, with genuine leather, and they will be good to you, season after season. 

13. High Heeled Ankle Boot

Fancy heading out, but don't want to punish yourself in killer heels? A good pair of high ankle boots teamed with a skinny jean can look just as chic, and are a much more practical option for those of you who like their comforts! 

13. Trainers / Slip on's

Whether it is a fresh pair of Converse, or a animal print slip on trainer, this casual shoe is your 'go to" for the Autumn months. They are the best way to add a stylish edge to a somewhat casual look, and super comfortable too…What's not to like?! 

15. HATS!!!

Ok, so this is coming from someone who gets an absolute pleasure out of buying hats, but what is an Autumn wardrobe without a pretty Fedora or even a wooly beanie hat. I have a whole collection of Fedoras, and they are perfect for those days when your hair just doesn't want to behave. Or for us blondes out there, when your root is just a little too "there" for your liking!! 

16. Oversized Scarf

Another key piece, and a great way of adding a pop of colour to a basic look. 

17. Sunglasses

Ok, so these are technically not in your wardrobe, but what makes an outfit more chic than a great pair of sunnies, on these bright cold mornings…?! Plus, its a great excuse to cut out the eye make up if you are stuck for time or if you have had a late night the night before!! 

Thanks for reading Ladies, 

Lots of Love,

Rosie 

x

Beauty Review : Alice In Beautyland

Hi Ladies,

Last week, the beautiful Laura from Alice In Beautyland salon kindly invited me to try out some of the treatments on offer in her new salon.

As I am now 30 weeks pregnant, its safe to say that reaching my toes to file and paint them is pretty much an impossible task. My bump is not that big yet, but it is still a struggle to put socks on..(ohhh the glamour of pregnancy!)

I opted for the Geleration pedicure, which has my feet feeling and looking AMAZING. 

From the mint scrub, to the foot mask, my feet have never felt so soft and supple. I then chose my colour for the gel polish, and had that applied while relaxing in the most beautiful smelling salon EVER! If you are a candle obsessive like me, you will be in heaven here (No smells of nail polish and false tan, perfect for my heightened sense of smell!)

After my feet were looked after, I was then treated to the Luxury Facial. Laura was so considerate of my growing bump, and made sure I was propped up just enough to be comfortable lying on my back. 

She applied a mask, exfoliator, and many other amazing products to my skin, all safe for application during pregnancy. I was so relaxed in the salon, that I almost nodded off, only for the continuous baby kicks keeping me alert! 

My skin has never felt so bright and fresh since having this facial, and I can safely say it will definitely be a regular treatment of mine for the months to come. God know's I will need it, with all the late nights  and early mornings ahead. 

Alice in Beautyland is based in Lucan, and you can contact Laura on Facebook here or on 0851820326 for more information and to make a booking. They have a huge range of treatments available, and all at great prices.

I am looking forward to starting my course of Microdermabrasion with Laura once my little man has arrived..

Have a lovely Sunday evening ladies..

Lots of Love,

Rosie 

x