Flash Your Yellow Stitches

Dr. Martens’ are a staple of Mine and Beardy's wardrobe. 

Comfortable and quirky these statement pieces are always on our feet.

        

Nearly every shopping trip we end up in our local store to see what they have recently added for us to dream of wearing one day. With the classic yellow stitching and wide range of 'Originals' all the way to the new line featuring the incredible 'Adventure Time' brand, there is something to suite every foot. 

       

They not onlyenhance our own individual style but help share a united spirit that Dr Marten's stands for:

A proud sense of self- expression. 

And 

People who are different....Well if the shoe fits. 

      

The simple silhouette allows any wearer to adopt the boots and shoes as part of their own individual style. 

     

Famous for their durability and comfort Dr Marten's are ideal for the world of work, gigs and street fashion, but on a more personal and somewhat emotional note, they are a badge of attitude, empowerment and style that is very close to our hearts. 

     

1461 Smooth £95 

      

1460 Forlife £165

      

101 Smooth £100 cherry red 

     

www.drmartens.com

Sarah Chapman

When I moved to the capital I loved the fact I lived just down the road from one of my favourite beauty havens....Space NK. 

It was on one of my, probably too frequent visits, that I came across one of the most beautiful skin care ranges that I now can't live with out. 

Sarah Chapman Skinesis. 

         

Loved by A list celebrities, beauty editors and myself, Sarah Chapman’s range has become the ultimate choice for those pursuing perfect skin.

Now I haven't been fortunate enough to try the whole dreamy range, but luckily for me, and down to my incredible parents, for my birthday this year I got three of my all time favourite products. 

Ultimate Cleanse 

       

£40

This incredibly soft balm melts into your pores and transforms into a silky milk which removes all the pollution and daily grime leaving you with clean, fresh, glowing skin. I love that this product is described as a 'delicious soufflé' as I couldn't agree more. Working deep into the pores to lift out impurities, remove make-up and even waterproof mascara. That's right this soft calming product can even remove the toughest of cosmetics, whilst gently exfoliating to help prevent pore clogging, truly an end of the day treat. 

How to use: 

One pump goes a long way! Massage into dry skin in an upward circular motion, allowing the balm to melt into pores, trust me this feels incredible. Add water and emulsify to create a light milk and wipe away with a wash cloth or with Sarah's Professional Cleansing Mitt and just watch the grime of the day get washed away. 

Overnight Facial

       

£46 

This multi award-winning skin transforming, night-time elixir has completely changed my night-time routine. 

Applying this sophisticated serum, that has the relaxing subtle scents of rose and jasmine, just before bed is not only calming after a stressful day, but also does wonders whilst you sleep. Dreaming of having perfect skin is a thing of the past with this little wonder bottle. Looking in the mirror in the morning I am greeted with plump, smooth, rejuvenated skin with a signature Skinesis glow.

How to use: 

After cleansing with 'Ultimate Cleanse' Smooth or massage into skin at night and let this award winner work its magic. 

Morning Facial 

     

£46

That's right guys we are dealing with another award winner. This morning wake-up treat is a must. This smooth, silky serum provides long lasting hydration and radiance, which even on the most testing of days results in youthful looking skin. Full of all sorts of goodies to miraculously restore glow to tired, thirsty, stressed-out or ageing skin this bottle of morning joy is a staple of my routine. 

How to use:

Once you've hopped out the shower and your face is a still a little bit wet add a few drops to your skin every morning either on its own or mixed in with your moisturiser for that instant radiant glow. 

Sarah Chapman's range is truly a joy to use and has completely changed how my skin looks and feels. 

I'm sure everyone knows that these little hidden gems can boost the confidence of any girl, especially one who is going through a quarter life crisis. 

I hope to one day visits Sarah's beautiful salon in Chelsea to see what else I can do to maintain this new found glow. 

To find out more visit Sarah's website and don't forget to check out Space NK for more beauty must haves. 

www.sarahchapman.net

www.spacenk.com 

Muscle Food Noodle Mince Bowl

       

Muscle Food Mince 

1 pepper 

1 onion

1 glove of garlic 

Pack of asparagus 

1 tin of chopped tomatoes 

1 stock cube 

Splash Lea and Perrins 

Italian seasonings 

Fresh basil 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Noodles 

Cheese 

       

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

Enjoy!! 

Hair Dilemma

With Summer just around the corner (even if the weather isn't showing it) i'm yet again questioning my barnet. 

Having been this odd or should I say 'natural' tone for a good few months now, i'm getting a bit meh about it. 
Not to mention Facebook's 'on this day' flashing up every now and then with images of when I looked like Aslan with a long golden mane.....siiiiiigh. 

So what to do? Where to go? 

I have to admit it, as much as it pains me, having left my hair well enough alone, we are talking colour, straighteners, curlers, toners etc, it's been in amazing condition. Plus shock horror....its GROWN!! 

Plus the weekly coconut oil treatment has turned into a bit of a me time winner. 

But unfortunately for my locks I am wanting a change. Being this natural mousey blonde just isn't me. I miss being a little bit more colourful. 

Hair for me has always been a focus point. Being one of those girls who loves to wear pretty much black or grey all year round, having a splash of colour on my head makes me feel a million times better. 

Here is where the dilemma hits. 

What colour to go? 

Do I go back to my blonde days? We are talking Holly Willoughby/Kate Upton/Marilyn rolled into one

        

Do I go a bit more natural, maybe just a few highlights around the face? A little Gigi Hadid perhaps

                                   

Do I go vibrant and hit the pastel tones? You know what I mean, when Cara went pastel purple and the internet flipped out. 

                                    

Or do I go all Star Wars on the situation and go to the dark side??......hmmm perhaps not. 

                                  

Decisions decisions decisions. 

Any recommendations for places to go let me know :) 

We have a new addition

I turned 26!! 

It wasn’t that bad guys. As I said in my last post nothing has really changed…well apart from one teeny, tiny, fluffy thing. 

We have a new addition to our little family. 

     

At the end of March we lost our beautiful old boy Figaro. I can’t lie, I was devastated. Having gotten him on my 10^th birthday I had pretty much grown up with this fluffy tabby. Through the dreaded school days, the chubby times and the heart breaks he was always there for a cuddle. He was 16 and had an amazing life full of love and cuddles, but we all knew, including him, he was ready to go to that big Cat Nip filled cloud in the sky. 

      

Having cried an awful lot and both Beardy and myself feeling like something was missing from our home, on Friday 29^th April I had a huge surprise for my upcoming birthday. 

This 10 week old bundle of fluff was plonked in my lap by Beardy!! 

      

I would like to introduce Einstein the Grey and White British Long Hair. 

      

Just look at his little face. 

      

We couldn’t be more thrilled with this little dude. He is already turning into a right little character. He will never replace Figlet who was just incredible, but he has opened up a brand new chapter in our lives and we love him to bits because of it. 

Welcome to the family little man. 

     

Another Step Closer to 30

So the BIG Twenty Six is just around the corner, 13 days to be exact, and in all honesty I don’t really know how to feel.

       

Turning 26 is a pretty big milestone, well saying that I guess its not one of those highly celebrated numbers, but for me, 26 is one that I have somewhat been apprehensive about...almost to the point of dreading. 

Once you reach 26 you are no longer allowed to say, 'I'm in my early 20’s', I mean blimey 4 more years and I’ll be 30!!! How did that happen?!

Whilst trying to get my head round that fact I realised that age is just a number. 

Why am I worrying? 

On the morning of Tuesday 3^rd May I will be no different. 

Physically I will still be a little bit chubby. 

Mentally I will still be a little bit childish. 

                                  

                                                 

And I find it very unlikely I will wake up knowing where my life is going...trust me if I do I will let you know.   

So what is the plan to make the most of this next step closer to being 30? 

Let’s stress less! 

25 was a very stressful year. I’m pretty sure I have acquired several stress lines (face and stretch) from this milestone age. I’ll be whipping out the yoga mat, lighting a few more 'de-stress' candles and to be honest not giving so much of a monkeys about other peoples dramas. Work, Bills and Debts I’ll pop in a little bag at the back of my mind and focus on having fun! 

       

Ditch the podge! 

Well, I am extremely excited about this. I have recently really kicked myself up the bum (sounds like an interesting position) but yeah...I have dropped just over a stone and I couldn’t be happier. Bike every night, no crappy crap and nearly 4 litres of water a day! We are on the right path people. It is just continuing with it. Fingers crossed slightly skinnier Suze is making a come back! 

                                       

                                                                   (And yes that is me) 

Adventure Time…com’on grab your friends!! Blimey I love that programme!

I need some adventuring back in my life. This time last year Beardy and I were travelling around the world and it was incredible!! I think mini adventures are needed to release my inner Fin and Jake. Amsterdam? Berlin? Paris? Who knows…Any ideas guys chuck them my way. 

       

Even though 26 is still a terrifying number and I guess I’m still not fully ready for it, I can’t help but feel if I face it with the right mind set and positive vibe....then sod it! A number is a number. 

Let’s fill this 26^th year with as many memories and fun times as possible. 

The 5 struggles of an average girl in Spring

1. Bare Legs Are Back 

The struggle is real my ewok sisters. With Spring very clearly on our doorstep, it’s time to get those pins out of their warm winter coats and stripped bare. Whether you wax, shave, cream or epilate (ouch) we need to start the prep so we are summer smooth ready. But be careful, a cut or rashy leg is never a winner.   

      

2.  Lighter Nights

Now I love this time of year. Where the sun stays out that little bit longer, the drinks flow a few hours more and the random gatherings go on well into the night. But this is also a curse. A casual after work drink on a Tuesday can go on until way pass my bedtime, which results in a grumpy Suze on a Wednesday morning. But Hey its Spring who cares! 

       

3. Spring Wardrobe

Chunky jumpers, warm cosy snoods, layers layers layers are no more. This upsets me greatly. Being a curvy lass in every which way the spring wardrobe can give me sleepless nights. 

Flowy skirts? Strappy tops? Possible shorts??? Oh hell no! The Fear! 

4. Spring Body Ready? 

This is pretty much a carry on from number 3. Even though we are very much on the right track to getting the slim Suze back, we are still carrying a bit of winter chubbage. Oh how I regret that extra mince pie, and that wonderful, oozy garlic and rosemary camembert with rustic bread…..who am I kidding it was great. However, flicking through a few magazines and scanning over some beautiful blogs, perhaps it’s time to get full on focused on the exercise front and prepare to bloom in spring.

       

5. Spring Clean 

Rubber gloves at the ready! We all have that one cupboard, draw or in our case flat, that is in need of a little decluttering. Now I will be the first to admit I’m a bit or a hoarder. Throwing nick nacks away is never something at the top of my ‘to do list’. Perhaps though it’s time to make some space, clear out the crap and see if we can make a few quid in the process. What’s the saying? 

Clear Space Clear Mind?...or something like that.  

Come on then Spring! Let’s be having you.  

Going Grey

No this isn’t a stress related issue. 

I have tried so many different ways to get that lush grey colour but failed every time. 

We are talking Purple Shampoos, Toners and Temp colours that vanish at the mention of water. 

Nothing seems to work. 

I’ve seen on Instagram and Youtube this new range called Colour Freedom Metallic Glory that is actually a permanent grey colour range for all hair types.

So I went to my local SuperDrug but low and beyond they were sold out in the colour Silver Grey!! Typical, I find a colour that could actually cure my non grey hair woes and I can’t get my mitts on it. 

I went online to see if I could get it that way, but to my horror the words ‘OUT OF STOCK’ were mocking me for weeks! 

It wasn’t until last week I got a nudge email say it was back in stock, so I jumped at the chance and ordered a batch!! 

       

Right so let’s talk about my hair. 

Recently, as you guys know, it’s been bugging me like an itch you can't scratch, or an eyelash in your eye, or some other bug bare that I can’t think of right now, but you get the gist. 

Having been a platinum blonde for most of my life, to then going travelling and letting my natural mane come through, recently that novelty has worn off and I’ve become ‘Meh’ about my natural locks. 

       

So I gave this a whirl.

I emptied the tube of colour and the developer into a tint bowl. 

       

The colour had a slight blue tint to it which I can't lie, freaked me out a little. 

       

       

After sectioning my hair into quarters I applied it over my head starting from the roots and working towards the ends. 

Almost instantly the colour started to develop so I asked beardy for a hand. 

When my hair was completely covered (which took about 10/15 mins) I left it it a further 5 and I kept checking the ends. 

When I was finally cooked I rinsed and conditioned with the little sachet that comes with the kit. 

And here are the results 

    

             

The ends are little more Bluey than I would have liked, but at least it's more of a solid grey tone than the wishy washy style i'm used to. To be honest I'm a fan. 

My advice would be to get someone to do it for you as this stuff develops quickly. 

It recommends you leave it on for 25 mins after application, but I think if I'd done that it would have been ocean blue all over...and as much as I love Marge Simpson I don't really fancy rocking her look. 

Out of 10....hmm id go with a 7. It's a great even colour, though slightly darker (with a bit more blue thrown in) but hey I actually now have grey hair. 

For an at home colour it's brilliant, but just be careful not to let it over develop. 

If you are unsure ask your hairdresser for advice or do a sample patch test before fully committing. 

Lets work the granny look.