Slimming World Update #3

I'm into my fourth month of Slimming World, time has certainly flown by since I started back in April. I'd never in million years have thought I'd be doing so well this far down the line. Since I've started the program I've lost 3st 2lbs, this month I've lost 10 pounds which for me is seriously incredible. I couldn't be happier and to be doing so well after three months has motivated me alot to do even better. I think this was my big downfall in other weight loss programs as I just didn't have this at all and only ever lasted a month at most.

Since my last update I've definitely been trying to squeeze in some extra bits of exercise here and there when I can which I haven't done before. Sure I walk everywhere but as my brother told me if your not breaking a sweat your not exercising. I've fixed this now by going out jogging with him on a daily basis, let's just say I'm absolutely wrecked the next day but hopefully it pays off. It's great to have the support of my little brother as I doubt I'd do it on my own otherwise. I haven't started going to the gym yet but after talking to lots of people I'm going to go soon. I think it will add that extra something to the program that I need. As everyone know weight loss does slow down after the first few months so I'm going to have to add something different into my routine shortly. I've been doing a lot of clothes shopping recently, I've been able to get a size smaller which I'm so thrilled about. Even though I've been trying to save over the last few weeks it's become a bit of a fail when it comes to retail therapy, when there's a nice dress I just can't help myself. In exactly a week from today I'm heading to Manchester for nearly two weeks. I'm really excited for my trip and I can't wait. I love Manchester it's such a lovely city, I've been there twice already but there is some things I still want to do and see. I'll be doing a PR Internship for five days while I'm there which will definitely be interesting. I've picked up some new work clothes lately which I love. I may do a few  scheduled outfit posts while I'm away so you can see them of you'd like. For my time off while I'm there I have a couple of exciting bits planned. I'm going to Morrissey on Saturday 28th in the MEN which I can't wait for, it's sure to be a amazing gig. I've been to the arena before for Taylor Swift two years ago and it's such a great venue. I'm also *fingers crossed* going to an Olympic football match in Old Trafford. I'm big into football so this is another thing I'm very excited for. Of course I'm going to be doing a spot of shopping while I'm there seeing as everything is so much cheaper compared to over here. I already have my eye on a few bits in Zara, I'm in love with their shoes so who knows I may treat myself over there. While I'm in Manchester, I will be missing a week of Slimming World which I was kind of worried about but you can book holidays during the year so it wasn't an issue. I haven't missed a class since I started so it will be weird come Tuesday evening I'll probably be thinking I should be somewhere else. I'm sure I'll be fine during the week and hopefully there will be no glitches.

Until the next update:)

Laura<3

Magazine Freebies - August Issue

In Easons during the week I picked up three magazine, Elle, Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar. As I said in my previous magazine post I would never pick up these usually but there were some gorgeous freebies this month. I couldn't let them get away could I?

 In Harper's Bazaar there was a Neom Organic Hand Cream. This was the priciest magazine of the bunch at €6 but I'd heard so many great things about the brand I caved and bought it. There is two scents to choose from, I went for Inspiration Violet, Chamomile & Cedarwood. At first I wasn't too gone on it to be honest but I've gotten use to the scent. It is quite nice but wouldn't be something I'd go out buy after I finish this one. The handcream itself is lovely and sinks into the skin right away, I'll probably bring this on holiday with me and use it up. The lovely Mila Kunis is looking gorgeous as always on the Elle cover. I loved her interview in the magazine it was such a great read.  A St Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturer mini was included with this magazine. At 75ml, it's definitely not too shabby a sample either. I got a full size of this as a gift ages ago and I love it, I've been using it so much over the Summer. As it's a gradual tan, I just pop it on at night before bed and I wake up I have lovely natural glow what more could I ask for? Last but not least I picked up Marie Claire. Whenever I get this magazine I always skip straight to the beauty pages. I have so many I want that moments, I usually end up with a wish list the size of my arm. There was a choice of three Avon mascara with this month's magazine, I went for Super Shock Max which I've yet to try. I hope I made the right decision has anyone tried it? Come to think of it I've hardly ever bought everything from Avon, I need to fix this soon I think.

Have you picked up any of these magazines?

Laura<3

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination to Oily Skin

I''ve never got sucked into the hype surrounding BB cream. Since they first came on the scene I wasn't one of the people who rushed out to the shops to buy one. I like wearing foundation that has a medium to full coverage so I just thought they weren't going to be for me. Don't get me wrong I've seen so many great reviews on them, but one thing always stood out for me there didn't seem to be one catering for girls like myself that have combination/oily skin. I was contacted a while ago and asked did I want to try out a new product from Garnier, I wasn't told at first what it was going to be so I thought why not. At my door arrived their new BB cream that's especially for people with combination/oily skin. I decided one evening after work to give it a go, I wasn't expecting too much but I was so surprised at how great this left my skin looking. I got the lighter shade of the two available and   it's the perfect match for my skin tone. I do have visible pores on my nose, this does diminish the appearance of them slightly so I'm not wary about them as much. Coverage is a big deal for me, it was one of the issues that stopped me from trying BB creams at the start when everyone first went mad for them. Garnier BB cream has fairly decent coverage and is quite buildable also. When applying the product I put two 5 cent coin size amounts on the back of my hand, using my Real Techniques buffing brush I lightly buff this into my skin which gives a gorgeous natural finish. If I have any blemishes I apply a few dots of concealer where needed. I don't usually use powders over the top, only when I want it to last that little bit longer like when I'm going to work for a full day or when it's sweltering out. When I do want it to be long wearing, I use either Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder or Rimmel's Stay Matte, both work amazingly well with it. Of course I use the latter more as it's much more affordable. My favourite blush to use with this is MAC's Pink Tea, it gives a hint of pink to the cheeks perfect for this look. I can see myself rocking this combination all through the Summer, it's so easy to achieve.

Now for the damage the price, €14.99 isn't too bad at all considering I've been using mine so much and it still feels full. I'll be buying this again once I run out simply because I've never used something that feels so light and looks so nice on my skin. I also like how the new packaging as it's makeup bag friendly. The original Garnier BB cream came in a big tube which I guess would be more difficult to carry around and must of taken up so much space.

Do you like BB creams? Will you be trying Garnier's new offering?

Laura<3