I'd like to think my lovely thin MacBook Air is part of my home, and therefore part of my home decor. I was thinking of getting a decal sticker for a while but never really found ones I liked, until I stumbled upon a website called CaseApp...they have the most beautiful designs from crystals, to clouds and trees. I chose this really cool marble effect sticker to protect my MacBook from scratches and damage.
It's really easy to apply as it's quite thick, and it comes off easily, too without damaging the computer or leaving any sticky residue. The sticker is really thick and of great quality, and has so far stayed on really well.
Scroll to the bottom to see where you can buy your own...I would just advise that when applying, you start by aligning the sticker around the apple sign in the middle, and then slowly cover the rest area by area rather than all at once...use a credit card to make sure there are no bubbles. Do this carefully as you won't be able to reapply.
You can get it on these websites:
Case App (I bought mine pre-made but you can make your own with this company. They also do covers for all other gadgets!)
I have a fairly simple daily make-up routine...I get ready within half an hour and applying make-up only takes about 10 minutes max. I prefer to keep this really low maintanance, but also have that naturally tanned look with one strong feature such as the eyes or lips. Sometimes I apply a darker lipstick, or smokey eyes which obviously takes a little longer, but my usual daytime routine is a lot simpler with the usual products you would expect.
Over time, and as I have gradually been able to afford better quality brands, I have learned what I like and have been able to test out a lot of different products. Some of these are a little pricey, but are well worth it and last longer than 2 months. I find it better to invest into good quality make-up which in return means I will buy it less often, and so the costs work out about the same. Here are my favourites which I use every day...
The Body Shop blusher is great, but I wish it came in better packaging as it's really hard to hold sometimes...I apply this over my bronzer, and add extra on the bottom/inside of my cheeks.
I've never been into lipsticks until I got a little bit older, and my go-to shades are dark purple, dark red and shiny nudes. I mostly wear nude during the day and let the bronzer and eyeliner talk, and then I wear the darker shades in the evening or nights out to turn it up a notch with my usually simple outfits.
I've been using Diorshow for years - it really elongates my lashes and this new-ish curved brush with the Overcurl mascara is perfect.
A good brush makes a huge difference, I've only come to terms with this after years of denial because I didn't want to spend a lot of money on brushes. Once I started using this one from Body Shop I understood why they are so important...the distribution of the blush or bronzer is so much better, more even and lasts longer. I have yet to invest into a powder and foundation brush but they are next on my list!
This is my most recent purchase - the highlighting powder in Albatross by Nars. It has a lovely subtle golden shine when applied, and it looks really nice on top of my mostly matte make-up. I apply it under the eyes, on my forehead, above my lip and all over my nose!
My friend Sam has always been raving on about Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. Every time I walked past I thought the place looked rather intimidating, and somewhere where older gentlemen went to have fancy whisky! Not sure where this presumption came from but it probably had something to do with the gold themed exteriors and great-gatsby-esque decor!
Anyway, I decided to book dinner here after hearing a few other people had loved it.
I dressed up in my finest even though it was a Monday, and slicked my hair back due to a bad hair day! I love this dress and have had it for a few years, it always comes in handy for occasions like these.
The restaurant has cute little (but spacious) booths that look like train booths, and every booth has a clever little 'press for champagne' button!
The crystal glasses were so beautiful I wanted to steal them
The walls were adorned with intriguing portraits and unique one of a kind wallpaper...if you only look at the surrounding walls you'd have a feeling like you were in someone's old vintage home...
AMBIANCE *****
Bob Bob Ricard is a restaurant with an English and Russian menu, with mostly Russian staff. It's probably a little strange that they have this mix, as the decor and ambiance to me was more reminiscent of 1920's American glamour. The details all around were beautiful to explore, with old Victorian portraits, bespoke patterned wallpaper, marble tables, curtains next to every booth, and gold tones and brass well, everywhere! They definitely spared no cash when building this place. Although it looks like a playground for the richest, there was a mix of restaurant goers there including people just having cocktails at the bar, and the overall ambiance was warm and enjoyable.
SERVICE *****
As we entered Bob Bob Ricard, we were greeted by a friendly doorman, and a hostess at a reception area where our jackets were taken. They then took us to our booth, and made sure we had something to drink straight away. I have to mention that a few people have said the service here is not great, and I had a very different experience. The service was impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive, and the food came quickly.
OK I couldn't resist!
DRINKS *****
I'm not a wine connoisseur but Bob Bob Ricard claim they are known for the best value fine wine and champagne list in the UK. We opted for a signature cocktail which was great, and a couple of other drinks during the meal. They had a vast choice of drinks and am sure there was something for everyone on the menu so thumbs up.
The sides we ordered with our beef Wellington were soft mashed potato and mashed peas
The gravy perfectly complimented the beef
FOOD ****
For our starter we had the Waldorf salad (image above) which had bits of endive, celery, apple, grapes, radish and roquefort cheese, and was served with honey dressing. The cheese was a little overpowering but we survived.
The best part was the main - we opted for the beef Wellington for two, 48 day aged, which took 45minutes to be made. Every minute of the wait was worth it, as this beauty was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. The scotch beef was cooked to perfection (medium rare) and wrapped in pancake and pastry but was so, so soft. The whole thing was very filling and I wish I had space to eat the whole thing!
One thing I didn't really like was the amount of blue cheese on the starter, and the general look of the plates. I felt that for the atmosphere, style and price of the restaurant, the plates were a little on the cheap side, surprisingly. Something else that bothered me was the fact that there was foie gras in the beef wellington, but this was not mentioned on the menu. I was a little upset that I had just eaten that without knowing, even though I was actively trying to avoid ever eating it.
For dessert I chose the Bob Bob Ricard Signature Chocolate Glory - I love a dessert that entertains! It was pretty cool - the waitress delivered a shiny gold ball next to a few raspberries and gold leaf flakes on to the table...she then poured hot dark chocolate on top and voila - the ball opened to reveal bits of chocolate brownie, mousse, meringue and passionfruit orange jelly. As you can see below, it was pretty damn good as I polished that plate!!!
Bob Bob Ricard also has a stunning Club Room where you can dine in an even more extravagant, intimate atmosphere with entertainment near you. You can book via the website but you will need a minimum of 4 guests in your party to book here.
A meal for two at the restaurant with two drinks each, bread, one starter, two sides and desserts costs around £200
I recently randomly discovered the wonderful food art by Lauren Purnell, who loves to play with her food. Her creations are so cool! Check some of them out below and on her website.
A while ago I had run out of eye make up remover, and I just grabbed the next cheapest thing that I saw on the Boots shelves as I was in a hurry at the airport. I had no idea that Simple would then become my go-to brand for almost my entire basic skincare routine today!
The Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover (RRP £3.49) is just like it says on the cover...simple. The thing is, it works better than any other designer brand remover I have personally used in the past...including Dior and Garnier. It cleans any make up off the eyes quickly and efficiently, but without stinging or smudging which is the common problem I found with a lot of other brands. It is also gentle enough to use on the eye, but effective enough so that you don't actually need to apply too much pressure when using it. Perfection.
I was then sent the Purifying Cleansing Lotion (RRP £3.29) and Deep Cleansing Face Mask (RRP £3.99)to try out, and was just as impressed. The cleansing gel was very effective and I didn't need a lot of it to get my make-up off - just one cotton pad. This meant that the bottle has lasted me a good few months, whereas all the other lotions go a little quicker.
Like with all Simple products, what I love the most is that they are perfect for my sensitive skin. I think everyone should be careful with that they use on their face, and I also think that you don't need to spend a lot on the basics. These products are perfect for taking all my make-up off gently, with no stinging, and I know it all comes off without causing any strain or adding chemicals to my skin. I then use the No7 Protect & Perfect Anti Ageing Night Cream (RRP £23) as this is one of the scientifically proven products to work against wrinkles. I'm still only 25 but the earlier we start the better in my opinion!
Next I tried the Revitalising Eye Roll-On (RRP £5.49). I was a little sceptical about this as I have seen a lot of them on the shelves but never really believed that they work. How is a bit of cold liquid meant to wake up my tired eyes?? Thing is, it didn't necessarily do this but it did help with the puffiness, and it definitely helped my eyes open up a little more if they were tired or heavy. The roll-on created a slight cooling sensation as well as a tightening of the skin. It certainly isn't a miracle worked but it helps a little!
I'm now off to buy the Toner as I am completely hooked on all the Simple products so far!
