LIEBSTER AWARD 2013

Image from Google

So most of you may be wondering what this post is all about... How can I be talking about any award when I've just launched my blog two days ago?

Basically, the Liebster Award is an award for bloggers who have less than 200 followers. In German, 'liebster' means 'beloved', 'kind', 'darling'... I have been nominated by Nicola and Cookies & Something

I think it's such a prized way of promoting emerging bloggers in this mushrooming blogging world.

The rules of the Liebster Award are as follow:

•  Each nominee must link back to the person that nominated them.
• Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
• Nominate 10 other bloggers you like and who have less than 200 followers.
• Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
• Let them know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

My answers to Nicola's questions

1. What was your last purchase? Real Techniques set & individual brushes this afternoon.
2. What's your favourite item of clothing? My Topshop high-waisted floral shorts.
3. What's your favourite type of chocolate? I love all types of chocolate! But I think most fall under the 'milk' category.
4. Why did you start blogging? I have endless thoughts going through my mind which I think would be interesting to share. Also I'm obsessed about anything related to beauty, fashion and lifestyle.
5. One thing you can't live without? Phone, I think.
6. How many pillows do you sleep with? Three.
7. Do you have any phobias? From injections.
8. Favourite designer/brand? High street: Topshop ; High end: Can't decide without buying! But I would probably go for Marc Jacobs.
9. What perfume are you currently using? La Vie Est Belle by Lancome.
10. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? America.

My answers to Shannon's (Cookies & Something) questions

1. What is your favourite thing about blogging? Sharing with others my thoughts and getting feedback.
2. If you could move to any country in the world where would you move to? London.
3. What's your all time favourite perfume? Lancome La Vie Est Belle.
4. Your favourite place to shop. Topshop.
5. Your favourite animal. Cat.
6. What song reminds you of this summer? Get Lucky by Daft Punk.
7. Who's your favourite artist/singer? Radiohead.
8. What career do you want to have when you're older? Fashion stylist.
9. One item that goes everywhere with you. My phone.
10. Who inspired you to start blogging? It all started from Zoella, but I think the main inspiration for my blog was Anna.

My nominees

Simply Drew Anne

This & That by Claire 

Hayerlily 

Forever Styling 

Pixylinan 

Annabelle 

The A Style 

MwahMakeUp
Wandering of Miss Dane 

La Belle Aventure 

Its All Just Rosie

MY questions for you :)

1. Why did you start a blog?
2. Who is your favourite blogger?
3. What is your favourite makeup brand?
4. What is the one piece of makeup you can't live without?
5. What is your dream future career?
6. What is your pet peeve?
7. Which country do you want to travel to next?
8. Which is your favourite season?
9. Name one item on your wish list.
10. What is your winter wardrobe staple?

Food Note: Stuffed Tomatoes

Having been out since this morning, I skipped my usual dinner at around 16:30 and satisfied myself with some packed lunch instead. However, upon arriving home at around 20:00 I was feeling slightly piggish. I refuse to eat a bulky meal in the evening, therefore I prepared a light snack.

Tomatoes filled with ricotta, tuna, onions and parsley

The caption says it all - all I did was remove the tomato seeds and carve the tomato in a cup-shape, then filled them with: ricotta, tuna, onions and parsley. After, I put these two babies under the grill for five minutes.

The filling depends on your preferred choice.

Please excuse my presentation skills. The taste makes up for it. Promise.

Are facials REALLY beneficial for your skin?

Before I start writing this post, I just want to say that by no means am I saying that this happens at all salons, or that it is going to happen to you next time you have a facial. The images below are not mine - they were obtained from the Singaporean blogger's, Juli, personal website, which I will link below.

Juli's pre-facial picture [scroll down]

                              

Back in the day when I used to have facials, I always wondered how my skin benefitted from all the extraction. My spots just didn't seem to heal. Not to mention the redness that swamped my face minutes after exiting the salon. It was when I realised that I had sensitive skin, and that the facials where in no way contributing to my spots, that I stopped making appointments for such treatments.

As I was reading through some blogs a few weeks ago, I came across this post on BunBunMakeupTips. Not only was I horrified, but I also felt sorry for the woman.

Juli's post-facial picture

She only went to get a sponsored facial after all. It seems that Juli's skin adversely reacted to the products used during the treatment. Having battled highly reactive, sensitive skin about five years ago, I know how daunting it can be. It is all about finding a dermatologist whom you can trust (because you find doctors who misdiagnose). And it's okay to get a second opinion if you're still unsure. By time, you build your own skincare regime and learn which products suit your skin.

If you have highly reactive, acne-prone, or just sensitive skin:

1. Seek a dermatologist's advice. If s/he prescribes you medicated facial/skin products, STICK TO THEM.
2. Steer away from fancy products which you buy just for the sake of their brand name.
3. Check the ingredients. Yes, this can be a humdrum, but it's good to know what constitutes the products you are slapping on your face.
4. Holding on with the ingredients' note, avoid brands containing parabens (I'm planning an entire paraben-related post).
5. Explore organic brands, which are known for their natural ingredients. I did an entire post regarding one of these brands a while ago.
6. Know your skin type! 
7. Don't be tempted by offers or samples. If they're not quite right for you, pass them on to someone else.

If you do treat yourself to a facial and find that it works in your favour, please carry on. There are some highly trustworthy beauty therapists out there.

You should know that facial conditions do clear up, if not exceptionally severe. I'm just not so sure whether it's through the extraction track.

Back 2 School Wish List

Finally it's that time of the year again! And I say 'finally' because I have always been a school girl at heart, secretly eager for the new scholastic year to start.

Whether you are progressing from secondary school to college, or from college to university, you can't help experiencing that liberating feeling of not having to wear those frumpy uniforms. Ever again. A portion of my excitement involves compiling a new wardrobe for the coming months.

1. Asos Aran Cream Jumper - €49.95

Jumpers make me love the colder seasons even more. And what better colour to have in your collection if not cream. Versatile; Goes with everything; Smart. Check. A wardrobe staple.

2. Asos High Waist Denim Tube Pants in Indigo - €39.04

For the lazy days, denim pants immediately smarten up your look in an effortless way. I would recommend going for darker shades, especially for winter.

3. Dr Martens Chelsea Boots in Burgundy - €143.14

A bit on the pricey side, these boots are sure to see you through the roughest winters. Personally, a durable pair of of boots are a winter investment. But if you're on a tight budget, various brands do cheaper versions. Sorted. Meanwhile... Dr Martens I'm watching you.

4. Accessorize Phantom Digital Floral Stole - €29.90

There's nothing better than a floral scarf to brighten up those dull, rainy days. Accessorize do the best vibrant ones.

5. Asos Satchel Bag with Scallop Bar Detail - €39.04

A school-bag with a twist - the scallop details makes it too witty to resist. Why so serious?

6. Rouge Bunny Colour Burst Lipstick in Raw Silence - €24.40

Don't forget a warm lip colour to pull your entire outfit together.

Food Note: Blueberry Lemon Muffins

  [Image from weheartit.com]

 Ingredients

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup skimmed milk (alternative: almond or coconut milk)
1 egg, beaten
60ml vegetable oil
60ml honey
1 cup natural bran
¼ cup whole-wheat flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour  

73g brown sugar
½ teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup blueberries (preferably fresh)
dash of cinnamon (optional)

In a bowl, stir the lemon juice into the milk - let it stand for 1 minute to sour.

Stir in the egg, oil and honey.

In a large, separate bowl add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the milk-lemon mixture. Mix until combined.

Spoon into non-stick (or paper-lined) muffin tins.

Bake in a 375 degree temperature for 20 minutes, or until firm to touch.

Makes 12 muffins

Love for Pai

Thanks to procrastination during exams time, I discovered the skincare brand, Pai, by poring over various beauty blogs. Having sensitive skin, I always get excited when I stumble upon an organic skincare brand.

However, I still did not risk purchasing full-sized products to try out. Luckily, Pai offer a sampling set, generously containing six of their products, together with a muslin cloth at just € 6.00. How great is that?!

Trial pack includes:

x1 5ml Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin.

x1 5ml Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream for Hypersensitive & Redness Prone Skin.

x1 5ml Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream for Combination and Oily Sensitive Skin.

x1 5ml Macadamia & Rose BioRejuvenate Cream for Age-Prone Skin.

x1 5ml Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.

x1 4ml Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator.

FREE Muslin Cloth (RRP €5)

I ordered mine straight away and received it after 2 working days. I tested all of the samples, except for the Macadamia & Rose Dry Skin Cream, which I'm saving for winter.

Particularly, I was swept away by the Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream. I had to go ahead and order the full size product. My skin had never felt so oil-balanced. It is the most non-greasy, hydrating cream which I have ever used, making it the perfect summer moisturiser and make up base.

The Geranium oil is known to have a calming effect, helping to avoid irritation and redness on the skin. Thistle, on the other hand, contains Omega 6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body, and are known to have skin benefits, reducing the appearance of large pores and mattifying the skin.

Avoid the bake with SPFs

As much as most of us crave that golden bronzed tan, we all know the importance of SPF. It protects us against UV radiation - the main culprit for ageing. I bet no one wants leathery skin at any age. Well, that's what you will have if you don't slap on enough suncream! That's right. A tan doesn't sound so appealing now, does it?