Saturday 28 December 2013

New Year, New You!

Hi ladies,

Now that Christmas is almost over (I say almost because I am refusing to let go just yet, admitting its over means I'll have to take off my onesie and stop having chocolate for breakfast and I need at least one more day) its time to start thinking about 2014 and all that it can bring with it.

(Image: www.mnn.com)

Many people will begin to reflect on the closing year and start to think about all the things they wish they could go back and do differently or they choose to think about what the past year has taught them and what they would like to change about themselves for next year, usually involving losing weight, giving up smoking, getting a new job etc. but for me, I think a little differently; I prefer to think about what I can take on in the new year, rather than what I can give up.

I will turn 22 in February 2014 and although I know 22 is not old, I recently had a bit of a panic about my upcoming birthday. I know most people reading that last sentence will probably laugh and if they're older than me will probably be thinking 'Oh wait until you turn 25 or 30 or whatever age said reader is' but for me its not about being 22 that scares me, its that my whole life I couldn't wait to be 21. I knew that I would have finished college by the time I turned 21 and had dreamed that 21 would be my adventure year. I had hoped that 2013 would be filled with travelling, finding my dream job and really achieving something and as I started to reflect, I realized that I hadn't done any of those things, which then got me thinking.

(Image: www.zazzle.com)

I am a firm believer in the bucket list. I think it is much more positive and more likely to be a successful new years resolution if you choose to take on or try something new rather than trying to give up something. This time last year I made my very own bucket list, which I lost and can't remember what was on it but this year will be different; this year my two best friends and I have made a joint 2014 bucket list.


We decided that we would each choose 4 new activities, make a list of the final 12 things and made a pact to do one thing from the list each month. We each went away and began googling bucket lists and things to do before you die and came up with all sorts of ideas from crashing a wedding to swimming with sharks, but we tried to keep the list as feasible as possible and we have yet to decide what order we will do them but here is our final list:


(Image: www.jaimeemorse.com)

1. Walk to the top of Mt.Brandon 
2. To jump off the top of a waterfall
3. To do something for charity
4. To visit the Cliffs of Moher
5. Kayaking
6. To do the Electric Run in Dublin
7. Get a map of Europe, choose a destination blindfolded and travel there for 2/3 days.
8. Go to a musical
9.  Hot Air Balloon
10. Go glamping
11. Water Zorbing
12. Be extras on a film or TV show for a day

Now I know lots of you will be thinking parts of our list aren't very exciting or maybe you've already done most of it, but bucket lists are very personal, and will be very different for each person. We just wanted to make sure that by this time next year, we can look back and enjoy the memories we made trying these new things, and who knows, maybe it will become an annual tradition for us! Seeing as none of us are overly flush with cash these days, we've also decided to choose something luxurious that we really want, like expensive make up or shoes (I'm choosing a pair of Louboutins) and we are saving a small amount each week so that in one year's time we can each buy our luxury item!

(Image: www.ladyrika.wordpress.com)

I can't wait to start our 2014 adventures but I have also made a list of some personal things I would like to achieve such as paying off my debts, passing my full license driving test, developing the blog, spending more time with my family and friends, reading more, taking more photos and things like that. 
One major thing I wish to do in 2014 is to live more! We spend so much of our lives working and cleaning and doing all those grown up things that we sometimes forget to just live, have a duvet day, a water fight, get outside and get some fresh air, go to more concerts, go to the beach, make a fort with your kids or nieces/nephews, bake! The lists are endless, but just remember that life is for living!

(Image: www.mountainemeadows.com)

This post is a bit different to what we usually do here at Recessionista Styling, especially since it isn't fashion or beauty related, but we have exciting news, in 2014 we will be launching a brand new website, new name, and new format and we will be expanding the scope of the blog to include lifestyle pieces as well as lots more fashion, beauty and hair posts too! 

I will be writing a post about each of our experiences as we do them throughout the year!

We can't wait to finally share our new logo and new website with you, it has taken a lot longer than we originally thought but we're just happy to be so close to the launch!

Thank you for your continued support throughout 2013, we wish you all the best for the New Year!



Megan
Recessionista HQ
xxx





Monday 2 December 2013

Have a Beauty-Full Christmas




Hi Girlies!




Eeek! We are into December now and the official countdown for Christmas has started! Yayyy I'm so excited! But...if you're anything like me then you probably still have gifts to buy? If you're stuck for ideas then hopefully I can help? I have made a list of what I think are the top ten beauty buys this Christmas. Most of them are under €100 too!



#1
Benefit - Best of Benefit, you're my number one.
This set contains six mini versions of Benefits best selling products. Its perfect for when you know someone uses the brand but you're not sure which products they use, and it would also be a brilliantly cost effective way to treat yourself to trying these products out!














Set contains:
Mini Porefessional (Primer) 7.5ml
They’re Real Mini (Mascara) 4.0g
Mini Hoola (Bronzer) 3.0g
Mini Benetint (Cheek tint) 4.0ml
Mini boiing (Concealer) 01 & 02 2x 1.5g
Mini Highbeam (Highlighter) 4.0ml



Price: €29.50
Available from www.boots.ie



#2
Bobbi Brown - Twilight Pink Lip and Eye Palette (Limited Edition)
This palette is amazing for any one of any age. The ten eyeshadow shades are a gorgeous mix of matte and shimmer colours that will take you from "dawn-to-dusk" and also four lip shades to compliment these eye shadows. Its a fantastic little set that would make a perfect Christmas present!



Price: €67.50
Available from Brown Thomas



#3
Elizabeth Arden - Untold (Eau De Parfum)
This is a luxurious and modern, floral and sensual fragrance. Something new to the Elizabeth Arden line and suitable for any woman who would love a slightly woody, musky, warm and fruity fragrance . You can mostly smell the patchouli as the base note from this and its really lovely and different. People will compliment you when you wear this fragrance!




Price: €90 for 100ml (various sizes available)
Available from Debenhams



#4
Clarins - The Essential Eye Makeup Palette (Limited Edition)
This palette contains 10 amazing mineral eye shadow shades. All very neutral and very complimenting for any eye colour or for any age. I would highly recommend this limited edition product. I even recommend it before Urban Decays naked palette! Its fab and anyone who has used it loves it! Money well spent and the ideal gift for any makeup wearer or even the perfect addiction to a makeup lovers kit!




Price: €42
Available from Debenhams



#5
Lancôme - Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara Set
This set is fab for someone who loves wearing mascara and liner. It contains an eye makeup remover too. It is a perfect stocking filler or Kris Kringle buy!




Set contains.
Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara (Black)
Bi Facial Eye Makeup Remover
Mini Crayon Kohl (Black)



Price: €27
Available from Debenhams



#6
Clarins - Face & Body Getaways Set
This set is great to get for someone when you're not sure what skincare products they use, as it contains a great mix of miniature face and body essentials suitable for all skin types and all ages!



Set contains:
Beauty Flash Balm 50ml
Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 100ml
One Step Gentle Cleanser 75ml
Eye Contour Gel 10ml
Hydra Quench Cream Normal 15ml
Moisture Rich Body Lotion 30ml



Price: €55
Available from Debenhams



#7
Babyliss - Curl Secret
This is the new "must have" in the hair world! It was all about the curling wand but now its this product. It gives free flowing long lasting curls and can be used on long or short hair. I love anything that gets my hair ready in less time so this is definitely going on my list!



Price: €139.99
Available from Mulligans



#8
Bare Minerals - Perfect Ten (Limited Edition)
This set has been compiled using the ten most iconic shades available at Bare Escentuals. This sleek and slim travel size clutch contains eyeshadows lip glosses and cheek colours that are neutral enough to take you through all the seasons. I personally think this is an amazing gift for a friend or family member who is travelling or moving away and can only bring a few makeup essentials. Its perfect for any age.




Set includes:
6 eyeshadow shades-
•One Hit Wonder (Butter Chiffon)1.3g
•Ritzy (Shimmering Cocoa) 1.3g
•So Chic (Shimmering Java) 1.3g
•Promise (Creamy Beige) 1.3g
•Ooh La La (Sugared Mauve) 1.3g
•Keepsake (Sparkling Graphite) 1.3g



2 Blush Shades-
•The Indecent Proposal (Sparkling Plum) 3g
•Luminizer in The Premiere 4.5g



Marvelous MoxieTM Lipstick in Make Your Move (soft neutral pink) 0.8g
Marvelous MoxieTM Lipstick in Stand Out (rosewood) 0.8g
Mini Lip Brush
Mini Double-Ended Blush & Shadow Brush



Price: €46
Available from Debenhams





#9
Opi Nail Lacquer 10 Piece set, Take Ten Mini Kit (Limited Edition)
I love OPI nail polishes! They are long lasting and easy to use. They are very similar to the result you get from a 2-3 week shellac or gelish polish. The polish lasts about 1-2 weeks. I have searched high and low for these in the shops but I think most people buy them online. This set is perfect to take you through any look over the Xmas period.




Price: $17.50/€12.88 (free delivery)
Available from www.Amazon.com



#10
NUXE - Luxury Christmas Gift Set
This is a luxurious boxed gift set containing three of NUXE’s best selling products. This set is perfect for someone who loves luxurious skincare and it's also great pick me up product as it leaves your skin feeling soft and with a radiant glow. The creams are loaded with vitamins A and E, green tea, camomile and cornflower water.
The multi purpose oil contains a unique cocktail of precious plant oils which work together to give you a product that will nourish and repair your body and hair and can be used on all skin and hair types. It also improves the appearance of stretch marks.




Set contains:
Huile Prodigieuse Ltd Edt Oil 50ml
Crème Prodigieuse face cream 40ml
Creme Prodigieuse eye cream  15ml



Price: €36.50
Available from www.cloud10beauty.com





*Don't forget that at this time of year, most cosmetics counters in most department stores can make "tailored to you" hampers. Making life so much easier!



Happy shopping ;)
Sammy xx