Still Here & Hanging On

29/03/2012 By 2 Comments

Gosh! Feels like eon’s since I was in blog world, but it’s only been two weeks since my last post. Where has all the time gone?

Well, I started a new job two weeks ago and it has left me ragged and dog tired! So tired every evening, that blogging has been the last thing I want to do, but funny enough is always on the forefront of my mind. I feel I’ve neglected it. My drafts folder is so long and I hate not having the time to go through it properly and put some posts up.

But I’m sure you all know what the first few weeks of a new job can be like, so much learning to do, new systems, new people etc. All the things that leave you brain tired, but slowly seep into being general tiredness. Although I’m enjoying my new job, I’m vowing to get back to blogging in the next few weeks.

So till then, can I recommend you check out one of my favourite bloggers – Beauty Pulse – a woman in the know!

 

Image from ShabbyinSurburbia.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Filed Under: Beauty

For my Mummies, with love

18/03/2012 By 2 Comments

I count myself very lucky that I have lots of mummies. I have my mum, my mother in law, lots of aunties and older female cousins who at one time or the other have looked after me just like a mum would do. Yes, I was raised by the village :-)

I think every day is YOUR day, but in the spirit of this one day allocated most especially for you, I’m shouting out:

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! 

image from Unity Works Art

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: ,

DijasWorld in Pictures

17/03/2012 By Leave a Comment

I’ve joined the band wagon and signed up for Pinterest!

It my online mood board – DijasWorld but in pictures!

Anyway, find and follow me here -Dijasworld

 

Filed Under: Imagery

Contentment in a candle – The Gypsy

16/03/2012 By Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago, my new Jonathan Ward London candle arrived. I ordered The Gypsy from the Russia Collection and I haven’t been left wanting. I wanted a new decadent scent for my bedroom and The Gypsy has ticked every box. For me, a candle is much more than the smell, it’s about the feelings and images it can conjour up.

The fragrance is rich and powerful. Whenever I light this candle I imagine I’m royalty in old Imperial Russia. I am a Grand Duchess reclining on a chaise longue in an opulent boudoir, somewhere in Alexander Palace in with maids fawning over me.(active imagination – work with me). It’s cold outside and I’m snuggled in a velvet blanket next to a roaring fire.

It’s a very sensual and floral scent, which I think is what makes it perfect boudoir candle. I find the mix of fragrances very soothing and enveloping.  I think, if contentment had a smell, The Gypsy would be it. Within a few minutes of being lit, the beautiful scent can fill the room perfectly. Its like walking into an embrace of a long-lost love.

The Gypsy is a heady mix of fragrances – carnation, sandalwood, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, amber, bergamot, patchouli and cedarwood. All working in perfect harmony to create a scent most enchanting. I highly recommend.

centre image from www.commons.wikimedia.org 

Filed Under: Candles Tagged With: , ,

YSL Shocking Mascara

15/03/2012 By Leave a Comment

I think I’ve found the mascara that will change my life.

OK, that’s a bit dramatic, but I am honestly in love with YSL’s Shocking Mascara. Over the years, I have never been loyal to a particular brand. I normally just coat my lashes in whatever I touch first in my make up box. However, for the last month, I’ve been actively hunting down my YSL Shocking Mascara every day. Not that its hard to miss, in its iconic gold tube. I love how the word SHOCKING is scrawled lazily across it just for added drama.

It gives some serious volume and definition to my lashes. My lashes aren’t sparse, but I love anything that gives them a boost. It’s not quite the false lash effect, but it’s definitely a dramatic improvement.

Lashes sans mascara

A clear difference

I have to confess, that I did have some clumping issues at the start. I think it’s because, it’s quite a wet mascara. If ever there was an oxymoron, this is it. This is easily solved by using a clean mascara wand to comb out the lashes immediately after application, but when you’re up against time as I usually am, you want a product that delivers first time round. Anyway, I stuck with it and I’ve enjoyed the benefits, so I’m happy.

When I bought it (£23), the sales assistant said to me that its only suitable for one coat on your lashes. Not true, I do two with no problems and my lashes look all the better for it!

Filed Under: Make Up Tagged With: , ,

For the Love of Red

13/03/2012 By 2 Comments

Lately, I can’t seem to get enough of red lipstick. I’ve always liked a red lippie once in a while, but ever since I cut my hair mega short, I seem to be reaching more and more for a slick of red. Maybe it’s to do with my face being more exposed and without much hair to do fancy stuff with, I’m accessorising more with my make up.

There’s something about red lipstick that makes me feel very dressed up and grown up, without me feeling like I’ve put a lot of effort in. For me, a strong bold red is a massive confidence booster as well. On a night out, I love red lipstick for the instant glamour it gives. All is well and beautiful in my world if I have a red on my lips.

I tend to prefer reds with a little bit of gloss as I find them more moisturising, but depending on the occasion a matte also floats my boat. I truly can’t pick a favourite out of my small collection. I love them all!

Are you as passionate about red lipstick as I am?

Filed Under: Make Up Tagged With: , , , ,

Chai Tea – My perfect cuppa

09/03/2012 By Leave a Comment

This is another one of my new discoveries.

I’m having at least 2 cups a day and I just can’t seem to get enough. For me, its the perfect combination of cinnamon and ginger.  Two of my most favourite spices. I brew for 5 minutes, add a dash of milk and my world is beautiful all over again.

Are you a Chai fan?

What’s your choice of tea?

Filed Under: Drinks Tagged With: ,

Moving on from MAC’S Fever Blusher

06/03/2012 By 2 Comments

I love a good blusher and over the last few years my absolute failsafe has been MAC’S Fever. To say I have love for this product is an understatement. It has seen me through many days and without it, I feel as if my face is bare. I own at least 15 blushers, but day in day out, Fever is on my cheeks – loud and proud. I really like the deep red burgundy colour and how it contrasts with my skin tone. Also its a matte blush, which works for me, especially for day time use.

However, since January I’ve been toying with the fact that I’ve grown a bit bored and tired of it. Feeling very much a traitor, I carried on with it. My loyalty was strong and unwavering, so I thought. Until one day recently when I stopped by a NARS counter and that spelt the end of my Fever love affair (for now). I already own a few NARS blushers, so I’m no stranger to their quality and lasting power. On impulse I purchased Taos. I barely even swatched it. I was just wanted something new.

Left - Nars Taos, Right - MAC Fever

With Flash

Without flash

And I have no regrets. I am totally loving it. The texture is fabulous and it has just the right amount of pop for my skin. It a warm coral shade with gold undertones. I think it makes me look very radiant and I’ve had quite a few compliments. I find that if I really press it on my cheeks before blending, the payoff is so much better and lasts a full day. I think I’ve found my new favourite blusher just in time for spring.

Filed Under: Blusher, Make Up Tagged With: , , , ,

Chinese Foot Pounding

03/03/2012 By Leave a Comment

I came across these photo’s from our honeymoon and thought I’d share. One of our destinations was the fabulous Pangkor Laut Resort of the coast of Malaysia. They have an award-winning spa village and before any treatment, all guests go through a cleansing ritual which starts with Chinese Foot Pounding.

Sounds painful, but it’s not. It was great for reviving my tired and sore feet! I learnt from my therapist that it was an ancient treatment from feudal China and was reserved only for the concubines of the Emperor. It starts with a soothing foot bath, followed by foot massage and then feet are rhythmically pounded using a small wooden like hammer. I really enjoyed it!

Orchid Infused Foot Bath

Me, being very attentive to instructions!

Enjoying the foot bath

Voila! Pounding of the Feet

Filed Under: Foot Treatments Tagged With: , ,

Dark & Lovely Deep Repair Cocoa Butter Lotion

01/03/2012 By Leave a Comment

I’m totally in love with a new discovery I picked up in Tesco over the weekend. It seems like I’m the last person on earth to know that Dark & Lovely now do body lotions? Seems like it and I so pleased to have discovered the range..

I’ve got the Deep Repair Cocoa Butter Lotion which I find really moisturising for my dry skin. Especially on knees and elbows. The formula is more milk that cream, so its a little runny in consistency. It absorbs almost instantly and is not greasy at all. It also leaves a slight shine on the skin. The smell is a little overpowering, but it soon dissipates leaving a light sweet fragrance.

With Vitamin E and gylcyerin it claims to hydrate for 24 hours and although I can’t vouch for a full 24 hours I’d definitely say my skin feels soft and smooth, with no ashy looking bits.

Theres two other versions as well. Even Radiance which has Lemon and Moisture Plus with Coconut Butter. I shall be giving them a go, before I settle on a favourite.

So there, for just over £3 it really packs a punch!

Filed Under: Body Lotions, Skincare Tagged With: , ,