First holiday of a new relationship

First holiday of a new relationship..

So you meet someone in the spring, you both have city breaks booked with friends and after a couple of months of dating, chatting about holidays turns into one of you casually suggesting a trip together.

It's fun and exciting whilst also a little scary planning and booking your first holiday.  You only met a few months ago, you don't live together and you've only spent a few single nights away together so far.

How do you survive the first holiday of a new relationship without killing each other?
Having recently returned home from holiday myself, I thought I would share some of the realisations that I reached whilst away.

1. Have few expectations
If you've booked a beach holiday, you know it is going to be a week of pool, beach, meals and sex.  Don't plan too much, just do a little bit of research to see if there's anything happening where you're going that week or any must visit places that might interest one or both of you eg a party, festival, sporting event or great restaurant that needs a reservation. Don't expect everyday to be perfect just look forward to spending some quality time together.  My friend once said to me "you will never spend as much time together as you will on holiday so don't worry if you don't get on 24/7"  this was useful advice to receive.

2. Relax
For me, a holiday is a chance to rest, recover from work and an opportunity to lay on that sunlounger and bask in the sunshine.  My new boyfriend was also looking for something similar.  Thank god! I find that the best way to relax but not get bored is to alternate day trips with days at the pool/beach.  If most days you are on and off buses to other parts of the island, boat trips and walking around sightseeing in the midday sun, you will both be drained from the heat, hungry and get a bit snappy.  "Hangry!"  So if there's places you really want to see, alternate them with a day relaxing by the hotel's pool or on the nearest beach.

3. Compromise
It is both of your holidays so you both should have opportunities to pick where to eat, drink or what you fancy doing that day.  On my recent holiday, we did not intend to alternate who chose where to eat but that ended up being the pattern. For us, it worked well.  No traipsing back and forth around the marina trying to agree on somewhere to eat for lunch or dinner.  Same goes for paying, alternate.  My boyfriend is a golfer and I knew he would like to catch some of the Open on TV whilst we were away.  We compromised by finding somewhere playing the sport whilst we ate lunch.  I would read the paper or take advantage of the free wifi.  (Waiter: "Any questions about the menu?" Me: "Yes, what is the wifi password please?") On our first day there, we both enjoyed watching the Wimbledon final (my request) so it was only fair that I suggested catching the golf which I knew he would enjoy.

4. Emergence of each others (annoying) habits
Spending 24 hours a day together for 7 days is bound to expose each other's habits. You should of course be able to be yourselves around each other but really that wouldn't work now would it.  You have to be considerate of the other person and be quite aware of your annoying habits.  I generally am a quiet and calm person, I do have my moments where I get excited and liven up but to be honest a lot of the time I just don't speak! Can you imagine spending a week on holiday with someone who would rather not speak?  Poor lad. So I tried to make an effort to start conversations and to not always answer with one word.  I tried to keep in mind that of the things he did to annoy me while we were away, that I would be doing things that annoyed him also.  Really you have to just laugh about them!

5. Time to yourself
One thing that worked well for us this holiday was not constantly being joined at the hip.  If my boyfriend wanted to snooze on the sunlounger and I wanted to do 20 lengths, we did just that.  If I had just covered myself in suncream or just got to a "can't put the book down" chapter and he wanted to go buy ice creams, he'd go the shop and I'd stay put.  I swam first thing after breakfast whereas most evenings my boyfriend would stay a while longer than me at the pool so he could get the last bit of sun and swim when the pool had emptied out.  I would get head back to the room to get showered and my make up started as it took him barely 10 minutes to get ready for our evening meal.  Selfishly, I like my own company and enjoyed having 30minutes to myself while he sunbathed, swam or caught the golf score at the pub outside the hotel.  It worked wonders.

6. Jealousy
If you are a particularly jealous person, I can't really help you there but if you get a little jealous of the perfect size 8, bronzed girls strutting half naked passed your boyfriend's sunlounger all day, then I have a few tips.  Look at the girls too, obviously you'll be wondering what workout and diet they followed pre holiday, what factor suncream they're using and where their bikini was from and not what he may (or may not) be thinking, but that will distract you from wondering if he's looking and what he's thinking.  If you have a good one like me, I have not noticed his gaze lingering on anyone (yet) but thank god for sunglasses eh ! They probably half the amount of arguments jealous couples have.  I would not class myself as a particularly jealous girlfriend but when it comes to the couple's massages offered on most beaches abroad, just make sure your boyfriend gets the male masseur and not the pretty Thai girl!

7. Bodily functions
My dad used to say to dump a guy if they every farted infront of me.  Well I didn't do that, I would of had to dump him on one of the first few days of the holiday if I'd of stuck to that advise!  You have two options, you can either laugh about it or ignore it.  If one of you has a reaction to the food, follow the rule above again and perhaps give each other a little space too!

8. Support and appreciate each other if things go a bit wrong
Most holidays, I have a recurring issue of shockingly severe reactions to mosquito bites, I won't apall you with the images I had to take for the insurance, but I mean horrific swelling and inflamation which unfortunately requires medical attention due to the severity and implications left untreated.  I am used to them now so this time, was able to remain particularly calm but it is still uncomfortable, embarrassing and does have an impact on my holiday.  Neither can you remain in control or sexy with a leg the size of an elephant's so that went out the window!  My new boyfriend had never seen anything like it but was sympathetic, caring and supportive.  When I needed sympathy he gave it, when I needed him to take charge and go down to hotel reception at 2am when we realised how badly infected it was, he took charge and when I needed to shed a silent tear or two he looked the other way whilst holding my hand.  Massive brownie points for getting everything so right even only after knowing me a few short months.  If it had of been the other way around I hope I would of been as supportive as he was.

9. "I woke up like this" - Beyonce
Don't waste time applying makeup before he wakes up.  A few days in you'll have a tan anyway and won't need to.  The most you could do on waking up, is nip to the toilet, then give your teeth a quick brush or swill a bit of mouthwash around before that morning kiss. If you are really shy about your natural face, get your eyelashes and/or brows tinted before your holiday which gives a natural but obviously more defined finish.  Your skin will darken each day and your cheeks will naturally be flushed from the heat also.  I find that my skin is it's softest on holiday from applying suncream and aftersun everyday anyway.  I drink a lot of water whilst away and find my skin glows particularly from having a break from foundation all day.  On holiday, you should be looking and feeling refreshed and relaxed with no work and or homelife stresses so will probably be quite happy with what you see when you look in the mirror one day not too far into your trip.

10. Enjoy getting to know each other!
This is your opportunity to get to know each other.  All the things that matter so little but interest us so much.  Is he a morning person or a night owl?  Is he a quick reader?  Does he tip the waiters?  Does he embarrass you with a patriotic England flag beach towel?  Will he miss British tea?  Is he a hand holder?  Does he favour PDA?  Play twenty questions whilst sat on your balcony chatting into the small hours.  Find out his favourite colour, Haribo sweet, celebrity crush.  What did he want to be growing up?  Spend evenings strolling around the markets, dancing all night or chatting in a hammock under the stars.  A week's holiday is the ideal time to really get to know each other.  Take advantage of it.

If, on arriving home, you've discovered he isn't for you, then at least get off the plane and through baggage claim before you end the relationship!  However, if the holiday was a success then you can begin looking forward to the next one you'll take together.  Happy holidays!

Kitty x

Today's mini beauty haul from Boots

I was so looking forward to go to Boots today and pick up some things that I needed and some things that I just wanted. The Boots in Liverpool City centre has been extended and I love it. I meandered my way through the aisles and spent a good hour in there.  This is what I ended up purchasing.

Hair bobbles.

If you're anything like me, hair ties just vanish! I am down to 1 or 2 and I prefer to tie my hair up off my face. I picked up 12 so let's see how long they last me.

Facial scrub.

I've almost finished my No7 scrub snd thought I'd give another a go. None of the beauty "Vloggers" that I follow on YouTube really ever talk about a facial scrub but my blackheads never seem to budge no matter what I try. So I think I'll give this one a go. Neutrogena is good brand right?

Carmex.

My lips have been dry and cracked since the weather's taken a turn so my Vaseline isn't quite doing the job. I thought I would try the classic Carmex.

L'oreal Paris in 601 nude ballet.

I read that this was the gloss that Kim Kardashian wore on her last wedding day. It's a nude so I'm hoping it suits my colouring too. I did need a nice nude gloss as mine is almost finished.

L'oreal True Match foundation.

I have just finished my Rimmel Perfect Match foundation and had seen a few beauty "vloggers" recommending the L'oreal True Match version. Unfortunately there wasn't anybody to colour match me so after asking 4 people to help me (who wouldn't) I tried my best to match up against the Rimmel True Ivory shade. I settled on Golden Ivory so I'll see what that is like tomorrow. L'oreal had a two products for £14 so I got the foundation and lipgloss.

Real Techniques silicone liner brush.

I've been using gel liner lately and I hate the brush that comes with it. It makes it hard to apply so I thought I would try this one.

Have you been shopping for makeup lately? What did you get? The only thing on my beauty list now is an IKEA Alex to put all my products in.

Kitty x

Beauty Vloggers

I've been enjoying watching YouTube vlogs since June and the blogger's main beauty channels too and a couple of things have become pretty clear in that time. 

1. It seems that MOST of the beauty vloggers that I watch, have frequent breakouts and that says to me that the considerable amount of products they use on their skin every day and leave soaking in through the night either causes or does not help the breakouts.

Since I've been watching the videos and using recommended products, my skin has been worse than it was before. My skin was pretty normal I would say. I have visible pores and blackheads which no amount of exfoliating, deep cleansing, masks nor pore strips can budge. Other than that I get a bad period spot once a month. If I overdo it on the junk food I might get a couple of spots and on holiday too from the combination of suncream & sweat on the face. But since using a sponge and brushes to apply my makeup, Smashbox primer, new thicker foundation etc my forehead is bumpy and spotty. I used to put a thick moisturiser on and now I use a light one. I used to apply different primers. I used to apply a light foundation with my fingers and use a different powder. I used to use a different bronzer. Maybe it is the tools? How often should I clean my brushes and sponges? 

2. Another observation I've made is that a number of the vloggers I enjoy watching deal with anxiety, panic attacks, stress and are not good sleepers. The main vloggers I follow who have shown signs of this or openly talk about it are:

Zoella

Essie Button

Tanya Burr

Gabriella Lindley

Sprinkle of glitter

3. My final realisation I've made since watching Vlogs is how much money they must make based on their homes, shopping haul spendage and where they eat/food shop. Zoella for example, lived in a huge and I mean HUGE apartment in Brighton overlooking the sea in a big old building with a funny old fashioned lift. She eats out most days but does her food shopping at Waitrose. Her latest haul at Lush must have been about 30 bath bombs!

In no way do the above observations affect my enjoyment in watching the videos, I find the videos informative and fun to watch. I look forward to the next upload and will sometimes try a product recommended or featured. I understand that they are sometimes paid to review a product and I am now aware of sponsoring and affiliated links. I do not look at the comments left by viewers as I like to just see positivity. I in no way mean this post to be negative as I really like the vloggers I chose to subscribe to. It's funny how you feel like you know them and that they are your company. It's sweet and sad in a way. 

The people I watch seem very likeable and I wish them all continued success. 

Time to watch a couple of vlogs! 

Enjoy xx

Review: Champneys Mulberry nail polish

Now I'm not a fan of painting my nails.  I hate waiting for them to dry, thinking they are dry and then chipping them, so annoying.  BUT! once my nails are painted and look pretty, I like it again.

I was bought a Champneys nail polish set for Christmas last year, maybe even the year before. Since then, I have mostly used the Nude, Cherry and the base and top coat but also included were Mocha and Mulberry.

L-R Base/Top coat, Cherry, Mulberry, Nude, Mocha

For an event I worked recently, I thought I would try the Mulberry shade to give a nod to autumn/winter and compliment the black lace dress I was to wear (see below).

Mulberry

I painted my nails the day before the event and 13 days later it looks like this!

I didn't realise quite how long I had had this polish on until a beauty vlogger was raving off a 4 day polish.  I think this Champneys formula must be a really good one but my tips for a lasting coat are:

1. Wash and dry your hands to get rid of any nail polish remover/grease etc

2. Start with a clear base/top coat

3. Use a thin first layer so it dries quicker

4. Another clear base/top coat

5. A second coat of the colour

6. A third layer of the clear base/top coat

7. Sit and let the nails dry completely

8. Use a hairdryer to speed up the drying

9. Run the nails under cold water

10. Use the quick drying spray

I think mine were purchased at Boots but they don't seem to be online this year so here is a link to the Champneys website where you can buy 24 shades of nail varnish including Mulberry.  

I have had compliments on the colour and I am impressed how good it still looks nearly a fortnight on.  I would rate Champneys Mulberry 4/5

Just incase you're curious, this is a picture of the dress I wore to the event.  It is from the range Somerset by Alice Temperley which is exclusive to John Lewis.  It is beautiful and would make a perfect dress for over the party season this Christmas.  You can find the dress online here.

What is your favourite brand of nail polish?

What shades are you using this autumn?

Kitty x

The Body Shop: my mini haul

I am absolutely loving the products I picked up in The Body Shop recently!  I had some time to kill and ended up taking advantage of a 3-4-2 offer they had on.  I had wanted a black eye-shadow for a while for lining or for doing a dramatic smokey eye on nights out this winter, so I chose the Colour Crush Eye Shadow - Moonlight Kiss  

The Body Shop assistant helped me decide which products to buy and she recommended the new All In One Instablur Eye to accompany the eye-shadow I was buying.  They said it was a great dupe product for Urban Decay's eye primer which I had been considering trying but I thought I would give this a try since there was a 342 offer on. I'm glad I did, it is amazing! My eyeshadow looks so much better, hardly any creasing and it lasts a lot longer.  I haven't tried the Urban Decay version but I would thoroughly recommend The Body Shop version.

As you know, I have the beginnings of a lip colour collection (read about it here) and this is another edition Colour Crush Lipstick - 200 Peachy Pink I have worn it most days since buying it.  I love it.  Even though it is probably classed as a nude (I'm guessing?) it brightens my makeup just enough.  Now I am making more of a conscious effort with my make-up, I use all my new products daily for my work makeup including the bronzer, blusher and highlighter so my skin looks glowing. I have dark lined eye-lashes and groomed brows so the finishing touch is a bit of colour on my lips so they do not look too pale.  I put a layer of Vaseline on first then apply the lipstick so there is a little shine to it.  I don't think I am a matte lip fan, I like a bit of shine but no tackiness just so it feels moisturised and soft. 

Do you use any Body Shop make-up or just skincare and body products?

Which would you recommend I try?

Kitty x

I can't resist an offer: latest beauty buys

The more I watch YouTube make-up tutorials, the more I want the proper tools.  The make-up brushes are an important part of the kit.

For my birthday this summer, I was gifted with the Real Techniques foundation brush, stippling brush and their foundation sponge.  I love the sponge, I'm not yet keen on the foundation brush but will use it again.  The stippling brush is also going to take a bit of practise.  I have some old eye make-up brushes that I still use but they have seen better days.  That is the extent of my tools.  Unless you include an old pair of tweezers, eyelash curlers and a sharpener.  It's time to invest in the right kit to make the most of my gradually expanding make-up collection.

Mac make-up brushes seem to pop up in most collections.  I have had my eye on the 217 blending brush which seems to be a very popular brush with the vloggers and when there was a 10% off deal on over the weekend I couldn't resist.  I also picked up the 212 brush which I will use to line my eyes.

Also on offer was the range Urban Decay.  I had been wanting to pick up the new Basics 2 palette but that wasn't on John Lewis at the time of the offer (it is now) so I was sensible and bought the Flushed palette which has a bronzer, a blusher and a highlighter, in the colour Streak.  I was running out of bronzer and did need a blusher.  When I get my makeup done they always use a blusher and I immediately look more alive and healthy.  All the beauty bloggers and vloggers use blusher too.  Usually I use my bronzer as blusher but I can see the difference it makes using the right products where they're meant to be used.  I have a powder highlighter from Topshop called Sunbeam but it is a yellow based one whereas the Urban Decay one is pink based so I will give that a try.  

Benefit had 10% off this particular weekend so I asked the assistants to recommend what brown product would be most natural, easy to use and would just fill in the brows not reshape them.  The explained that Brow Zings is for changing the shape and Gimme Brow is a product to make brows look fuller whilst still looking natural.  I hate penciling my eyebrows, they aren't the same shape so I find it difficult to see why I would fill them in and make them look more noticeable.  Gimme Brow is easy to use, all I have to do is brush it through my brows a few times and it makes a difference.  I would definitely recommend it.  I don't like the smell of the product but once it has dried I can't smell it as much.  It is a small package so I don't know how long I will get out of it and it is pricey but I will look for a drugstore dupe.  I have the clear brow gel by Rimmel maybe I will try a coloured version.  

Next on my list is a good pair of eyelash curlers as my eyelashes are pretty long but quite straight.  In fact the eyelashes on my left eye are straighter than my right and it throws off my eye make-up and is very annoying.

Also I would like to try a cream blusher too.  I see Benefit have brought out one called Majorette and seem to have sent it to all the beauty vloggers that I follow as they all have been reviewing it!  I'll wait for the next offer I think, I might put it on my Christmas list.

What have you been buying lately?

Kitty x

Zoella Beauty: my haul

Only this year have I begun to watch beauty vloggers on YouTube. I had been following Essie Button on Twitter without realising (after a following spree) and one morning clicked on the link to her YouTube video that she had tweeted. It was a daily vlog she was doing on her secondary channel (Essie Button Vlogs) throughout the month of June, "Vlune". It was a video about her day and what she had been up to with her boyfriend Aslan and their greyhound Reggie. I became hooked. Through her vlogs, Essie Button introduced me to numerous other bloggers including Amelia Liana, Fleur De Force, Tanya Burr and Zoella.

Zoella is a beauty blogger and YouTuber called Zoe Sugg. She is smiley and bubbly, funny and sweet. I watch her vlogs probably as much as I watch Tanya Burr's. Both girls now have beauty ranges available to buy in Superdrug. I have written about the lipgloss I have of Tanya's called Picnic in the Park here and I'd like to try Chic next but might wait until the launch of phase 2 of the products in October. I don't know any information but I'm imagining something festive.

  

Zoella Beauty launched online on Friday 26th September and was available in Superdrug from Monday.  I had seen a lot of footage from vloggers about the launch party and some reviews of the products from Zoella and her friends.  Yesterday, I went to Superdrug to buy the Zoella bubble bath and ended up with 3/6 (so 1/2) of the products from the Zoella Beauty range! I purchased the bubble bath (what I went in for) but also bought the bath fizzers and the guinea pig makeup bag! I'm ridiculous some times! Although I'm sure some bath soaks can be £20+ so £5 isn't too bad especially if I say it like this: if I get 10+ baths out of it, it's only 50p a bath! What I really needed was a £1 bottle of Radox! 

Zoella Beauty make-up bag, the Soak Opera bubble bath and the Fizz Bar bath fizzers

As the nights get colder I will have more baths, I know it so I can justify it. I love reading in the bath but I've started watching vlogs whilst in there now. 

Today I had a shower with the Opera product and I liked this smell. It wasn't too strong and reminds me of the masculine smell from a sports shower gel. I like that. Soak Opera can be used as bubble bath or as shower gel which is pretty handy.

I'm going to try a fizzer next time I have a bath and one of my (many) makeup bags is ready for the bin so I'll be transferring my makeup into the guinea pig one ASAP!

Have you bought anything from the Zoella Beauty range yet? 

Kitty x