Wednesday 10 December 2014

ZOELLA - THE END OF THE AFFAIR?




Hello my loves!

How are you all doing? Exciting times ahead! cough cough CHRISTMAS cough... I'm trying very hard to tone my excitement down, because I just looove Christmas so much! Beauty "Guru" cliché much? Anyway, that's not what this post is about. So, let's get real people.

To be honest, I thought about not doing this post, because, this past week, I've heard enough of Zoella to last me for a lifetime. If you don't know what, or who, I'm talking about, well, keep it that way, at least for now. But still I kinda wanted to review the products, so here we go.

Now, I think it's important to understand that I've been following Zoe for a very long time, pretty much since the beginning, so this was a bit of an emotional purchase. I wanted to support Zoe, and also I'm all for #TeamInternet, so I made my part, and ordered the body lotion and one of the makeup bags.

Let's talk about the makeup bag first. I actually like it a lot. It may not be the classiest thing around, but hey, I'm no Lisa Eldridge, and I happen to like guinea pigs, especially nerdy guinea pigs. It feels sturdy, and it carries a decent amount of stuff, also it was not expensive, it retails for 10€. Again, I'm happy with it.

As for the body lotion... meh... The packaging is cute, I guess. I have to say it was more moisturising than I thought it would be, but that's not saying much, because I didn't have high expectations. I usually don't, when a "celebrity" comes out with beauty products, because their name is enough to sell. I'm not a big fan of the scent, it's very bland, very safe, very generic. Do you know what I mean? Which in a way I guess it's smart, because then there's less chances people will dislike it/hate it. It retails for 6.40 €, which again is not bad, but it's not something I will repurchase, and I would regret buying it if not for the #TeamInternet thing. I'm sure Zoe would do the same, right?

And that is all I have to say about Zoella Beauty, I don't think I could have been more honest. I also have the book, which I had a feeling I wouldn't like, but it was for 5€, so curiosity got the best of me. I couldn't go past the first 5 pages. It's too juvenile, too vain for my taste. Maybe I would have liked it 10 years ago, but right now, at 25 years old, I just can't relate. And with all the ghostwriter story, and the way everything was dealt with, I feel more and more detached from this other 24 years old girl, that, I don't know why, acts like she's 15. Gee... it's almost sad, like the end of a long affair for me.

Anyway, before getting emotional, I'll wrap things here with a big kiss of goodnight :) 
I'll just leave my last video, it's very Christmassy!




Just know that I love you, and stay awesome as I know you are!

V♥



Sunday 26 October 2014

MAKEUP GEEK | COLLECTION | SWATCHES | REVIEW



Hello Loves!

Here we are again! So today I bring you my updated Makeup Geek collection, with all the swatches your heart may desire.
This has been a requested post actually, people ask me what I think about the products, how it is with shipping, if it is worth it... So, today, I'll try to answer these questions as best as I can.

But before I let you know what my thoughts are, lets get in touch with the goodies. Above are all the MUG eyeshadows I own. They come in Pan form, which means they don't have a container, they are magnetic so you can store them in a palette, like the one you see above. Mine is from Make Up For Ever, but you can buy something like a Z-palette, though they are overly priced in my opinion.

Now for me, this is a good thing, because this allows me to customise, and also I'm not a big fan of single eyeshadows. Too much clutter, too much space and not very practical. This way I can look at all the colors at once, which helps when I'm trying to think of a look. Now let's look at the swatches, even though I don't think the light is doing those colors any justice.

Bottom row, right to left we have:

Shimma Shimma; Peach Smoothie; Creme Brulê; Homecoming; Cosmopolitan; Goddess; Cocoa Bear; Cupcake; Mango Tango.

And here are the swatches in the same order:



Middle row, right to left we have:

Burlesque; Sensuous; Lemon Drop; Fuji; Sea Mist; Envy; Mermaid; Neptune; Nautica.

Swatches in the same order:



Top row, right to left we have:

Mercury; Graphite; Corrupt; Bitten.

Swatches in the same order:



These eyeshadows retail for $5.99, which is about 4.7 €. Qualitywise, I compare them to MAC. Last time I checked, MAC eyeshadows were double the price, so there's my answer to "Are they worth it?". Yes, yes they are. If I'm to think in terms of price/quality, they might very well be the best eyeshadows I've ever tried.

I also have a few pigments. Some makeup artists don't like working with them, I think they are lots of fun. Here is my little collection of MUG pigments.



From left to right:

Insomnia; Vegas Lights; Utopia; Afterglow; Enchanted.

Swatches in the same order:



Aren't they prreeety?! Yes, they are! These retail for $6.99, or 5.50 €. Again, very affordable.
And nowadays the Makeup Geek brand also has blushes, and brushes, and eyeliners. I've never tried them, but I've heard great reviews, so I think the conclusion is, that if you're looking for some great quality, affordable, makeup, Makeup Geek is a brand to consider.

Finally, for all my non Americans awesome readers, we have to consider shipping. I'm from Portugal, so I'll talk about what is the deal here. Shipping to Portugal was around $9.00 last time ordered (7 €). I pay with Paypal, and I've never had a problem. Everything arrives in perfect condition and, it would always arrive on time, if it was not for customs. Ah, the dreaded customs... If they only knew how much I've bad-mouthed them.

In Portugal, if you order something that costs more than 50 €, and that is including shipping, your package will most likely end up stuck on customs. Which means it can take up to two months for it to arrive, and you also have to pay an additional 23% of the whole order (yes, including shipping).

This is where you have to be smart about it, and do some math. It might be worth it to split your order into two, smaller, orders, since shipping is not that expensive. So let's say you have a $70 shopping cart, you would split it into two of $35. Yes, you would pay twice for shipping, but you would have your goodies in like, two weeks, and you wouldn't have to pay the additional tax.

Anyway, I hope this was very enlightening. I'll leave the link for the Makeup Geek store down below. Also, everything that was mentioned in this post was bought with my own money, so no sponsorship here.

 http://www.makeupgeek.com/store/

That's it for today guys, stay awesome and gorgeous!

V♥

Friday 24 October 2014

GRWM | Date Night





Are you alrrrighty my loves?

Hope you are! I'm just checking on you guys, and keeping my promise of writing a lot more on the blog! Getting into that blogger life, yo! Tomorrow there will be an exciting post, that a lot of people (ok, maybe like a few people) have requested! But it's a surprise... Uuhh, i'm such a teaser! Stay tuned.

Anyway, that super big photo, at the top of this post, is a representation of the outfit I wore recently, for my boyfriend's birthday. Uurgh, can't wait for my hair to grow past my chichis... Or boobies, if you're not into that kind of slang.

I filmed a whole Get Ready With me for the occasion, like you do. I'll leave the video down below, don't worry. You know you want it! I'm just too fabulous for you to say no! Pshh, don't say anything... Just agree with me...

Also, we are past 500 subscribers! That's so crazy and overwhelming! I know it may not sound like much, but to me it means the world, and I treasure each and every one of my internet family members :) If you're one of them, thank you so much, and just know that when times got a little harder, you guys were one of the reasons I had to help me get back on my feet.

But enough cheesiness, here's the video, and stay awesome and gorgeous, like I know you are!





Tuesday 21 October 2014

BLACK WILL ALWAYS BE THE NEW BLACK




Hello Loves!

How is that week going? Here in Portugal it's like it's Summer all over again, but just last week was raining like the world was about to end. Thank you global warming!

Anyway, so I thought I would share some things that I have been oogling this past couple of days. I can't really buy anything else this month (damn you makeup adiction) or else I won't have money to eat. However, that doesn't mean I can't find things to obsess over, while sulking for not being a millionaire. Vanity much?

Let's take a closer look at the picture on top of this post, shall we?

No.1 it's a beautiful black and white squared, oversized, scarf, from Zara. It retails for 17.95 €, which is not bad, I would say. It's a staple piece, it's black, it looks cozy, and did I mention it's black?
You can find it here - http://www.zara.com/pt/pt/mulher/acess%C3%B3rios/len%C3%A7os/cachecol-quadrados-c271013p2041531.html

No.2 is an Oh la la piece I wish I could add to my collection. I am very fond of sexy, fancy, lingerie, and I think it's an instantaneous confidence booster. It also comes in handy in the bedroom, for those nights you might be feeling like a bombshell. It's from Intimissimi and also, it's black!
You can find it here - http://pt.intimissimi.com/product/CARIOCA-BONDAGE-LACE/158929.uts

No.3 it's a super long, see through shirt, from Urban Outfiters. Now, this may not be for everyone, but I think it looks super cool! I can already see myself in it, with some distressed, black, skinny, jeans, and a leather jacket, and that Zara scarf! *shivers* I need it!
You can find it here - http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/catalog/productdetail.jsp?currency=200002&id=5110462174101&parentid=NEW-IN-WOMENS-CLOTHING-EU#/

No.4 it's another scarf! Now, add this to the fact that I already bought two new scarves this season, and I might have a problem. This one is from Asos, and  I just love the colors and the pattern, very Christmassy, grunge, scarf. I love Christmas, and I love grunge, so there you go.
You can find it here - http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Oversized-Black-Check-Square-Scarf/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4369263&cid=6452&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=288&gridsize=4

No.5 is a backpack from Urban Outfiters. I've been looking for a backpack I like for ages now, and I found this one because of Lily Pebbles. Thank you, girl! I think it's simple, but still has an edge to it, and it seems like it carries a decent amount of stuff. Also, it's faux leather, which is great because I'm not that keen on wearing the real deal.
You can find it here - http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/catalog/productdetail.jsp?currency=200002&id=5771469186610&parentid=WOMENS-BACKPACKS-EU#/

I'm falling into the full on black mood again, which I should try to avoid, because I foresee that in a year, or so, 95% of my wardrobe will be black. But what can I do, black is just so easy... and stylish... and mysterious.

Anyway, time to go to bed now. Hope you liked the little bits and bops I showed you. Also if you haven't checked my last video, it would make me the most happy if you did. It's for Pink October so it's special! I'll leave the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXtM-GDOyeY&list=UUJPjED2LcG1wY0fPpGPmnPg


Nighty Night Loves :)


Friday 17 October 2014

WEARABLE HALLOWEEN

Hello Loves!

So, I've been a very naughty girl lately, haven't I? I can't quite remember the last time I wrote something in here, but unfortunately the blog tells me the date of my last post... It won't let me forget... It will never let me forget...

You can punish me by throwing candy at me, I deserve it.

It's just that I have been so focused on Youtube, but from now on, I'll try my best to make time for everything!

In this post I'll showcase my last makeup tutorial! (I know, I know... That's cheating.. But bear with me, will you?)

Here in Portugal we don't really go crazy on Halloween. Pfff... We are shmucks! Every year I think 'This time I'll actually have a great costume!' But then I remember I'll be the only crazy with an actual costume, while most people have a pair of cat years! That they got by drinking a shot! Also, I'm a little bit lazy.

So I thought I would come up with a makeup tutorial that is not super over the top, just a tiny bit freaky. I hope you like it :)



  

Monday 3 March 2014

Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil Review




 Hello little kitties!

After a week of blog procrastination here I am again. I wasn't feeling that inspired to write... Don't know why. Maybe it's the weather. It's still crappy, I'm feeling crappy, I need sun, and warmth, and shorts! Like now!

So yesterday was the Oscar's (don't cry fellow Leo fans, one day will be him) and today's post has nothing to do it! Such a good introduction! I'm beyond myself with my own skills.

Today's post is in fact a review. I don't know why I keep trying to build suspense, when the post theme is on the title. But anyway, we will be reviewing the Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil. I already bought it at the beginning of February, but I like to really try out things first, before saying anything. I don't trust any reviews in which the product was tested for like a week, or less!

But moving on! First I should tell you what type of skin I have. My skin is dry, with a little bit more oil on the T zone, not overly sensitive, very thin, and not very acne prone, only when my hormones decide to go crazy on me. Now, onto the goodies, for serum I used to use the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, because I like to be original! And I really like it, my skin feels supple, smooth and glowing from the inside. Of course any good skin day that i might have it's never only due to the serum, but it definitely helps! Especially because it allows me to customise a little.

I'll explain what do I mean by this. I apply the serum all over my face, and then, I only apply my night cream (Bobby Brown Extra Repair Moisturising Balm) on my cheeks, where I am most dry. But I am detouring. So, back to serums! I went into Body Shop and right at the entrance was a table full of the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil. I got intrigued and it was so much cheaper than the Estée Lauder one, so i though "Why not?". Also the packaging is cute!

I only use at night, because even though they say it's non greasy, I think it would be too heavy for daytime, for me at least. So after a month of using it, it doesn't fall short in comparison to the Estée Lauder. And did I mention it's much cheaper? That's always a bonus. I can't talk for its effects on aging signs, but for hydrating, is really good.

Bottom line, if you're someone looking for an affordable, good quality, serum, that hydrates your skin, this might be worth a try!

That's all for today! I made chewy brownies and have some ice cream in the freezer, so you know what I'll be doing! Eating some healthy snack of course! What else did you though?

Anyway, I uploaded a new video on Saturday, so why not go check it out and subscribe, join the family instead of being here in ninja mode. I'm a nice person, I swear!



Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Most Wanted of the Moment

Well hello there my little loves! :)

Today I bring you a kind of 'My Most Wanted' list of beauty products. You see, I'm at one of those dreaded moments when a lot of the super essential products you have, finish at the same time. So you have to buy them again, at once, which leaves you no money for new stuff... So all I can do is lust after things I can't have, and muster all my self control.

Lucky for me there aren't that many. Even I am surprise... I guess I've been more into clothes this past month... Which I can't buy, also! Fun times! But let's get started! (so many exclamations points! I'm not that excited, I swear!)



The entire Dior collection for S/S 2014! Yes, ALL of it! Well... Maybe skip the eyeshadows, I'm not crazy for dior eyeshadows, but the rest... Oh... Pastel galore mixed with some really bright colours! I love me some pastel. The lipsticks, oh my god the lipsticks! So puuurfect. If you haven't seen it, go check it out. Maybe you have the money for it and you can be happy for both of us. Hint, the coral lipstick and the blue nailpolish *starts to drool*


Now, a little bit more specific. Lipstick shade no. 32 of the YSL S/S collection. I mean... do I need to say anything else? It's a YSL lipstick... I try not be a sucker for packaging, because quality is what matters, yada, yada... But, do I need to say anything else? It's a YSL lipstick! However, wait a minute, I do have one in my makeup collection (and I think I hear it crying at night, because it feels lonely, just saying) and it's really good quality, not the most long lasting, but very creamy. So it's a win, win, situation.


Artdeco Sensitive Fine Liner, because I've been in the hunting for a nice felt tip liner for ages, and never found one I really, really, liked. Don't even know if I'll like this one either, but would like to try it. Heard a couple of people talking about it too, on youtube. And it says sensitive fine liner which is a good thing, because most of those liners are only useful if we want to go Amy Winehouse.


Stilla's Magnificent Metals Foil! This is such an exciting product! Maybe it's the biochemistry in me, but I mean, it comes with a mixing medium. How can that not be exciting? I always get curious about gimmicky products, and this one really looks pretty and shimmery. I wanted the shade dusty rose, but I'm not sure you can get a hold of that one anymore. You might, I don't know because there's no Stilla in Portugal (wakey wakey sephora.pt) Anyway, I'll be happy with other shade too, I'm a simple person.



Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation. Again, never tried it, not even in my hand, but Wayne from Goss Makeup Artist just made me need it! Don't even know what else to say about this one, it's just one of those things. You don't need it, you don't know why you want it, you just know you do.

And that will be it for today my beauties. I need to go and cook something for dinner... Yey...! Hope you had a great Wednesday.

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Thursday 13 February 2014

Chatty VDay Post



Hey little fishies! (no I don't have an animal obsession!)

First... SPOILER ALERT: PLEASE RUI PEDRO IF YOU'RE READING THIS, STOP NOW!

Hope your day was amazing, because mine was just blah... The most exciting part was buying my boyfriend's VDay Gift! A big bag of candy. I get so excited choosing the different candy even though I'll probably just eat one or two, gotta have self control. My boyfriend is one of those weird, annoying, people, who can eat whatever and don't gain a pound! Urgh... Damn him and his light speed fast metabolism!

Anyway, this post will be about VDay, but nothing serious, just a little rambling. I never really cared much about Valentines Day, not even after getting a boyfriend. We just cook a nice meal, some popcorn and a movie, and for me it's perfect. And if there's gifts it's just a little something, like a bag of candy. This year will actually be the first time we'll do something different.

However, I know that for some people, who might not have a boyfriend, or maybe going through a rough time in their relationships, this time of the year can be really annoying! With the cheesy hearts and 'I love you!' Teddy Bears everywhere.



I spent most of my life without a boyfriend on Valentines Day. I've been with my boyfriend for almost 5 years now (and it's my first relationship, believe it or not), and I am 24, so do the math. Throughout highschool I never had a date for VDay, and you know what, I didn't care. I had amazing friends, never really needed a boy. Maybe I didn't mature as fast as other girls, I don't know. I mean, I was always having so much fun with my group of friends, that now, looking back, I don't feel like a missed on anything.

So, for tomorrow, quit the plan of curling into a ball, in a dark room, watching a marathon of Bridget Jones, while stuffing your face with ice cream, just because there's no boyfriend. You have a date with the person you should love the most in this world! Yourself! So if you feel like going out (it's Friday after all) put on that freakum dress (like my girl Beyoncé says), call a friend, and go have some fun. Or stay home if that's more to your liking, but no feeling sorry for yourself!



When you less expect it, you'll meet some guy that will swept you of your feet, and just like that, you're in serious relationship! And those take commitment, and time, and attention, so don't rush into one unless it's absolutely worth it. Sometimes they work, and you spend the rest of your life together (shoutout to my parents, until now at least), sometimes they don't, it's life. The good thing is that there's no limited tickets. Or you can also order the cat lady starters packaging, it's always good to have a plan B.

Wow, that was a long post, are you still there? If you are have a great day tomorrow! I'll try to post a video, so if you don't have a date I can keep you company :)

Big internet HUGS!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Monday 10 February 2014

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows Reviews&Swatches

Hello beauties!

How was that Monday? Hope you started the week in the best way! (Even though it's difficult... I know... I know...) Anyway, today I bring you a little review. A glowing review I might add.

I'm a girl who likes me some good quality makeup, but I don't really like to spend loads of money on it. I think that's the same for everyone, unless you're like some Paris Hilton! (In that case... Heeeey guuuurl! Still in need of a friend) I'm joking (No I'm not) my friendship is not for sale (yes it is).

So I get very happy when I find something that has amazing quality, at a price that doesn't make my credit card weep. That was what happened with the Makeup Geek products I bought. I've been curious about them ever since Marlena released the collection, but I'm kind of skeptic about buying makeup on the internet, not seeing the colour in person and stuff.

However, Jacklin Hill (if you don't know her, go check her out like... NOW! ugh, she's amazing) started talking about them non-stop, and raving about them. Finally I placed an order for five eyeshadows and a pigment. I definitely don't regret it and now I just want them all!



From left to right: Creme Brule; Homecoming; Goddess; Peach Smoothie; Cosmopolitan

The pigmentation of the eyeshadows is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Also they are really creamy, only Peach Smoothie is a little bit more powdery, but I still love it (perfect for a transition colour). They are also very affordable, only $5.99, half the price of a MAC eyeshadow, and quite as good. You have a lot of colour to choose from, from neutrals to blues, greens...



Afterglow Pigment

 The pigment that I bought, Afterglow, is gorgeous, nothing else to say about it, honestly. Perfection. The only thing I don't like is the packaging, not very practical. When you open there's a lot of product that falls and is waisted. And again the price is great, only 6.99.

I have to congratulate Marlena for taking this approach with her makeup brand. Creating amazing products at an affordable price. It only proves that she knows her audience is diverse, and not everyone has money for high end makeup. I really think this is the way to go.

And this is all for today =) Tomorrow there's a special video on the channel, until then free internet hugs for everyone!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Monday 27 January 2014

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Review



Hey there beauties!

Today you're in for a little review, as you might have guessed from the title. As I already mentioned, I spent last year in Cambridge, and I got to experience what real cold is (at least from what I've experienced, maybe when I go to Russia or something, I'll comeback and rephrase that). It was the first time I had snow in my backyard. It is quite fun the first few days, you get to do snowmen, and throw snowballs, and everything, but then, everything changes. *The drama!!!* Then the cold just starts to get annoying, especially when you have to leave the house, everyday of the week, at 8 in the morning.

One thing for sure, my skin didn't like it! I took with me my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, one of my old favourites, but it certainly wasn't enough. I was getting dry patches and redness as never before. I even had to stop using foundation for a while because the ones I had accentuated the dryness. It was quite frustrating. Then, after reading some reviews online, I decided to try the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream.

My first though was that it was kinda of pricey, 43£ for 30 mL, while most moisturisers bring around 50 mL, but quickly I realised that a little goes a long way, so it lasts for approximately the same time. Also the smell was disappointing, for something called Rose Day Cream, but I guess that's the price to pay for the all natural thing.

Yes, all natural. That was one of the things that sucked me into trying it. According to the listed ingredients, it's natural and organic, free from chemical/synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and also from mineral oils, parabens, silicone and PEG. (Pfiuu that was a long sentence) Not that I am one of those who thinks that mineral oil is the product of the devil, but these kind of claims are always catchy. Even though I know, as a biochemist, that just because something is natural, doesn't  always mean it's better than something synthetic, but hey, I'm a human too.

Now onto the results.Well there's not other way to put it, this thing saved my skin. Ah the suppleness! Finally I wasn't feeling like a dried peach anymore and I could face the cold with a smile on my face (and with foundation!). But beware, I know this seems like a stellar review (and I love it for sure), but if are even the tiniest bit oily stay the hell away from this. Don't even get close to it, you might immediately feel oilier. It's very emollient and rich, and for dry skin I think. Even I, now that I am back to the warmer weather of Portugal, only use it when it's really cold outside, or restrict it to my cheeks. And definitely can't use it at all during spring/summer.

I know there's a light version of it, and I'm tempted to buy it when the winds start to change, and shorts and tank tops season come, but until then I can't say anything about this one.

Anyway, long story short, if you're suffering from dry skin, it's worth giving it a try, and you can apply it topically too if you're combination.

That's it for today, hope you started your week in the best way possible, and know that I love you all!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥


Monday 20 January 2014

American Liberty City Haul



 Hello fabulous people!

Probably not feeling that fabulous right now, after all is Monday (oooh the drama...) unless you're one of those weird, mildly annoying, creatures (probably from a different specie) who are joyful, energetic, and overly excited, on Mondays, or on any morning really. I should have the right to enjoy my dread and sorrow, and overall feeling sorry for myself, in peace.

But what am I talking about? Tsk Tsk... Already rambling... Today's post is a little haul of random goodies! Actually, who am I kidding? Not random, food goodies, mostly guilty inducing sweet treats!

Well, I live in Portugal, a long way from the US, in a different continent, so off course we have different products, but through movies, youtube, ect, I am exposed to a lot of American stuff that makes me curious.

So you can imagine how excited I was when i knew about the opening of a shop specialised in *drumrolls* American Products that we don't have here.

The other day I went there and got some things to try, things that I've heard of before.

I almost let out a little scream when I saw the S'more Pop Tarts! However, now that I have tried it, I have to say I was a little disappointed =s I think my expectations were too high, but I pictured marshmallow gooey goodness flowing out of the cracker. Still can't say I don't like it, it's chocolate and marshmallow after all.

And because S'mores Pop Tarts isn't sugar enough, I bought a little sampling of chocolates, because one cannot live in the ignorance. I hope I made good choices! I got me some Hershey's, Butterfingers, Reese's Nutrageous and Snickers Peanut Butter. This last one I already tried, it's good (I mean, peanut butter... duh...) but I wouldn't be able to eat the entire thing in one go. Still prefer the original.

Also I got Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa powder. This one was because I remembered Estée from EssieButton talking about it. Already made some of my special hot chocolate with it, and it's really nice.

I got some Extra chewing gum, again, because so many people talk about it. And some Nerds... for my boyfriend... (^.^)

Finally I got some panko. Was totally surprised to find it there! Not the most American product... But I was so happy, since I've been eyeing a few recipes that ask for it. And this particular panko is so good! Definitely my favourite purchase. Right that day I made an Asian inspired dish, with sea food, and squid done two ways, one of them with the panko. Huuuummm... So good!

Ok that's it for today =) I know I've been lacking on the beauty posts, but I haven't bought that much new beauty products lately...

I have yo go now, my dog is sleeping so cute right in front of me, I need to go and cuddle it. I'm having withdrawals, seriously!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥  

Friday 17 January 2014

Fitness Blues



Hello beauties! (yes, no cute animals today)

Are you ready for a little heart to heart with some fitness involved?

So, like so many people out there, I deal with anxiety. I don't think it's that severe in my case, but it does come through sometimes, and it has been worse lately. Like, a month or so ago, I had a huge crisis and I spent an entire day in bed, alone, in complete darkness, no eating, no nothing, with random urges to cry. Fun times...

Another symptom is my unwillingness to do anything that involves leaving the house, unless I really have to. I can always find things to clean and organise to avoid going outside (still I swear I am quite normal, really, I swear). This, off course, affected my fitness routine. I can do cardio at home with an Insanity video, but it's not quite the same, and for weight lifting there's no replacement.

I've been missing some days, which really annoys me, because when I think back, when I was in England, I wouldn't miss a day, even with rain, snow, freezing cold, whatever... So where did all that motivation went? Don't know, but it definitely took some vacations, and I need it back asap!

The result is that I lost weight, which again, annoys me! (I'm a very annoyed person right now) I actually started going to the gym, 6 years ago, because I wanted to gain some weight in a healthy way, and it was not easy! So obviously I don't want to see it go!

Right now I have 66 cm for my waist and 94 cm for my butt, so the plan is to keep the waist, but I want to increase on the legs a little bit. But for that I need to get my focus again! Today was raining like hell, but I mind slapped myself, got into my rain boots and forced myself to go! I felt so happy afterwards... Lets see how it goes... Now that I have written about it, I can't fail publicly =3

And that's it for today. Have the bestest weekend =)

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥   

Thursday 9 January 2014

Healthy Pizza?! Whaaat?!



Hey there peeps!

How you all doing? It's almost the end of the week so hang in there just a little while longer!

So here I am, waiting for my boyfriend (story of my life) so we can go to the movies. Meanwhile, why not write a super fun blog post?! (not really, don't get your expectations too high)

Since I am hungry, we are gonna talk about food (I kinda do that, it's my thing). But not any food, just one of the best foods in the world! Pizza!!!! *slobbering* Who doesn't like pizza?! Is that even possible?! The only downfall is the calories, also it's not the healthiest thing in the world, so we can't go around eating pizza everyday... well, we can, but unless you are Michael Phelps, and you swim zillions of pools a day, I wouldn't recommend it...

So imagine my joy when I came about something called "Healthy Pizza". I saw it for the first time in Sorted Food (if you don't know what that is, go check it out on youtube (but only after reading my post, of course)). It's still not the healthiest thing in the world, but it is way more healthy than the actual deal.

But Vanessa, what is this healthy pizza?! you may ask. Well is a pizza in which the base in naan bread, and then you can murder that naan bread with whatever you want, but ideally with healthy things (that's kinda the idea). The recipe in Sorted Food is awesome, but a little bit time consuming if you are in a hurry.

So I made some alterations. I make the naan bread and then I freeze it, so it is ready when I need it, just need to defrost. Then I spread some tomato sauce on top of it, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomato, salt and pepper, oregano, some basil, and that's it. Puuurfection! Just pop it in the oven for like 15 min and enjoy. It's delicious, really quick, and not that unhealthy.

Ok, so now I have to go see the Wolf of Wallstreet!
Good night to you all!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥ 

Monday 6 January 2014

2013 in Review



Hey there little squirrels!

So... 2014... I'm getting old (sight)... But anyway, how was your NYE? Hope it was amazing! This year I ditched the glamour, and the 10 minutes long fireworks, for a house in the countryside. Sounds fancy, right? It was really not that fancy, but it was fun, with all the friends reunited around a fireplace, which is a very important thing to have, at least if you're like me and can't stand the cold!

I can't say 2013 was a super good year for me, but it was an important year. For most of it I was in Cambridge, doing my Master's Thesis. Back in 2012, when I received the email saying I was chosen to go I was happy, and I knew my parents would be proud. But it ended up being really bad. I didn't like my project and I was miserable. Also, I was away from everyone I cared about, and from my dog, and England is very different from Portugal in pretty much everything (I don't say this in a bad way, it's just different from what I was used to). On the bright side I did meet a lot of really cool people.

But eventually it was over and I returned home, turned in my thesis, did my oral presentation and voila, I was done with University. I finally had my Master degree and for the first time in my life I didn't have a plan. I could do anything!

So I got enrolled in a MUFE professional makeup course, which I finished this December. I feel it was the first step towards being able to do what I really love! Makeup and beauty!

I also started this blog, and a youtube channel, which for me was massive, because I'm quite shy and anxious about public exposure.

For this new year I just hope it will be better than this last one. For you guys I hope it turns out to be the best year so far, and that all your dreams and hopes come true. If you are someone who makes NY resolutions, I hope you can stick to them, and if not... well... you can make new resolutions anytime you like.

Don't let anyone put you down and always follow your dreams! Believe me, that's the best advice I can give. Now I think I will end the motivational/emotional speech =)

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥