Happy New Year!

I just wanted to drop a quick message to wish you all a very happy new year!
Thank you so much to everyone who has read my posts, left comments, followed me and the blog on social media and generally been amazing! This has been my first year blogging and I have enjoyed every second of it and can't wait for it to continue and I am so pleased with how well my blog has done so far - can't wait to bring you the new content I have planned for the next year so far! It has been amazing connecting with you all.
Also, now that I have my new camera, the photographs will be a lot better quality and I will hopefully be starting to do some more fashion posts and OOTD's. I hope you will enjoy these as well as the other things I have planned.

 
So Happy New Year everyone - may 2015 bring you everything you wish for! Thanks again for reading - you are all truly amazing! Big kisses to you all!



Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #22

 

 

Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase

This will reduce 'bed head', split ends and wont rob your hair of moisture like cotton

 

 

Christmas Tag

Everyone celebrates and enjoys Christmas differently, so I thought I would do a little tag on here to go along with this. I love all of these questions, which made it a lot easier to answer! Lets get started -

 

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?

Home Alone and The Santa Clause - have to watch them every year!

 

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning always

 

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

Getting out first cat on Christmas Eve - she had to be called Tinsel!

 

4. Favourite festive food?
Everything! You get the BEST food at Christmas!

 

5. Favourite Christmas gift?
Is it bad that I can't really think of one?! I like them all!
 

6. Favourite Christmas scent?
Hmmmm...probably mulled wine...even though I don't drink it myself

 

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

Not really, just normally stay up later and make sure everyone's presents are under the tree ready for the morning
 

  

8. What tops your tree?

A very old and very faded robin

 
9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?
A horse! But did get one eventually just not for Christmas

 

 

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?

 The food! Also, I love having the decorations up.



11. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
New York! Have always wanted to go there but even more at Christmas. The pictures I have seen make it look amazing!



12. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
I am possibly the worst present-wrapper ever - never ask me to wrap something for you!

Well, there are my answers - now its your turn! If you decide to do this tag, let me know I would love to read your answers.

Love Laura xx


 

Train Like An Angel

How amazing was the Victoria's Secret show this year?! How I wish I could have been there in person but at least I got to watch one of the most waited for fashion shows in the world in some way. It was also the first time the show had been done in London and had the largest amount of models of any VS fashion show, which meant even more outfit to look at! That also included seeing a lot more of those super-toned bodies! These models may be blessed with natural beauty, but they do work hard for their bodies and I have found a few exercises that you can do at home that are similar to what the angels do.

Brogini Boots

Now if you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I am a massive horsey person and I'm lucky enough to have my own horse. The equestrian world has their own 'fashion', but everything is slightly more practical and made for being in the outdoors. As I do some showing with Bonnie, I needed some new long, black riding boots as I had had my old ones for years and they had practically fallen apart. I got the Brogini Modena Long Boots.

Although these are made from a synthetic material, they look exactly like they are made from high end expensive leather. They are super soft and mould to your leg, which is exactly what you want from long riding boots. Also, as the material isn't that thick, you still have a good feel for your horse and aids can be given well. The sole is strong and thick meaning they are good for all weathers and they feature a good grip which is anti-slip but they are also flexible enough to move with your foot. The full-length rear zip makes them easy to get on and off - even in the smallest of cars/trailers! I love the shape of the top of these boots, they look so professional and clean while in the show ring without being distracting. These boots also feature a tiny button like stud on the outside of each boot with a 'B' for Brogini.
I bought these from Ride Away online and they came within a few days and you could keep track of them while they were on route. They were also packaged up so well and came exactly as they are shown on the website.

I would defiantly recommend these boots to any rider who is looking for something for the show ring at an affordable price.

Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #21

 

 

Pop your nail polish in the fridge 15mins before use

This will help it go on your nail smoother





 

 

 

L'Oreal Eau De Tient Foundation

I am honestly not a massive fan of foundation and it is not something I generally spend a lot of time looking at or thinking about. This is mainly because I always find them heavy and caky on my skin and also trying to find the correct shade for my skin is a pretty much impossible task!

However, after seeing this foundation in drug stores and also in many adverts in magazines I decided to give it a go and I'm so happy I did! (Yes my skin really is that pale to need porcelain!) The L'Oreal Eau De Tient Foundation is so light on my skin, honestly feels like I'm not wearing any foundation at all. This is perfect for me! It makes my skin feel so smooth and silky, but gives great coverage and makes pores appear tiny or just vanish completely. It also makes skin have a matte appearance, meaning no powder is needed afterwards or to 'set' the foundation, as it moulds to your skin perfectly. It is perfect for the 'no make-up' look as you can barely see it when applied.
It is also so easy to apply with easy to follow instructions. All you simply to is shake the bottle, then place a finger over the top and gently tip. The amount of product you get from each shake is amazing - only a few times is needed! I placed dots of the product under my eyes, chin and forehead and used a brush to blend into skin. Below are the before and after images.



Before any foundation is applied



After

The bottle is also so cute and looks very modern as it is made from a frosted glass. The purple detailing really stands out but not too OTT.
I would defiantly recommend this to anyone who wants a foundation but not the heavy, caky feel. Also, with the huge range of different tones, there is a shade for every skin tone. Many drug stores also have testers for each shade, so you can try before you buy.

Have you ever used this foundation? What do you think of it?

Love Laura xx

   

F.B.L Quick Tip #20

 

Want lighter hair without the trip to the salon?

Either wash you hair with chamomile & lemon juice on your entire head or use a toothbrush to apply lemon juice to strands of hair.

Then, simply let you hair dry naturally in the sun!

 

 

Liquor N Poker Wish List

I haven't done a wish list post since I first started my blog at the start of the year and I thought it was about time I did another, especially since it is in collaboration with Liquor N Poker. This a high quality, authentic street denim company that have products that can be worn all day everyday and fit in with whatever trend is around at the time.

As soon as I saw these jeans I feel in love! The lilac wash is amazing and quite unusual as I have never seen jeans this colour before. The colour also gives them a distressed feel to them and combined with the ripped knees, these are bang on trend right now! I feel they lend themselves to a rock chick/with-the-band look - which is the kind of look I tend to wear - and with them being skinny jeans, it makes them so easy to style up and down depending on the occasion.

 I would wear the Skinny Rib Crop Tee from Topshop with these jeans. Mainly because it is black, going in with the with-the-band look, and also it means that is not distracting from the colour of the jeans. Also as it is a crop, you can show a little bit of skin without it being too much.

This Warehouse Rib Sleeve Biker Jacket is the perfect cover up for this look! It has the rock chick feel to it, as most leather jackets do, and everyone knows that denim and a black leather jackets is the perfect, easy outfit to wear and style. I love the rib detail on the sleeves and with it being a cropped jacket, it will defiantly show of the jeans.

 

I would team this outfit with my trusty white Converse. These just go with any outfit and seeing as a lot of this outfit is black, they will add a bit of colour without it being too much. Converse also still fit with the theme of this, so they are perfect!

For accessories, I would choose this Silver tone twisted chain body harness from River Island. I would wear this under the T-Shirt, so only the bottom half would be shown, as it is a crop top. It is such a cheeky way to show off a piece of jewellery!


What do you think of the outfit? Something you would wear and do you think it fits in with the rock chick/with-the-band look I was after?

Love Laura xx

Boux Avenue Continued

As I am sure you know from my previous post - I love Boux Avenue! So when I received an email from them saying about the VIP pre-sale, I just knew I had to buy something, much to the disappointment of my bank balance! For those of you who don't know, the VIP pre-sale is for those who have signed up to a VIP card either in-store or online. This works like a loyalty card with you getting points from every purchase, which go towards money off.

I love my PJ bottoms which I had previously bought from Boux Avenue, so I got another pair in a different colour. These ones are blue check and are made from such a soft material making them so comfy. They also have front pockets and while I probably wont ever use them its good that they are there just in case.

I also got a pair of the Chloe shorts in violet. This colour is so nice and although it looks quite bright on the website, they are a dark-ish purple which I love. The lace is so pretty without it being too girly and they are also made from a really nice, soft material.

Of course I asked for my order to be gift wrapped and so it appeared in one of Boux Avenue's gorgeous boxes complete with pink tissue paper and scented rose petals. The box has such a nice smell when I opened it! To show how nice Boux Avenue is, my sister also ordered the same as me, just in different colours.

What makes my order even better was that I got all this, plus delivery for just under £22 as I had the VIP sale code! How good is that?!


Love Laura xx

Halloween Nail Art

Well Halloween is tomorrow and why shouldn't your nails take part?! I wanted something that looked the part but wasn't too 'in-your-face' and would still look good after the 31st. This was what I created - white for a ghost/pale and red for blood.

To recreate this look, first use Maybelline Colour Show in 'Winter Baby'. I needed about 3 coats of this as it was quite a pale colour and had quite a thin consistency. It is not a pure white but it has a slight 'ghost' look about it.
To create the blood drips, use a thin, old paint brush and dip it in Barry M nail polish in 'Bright Red' and place a couple of dots on each nail. Then simply drag up towards the end of your nail to create a drip look. Fill in the end of your nail with the red to finish the look off. The red doesn't have to look too neat as it is meant to be dripping blood!
Then simply coat your nails in Barry M clear top coat and walah you have Halloween nails!


What do you think of this look?

Love Laura xx

New Look Lingerie

Mint green is such a lovely colour and combining it with lace - well it just had to be bought! These two lingerie separates are from New Look when they had their sale on, so I got both for only £7! The colours are no an exact match but close enough that when worn you can't tell.

At the moment I am loving soft lace bras and this one defiantly fits the bill! The lace has such a pretty flower type design and it is made from a super soft material which makes it comfortable to wear all day. There is also a velvet band that goes around the bottom which I personally love as it breaks up the lace a little.
The lace on the knickers is similar, but it is a slightly more obvious flower design. The monochrome pattern has a tribal effect to it but without it being too much. These are also super comfy to wear!
Both of these separates are so nice the photos really do not do them justice! This is the first time I have bought any sort of lingerie from New Look, but I will defiantly be buying more as they are good quality and affordable. I have also found them true to size which is perfect!


Love Laura xx

Inspired by Cheryl

If you have been watching X Factor this year (who hasn't?!), you will have seen Cheryl's amazing purple eyeshadow at the arena auditions. I personally love purple on eyes, especially since mine are blue as it really makes them 'pop', so when I saw Cheryl's it was defiantly something I was inspired by. I am in no way a make up artist and am pretty bad at doing anything with eyeshadow, but I have tried to recreate this look.

For this look I have used:

- Rimmel Scandal eyes mascara
- MUA black eyeshadow
- MUA purple eyeshadow
- Barry M eyeshadow brush
- Barry M eyeliner brush

I first used MUA purple eyeshadow and covered my entire eyelid and on the lower lash line with this. Then using the eyeliner brush, I made a triangle shape outwards and filled this in. Blending the eyeshadow into the skin to avoid harsh lines makes this look more wearable. Using MUA eyeshadow in black and the eyeliner brush, I used this as eyeliner and blended it in slightly to the purple on both top and bottom waterlines. By blending, it makes the lines less harsh but still makes your eyes 'pop'. To finish the look I used Rimmel Scandal eyes mascara, as this is a super black colour and defiantly stands out from the purple eyeshadow.

 

While this isn't an exact match to Cheryl's look, it is similar and like I said I am defiantly no make up artist! This look could also make a great Halloween look, especially if you made the triangle more exaggerated!

Would you wear the is look?

Love Laura xx

NYFW Look To Wear Now

Statement necklaces have been going to strong in the fashion world for a while now, but NYFW changed them up a bit. Shown at the Anna Sui show, jewel clusters were replaced by supersized, bold flowers.
Think this look is too girly for you? Choose bold primary colours (red, blue and yellow FYI) and a crisp white shirt to counteract.

Anna Sui SS15

Click the links below to find these now!

New Look
Topshop
Forever 21

Nobody said flowers always have to be dainty!

Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #19

 

 

Use a comb instead of a brush on wet hair to remove tangles

This will cause less breakage to your hair and also be less painful

 

 

The Cybersmile Foundation

Bulling is never nice, it doesn't matter if it is in person or though the 'cyber world'. It is a horrible thing to happen to anyone, but it is also something that is hard to tell anyone about if it is happening to you. This is why I am so happy that the charity The Cybersmile Foundation exists and oh how I wish this had been around when I needed it!

Cybersmile Foundation is a non-profit organisation which are tackling all online bulling and hate campaigns. They believe that everyone and anyone should be able to go on the internet and enjoy being part of the online community - which is exactly how it should be. There should be no fear at all involved with going onto any social networking sites, they are there to be enjoyed. Cybersmile want to provide an environment for people who have been affected by cyber bulling where they can have the tools and coping strategies to help them overcome whatever has affected them online. They also want to help the bullies themselves so they can see how what they have done has affected someone else's life. In a nutshell, Cybersmile Foundation will help support anyone who has, or is, being affected by cyber bulling and give them the support they need to come to terms with what has happened and also to move on from it.

I love both their Twitter and Instagram pages, as they are full of inspiring quotes. Something so small and maybe insignificant to others can mean a lot to someone else. I also love their merchandise - all have the word 'positivity' on and this is exactly what they are giving to the people they are helping - I will defiantly be buying something soon!

Remember life can be hard at times and people can be cruel, but keep your head held high and ignore any of the mean things people may say.

You are a beautiful, unique person and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

 

 

 

Love Laura xx

 

 

 

The British Tag

I have seen this tag over on a few YouTube channels, but I first saw it in written form over on Jasmin Charlotte's blog - if you don't already, give her a follow - so I decided to give it a go and I am tagging Daisy at daisydaisyxxo, Lauren at totallylola and Jessy at GirlTherefore to do this next - off you go!

1. How many cups of tea do you have a day? And how many sugars?
I actually don't like any hot drinks apart from hot chocolate...or Ribena...

2. Favourite part of your roast dinner?
Yorkshire puddings! I absolutely love them, could eat them with pretty much anything! (Yeah it's a bit strange, I'll give you that!)

3. Favourite dunking biscuit?
As I don't have hot drink I don't 'dunk' biscuits! My favourite biscuit is either a Bourbon or custard creams.

4. Favourite quintessentially British pastime?
Got to be horse riding around the countryside - could not imagine my life without it! I don't mind playing tennis every now and again but really not very good at it...

5. Favourite word?
I think it's more of a Northern things but everyone saying 'love'. Not really in the endearment term but just a way of speaking

6. Cockney rhyme slang?
Errrrmmmmm...I don't know! Never been to London or even know anyone from there so I'm going to have to pass on this one.

7. Favourite sweet/chocolate?
Strawberry Bonbons

8. What would your pub be called?
I'm a Corrie fan so I think this answer is pretty obvious!

9. No.1 British person
Errrmmmm...The Queen?

10. Favourite shop / restaurant
Favourite shop has to be Topshop, as I love pretty much everything they sell. One restaurant I love is Croma which is in Manchester city centre. It has the most gorgeous pizzas I have ever had and also have the best chocolate fudge cake ever!

11. What British song pops into your head?
Well as the first concert I went to was Spice Girls I'm going to go with anything by them!

12. Marmite?
NO, NO, NO! Can't stand the stuff!


Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #18

 

 

Put Vaseline around your nails before using polish

This will stop it sticking to your skin, making your nail look clean and tidy


 

 



Diamond Doll

Most people concentrate on mainly the clothes and shoes at a fashion show, but I love to look at the nail art. One of my favourite looks from New York Fashion Week was from the Libertine show. Models were sent down the runway with some serious sparkle on their nails! This look may be a bit OTT for everyday where, but I was so inspired by this I created this 'dipped in diamonds' nail art which is so easy to recreate.

Get The Grunge Out

Crop tops have been popular for a while now and there are so many different styles you can adopt - from fitted to baggy and strappy to more covered up. One of my favourite places at the moment for crops is H&M, which is where I found this little beauty.

This is something a little more grungy than I would normally choose but this is probably what drew me to it! Although it looks like it is made from denim, it is actually only made from a cotton like material meaning it is light, comfortable and not too warm to wear. It is a crop top after all! The black acid wash is so amazing and adds to the grungy/rock chick vibe. I also love that the buttons are just plain black matte so they don't stand out or draw attention. With the buttons on the front, it adds the sex appeal which this top has. It is quite low cut and does have thin-ish straps, but it is not 'cheap' looking when on (at least I hope not!) and easy to wear. I have worn this with both shorts (which can be seen in the back of the image) and also with a high-waisted skater skirt. I LOVE this top and finding new outfit combinations with it - the colour means it goes with anything!


What do you think and is it something you would wear?

Love Laura xx

Reverse Hair Washing

 
My hair natural hair is frizzy. And flyaway. And untameable. I have tried every 'frizz-free' shampoo, condition, serum I can find and nothing seems to make it completely disappear. Along with the frizz, I have to deal with my hair getting greasy the day after it has been washed, meaning I have to wash my hair at least every other day. No fun in all this right? Well, I may have found a solution - reverse hair washing!

This is essentially conditioning your hair first and then shampooing. Sounds completely crazy I know but it does seems to work. This method is ideal for people who have either thin, limp hair or frizzy, as you are washing out nearly all the conditioner so it wont weigh it down or make it go greasy too quickly. As the hair is lighter without any residue of conditioner, it looks like it has more volume, glossier and most importantly for me - frizz-free! After using this method for a week, my hair feels so much more healthy and silky but without the grease. Even other people have been noticing and I have been asked countless times which salon I had been too!



Used the reverse hair washing method, then blow dried around a large barrel brush.

The reverse hair washing method is something I would recommend everyone to at least try and it could make such a difference to your hair. Please bear in mind, it doesn't work on everyone as everyone's hair is different!

Have your tried this method and does it work for your hair?


Love Laura xx

Boux Avenue

OK, I admit it! I may have a slight obsession with buying lingerie - only the pretty kind of course! This of course lead me to Boux Avenue in Manchester Arndale when I was there a few days ago. I have bought a few bits from here before, but this is the first time I have featured them on my blog. I love Boux Avenue straight from the moment I walk in. This is probably to do with a welcoming 'Hello' you get, instead of 'can I help you with anything' you normally get walking into stores before you have even had a chance to look around. Also, each of the stores has a New York-meets-Paris feel to it and you expect everything to be priced to match this but not they are very reasonable for the quality you get.

 

As I had already purchased items from here, I knew my size and everything so I didn't need to be fitted but of course I did have to try on to be sure. The fitting rooms are so nice and pretty and huge compared to any other store I think I have ever been in! Each room is fitted with a floor to ceiling mirror and each has 3 different lighting uses - daylight, night and dusk (my favourite!) - so you can see exactly how your new lingerie or bikini is going to look.

I decided to buy the Tatiana T-Shirt Bra. Now, normally T-shirt bras are very normal and somewhat boring looking, as they are meant to be just simple, but this bra has lace just on the top of the cups and a small bow in the middle of the cups and also at the start of each straps. This gives it a little something and, to me, lace always adds just a little bit of sexiness! The straps can also be clipped back to create a racer-back if needed. To go with the bra, I got the Lia Lacy Short. These are gorgeous and the lace material is so soft to touch! Also, the small bow and Boux Avenue little heart charm is a nice touch too.

Everything was wrapped in tissue paper, with scented rose petals which smell amazing, and then placed in a cute little box. I think this is such a lovely touch and makes everything feel more expensive then it was!

I would defiantly recommend Boux Avenue to anyone, they have such a huge range of beautiful lingerie and nightwear - I just want to buy everything! I have found that everything is true to size, even when you are on the smaller side like me.

Have you been in Boux Avenue? What do you think of their stores/lingerie?

Love Laura xx

F.B.L. Quick Tip #17

 

 

Brighten your eyes by using white eyeliner, you will instantly look more awake

Only apply to your lower lash line for a more subtle look

 

 

 

Moose Coffee Manchester

After a busy few weeks, I finally had time to meet up with one of my best friends and head into Manchester city centre for a bit of retail therapy and to get, in our words, good food! Hence the reason we ended up at one of our favourite places - Moose Coffee.

This is an American style coffee shop which specialises in breakfast/brunch style food, as it is only open during the day. (8am-6pm during the week, 9am-5pm on Saturday, 10am-4pm on Sunday) For the people who know Manchester, it is on the corner of Fountain Street and York Street.This is defiantly a place to get to early as it does get very busy, but their menu is full of American goodness it is worth it!

We both had 3 pancakes with crispy bacon which also came with butter and a little jug of maple syrup. And they were huge - you defiantly wont leave Moose Coffee hungry! They are some of the nicest pancakes I have ever had and although having them with bacon may not sound appealing it works amazingly. The service there is also good and the staff are friendly and you can actually get a smile from them even though the place is so busy. Although there is jazz type music playing, you can barly hear it above the general chit-chatter of the place and you also see so many different types of people in there, it shows what a great place Moose Coffee is.

I would defiantly recommend this place to anyone who goes to Manchester - just make sure your hungry before you go!

Love Laura x

M.A.C Matte Lipstick - Pink Plaid

After having used M.A.C lipsticks by so many different MUA's on shoots, I had to buy one of my own! As M.A.C are slightly more expensive then other makeup brands, I knew I wanted to purchase a colour that I could use everyday without it being too over the top and bright. After looking at pretty much ever colour they have to offer, I decided on Pink Plaid.

This is a medium pink with blue undertones, meaning it is perfect for pale skin such as mine. It is a matte formula, but easy to apply without pulling or tugging on your lips, even when using straight from the tub. This is still quite a bright pink so you have to be willing to experiment to wear this. However, it is subtle enough for everyday where, which is what I wanted. It has a staying power of 5 hours+ and although it is not moisturising, it is not drying either.

Pink Plaid is such a good shade of pink and can be used for any event. Personally, I keep the rest of my make up pretty simple to let the lipstick shine on its own, but it would also work with a simple smoky eye look.

So happy with my first M.A.C purchase - can't wait to buy more!

Do you like M.A.C cosmetics and what is your favourite product?


Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #16

  

Only put conditioner on the bottom 3/4 of your hair

Applying to the roots will only make your hair greasy too quickly

 

 

 

Lady In Lilac

Lilac meaning- feminine, romantic , soft, dainty

 

 

Dress - H&M

This dress is absolutely perfect for festivals! The hem dips slightly shorter in the middle, as the photo of it on a hanger shows, but this isn't as noticeable when its on. The neckline is super flattering for all shapes as it isn't too low cut but enough to be a little cheeky! Also it is cut slightly lower on the arms than most day dresses, meaning it is also perfect for wearing for pretty much any event you may be attending this summer.
Even with the lower cut arms and neckline, this dress is not trashy in any sense. This is achieved with the length of the dress, as on me, it comes to about knee length. The soft lilac colour also nails the pastel trend too!
With the soft, following material of this dress it makes it perfect for festivals - just add a flower crown in your hair and you'll have the most amazing 'hippy' style outfit. I would personally wear something like Converse, as they go with everything and also take away a little of the girly-ness. Or maybe your wellies would be better knowing the lovely English weather we have!

Love Laura xx


(Sorry for the grainy photos - have no idea how/why this happened!)