Handbag heroes #2

Hi Loves,

I am back with part two of my Handbag Heroes.

Those little things that make pounding the streets of London smooth sailing.

I have been sectioning my bag into pouches since my Uni days and I found it really worked for me.
So just kept doing it.

Considering I am not the most organised in my personal life, It is surprising how organised my bag actually is.

As I enjoyed going through my pouch in my last post and having a little declutter,

You can check my Handbag Heroes #1 if you missed it.

I decided to do another one as I have a new pouch I have been loving and it gives me a chance to see what is actually in there.

My newest pouch* was actually gifted to me last year by the lovely team over at  LYDC London after taking part in a #FBLCHAT and being picked as one of those who they thought interacted well and enjoyed talking to.

This iridescent, metallic very on trend featuring pantone colours of 2016, serenity and rose quartz purse/pouch turned up a few days later.
It being a totally different colour and texture to my other pouch is also useful, so score.

Here's my second set of handbag essentials.

Oyster Card

This is the one thing I guard fiercely lol, it's a London thing!

Especially now as all public travel transactions are cash free and using my debit card just seems like a hassle to me.

Having experienced that moment of heart bursting, mindless burrowing deep into my bag thinking I have lost my card.
Whilst being miles from home is something that haunts most Londoner and is just not the one!

Mints & sweeties

I am obsessed with mints.

Give me that tingling menthol freshness any day of the week.

Trebor XXX is my all time fav but I have been leaning towards chewy ones hence the Mentos.

I also always have a few Jakemans Menthol & eucalyptus lozenges because I am a granny lol!

There is also rarely an excuse for bad breath and as it is a pet peeve of mine, I make sure I am not guilty of that eye watering faux pas.

Perfume Atomisers

This the best and safest/easiest way for me to carry my perfumes around.

Without worrying about breaking them or just being super clunky and heavy.

I have about 4 of these which I got from eBay.
This also means I have the option of scent combos and using my perfumes more sparingly.
They are of really good quality and incredibly cheap (99p each).

My current scents on rotation are Moringa and Vanilla body mists from the body shop.
They are super affordable and very different.

 Plasters

I don't often use these but they are good  to have none the less. 

Vintage compact mirror

This is actually belongs to my mum.

I like to say she gave it to me like a heirloom butshe prefers the version of me *ahem* aprehending it as a teen.

I like my version better!
It is very dear to me.

Emergency funding (money)

This should actually be £10 but I kept spending it, so I reduced it to £5.
Clearly there is £2 on in my picture so I can't be trusted!
In my defence I will say for the last 3 years £5 has been in there but I ended up breaking it a few days ago.

I always keep a few quid separate from my purse just in case of an emergency.

This is a habit I actually got into at secondary school and it really comes in handy.

Tissue

This is such a must, just like hand sanitiser.

Just to have for general hygiene but because this is London.
 So either you will find something super vile on the tube or somebody crying uncontrollable on the metropolitan line.

Tissues are great for both.

There we have it. A few more of my handbag heroes.

What are yours?

*This item was gifted to me.
 Not for review or as part of sponsored content.

 Please see the  Ms. Wednesdays Girl disclaimer in full here.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

London Health show 2016: An intimate yet informative affair*

Last Thursday I wrapped up warm, slipped into some stylish yet comfy shoes and headed up to the Olympia London for the London Health Show*. 

As we all know health, beauty and wellness is big business and ever expanding in the UK.
What with bloggers flourishing in these areas too, what better way to see what is happening in the market than to attend an event?

The London Health Show specifically showcased distributors from all sectors within the health and wellness market and what would be at the forefront for 2016. 

This was much smaller than the exhibitions/ events I have attended in the past, so it really gave us a chance to meet and chat with distributors, industry insiders and discover new products properly. 

I took my mum along for company as she is a qualified Holistic therapist and loves trade exhibitions.

The floor was divided into 6 sections. Nutrition & supplements, beauty, complementary health, sports and fitness, organic and natural product and healthcare technology.
Not only did the event offer access to distributors but offered live demonstrations, conferences, CPD workshops and presentations with a variety of speakers.

Obviously I targeted Beauty, food and complementary therapy first as who doesn't like to be beautified, whilst eating great healthy snacks and being massaged by a professional?

In between browsing  we enjoyed stopping to watch a hulafit demo as well as listen to a few speakers.

Our particular highlights were a branding, pr and marketing tools workshop given by Cheryl Hersey, the Director at Action Pr . 

We also found Director and chair of BANT  Miguel Toribio-Mateas incredibly interesting.

He gave a workshop on personal nutrition which was insightful.

A few of my stand out distributors were:

Queen Of Oil - The whole team was lovely and gave us an excellent discount on their 100% Argan oil.

Sheila’s Natural products- were really attentive and knowledgeable.

Inspiral - was one of the busiest stands and for good reason. They had great banter and made sure that they engaged each person. We walked away with a lot of kale-Os snacks!

Attis UK -As a lover of natural affordable skincare. This stand drew my eye straight away and we left with a few goodies to try out.

I really enjoyed my time at the London Health Show 2016. 

Not only was it great to meet distributors who are passionate about their products but it is also a excellent way to network, find new brands, gain insightful information about products and receive excellent discounts!

Until next time........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

*I was kindly invited to this event and received a press pass however as always my opinions and views remain my own.

 Please see the Ms. Wednesdays Girl disclaimer in full here.

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Handbag heroes #1

Hi Loves and a happy new year!!!!

So this is something different.
More of a what's in my bags, bag situation.

I decided to do a handbag heroes post about the other things that are always in my bag other than the usual umbrella and mint staples (this is London umbrella hasn't left my bag since year seven lol).

I keep my beauty ish/ miscellaneous things that I need in here so lets get started.

Lucas' Pawpaw ointment

This is my go to bag all purpose balm of choice.
I always have this in my bag and usually a back up in case I lose it but these last so long.

Medicine

 I don't have medication I take regularly so this is usually some ibuprofen, hayfever tabs, energy tabs etc I like to be prepared.
There are parts of me that are incredibly organised.
To the point where people say I am such a mum as I anticipate your needs 0.o - I am not a pusher!
 I like to be prepared!
I do get migraines and although I have a high pain threshold, life is better for all if my migraine is seen to asap.

Baylis & Harding Beauticology Grapefruit & Raspberry Handcream

ummmm the smell!
 I do have my staples when it comes to handcream (checkout my winter skincare saviours) but love to try new ones and this is proving to be pretty moisturising and light.

Hairbands 

I buy these in bulk from primark. It is like 50 of varying sizes for £1. Which is a bargain.
 They don't snag on my hair and if they snap I am ok with the price. They are also great for multipurpose quick fixes.

Lipsticks & lip pencil 

I usually have 2 lipsticks and a brown lip pencil in my pouch.
I will usually all throw in whatever lip product of the day if it is something different.
Currently I am in LOVE with brown/ deep berry brown lips so my choices at the moment are Diva & Antique velvet by MAC.
Which are very similar.- I know seriously, I know!

Blotting paper

 It gets pretty muggy rushing around all day so these are a life saver for keeping your face excessively shine free yet still leaving the skin glowing. You can find these very cheaply on eBay.

Contact lenses

 I am a frequent glasses wearer and occasionally wear contact lenses.
These are a spare back up in case I want to change my look or refresh my eyes.

Hand sanitiser 

In any major city this is a must. 

Especially in London when you are travelling on public transport.
People are DIRTY as fuck! 

So just keeping your hands clean saves you from having an unnecessary amount of germs on you.

If you work in an office with desk jumping or just a busy office this is a must also. 

Get your anti bac wipes too!

My current one is Orla Kiely in geranium.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Mist 

This is a great travel size spritz to refresh the face during the day. 

I actually discovered this when a friend brought it back from America for me and have only seen it once in the uk. 

I had the good sense to buy 2 from the 99p shop of all places and will be sad when it is finished.
 They are however great containers to reuse.

Hair product
This could be anything.
I received a sample years and and kept the container.
I  now fill it with a small amount of gel for fly aways or conditioner.

Cork screw
yep, you read that right.
 I keep a cork screw in my bag lol
 I used to be a bar tender in my uni summer holidays and was given this for my little kit on my first day!
It's one of those fancy, I have every attachment under the sun MacGyver things.
I am also that person everybody asks for cocktail ideas, wine recommendation etc. As seen in my holiday spiced mulled cider recipe.
I even created a wedding cocktail called the J&J for my brothers wedding.
Stick with me kid, we won't be drinking white lightening at bus stops but a bit of Pinot at a picnic in a park and I am your woman!

So those are my Handbag heros, what are your must haves?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Easy festive holiday spiced mulled cider

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!

This is my only festive post and the final post of 2015.

So what better way to end 2015, than to toast the year passing and a new one beginning?

Here is my super easy, quick and delicious homemade mulled cider recipe. 

You can find most of the ingredients knocking around the kitchen, which is great at this time of year. 
This is greqt to make in advance and store in air tight containers. The flavours intensify and it is one thing off your to do list.

Ingredients

3 litres of cider- you can have 1 litre of dry

2 large cinnamon stick

3 cloves

1/2 a bottle of medium sweet white wine

1 vanilla pod

3 star anise
1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg

50g of sugar- soft sugar (if you don't like sugar don't add or use less)

2 heaped teaspoons of Marsala tea

200 ml dark rum (if you have it, that is fine)

6 cardamom pods

1 level teaspoon of mixed spice

1  bay leaf

3 oranges and one 1 lemon

1 orange and lemon peel

1 chopped apple

Method

Ok so you have all your ingridients. 

Squeeze the juice from 3 oranges and 1 lemon. Then thinly slice zest.

If you have a muslin cloth going spare then place all your dry ingredients in there and tie it off.

If not then chuck your ingredients into a big pot, along with the cider, wine, sugar and scrapped vanilla pod. 

You can sieve all ingridients once finished.

The mixture should be on a LOW heat and allowed to simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes.

If it is a little strong add a a cup of water and add until you are satisfied.

**Tip** You may find the citrus oils very strong if you put them in straight away. 

Either place fruits in hot water for a few seconds then add to the mix.

Or add peel into the mix in the last 10 minutes of simmering.

This is also great with champagne or wine so get creative and mull what ever tipple takes your fancy!

This is an alcoholic drink mixture but is just as delicious with non-alcoholic drinks.
Remember guys, drink safely and my underagers -Apple juice will sustain you!

So that's my incredibly easy, show stopping mulled cider. 

Your family will sing your praises and it shall be great.
 Sit back and lap up the adulation.

Drink it hot, warm or even cold and its amazing!

Thank you so much for your continued support this year.

Have an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Enjoy your holidays and see you on the other side (very Adele)!

Merry Christmas, Afenhyiapa, Feliz Navidad, Meri Kirihimete, Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Gledileg Jol, 
Bada Din Mubarak Ho... so on and so forth

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Read of the month: Sent From Heaven (Blogger book edition)

Hi Loves,

So I am coming to you with a very special read of the month.

Oghosa of SincerlyOghosa, 
asked  me and along with other bloggers, if we would review her first E- book,
 Sent from Heaven and being the bookworm that I am obviously I said Yes!
I have been so inconsistent with my book reviews so in the giving spirit of the holiday season. 
Here is my second book review for December and from a blogger who seems to be going from strength to strength no less!

Set in modern day London. We follow Chioma Amara.

A woman cut down in her prime.

Taken from her son, just as their relationship was back on track and her determination to finally right wrongs and help give him the chance to live a fulfilled life.

Chioma seemingly can not catch a break! After becoming pregnant at university and having no other option once she is deserted by her boyfriend. 
Chioma puts her son Sam into care with the promise to come back for him. 
After several turbulent years Chioma and Sam are finally reunited. 
However that is only the beginning of their struggle.

In death, Chioma doesn't catch a break either.
 Despite being in the unearthly realm, Chioma is assigned to hell through no fault of her own. 
Now on the verge of an eternity in purgatory, God steps in to save the day.
 Having spotted Chiomas’ unblemished soul within, a crowd of those more deserving of hell. 
God intervenes and gives Chioma one last chance at life, in order to help her son heal some his wounds and begin his own journey. 
Chioma must return to earth and guide him to happiness, love and acceptance all before Christmas.

Now first off I have to say I am not particularly religious, I don’t often go in for Christmassy “feel good” cheer books or films because I just can’t with all the faux cheer and predictability.
This however keeps Christmas as a  back drop to a wider story but is not all consuming.

Nor do I often go in for the self published religious fiction as I find them to be a bit zealous at times and find the cringe factor to be extraordinarily high.

That isn't to say however that I don’t enjoy books that have underlying religious themes/imagery.

 A Christmas carol, Dan Brown books or even The chronicles of Narnia to name a few. I start with this as by not reading these genres often, it gives me a different view point.

 What I do go for is a book that has something different or striking about it that touches me in some way. Oghosa has managed to find a niche in the booming supernatural fiction arena that I haven’t seen before and works really well with it. This alone makes it interesting and I am very intrigued to see if she expands on this in future.

I am really happy that I agreed to review Sent From Heaven. 
As I said above I might not have gravitated towards it, if I had seen it. In many ways this is a very current book. Although a tried and tested formula (no spoilers) is used. Oghosa manages to make God personable and the idea of heaven and hell not so shrouded in mystery. 
She cleverly worked in very familiar elements to great affect. I do think that certain characters could be fleshed out more and certain points in the book to be expanded upon more but considering this is her first fully self published piece, I think she has done very well.

I actually enjoyed reading this and if you are a person who revels in happy endings, Christmas feels, that quintessential Christmas spirit and possibly that person who has their tree up on the 1st of December this is definitely a book for you.
 Equally if you are a bit more chilled like me, don't really go in for over the top excessive festivities and have an aversion to tinsel. You will enjoy it too. Alternatively this would make a great gift/ stocking filler for a loved one. 
It is incredibly apparent how personal this story is to Oghosa on many levels and that passion is so clearly woven into the storyline.


This is a great book to remind you what life is actually about. 
Finding and cherishing the people and things most important to you.

Check out Oghosa explaining why she wrote this book and why this more than just a story for her. 

Until next time.............

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

*Disclaimer: I did not purchase this book. However my thoughts and my opinions are my own.
You can see my full disclaimer, should you wish.

Reads of the month: December 2015

Hi Lovers,
Long time no review but I promise I have been reading!
So these are my new reads of the month.
These are two very different books.
Check them out below.

The girl next door 

 by Ruth Rendell (3.5 stars)

Flitting between the modern day and the cusp of WW2. 

A buried tin containing the remnants of two severed hands, is the catalyst that brings a group of friends long since grown up back into each other lives.

Having grown up in a small Essex suburb together, it doesn't take long before old alliances and group hierarchy of what once was are firmly back in place. 

Swept up in a murder investigation, old truths and buried memories are brought to the surface.

Rendell took an interesting route and didn't focus on the actual murderer but the children now well into adulthood.

The plot centers on how an incident that they didn't know had actually happened greatly impacted their lives. 

As the group find each other again regret, lost chances, ageing and opportunities rear their head and some to detrimental effect.

Told from a much older generation struggling to find their place in the modern world was an excellent touch.

I found the use of older people making mistakes, feeling adrift and learning to live a life other than the one set out for them refreshing.

The role of being all knowing and wise is often afforded or foisted on older characters and this certainly isn't the case here. 

I am a pretty fast reader but this is a slow burn so it took some sticking to.

Without giving the plot away I did find fault with the stereotypical scenes and internalised

 misogynistic attributes in a few of the characters.

 This often irritates me in books however one characters end story did go some way in redeeming this.

This is actually the last book Rendell before her death earlier this year.

 So I think it will be very special to a lot of her keen followers.

Kitty Peck and the Child of Ill-Fortune by Kate Griffin (4 stars)

This engrossing historical mystery thriller set in Victorian London, follows fiery and fearless 17 year old Kitty Peck. 

The newly untested heiress of Paradise, the underworld criminal empire formerly run by her grandmother Lady Ginger.

No longer one of the many girls working within her grandmothers music hall.

 Kitty is now the boss and has to fight for the right to win and command all that lies within Paradise. 

Desperate to find and be reunited with her banished brother Joey.

 She embarks on a journey, where her life is placed in danger when she can not refuse a strangers plea for help and the chance to save a child.

Kitty and her friends lives are soon in danger as she unwittingly stumbles through her Grandmothers plans for her and those who have followed her back from Paris in pursuit of this child and bury a secret that could potential bring down the English empire.

This is actually the second book in this series and I didn't feel as though I had missed out on information at all. The first Kitty Peck and the Music Hall Murders is definitely on my list.

I found myself automatically reading kitty's parts in a proper hardcore cockney accent. Although there were cases of othering. 

 I felt a good percentage of the characters were well rounded and described well.

I really enjoyed this book and really felt as though I was immersed and living this adventure with Kitty. 

I found that the author struck the right balance of Kitty being a young woman and suddenly having to don this mantle of responsibility brilliantly.

This follows the traditional penny dreadful style and although a little sketchy in places is  very enjoyable.

Until next time.......

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Shaking up AW15: Kiko haul

Kiko is one of those beauty brands that is soooo affordable and is amazing quality yet I find I don't shop there enough. 

I may not shop there as often as I would like but I do have a great collection of solid great performance products.

I absolutely love the Regents Street branch and could honestly
just stay in there for hours gazing at the products.
Although it doesn't have the biggest space it's very cleanly layed out
and just on the right side of overwhelming -if there is such a thing!

Whilst meeting up with friends for dinner,
I dropped in and picked up a few items and I am really loving them.
As I don't often wear bright colours on my eyes,
I actually bought these eyeshadow shades to use them mainly as blusher.
Although less bright in real life,
they are very pigmented. So a very light hand is needed and a very small amount of product does the job.
They might be colours usually associated with spring or summer
but if you have been reading the blog for a while I am sure you know I wear whatever takes my fancy whenever
it takes said fancy!

Here are a few things I picked up:

Infinity Eyeshadow 207 Mat Papaya
Infinity Eyeshadow 208 no longer on site but is in store
Ultra Glossy Stylo 809 Red Ruby
Ultra Glossy Stylo 814 Glam Magenta
Smart Lipstick 923 Peony Purple
Nail Laquer 536 metallic quartz green

No surprise that there are 3 lipsticks!

I absolutely love a bold lip,
it might be my signature eyebrows and bold lips. 

Sounds good.

I also grabbed a gorgeous metallic fresh green to contrast with my khaki collection and am very happy to have this stunner in my collection.

What were your last Kiko buys?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

An affordable Aw15 scent: Zara Vanilla Wood perfume

I have been slowly growing my Zara perfume collection for the last year or 2, see here and here. And I really enjoy them.

They are incredibly affordable and have great longevity for a high street brand.
I find the Zara scents have great pay off on me.

Believe it or not I have actually had Vanilla Wood in my room unopened for just over a year! 

I bought this last September on a shopping trip with my friend Niki and just set it aside. This now seems like a lucky break as, it's been in my mind for the last few weeks.  Vanilla is one of my favourite scents and I am finally breaking it out for Autumn/ Winter. I love the warmth, depth, spice and sweetness vanilla brings and this doesn't disappoint.

I think Vanilla Wood is a scent you either love or hate.
I have seen very mixed reviews about it however when I smelt it in store I was drawn to it and still am.
Like many Zara woman perfumes (Zara perfume selection) it is sweet, warm and fruity. It isn't overwhelming which I like and is very wearable. It was a very affordable 12.99 for 75ml.

It definitely has the deeper musky scents of cacao, smooth praline mixed in with a lighter sweeter madarin and spicy peachy notes swirled in with vanilla.

I am really loving this as an everyday perfume and it really wakes me up and leaves me in a good mood.

It lasts a good few hours and I have received so many compliments.

Its a thumbs up from me!

*P.s I occasionally get migraines and although they are not scent activated. Certain scents whilst I have a migraine are extremely aggravating. This scent however doesn't  cause me any issues.*

until next time........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Natural skincare: MADARA Clarifying Toner Review*

As you know I have been dabbling with natural skincare brands,
see my finding natural and organic skincare brands haul and have really enjoyed discovering effective new products.
I have had my eye on the Madara Clarify Toner* for a while and couldn't wait test it out.

Madara is a Latvian natural cosmetics brand using the forests and certified organic farms in the Baltic area to create unique formulas. 
They are organic, vegan, nut free, gluten free and ECOCERT certified.

The first thing I noticed apart from the lovely packaging was the scent.
It smells like an autumnal cocktail. Somewhere between sweet elderflower and spicy figs.
 I really like the fact this toner leaves my face matte as opposed to dry and there is a marked difference
in the two feelings!
My skin feels refreshed, smooth and supple and most importantly moisturised.

As I have combination skin it is great to find, a non abrasive exfoliant toner that balances
the skin and gives me an even surface to apply my serum to.

The Madara Clarifying Toner* is made up of a few natural ingredients such as Northern oak bark, Rose water and sweet flag which have been formulated to clarify, minimise pores and exfoliate the skin.
I was a little apprehensive about it having a naturally derived alcohol on my face but it hasn't been stripping at all and I have not had any stinging which is great.
In fact it is very gentle and soothing.

I have been using the toner for just over 4 weeks and think it a really nice toner for normal/ combination skin.
The main areas it has targeted for me is clarifying and pores.
 My blemishes were reduced and my overall skin looks clearer and a little more glowy.
Along with using my Alba Botanica products which I reviewed.  I have seen further improvement
to the small area of visible pores.
They are constantly tight and hydrated which helps to minimise their visibility.
They are definitely a great combination.

I experienced really good results on how my skin looked overall.
I still have the occasional blemish but I love the results.
Autumn onwards can be very harsh on the skin and some toners are very stripping,
 however the clarifying ingredients in this really help to balance the skin.
I have really enjoyed using this toner and can't wait to see further results.
I would definitely buy this in future, as it is so mild and nourishing.

*Lucyrose kindly sent me this product to review. However all views expressed are my own.
 Please see the  Ms. Wednesdays Girl disclaimer in full here.


Until next time..................

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

AW15: Basic style staples

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year.
The gorgeous hues and tones that are emerging from nature are beautiful to behold and so visually inspiring.

I love the variety of pieces that you can wear and how you can style them.
I am really into textured layering at the moment and this is the perfect season to do it and these pieces will definitely be my back drop/ mood board for the coming months.

As I mentioned in previous posts.
I am really into shopping my wardrobe, so these are some of my favourite bits to throw on and hit the road. Or possibly plough precariously through the fog!

Primark grey basic jersey long line cardigan (Boohoo alternative)

Primark black chunky cleated boots (Public Desire alternative)

ASOS maroon wide brim fedora (ASOS alternative & alternative)

Matalan grey faux fur gilet (Matalan alternative)

ASOS mixed metal boyfriend watch (alternative)
Oversized Tartan Scarf as seen in my Autumn style: Tartan and plaid scarves post (eBay)

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays