Prague My travels day one

PRAGUE DAY 1

Prague - Praha 

I am so one of these people that love to travel, be that in england or abroad. I have visited a fair amount of cities in europe but never have I come across one so lovely as Prague. Prague was on the bucket list so when a friend suggested I meet him there for lunch I booked a flight for around 300 return and off I went.

Let me just say that it was one of the most spontaneous things I have done. It was the first time I flew on a plane by myself and of all the airports I could have picked, I picked Heathrow. To my advantage I had booked with British Airways, A great thing as you can check into your flight 24 hours early which means to need to hang around checking in and you can go straight to security.

So after a quick half and a half flight I arrived into prague at around 9.30am in the morning, Getting out of prague airport took less than thirty minutes which was very quick. Then from outside I got a taxi straight to Les Maines hotel in the centre of prague, I had done my research here and I know taxis cost a ridiculous amount to people actually living in prague,. it worked out to be 690 CZ which is around eighteen english pounds. Maybe its due to the fact over in England a forty minute journey would cost us around forty pounds I thought it was not that bad.

I was quite lucky with the weather as it turned out to be a beautiful day so after dropping my bags off at the hotel, I met with my friend and we wandered around the city. I would compare prague to be very similiar to paris just a lot less touristy.

So I was pre told before my flight that if I went into the centre of prague to find a  TRDELNIK stand and try it, It is like a warm cinnamon donut, filled with loads and loads of nutella. They are kind here with the portion sizes, so one of these you can easily share between two. 

''A trdelnik is actually a tradiotnal Slovak cake, Orginally from Romania it is also known in Czech Republic. It is made from a rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, grilled over hot coals and topped with sugar and walnut mix''

So away from the food after a short walk we came to the very famous astrology clock. This is bang on in the centre of prague  in the old square and it is incredible. Everything is costly around here so if you are going to eat dinner in the square be prepared to spilt with your money. 

Astrology clock 

'' It is a medieval astronomical clock, the clock was first installed in 1410 making it the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one that works'' 

So every hour the clock chimes and the little people start moving out of the windows and if you look closely you will see death on the top right hand side of the clock. When the clock chimes you see him ringing his bell and the rooster moving. It is quite ery when you look at it closely. But it a spectacle not to be missed when you're in prague. I highly recommend paying the 200 CZ a person and walking up to the tower, not only do you get the best views of the city but you also learn the history of the tower. This was something I am glad I did whilst in Prague. The tower itself is wheelchair friendly with an elevator, just to be said there is a lot of walking to the top. But the views on the top watching the sunset are worth it.

So after that we stopped for a drink on the way to prague castle, another huge  thing to see if your ever in prague, Wiki says its the largest ancient castle in the world, and who am I to argue with that?

Back to what I was rambling on about so on the way there we walked past the prague state opera house which was beautifully lit up. I am a fan of classical music and since the opera was inside they also had a huge screen outside showing it and stands where you could buy nibbles and prosecco (the way to my heart) This will be something I will look back few years down the line an think wow. 

Having the couple drinks before walking up all those steps up to the castle really helped. As the stairs seem endless. However due to the fact it was around 9.10pm the castle itself was closed but you could still walk around it. 

The castle and the grounds are as beautiful as I expected very similar to a cathedral in oleans, france. It was very big, gothic looking and made with such detail. 

So dinner turned out to be rather late, I had the traditional beef goulash, when in rome etc. I got a thumbs up of my friend who had been to Prague many times before and said it was one of the best he had tasted. This for me was the best meal I had out out here. 

So day one, was full of adventure. And thanks for the 2 hours sleep I got the previous night. I went back to the hotel ready for a busy day,

Clinique POP Lip colour and Primer

CLINIQUE

Pop Lip colour and primer 

So hands down I will admit I have never ever owned any Clinique  make up. I am a fan however of their skincare ranges that they do, especially the moisture surge cream (incredible stuff). It never really struck me to try their make up ranges.

So this little beauty was thanks to a secret santa at work and fellow blogger. This is in the shade -PUNCH POP a fantastic bright shiny pink, maybe the brightest pinky/purple shade I have for my collection. 

The great thing about this lipstick other than the price (slightly more than MAC) Is the fact it contains a primer. Which means great easy smooth application with a high pigment colour that doesn't dry out the lips. Almost feels like you have put on a nourishing lip balm. I can see this being popular in the spring and summer, such a fresh shade. 

With regards to how long is stays looking vibrant, I will have to see. Currently got it on today and two hours in and it still looks great. Do you have one of these, do you rate them high? 

To view CLINIQUE POP lipsticks click here. 

Laura Mercier foundation primer

Laura Mercier foundation primer

I have been after this little one for a while now, Well ever since the lovely girl at SPACE N. K introduced me to it, I fell in love! It is a perfect product and since I have brought it, I use it everyday.
I really love Laura Mercier products, It really is worth checking out their social networking sites and signing up to their newsletter. 

About the primer, So at £29.00 this isn't a cheap primer, But it is worth is. This one comes out in a creamy clear gel form that just quickly absorbs into the skin and gives it the mattifying feeling. You can put this on top of clean skin or onto of moisturised skin. So the perks of using a primer on your skin. It makes your make up last longer which is a god send for us girls who work stupid amounts of house at work. Mine always seems to melt off my face especially with this heat. It contains the lovely vitamins A,C,and E which helps with free radicals (nasty pollution) great if you work in the city!

For me I just love the feel of this product, Really is worth considering buying especially if you have dry skin like me and need a little more care when doing the daily make up routine. 

Boho Top - INSTYLE

Boho top TREND ALERT

 from New look £17.00 

Have you noticed in all the high street shops currently, boho tops are in. I personally love the whole summery laid back casual look of these! I have brought countless versions of boho tops since May. It is just too easy to pair it with some shoes and sandals or some leggins and a leather jacket. Boom! day to evening look is sorted.

I have been after one of these for so long but I never found a style that was flattering for girls with big boobs like myself. You have to be so careful as the tops that hang off the shoulder is a no can do, I need a bra to help hold the girls up.

So this was another New Look find, I just love New Look its always great for price and such lovely designs. This was was just under the £20.00 mark but what really caught my eye was the gorgeous threaded detail and patterns down the front, and the tassels at the bottom of the shirt.

What do you think of think of this style, would you wear it?

I have found some gorgeous finds which I have my eye on below.

River Island

This one is so girly, Maybe it is because I am a lover all everything lace. But its so pretty!!

River island website 



New Look

This one has a little more colour to it, And it more evening you can just pop tho with a leather jacket and it would really turn a day oufit into night time. 

New look website here 

REVIEW - Laura Mercier silk creme moisturising photo edition foundation.

LAURA MERCIER FOUNDATION REVIEW 

Silk creme moisturising photo edition foundation £35.00

This little gem is worth every single penny, Now don't me wrong I always in the past have stuck with my trusted Maybelline matt mousse foundation and have used it for around six whole years. However I have seen so many of you bloggers swear by NARS foundations I just had to make a trip into my local Space NK in cheltenham to see what the fuss was about.

Yes, so I went in with the intention of buying a NARS foundation but after speaking to a lovely girl we decided a Laura Mericer one would be better suited to me as I suffer with terrible dry itchy skin. I had heard of her brand but I had never used it and once she put a little on my face, I was sold. 

This product gives you full coverage while moisturising the skin and giving it that lovely finish, perfect for pictures, You find a little goes along way too. I picked on of the lightest shades called rose ivory as I have a cool complexion. Packaging itself is just gorgeous however I would like it to be a little bigger for what I am paying for it, but its so gorgeous I don't think I can complain. It is a lovely consistency so very easy to apply with a sponge, brush or even the fingers which I ALWAYS use.

I will admit I have had it almost a month now, yes I'm so behind with my posts it is unreal. Anyway I have had it almost a month and I am halfway through which seems like it will work out to be a little costly but I will see how it goes. 

Here are some before and after shots of the foundation.

As you can see fantastic coverage in a lovely colour, When I originally purchased this I saw a lot of you guys start to blog about it, So I am not sure if it is new or not, Someone please tell me and let me know. However overall with this product if you are after a more nourishing hydrating which helps with overall colour correction. This one will be perfect for you. 



Lauren 

Boston Tea Part Cheltenham part 2

Boston Tea Party 

Part 2 Cheltenham 

This is my second review on boston tea party, I did the other one when it first came to Cheltenham a year or so ago. I love this place, if you haven't been I recommend you go. There are seventeen in total mostly around the South west / west midlands of england. Four of which are in bristol. It is such a cool place to go eat, even if it is breakfast or dinner. This place serves the best food. 

Let's talk about the food

The food is great, well presented, the menu is both mouth watering full of great things to choose from. Breakfast menu for me is the best part of the menu, You can choose from pancakes, Full english breakfast, salmon, Bagels, Porridge or toast.. Breakfast is without a doubt best time to eat here.

This place has been voted one of the best 25 places to eat brunch in the UK 

With lunch and dinner you will looking at burgers, salads and sandwiches. They cater for gluten free and vegan. So everyone can enjoy their food

But back to food, I ordered scrambled egg, salmon and mushroom (without toast) I am a girl who does not do carbs, As well as that I ordered peppermint tea. They serves the best triple mint tea in the whole of Cheltenham, Go you boston tea party.

Salmon was as delicious as ever, the mushroom was so tasty and my scrambled eggs where delicious. If only I could have this every morning, I would be a happy women with a happy belly.  

How are the prices?

Prices are really good, easily get breakfast here for around £10 which is great for students!Or those people that come here a lot aka me or just those on a budget. Sandwiches are all under £6.00 salads are under £7.00 unless you wanted the added extras and so on,  Wait, did I mention the cakes, Oh the cakes. 

I have not actually had a cake from here, go me with will power. But I have heard they are delicious. And check out those prices, You guys need to take your mums here or partners and treat them for sure.

What does it look like 

If pinterest had a restaurant it would look like this, My sister made a comment to me, It does have a half finished look to it.  A lot of chalk signs, Nirvanna posters randomly dotted about on the walls, cool lightings and lamps. The menus themselves on a wooden clipboard, really original.

A

Now about the atmosphere

It is lovely, it seems a lot of people like myself come here alone to sit and eat breakfast in the quiet by themselves with a book or newspaper or even catching up with the blogging. Heads up, internet here is shocking! Would not recommend going here if you need WIFI because it just does not connect. Boo :( Huge sad face.  

There is a good 'vibe' Yes, people still say that, about this place. Staff are all super friendly, polite and lovely. That is a winner in my books. 

Overall the website and restaurants are worth checking out, Even if you stop for just a tea - Have a look on their website below to check the closest one to you

www.bostonteaparty.co.uk 

PEAK SNEAK AT NEW SHEA FACE CARE BY L'OCCITANE

L'OCCITANES NEW SHEA FACE RANGE  

If you are a huge lover off the premium french beauty brand called L'Occitane you will sure love this. On the 15th January this year, 60 stores all around the UK are realising their Shea face range, Which consist of cleansers, toners and face creams. Many items have just been re-fomulated or others completely new such as the cleansing oil. Shea is perfect for the winter, it is nourishing and protecting and perfect for people with dry and sensitive sin. 

Cleansers and Toners 

SHEA CLEANSING MILK £17.00 200ml 

I am starting it off with a favourite, Cleansing milk containing Shea extract. Perfect to get off make up and dirt off the face and neck. This both softens and cleanses the face leaving it baby soft. You want to simply apply to dry skin and wash with damp cotton pad. Simply as that. Shea has this lovely comforting smell to it which is just heavenly. I will purchase this one for sure. 

NEW Shea Cleansing Oil £17.00

Beautifully packaged as is the whole range, The have gone for a more modern look. I am so happy that all the cleansers and toners have a pump. Less mess, win win. 

This one is new to L'Occitane, Containing both 5% Shea and African baobab oil. So many benefits to african Baobab oil, It protects the skin from high and low temperature, promoting rejuvenation  of the skin.This one balances, cleanses and nourishes. Perfect for stubborn make up and waterproof eye make up. I always recommend if you have greasy skin to always use an oil cleanser, It will balance out the oils. Trust me on that. You simply apply on to dry skin and wash off with warm water, I am personally trying to get my head round if I like this product or not, It is a dry oil, but feels heavy on my skin. So I might use this a couple more times to see whether I like this or not 

Shea gentle toner - RE PACKAGED £15.00

Apply this after using cleansers, It soothes the skin and gets rid of excess make up, This one has orange blossom water which is a beautiful ingredient that and cornflower. This is great to apply with cotton pads if gets rid of excess makeup, cleanser, pollution and restores the skins natural Ph balance which then prepares it for moisturising.  I do like this one however, It again leaves a gorgeous scent and really makes your face feel squeaky skin. 

SKIN CREAMS 

Like before with the Shea skin care range we have two creams 5% Shea light and 25% Ultra Rich. 

SHEA LIGHT 5% around £26+

A lovely cream, containing Shea extract and Shea oil. this is perfect for hydrating the skin. If you have skin that is sensitive and needs to be protected this winter. This is the one for you, giving up to 48 hour protection. Its a light silky cream that doesn't leave the face greasy. I actually already have the old one of these, but maybe if I run out I will re-purcash. 

 NEW Shea Ultra rich 25% around £28+

They have re-fomulate the old cream, This one is a lot thicker and now containing chestnut perfect for those tough dry areas also works as an anti inflammatry. I will be using this one on the t-zone as I get terrible dry skin there. I would highly recommend this if your skin is lacking hydration and you need to really nourish it. I have used this on other places I get dry skin, It really does hydrate the skin without giving it a heavy feel. 

So overall, It is worth popping into your local L'Occitane store. 

Check the website now - 

Day 2 - 4 BLOGMAS

Day 3- 4 No7 christmas BLOGMAS 

Another day another post, Ah almost. Its day three of my advent calendar and let me tell you things are getting exciting. 

December 3rd 

No7 eyeshadow brush - £7.25 

I can erm and ar about this all day, I think I like it, It  makes it easy to apply loose eyeshadow, but doesn't blend that well as my other eyeshadow brushes. Doesn't mean it isn't good, I just  have others that are better. This however is a good travel size eyeshadow brush with is easy to pop in the make up bag if your in a rush. The bristles make it hard to apply very light colour, but it your going for the darker shade or even to use with concealer this is perfect for you. 

Overall, I would purchase again. 8/10 

December 4th 

Youthful Eye Serum    £19.50 for 15ml

This is a good priced product compared to other high end brands I have used. I am lazy when it comes to my beauty routine, I just cleanse, tone then moisturise I never use eye serum!! It is hard to review this given you are meant to wait four weeks to see an effect, It is meant to reduce puffiness, dark circles and any wrinkles. 

This is a short review, I tried it overnight but I cant wait for weeks to do this review. It smells nice but seems yet again a little pointless unless you have wrinkles or dark circles I however am blessed with none! 

4/10