Fabulous Events: Beauty & Fitness Malta Launch +OOTD & FOTD

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Hey Guys!

So yesterday I went to the Beauty & Fashion Malta launch which was held at the fabulous Excelsior Hotel in Floriana!

I had the opportunity to meet a number of my fellow blogger friends and enjoy a great evening packed with information about the new Beauty & Fitness portal to hit our shores!!

The site consists of a number of useful tips about the beauty and fitness industry with a number of experts on board which are available to help users with their queries.

You can visit their website, which is now online here:

http://beautyandfitnessmalta.com/ 

and don't forget to like their facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautyandfitnessmalta/234028533402501

Check out a few pictures from the launch below, photos courtesy of Nicky Scicluna Photography- 

https://www.facebook.com/nickysciclunaphotography?fref=ts

Mr. Maurizio Mamo delivering a speech about the website and company.

Spot the bloggers!

From Left: Elle, Caroline, Stefy, Jessica, Me & Marija

The Team behind the website

I also want to show you what I wore to the event, however, I want to send out some love to my fellow blogger friends who were present at the event:

- Elle from http://www.beautyshewrote.info

- Stefy from http://www.stefypuglisevich.com/

- Caroline from http://www.carolinefashionstyling.com/

- Jessica from http://kellinasthoughts.blogspot.com/

- Marija from http://allthingslady.wordpress.com/

- Rhi from http://othersideofcool.com/

Phara MT and Soap Cafe sponsored the gifts for the females and males present respectively.

My goody bag

OOTD

Jane Norman See Through Sleeveless Shirt

New Look Dip Hem

Shana Blazer

Shana Studded Pumps

Yana's Jewellery Statement Necklace

FOTD

Face

Catrice Prime and Fine Primer

Wjcon Corrective Primer

Inglot YSM Foundation

e.l.f cosmetics HD Powder

Make Up Store Concealer in Blue

essence Limited Edition Soul Sista Bronzing Powder in 01 Shake your Booty

Catrice Limited Edition Cruise Collection Blush in Apricot Smoothie

e.l.f Mist & Set

Eyes

essence I <3 Stage Eyeshadow Base

Catrice Absolute Eye Colour Mono in Bring Me Frosted Cake

Make Up Store Microshadow in Aquarius

essence Soul Sista Limited Edition Glitter Eyeliner in diving @swimming pool

Pupa Multiplay Eyeliner in 09

essence Multi Action Blackest Black Mascara

Jimont Eyebrow pencil in Brown No.1

Lips

Catrice Ultimate Colour in I'm a Lob-Star

Apart from my OOTD and FOTD, please meet 'The Heidi', since I decided to experiment with my hair before the event, what do you think?

The Heidi

Thank you again to the team at Dark Dragon Media for the invite and well done for a fantastic event!

Martina XOXO

A Fabulous Guest- 5 Things you should know before moving abroad!

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Hi Guys,

So today I thought I would give the blogging stage to my good friend Gail who was willing to share some of her thoughts on certain topics! Enjoy!

Martina XOXO

The grass is always greener on the other side or so they say. You’ve packed your life into boxes. You’re excited about the imminent move abroad and seeing your future with rose tinted glasses. It’s romantic, adventurous and exhilarating. You’re itching to go and start afresh as happier times lie just around the corner. Having lived abroad for over a year, here are the 5 things you should keep in mind and be prepared for.

• Homesickness. It will hit you faster than you can say “I’m being followed by a pack of llamas”. You will miss the oddest things: From that lame whiskey advert on Italian TV to that annoying jingle playing on your fave radio station, your neighbours’ exasperating music tastes and the local “hamalli” speeding up late at night; no one’s spared.
• It’s extortionate. Everything abroad is ridiculously more expensive than it is in Malta. From a Jack Coke to luscious sliced bread, you will find yourself forking out more money than you ever did.
• The wildness factor. Foreigners like to have a good time as much as the Maltese but what are the chances of bars and clubs being open all night, reachable in a matter of minutes and a series of shenanigans on a weekly basis in a foreign country without ending homeless and broke
• Savings. If you’ve made the big move, you have probably saved enough cash to get you started in another country. Have at least 7 months of living savings before making the move to cover housing costs and emergencies. Otherwise, you’re just an idiot.
• Xenophobia. Alas, xenophobia is still rife around the world. Understand that your best bet is to be patient and nice to everyone around you. Remember that you don’t have to be liked by everyone but expect the unexpected. Just don’t forget to leave burning poop outside their homes.....Kidding, kidding!

In between listening to ridiculous hours of music and writing about various topics and peculiarities, Gail finds time to ponder over the preposterous happenings in life. Having just hit 30, her pace is now slower but her sense of humour greater. Embark on this journey and follow this trail of madness we call life. Have a laugh and exasperate all rolled into one! 

Contact Gail on worthhundredsofsparrows@gmail.com

Tried and Tested: Make Up Store Nail Polishes Review #1- Matt/ Glossy- Charmaine

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Hey Guys,

So today I will be reviewing the first of my three Make Up Store Nail Polishes.

As I have previously mentioned, when I'm trying out new brands, I start testing out different products. This time round I wanted to try out the brand's nail polishes.

I went in with the aim of finding an Emerald Green nail polish, however, I ended up buying another interesting nail polish also! As you recall, I was also given a nail polish from the cocktail collection: http://www.allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/haul-make-up-store-m-magazine-part-of.html

I have three nail polishes from three of their nail collections; Charmaine, Siw and Anders. 

Matt/ Glossy- Charmaine Nail Polish

Make Up Store Matt/ Glossy Nail Polish- Charmaine

The Charmaine Nail Polish is part of their Matt/ Glossy nail collection which is their "normal" nail polish collection.

The product comes in a sleek transparent bottle with a black tap and contains 8 ml of product and retails for about 10.99 euro.

This colour is a sort of emerald green/ aquamarine nail polish, however the colour is so unique that I can't really place my finger on the exact colour. This nail polish dries quite gel like, in fact when I was wearing it, it looked as though I was wearing a gel nail polish rather than a normal nail polish! What I liked about this colour is that it changes shades in different lighting, especially in the sun where the glitter in the product make the nail polish stand out even more!

Application is very easy since the brush is quite a decent size and the nail polish is very good to work with.

I wore this nail polish for around a week, you can see from the below picture that I had some chipping just at the edge of my nail which came out after around 4 days of wear.

Make Up Store Matt/ Glossy Nail Polish in Charmaine- After a week of wear

I absolutely loved this nail polish, so much so, that I didn't want to change it, and that's a lot coming from a person who changes/ takes off her nail polish every week! Although it is a bit on the pricey side, I have never come across a similar colour or finish by other cheaper brands.

Stay tuned for my second installment of the Make Up Store Nail Polishes Review featuring the Holographic Nail Polish in Siw!

Martina XOXO

OOTD/ FOTD: Sunny Side Up!

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Hey Guys!

So today I will be sharing a quick OOTD/ FOTD as seen on Facebook and Instagram! (https://www.facebook.com/allthingsfabulousblog & http://instagram.com/allthingsfab respectively ;))

Since the weather is too gloomy for a May Day, I decided to brighten things up with a yellow and blue combo, nicknamed Sunny Side Up by my lovely friend & colleague Gail (Hey Girl ;) )!

OOTD

New Look Bright Yellow Vest

Shana Long Blue Cardigan

Bershka Jeggings

Dylons Boots

I am Effie Light Blue Watch

Yana's Jewellery Chain Necklace

FOTD

essence Pure Skin Tinted Moisturizer

e.l.f cosmetics HD Powder

essence Soul Sista Limited edition Bronzing Powder in 01 Shake your Booty

e.l.f cosmetics Cream Blush in Flirt

Wjcon eyeliner in Emerald Green

Maxfactor Lipstick in 660 Secret Cerise

e.l.f cosmetics Mist & Set

Hope you liked this look!

Martina XOXO

Tried and Tested: Pupa Multiplay Eyeliner in 09

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Hey Guys!

So today I will be reviewing a product which I have been meaning to review for ages, the Pupa Milano Multiplay Eyeliner in 09!

I have been using this eyeliner religiously since Pupa sent it to me!

The eyeliner is not your average eyeliner since it is actually a Kohl eyeliner meaning that the pigmentation of the product is more intense. Apart from the actual eyeliner, it comes with a smudge brush on the other end of the product.

This eyeliner retails for 6.89 euro and comes in a multitude of colours which you can check out here:

http://www.pupa.it/eng/make-up/eyes/Product/multiplay_1.aspx

I was quite impressed with the longevity of this product, in fact it is one of the reasons why I have been using this eyeliner everyday. Apart from that, I love using it for night time looks since the intensity of the eyeliner is great to achieve more dramatic looks.

That being said, you have to be careful with application since if you apply too much it will look too intense for morning looks. Apart from that, if you put on too much you will find difficulty in getting the result you desire, especially if you try and smudge it.

The Smudging brush is a bit tricky to get a hand on especially when the liner is applied quite heavily. The trick with the smudging brush, I have noticed, is that you would need to apply just a little eyeliner on the outer corner of your eye and with the tip of the brush, smudge the eyeliner towards your tear duct, this also helps for daytime application of the eyeliner.

I highly recommend this eyeliner especially if you are looking for a highly pigmented eyeliner, however, do be careful with your application of the product.

Martina XOXO

*Disclaimer*- I have received this product for free, however, I was not paid to write this review. The above review is of my true and honest opinion.

Diet Diaries- Update 5- Let's Do This!

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Hey Guys!

As I told you in my previous update:

http://www.allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/diet-diaries-update-4-let-do-this.html

I will be getting weighed after 10 days in order to get right back on track!

These 10 days, I'm afraid I was kind of naughty. I missed certain foods, didn't have much time or energy to prepare my meals and to top it all off I had a wedding this weekend!

Although I have moderated what I eat, I still feel guilty about not sticking with the diet (and for taking some sweets). Apart from the fact that last time I lost the weight, it was mainly due to the drip!

These 10 days, especially this past week, was extremely hard for me to prepare my food, first of all, I was exhausted all the time, I have been so busy, that the time I had for preparing food was either spent sleeping or relaxing.

Anyways, let's check out the choices I had when I had a little energy to experiment with food!

Egg Sandwich and Tea- Yums

Yummy Meat

Barley Tuna Salad

Pasta Day- Balsamic Chicken

Who said sandwiches are boring?

My Hubby's experiment for me for my Dad's birthday meal

'Tis the Season for Grapes!

Dinner at the Hubs

My Favourite experiment to date! Healthy Stir Fry Barley & Chicken with peas and eggs

Barley Tuna and Egg Salad

So, this morning I woke up Super Early to wash up before my parents come home from being abroad, it's their 25th Wedding Anniversary today!! Happy Anniversary xxxx

So let's see how I did these 10 days!

Why hello there, nice round figure!!! 

Yes, I have lost weight it appears! I was quite surprised that although I sinned a little, I still lost the same amount of weight I usually lose in 2 weeks!!! To top it all off, I'm down 8.75 kg already!!! 

I know last time I didn't tell you my target weight, however, today Marika told me how happy she is with my progress and has officially told me I am half way there!! 

I also had a little heart to heart with Marika about my tiredness and motivation. She suggested I try to eat more red meat since I might not have enough Iron intake. 

Also, I have been receiving a lot of nice compliments about my weight loss, since I am currently at a stage were I really look like I have lost a lot of weight and a lot of people are noticing it. Marika warned me that I might get too excited and maybe shut an eye. 

To be honest, I have done that and have admitted it to her openly. Marika gave me this really good tip to help me out... Since I'm still not 100% happy with my weight, I have to always bear in mind that I have a target which I want to reach, so I have to stay positive and cheer myself on to reach that target!

I want to thank you all for your support throughout this journey, you have no idea how much all of you help me with your comments and support and I hope that I am helping you with your weight loss journey! Remember, I am always an email, comment, message away, so if you need any tips, help, support or just someone to talk to, I am always available!

Martina XOXO

Fabulous Feature- Exciting News- Pavli Magazine!

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Hey Guys!

So a few weeks ago we had the opportunity to write about Spring/ Summer 2013 Make Up Trends for Pavli Magazine!!

Check out the full magazine here, it's worth checking out!!

 http://www.magcloud.com/webviewer/568757?__r&s=v

You can see our article on page 48!!

A snippet of our article!

Thank you Pavli for this opportunity!!!

Martina XOXO

Tried & Tested: Make Up Store Palette

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Hey Guys!

So as you know, a few weeks ago I visited Make Up Store and picked up the Make Up Store Palette.

Check out the video below for my full review!

The Make Up Store Palette is a plastic palette containing eight slots, however, in the store, a palette without the slots was available which you can build up however you want it.

This palette can store the bigger products from Make Up Store like the Microshadows, Blushers etc. This product retails for 14.99 euro.

You can choose to store the products either with the lid on or else by easily removing the top lid, which you can put back on just as easily!

I was inclined to buy this product since I wanted to store all my Make Up Store products (or the majority of my make up store products) in one place, unfortunately my smaller Make Up Store products such as the Make Up Store concealer, do not fit into this palette.

What I liked about this palette is that you don't need to depot the products you would like to put in the palette, like other palettes I have come across and own, unfortunately I do have another palette and have never filled it up due to never having enough time to stay depotting my products! 

I hope you liked this review!

Martina XOXO

*Disclaimer*- I bought this product with my own money and was not paid to write this review. I am not affiliated with the above mentioned company.

Malta Fashion Awards- Crossing it with Gold- OOTD & FOTD

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Hey Guys!

So since I was well enough, I decided to attend the Malta Fashion Awards last Saturday!

I was able to meet my lovely Blogger friends and cheer on the Nominees including some of our very own bloggers. If you haven't checked out who won, visit our post here: http://www.allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/malta-fashion-awards-winners.html

I had all my outfits planned a week in advance, unfortunately we all know what went down, however I did end up wearing my favourite outfit of the lot!

I decided to go with my favourite statement pieces including some of my favourite make up products!

New Look Cross Body Suit

New Look Dip Hem Skirt

New Look Waist Belt 

New Look Leopard Shoes

Shana Beige Blazer

Accessorize Brown Bangles

Tally Weijl Gold Earrings

Jane Norman Gold Envelope Clutch

Face

essence Soul Sista Limited Edition Liquid Bronzer in Shake your Booty

Inglot YSM Foundation

e.l.f HD Powder

essence Soul Sista Bronzing Powder in Shake Your Booty
e.l.f Mist & Set

Eyes
Make Up Store Microshadow in Bronze
Make Up Store Microshadow in Choco D'or
Pupa Multiplay in Black
essence Super Fine Eyeliner
Jimont Eyebrow pencil in Brown No.1
e.l.f Flirty Eyelashes- Dramatic Lashes applied with Eylure lash glue

Lips
Make Up Store Lipsick in China Red

I also got my hair done at my fantastic hairdresser HBR Hairdressing, check her out on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbr.hairdressing

I had the opportunity to watch the awards with my amazing blogger friends Kylie: http://passiontobeauty.blogspot.com/ and Sarah: http://sarina515.blogspot.com. We also met Marija: http://allthingslady.wordpress.com and Chanel & Phil: http://bontonfashionista.blogspot.com/:  at the After Party! Check us out!

With Marija- all things lady

With Chanel- Bon Ton Fashionista. Photo Credit- Bon Ton Fashionista

Until next time!

Martina XOXO

Diet Diaries- Update 4- Let's Do This!

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Hi Guys,

So you might have realised that after two weeks there was no post!

The reason being is that if you were following our facebook page, you would have realised that I had to be rushed to hospital the day before my weigh-in!

These past two weeks (well a bit more than two weeks), I was trying out to see how I went with a planned diet, therefore, I had asked Marika to tell me what to eat.

I was quite surprised that having everything planned out didn't put me off but kept me quite on track with everything, until.... last Monday when I had to get rushed to hospital and stayed without food for around 2 days and was only getting my nutrients from the drip.

After I was given the go ahead to eat, I ended up eating a few biscuits since I needed some energy.

These two weeks, I decided to try Barley which I just LOVED, it does add that different element to the dish which I absolutely love! Check out some of my food choices for these two weeks!

Egg and Veggie Sandwich!

New Rice Cake Flavour discovered by my colleague!

Soup Day!

Chicken Omelet and Veggies!

Simple Sandwich- Lettuce, Tomato, Olives and Gbejna

Chicken Veg Omelet + Rice Cakes

Chicken, Veg, Tomato with Spaghetti

Barley, Veg and Egg Salad

Barley 2.0 this time with tuna

Chicken, Bacon, Tomato Omelet with Rice Cakes

Not really food related but don't you just love this cereal bowl :) I had Rice Krispies in it :)

New Experiment- Barley Chicken Casserole

My first hospital meal- Soup

My first solid hospital meal

I ended up going to Marika a day after I was discharged from hospital. Obviously she still took my measurements and weight, however, she informed me that due to the circumstances, I might re-gain a bit of the weight I lost in hospital, however, we are right back on track with healthy eating.

I was quite surprised that I didn't lose more weight, people were actually commenting on how much the 4 days in hospital made me ''shrink'', however, technically speaking I was only losing around 1 point something kgs a week so 2.2 kgs is quite a lot, considering.

Next time I will be going back on Tuesday 21st May to get my routine back on track, however, the scales will probably not show a lot of difference! We'll just wait and see!

Martina XOXO