Monday, November 18, 2013

Fabulous Events- Lierac Launch Party

Hey Guys!

I hope you are all doing well!

Since I have been extremely busy, I have not been able to blog about this event before. Around two weeks ago I attended the launch of a new French beauty brand called 'Lierac'. A few months ago I actually attended the first launch of the brand, however, this time it was done on a larger scale!


Lierac is a French beauty brand which specialises in products tailored to skin disorders and anti-aging. These products are focused on using the essence of science namely botanical ingredients.. for all you non-scientific readers (like myself), this means plants, in order to create the best possible products for their consumers.


The brand is so dedicated in providing the best possible products that they also invest in many studies and training programs also going the extra mile of providing study programs.

There are a number of products available in order to achieve your desired skin so much so that they have produced a number of ranges in order to target the different skin needs a woman might have.

Apart from the skin care range, Lierac also provide a body care range, ranging from slimming treatments to sun and after sun care products!

This event was a truly enjoyable event since not only did we get to learn more about this great brand which will be available in store thanks to PharmaMT but my lovely blogger friends and I were joined by our better halves who decided that they will form a support group for all blogger boyfriends!

Check out a few pictures I nicked from the Lierac facebook page, which you can also visit here: https://www.facebook.com/LieracMalta

Left to Right: Daniela (Brand Manager), Elisa (Lierac Brand Manager), Lara (Every Beauty Addict's Bible), Elle (Beauty She Wrote), Marija (Pocalocca), Marija (all.things.ladu), Me & Jessica (Beauty is our Passion)
Left to Right: Marija (all.things.lady), Marija (pocalocca), Me (and my funny pose), Lara (Every Beauty Addict's Bible) and Elle (Beauty She Wrote)
I highly recommend that you check out their Maltese facebook page and international website in order to learn about their products: http://www.lierac-usa.com

And check out my lovely friends' blogs <3

Marija- all.things.lady- www.allthingslady.wordpress.com
Marija- Pocalocca- www.pocalocca.blogspot.com
Lara- Every Beauty Addict's Bible- www.larasbeautybible.blogspot.com
Elle- Beauty She Wrote- www.beautyshewrote.info
Jessica- Beauty is our Passion- www.beautyisourpassion.blogspot.com

Until Next Time!

Martina XOXO

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Diet Diaries- Update 17- Kill the negativity!

Hey Guys!

Hope you are all well!

This post is a few days late, but better late than never right?

If you have been following my journey, you know what I have been through these past couple of months, but if you haven't check out my posts from the very beginning here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/search/label/diet%20diaries

If you have missed my last update, simple, just click here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/diet-diaries-update-16-slow-and-steady.html

Today's post format will be a little different. Since I am writing about this days after my weigh in, I will first share with you my results and then write my oh so insightful verging on rant :p


These past two weeks have been very very hectic, in fact I have had circumstances were I barely ate, then ended up consuming sugary treats in order to make up for that.

As you can see my weight did go down, I am actually at my first target weight but as you know, if you have been following, this has been changed to 55 kilos so it's officially 2 kilos to go!! My inches unfortunately and fortunately (I will tell you why later) stay the same!

These past two weeks have been a little hard. I really feel cold during winter so I am constantly consuming tea. I have this nasty habit of wanting biscuits with my tea, something which I find quite nurturing. I am going to be completely honest with you, I have been consuming quite a number of biscuits lately, something which I think has affected my weight, then again, you do come to a point where you start losing weight much slower!

Apart from that, I had done a decision of having my diet mapped out for me. These past 2 updates, I have literally not referred to that paper even once! For some reason, I feel that I have come to a point were I have taught myself how I should eat and that I do not need to stick to a diet because I will probably not lose my last 2 kilos.

I also discussed this with Marika and she told me that I have come such a long way that she feels that I do not need to stick to a planned out diet! 

Apart from that she asked me to do a little exercise so that I feel exactly how I did a few months ago. She asked me to carry something which is 16 kilos or lie on the bed and place them on my stomach and feel that weight pushing down on me. Yesterday I grabbed a few weights we had lying around at home, 15 kilos to be exact and I lifted them up to see what she was talking about. When I lifted them I obviously felt bothered with having to lift that extra weight. 

The scope of this exercise was so that I can really see what I have lost and to feel how I used to feel at the beginning of this journey. It showed me how much that excess weight was putting me down and believe me, now I can truly see the fruits of my labour. 

At times we don't see something good, we always focus on the negative, in fact, at times I do not see a thin person in the mirror, I am still not used to the fact that I have lost a ton of weight. The only way I actually see it is when I see before and after pictures which at times I don't even believe.

Another thing which I wrote before was regarding my inches and I purposely wrote the word fortunately. At times I do get frustrated that certain clothes look huge on me. I have come to a state were my winter wardrobe is practically non-existent since many of my clothes are highly unflattering now! Some of you may say, why in God's name are you complaining, you finally have the figure you wanted. Well... I am not actually complaining, but a part of me does get bummed about certain pieces of clothes, mind you other clothes which I have always been wanting to wear are finally fitting right!

Today's post was probably more a rant regarding me, but at times you do need to stop and take a good look at yourself and dig deep into what you are feeling, so I needed a me post ;-)

That doesn't mean I won't throw in some words of advice. 

At the beginning of this chapter, a bit before I hit the Start button, I went through a lot of thoughts like, will I succeed or feel like a failure once more? will I have to change my complete wardrobe? will I actually look good thinner? etc etc

Something I have realised along this process is that sometimes we all make excuses, why? Because we are comfortable and we are afraid of change... human nature! 

Something I say to people who talk to me about this is STOP MAKING EXCUSES... if you are talking about this topic, it is because deep down inside, you are not happy. I am not telling you, hey you need to lose weight to be happy, no! But if something is making you feel bad about yourself, one thing I have learnt, especially during 2013 is that if something is truly making you feel miserable, all you need to do is cut the chord! 

Be strong, have faith and believe in yourself! And eliminate that little person inside of you that keeps telling you that you will fail and remember these well put lyrics:

"I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champoin and you're gonna hear me roar!"

Monday, November 11, 2013

Fabulous Events- Coccinelle Launch Party

Hey Guys!

So the last event I went to last week was the Coccinelle Event! 

Coccinelle is a new High Street Accessories outlet, part of the P. Cutajar group which opened in Tower Road, Sliema next to Solaris. 

Founded in 1978 in Parma, Italy, Coccinelle specialises in producing high quality bag, footwear, purses and fashion accessories.

During this event, we had the opportunity to view the Fall/ Winter collection.

The use of fall colours are very evident in this collection, from a range of leather bags donned in black, red, navy blue, rust and neutral colours, these bags are a true show stopper!

Check out the photos I took of these stunning bags below but I should warn you, be careful because you will definitely start drooling! 


With Lara, Marija and Dorianne <3
Check out Coccinelle's facebook page here for more info: https://www.facebook.com/CoccinelleMalta?fref=ts

Also check out my lovely lady bugs here:

  • Dorianne- Ask Dorianne- http://www.askdorianne.com
  • Lara- Every Beauty Addict's Bible- http://larasbeautybible.blogspot.com
  • Marija- Pocalocca- http://pocalocca.blogspot.com

  • Until next time!

    Martina XOXO

    Sunday, November 10, 2013

    OOTD- Floral Finesse- What I wore to the Coccinelle Launch Event

    Hey Guys!

    Today I will be sharing with you the last of the outfits I wore to last week's events.

    Since it was getting chillier, I decided to opt for a blazer to keep me nice and warm!

    I got this blazer on my birthday when I went to redeem a voucher I had received from my boyfriend's mum! I have been wanting to wear this blazer for months, not only because I love the print but I love the material!

    The rest of the outfit I'm wearing are hand me downs from my mum! 


    OOTD

    Zara Floral Blazer
    Black Camisole top
    Black High Waisted tailored shorts
    H&M Divided Black wedges
    Zara/ Trafaluc Black Clutch Bag

    I hope you liked this outfit!

    Until next time!

    Martina XOXO

    Saturday, November 9, 2013

    Diet Diaries- Update 16- Slow and steady wins the race!

    Hey Guys!!

    What a crazy two weeks I have had! Not only have I been super busy but I ended up having to issue the diet diaries more than a week late, yikes!!

    I have been on this journey for a good 8 months now and I am in no hurry to end it! I am enjoying the fact that I am taking my time which will benefit in the long run, because at the end of the day, I am getting used to this lifestyle and it is becoming a part of who I am... more on that later!

    If you do not know what I am talking about, check out my whole journey by visiting this link: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/search/label/diet%20diaries or else check out my latest entry here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/diet-diaries-update-15-everybodys.html

    These two weeks (not counting this past week), I have had a lot of changes being thrown my way, every day I get to learn new things at work and with more responsibilities, comes more work and therefore I have no time to eat, something which did affect the scale this time round.

    I have also been shutting an eye and indulging more frequently lately, however, as I was saying before, I have become accustomed to this lifestyle that if I indulge, I know that I have to "payback" my sins later on, so that if I decide to eat a little more during the weekend, I know that during the week, I have to be very good!

    At times, you do feel like something more good, be it savory or sweet... in my case, biscuits, cakes, pastries are my huge guilty pleasure and one might say, but hey aren't you dieting and you have to stay away from these things? Well, technically yes... BUT if you indulge once in a while and instead of taking 10 biscuits (as I used to... or even a whole packet)... I know I will be ok with just 2 biscuits. It's all about limiting yourself without depriving yourself!

    Many are not successful in losing weight because they think its all lettuce, tomatoes, green tea etc etc but at the end of the day you lose weight when you eat a bit of everything!

    I eat pasta and bread, of course I do, but I limit my intake... like that I am not depriving myself!

    One thing you have to learn is that this is not a race! It takes time... hell I have been nearly a whole year trying to get to my target weight, but do you see me banging my hand on my chest blaming myself for not losing the weight sooner? NO! Because this is a process, I am doing it in my own time and I am enjoying doing this!

    Why am I saying all this?? I have spoken to many of you readers, friends and acquaintances about my diet and their weight struggles and everyone seems to tell me the same thing... I don't manage to keep my diet or I always crave something good... that was also me a year ago... but this journey has taught me so much patience and that with sacrifice and putting thought in your diet... you can and you WILL get there!!

    Oh I am sounding so sentimental now! Check out my food choices, well some of them, for the past two weeks with a little running commentary!

    In your diet, it's good to spice things up since it can get boring! I recently discovered these little pieces of goodness! The Misura Toasties (as I like to call them)! They are so versatile, I usually add them to my salad or eat them with jam.. divine!


    I do spice up my diet... during the weekend, it's ok if I take some divine Gnocchi! And guess what... my body knows when to stay STOP, you're full... stop digging in!


    Once in a while we all fall... but it's ok... you can make up for it the next day.. and no... I did not eat all that... I shared ;)


    It's ok to try new things and find out you hate them... I did not like porridge at ALL!


    SO enough with the rambling.. kind of! How did I do?

    It seems that I am close to my target weight.. with only 2 kilos to go! This was actually my original target weight but we did confirm that I can lose another 2 kilos and I will look smashing in no time ;-) My inches stayed the same though :( In a way it's kind of OK since all my winter clothes are falling off me.. I even tried on a jacket and it looks super huge... too bad I really loved that jacket :-(

    The reason I rambled on so much is that these 2 weeks I found myself saying the same things over and over again since I had many people speaking to me about this topic! Another thing which happened these two weeks is that I found out that someone ( I won't go into specifics) has decided to do this journey also... something I am extremely proud of since I know how hard it was for this person to make this decision. I know you're reading this and you know exactly who you are and know that I am very proud of you for making this decision and all that I have written here stands... take this journey day by day, don't feel guilty if you sway off once in a while and remember it's NOT A RACE!! This of course applies to all my readers!

    So rambling Martina is off! If you ever need someone to talk to, need some motivation.. you all can message me on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/allthingsfabulousblog or email me personally on allthingsfabulousblog@gmail.com!

    That's all from me! Over and Out!

    Martina XOXO

    Wednesday, November 6, 2013

    OOTD- Bountiful Blue- What I wore to the Lierac Launch Event!

    Hey Guys!

    Yet another outfit post dedicated to my insanely busy week!! If you do not know what I am talking about, I attended a number of events last week, check out my home page for more info ;-)

    One of the events I was excited to dress up for was the Lierac Launch event since it was held at Villa Arrigo, therefore I had to look a little fancy ;-) Apart from that, all the bloggers in attendance got their better halves along which made the night an unforgettable one!

    I wore this fancy jumpsuit from New Look, which was super comfortable and paired it with nude pieces namely my Shana Heels and Accessorize Clutch Bag. Apart from that I wore one of my favourite necklaces in the Mvintage Collection, the 3 strand Rose Gold Curb Chain Necklace, my super cute Rose Gold Studs and the Dual Band Rose Gold Ball Ring!

    Another thing I played around with was my make up, I decided to do a deep Blue eye look and paired it up with a dark red lip! I just love these fall colours! 

    Oh yes and I put my hair in rollers for around an hour hence the fancy hair do! 


    OOTD
    New Look Sateen Strappy Jumpsuit
    Shana Heels
    Accessorize Clutch Bag
    Mvintage 3 Strand Rose Gold Curb Chain Necklace
    Mvintage Rose Gold Stainless Steel Dual Band Ball Ring
    Mvintage Rose Gold Studs
    I hope you liked this look!

    Martina XOXO

    Monday, November 4, 2013

    Fabulous Events- It Style and Dudu Launch!

    Hey Guys!

    If you follow my facebook page, you will know that last week was jam packed with events! Unfortunately I didn't have time to blog about these events immediately, but fret not, this week I am hoping to make up for it!

    The first of the events I attended last week was the launch of a new make up brand to hit the Maltese stores together with an new accessories brand which you can now find at The Point!

    It Style is an Italian Make Up Brand which offer a range of make up products and accessories to suit every girl's need! Not only do they have a wide variety of products but the wide variety of innovative products, formulas and colours left me speechless, and that is not all, these products are not only easy on the eyes, but they are easy on your wallet too!

    The store itself is huge, with a number of sections on either side of the store, all sorted according to the type of products with every product and colour imaginable!

    Check out a few photos of the launch party below!

    Neon Madness! 
    Glitter nation!
    Roll On Powder Eyeshadow- How Innovative!
    It's all about the eyes!
    Pucker Up!
    Accessories Section!
    Mega Bronzers <3
    Flawless Faces! 
    Fantastic Nail Section!
    Nail Tools!
    Nail Section!
    Nail Polish Removers!
    Fabulous Bags!
    So picture this, when we arrived at the event, we were asked if we are interested in filling out an information card which will then be part of a raffle. I usually always give my information because I like receiving news about different brands... little did I know that my name will be called out in front of a number of people and with very red ears (or so I heard) I went to accept a generous goody bag filled with exciting products!

    Thank you to It Style for the fantastic launch and of course the fabulous goody bag! Apart from the other fabulous goody bag everyone received!! You truly made my week!! 

    I encourage you to like their facebook page were you can see a number of interesting looks posted regularly: https://www.facebook.com/pages/It-Style-Malta/422002204566158?fref=ts

    My Shopping bag, Raffle Goody Bag and Goody Bag! Bliss!


    Stay tuned for reviews!!

    Martina XOXO