Monday, July 15, 2013

OOTD + FOTD: Tribal Slits

Hey Guys!

So I have been wanting to take this dress out on the town for ages! 

As you know, I mentioned that I got a huge New Look order before going to London and this baby was probably my favourite out of the whole lot! Yes, it is quite a daring dress with two slits right in the middle but it's not that revealing!

During this weekend, we headed out to the Wine Festival so I thought to myself, hey, I have just the dress for that... heels not so much of a good idea, however, they were still bearable! Unfortunately this OOTD does not feature anything from London, except for the make up!


OOTD
New Look Monochrome Aztec Maxi Slit Dress
New Look Purple Pumps
New Look Snake Skin Clutch
Primark Purple and Black Earrings
Debenhams- Part of a set of beaded bracelets

Since I took photos after going out, this is what was left of my make up! I was also sporting two braids and created a relaxed half up, half down hair style!


FOTD
Face
 Catrice Prime and Fine
NYX Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in CJ 12 Green
Make Up Forever Mat Velvet + in 25
Make Up Store Cover All in Blue
e.l.f cosmetics HD Powder
essence Limited Edition Soul Sista Bronzing Powder in 01 Shake your booty
e.l.f cosmetics Cream Blush in Flirt
Mac Fix +

Eyes
essence I <3 Stage eyeshadow base
NYX Jumbo eyepencil in 601 Black Bean
Kiko Colour Sphere eyeshadow in 32
NYX Eye/ Eyebrow pencil in Black
essence Superfine eyeliner pen in 01 Deep Black
Catrice Glamour Doll Mascara

Lips
Mac Satin Lipstick in Viva Glam Nicki

Hope you enjoyed this look! 

Martina XOXO

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

London & IMATS Vlog- IMATS Day 2

Hey Guys!

Check out  part 2 of my vlog for an inside look to our stay in London, specifically day 2 of IMATS!

Check out part 1 here:

Also, check out Marija Pocalocca's Vlogs here: http://www.youtube.com/user/marija2491
; and check out Marija all.things.lady's channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/allthingslady

Enjoy!

Martina XOXO

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

London & IMATS Vlog- Day 1 & IMATS Day 1

Hey Guys!

Are you wondering what we did and saw in London & IMATS?

Check out the first part of my vlog for an inside look to our stay in London!

Also, check out Marija Pocalocca's Vlogs here: http://www.youtube.com/user/marija2491
; and check out Marija all.things.lady's channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/allthingslady


Part 2- COMING SOON!

Martina XOXO

Monday, July 8, 2013

OOTD: Tasteful Tapestry + Article on Vida!!

Hey Guys!!

As you know I am slowly featuring my new clothes from London as OOTDs! 

I apologize for the terrible lighting but I took this photo at around 11 pm and I have really bad lighting in my room! Like my previous OOTD, I will be marking the things I got from London!


OOTD
H & M Divided Sheer Black Shirt LONDON
H & M Red Tapestry Trousers LONDON
Forever 21 Gold Statement Necklace LONDON
Forever 21 Gold Clasp Bangle LONDON
Tally Weijl Gold Earrings
Accessorize Nude Clutch
Bata Cream Bow Sandals

I also have some exciting news, (if you follow me on facebook, you already know)! I was featured on Vida Magazine as a Guest writer in the Fashion Fairground section!! I have a photo of the article below but I don't want you to squint your eyes too much so head to their website and find page 32 to read my article on the most wearable Make Up trends for Summer!


That's all from me!!

Martina XOXO

Thursday, July 4, 2013

OOTD/ FOTD: Black and White Tribal Movie!

Hey Guys,

A few weeks ago I got a huge order from New Look, they were on sale, Ok??

Last Saturday I took out my new Dug Hem Aztec, Monochrome Dress for a ride together with my new Mac products! I have written LONDON  next to the products I bought from London since I won't be doing a haul on each item I bought, funnily enough all products I marked will be featured in hauls!


OOTD
New Look Aztec Monochrome Dip Hem Dress with Net and Bead Detail
New Look Purple Pumps
New Look Bag
Tenda Earrings
Forever 21 Gold Bangle LONDON

FOTD
Face
Make Up Forever Mat Velvet + Foundation LONDON
e.l.f HD Powder
essence Soul Sista Bronzing Powder in Shake your Booty
Make Up Store Blush in Fresh Rose
Mac Fix + LONDON

Eyes
Mac eyeshadows in Brule, Wood Winked, Satin Taupe and Gesso LONDON
Nyx Eye/ Eyebrow Pencil in Black
Catrice Glamour Doll Mascara
essence eyebrow stylist set

Lips
Mac Lipstick in Milan Mode LONDON

Hope you liked this OOTD/ FOTD, stay tuned for more OOTDs and FOTD featuring products I bought from London!

Martina XOXO

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

London & Imats Haul- Beauty & Make Up- Part 2

Hey Guys!

Hope you are all doing well!

Today I will be showing you Part 2 of my Beauty and Make Up Products' Haul! If you haven't checked out part one yet, head to: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/london-imats-haul-beauty-make-up-part-1.html

I encourage you to check out Marija (Pocalocca) & Marija (all.things.lady)'s hauls respectively:



Featured Products:

Big Bertha Disposable Mascara Wands
Z Palettes- Green Medium and Black Large
Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Santizer Mist
London Make Up School Goody Bag- Bag, Pencil & Biro, Perfume Tester, Lashes
Stage Line Make Up Stencils Petit Chic and Trellise
Make Up Forever Mat Velvet Foundation in 25
NYX Photo Loving Primer- Green
NYX Concealer- Green
NYX Jumbo Pencils- 610 Black Bean, 631 Sparkle Leopard, 632 Peacock
NYX Lipsticks- Pink Lyric, Strawberry Milk, Matte Lipstick in Nude
Primark Argan Oil
Mac Eyeshadows in Brule, Satin Taupe, Wood Winked and Gesso
Mac Fix +
Mac Lipstick in Milan Mode
Mac Viva Glam Satin Lipstick in Nicki
Martina XOXO

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Diet Diaries- Update 8- Let's Do This!

Hey Guys!

Another week, another Diet Diaries!! If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out my journey up till now here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/search/label/diet%20diaries or else just check out my last update here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/diet-diaries-update-7-lets-do-this.html.

You can also find me on Instagram where I share my food choices from time to time: http://instagram.com/allthingsfab

As you know, during these two weeks, I spent four days in London, therefore I obviously couldn't stick to my rigorous routine, in fact on Sunday I ended up not even eating Lunch... oh Marika is going to kill me!

During these two weeks, I am going to be brutally honest with you, I have kinda gotten fed up of dieting, but I guess that's normal right?

I have been very exhausted after my trip and sometimes all I felt like was a piece of sugar or anything with carbs written all over it, other days were I was well rested, I was being good but I still sinned a little, case in point, London... although my sins were quite tiny compared to my old habits.

I know I may sound like, oh well enough diet, or look at me I'm giving up, but the point of this blog is to; first of all, be true to myself in what I'm writing and at the end of the day, with every word I type, I realise how much I'm going to end up losing if I back out now; secondly, I am here to show you real struggles of losing weight more healthily rather than fad or crash diets, at the end of the day, every diet has their struggles, so yes I will show you how hard and how demotivated one can get after dieting for months.

One of the things I have to blame, is probably the weight loss itself, 11 kgs is no joke, for gods's sake all the trousers I have bought are a size 12, do you know how long ago I bought size 12 trousers? Mind you, they all have a skinny fit, so technically its a loose size 10 (or I want to believe so).

One would say, seriously, weight loss is demotivating you? Yes my dears, it is, because this is what I do, I sabotage any success I have, why? God knows, it's all in my head!

Oh well, I do hope I did lose some weight but at the end of the day, once this is all over, this is a point I have brought up before, what will happen?

Until tomorrow... check out some of my food choices.

New Flavour- Funny Story, can't find the jam!
Out and About- Tasty Salad
Yummy Meat!
Subway Yum!
A picture I forgot to post on Instagram- Noodles with Chicken, Avocado, Peas, Carrots
Holiday Sin 

Another picture I forgot to post- Pasta <3
And another one- so naughty! Salad prepared by my brother's girlfriend
Out and About- Yummy Rib Eye
More Meat! I put more Salad on the plate after I saw how little I had!
Healthy- Barley with Chicken and Gbejna!
When the family eats bread, I cook up some chicken and an egg!

So have my sins pulled me a step back? See for yourself.

Although I have lost weight, I only lost 800g, kinda serves me right for not being ultra good! This time around I did take my measurements and I was pleasantly surprised/ delighted/ ecstatic that I lost so many inches especially off my hips, 7.5 inches wowzer!! 

After seeing this I am quite pumped to lose the last few kgs (4.6 kgs to be exact)! Marika was not there today but that does not mean I didn't get a "scolding" for skipping a few snacks here and there... naughty girl!! 

I'm tempted to start a little exercise (Ant, skip this part :-P), although I do not have time, I think it will help with feeling better and stop all my little pains and stiffness around my body!

Next Diet Diaries will be a day late since I will be going on Wednesday rather than on Tuesday!

Until then!

Martina XOXO

Monday, July 1, 2013

London & Imats Haul- Beauty & Make Up Part 1

Hey Guys!

As you know, I have been to London last week, specifically for Imats: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-dream-come-true-imats-london-2013.html. This weekend, I filmed my London & Imats Hauls to show you what I got!

Today I will be sharing with you Part 1 of my Beauty & Make Up Products! I also speak a bit about our holiday, where we went, what we saw etc, so check out my video to find out more!

I encourage you to check out Marija (Pocalocca) & Marija (all.things.lady)'s hauls respectively:




Featured Products:
Lush Charity Pot
Soap & Glory- Flake Away and Heel Genius
Real Techniques- Core Collection
A number of Crown Brushes- Lip Brush, Foundation Brush, Blending Brush, Flat Tipped Brush
Sigma E30 Pencil Brush
Zoeva 231 Petit Crease Brush
The Original Beauty Blender

Martina XOXO

Thursday, June 27, 2013

A dream come true- IMATS London 2013!

Hey Guys!

So if you have been following me on facebook, you know that last week, I packed my bags and flew all the way to London to attend IMATS with the two Marijas from the Maltese blogging-sphere! If you don't know who they are check out this photo and links below!

The Marijas and I (From Left: Marija aka Marija P from Pocalocca, Marija  aka Marija D from all.things.lady and myself)
Marija Pocalocca- http://pocalocca.blogspot.com/
Marija all.things.lady- http://allthingslady.wordpress.com

This trip was probably the best holiday I have been on in a while, not only do I love London, so that kinda oomphs the fun factor, but all factors including all the activities and IMATS was just fantastic and to top it all off I got to spend time with 2 amazing ladies who made the holiday super memorable!! Apart from that I got to spend some time with Violet my first Make Up teacher so it was extra special!

I do not have a lot of photos, since I decided to take up just a video camera and depended on my phone camera for photos! You can check out some photos of the trip on my instagram page: 

I may look like a naughty blogger, however, upon returning from London I have been busy as a bee and trying to re group! Hopefully I will be a lot calmer and will be able to write a constructive post asap! In the mean time, check out my two lovelies' posts and videos :)

Stay tuned for my videos and special haul posts shortly!! 

Until then!

Martina XOXO


Check out the first part of my Beauty & Make Up London/ Imats haul here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/london-imats-haul-beauty-make-up-part-1.html

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Tried & Tested- NYX Nail Polish in Algae Review + Swatches

Hey Guys!

I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to the weekend, I will be jet setting to London tomorrow!!

Today, I wanted to share with you a review of the NYX Nail Polish in Algae which I received from NYX a few weeks ago, you can check out my post on NYX here: 

NYX Nail Polish in Algae
The nail polish is a green nail polish which when seen in different lighting, turns a nice bluish green  (as you can see from the below picture).

The product comes in a sleek glass bottle with a silver cap and holds 12 ml/ 0.43 oz of product. The brush is an average size brush which makes application quite easy. The nail polish dried off quite quickly.

The consistency of the nail polish is not very watery, however it is not a thick consistency, therefore with one coat of polish you will be up and ready to go, however, I prefer to apply two coats to get the best out of the product, (both pictures have two coats of nail polish). I suggest that you shake the product quite well in order to get the best application possible out of the nail polish since the consistency may tend to get sheer.

I really like the way in which the polish dries, because although the polish is matt, it dries off with a gel like feel, something I am being drawn to lately. Unfortunately I do not know the price of this nail polish.

With regards to longevity, the nail polish started to chip at around 4 days of wear, however, after around a week of wear (photo taken after a week), the chipping didn't increase as much and I was able to pull it off, however, I did wear this nail polish for around 10 days and chipping was very noticeable after a few days.

NYX Nail Polish in Algae- After a week of wear
All in all, I loved this product, especially the colour and colour changes and finish.

Until next time.

Martina XOXO


*Disclaimer*- I have received the above product for free, however, I am in no way affiliated with the above company and was not paid to write this review. The above review is of my true and honest opinion. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Diet Diaries- Update 7- Let's Do This!

Hey Guys!

Another two weeks, another diet diaries! If you have missed last week's milestone post, you can view it here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/diet-diaries-update-6-lets-do-this.html and my whole journey up till now: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/search/label/diet%20diaries

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to see my food choices: http://instagram.com/allthingsfab

These two weeks were hard motivation-wise, I have not been having the best of luck lately and to top it all off, out of the blue my poor cat Timmy passed away.

Although I do have a target and I do want to speed to it, I am being a bit naughty on certain days, thank God I do make up for it on other days by being extra good, at least I still have that.

The only reason I am saying this is that when I do actually reach my target, what will happen? Will I go back to my old ways? Fall back into a habit of eating something quick and convenient? I know I might be a little pessimistic at the moment but yes I am kind of scared of the old Martina coming back.

This weight loss has shown me that my weight has been the thing that has kept me back for a long long time, so no, old Martina, you are staying where you belong, way back in the past.

So these two weeks, Marika gave me a few questions which I will today ( I should be ashamed, after two weeks I am finally focusing on them) answer, keep in mind, I have had a drastic change already so this does affect my answers.

I will end today with these questions, I would love to see your answers, even if you are still thinking of starting your lifestyle change.
  • Why are you here?
I am here to make a change, to eat healthier and feel better about my health and ultimately the way I look and feel about my body.
  • How do you see yourself when you make the change?
I see myself thinner and not worrying about my lumps and bumps with every piece of clothing I wear, also I see myself embracing my body and loving the way I look.
  • What are 3 advantages for this change?
1. Losing my excess fat;
2. Stop binge eating and;
3. Wearing the clothes I always wanted to wear.
  • How ready are you for this change? Rate from 1-10
8
  • Why did you choose this score, not less, not more
I chose this score because the want to do this is finally here, however, since everyone is afraid of the uncertainty that change brings, the 2 represents the unknowing.
  • How can you improve on this score?
By believing in myself and knowing that this is ultimately good for me and for my self- image.

Chicken, Veggie Sandwich
My new addiction- Crackerbreads and Jam!
I am loving me some jam!
Balsamic Chicken Pasta
My quick chicken and veggie meal
Cannelloni with meat- no white sauce for me!
Hi Ribeye 1
Chicken Salad- Take Away
The oh so yummy New York's Best Parma Ham Salad with Pesto- HEAVEN
Hi Ribeye 2 (actually 3 ;))
Sin of the week- Father's Day
Meatloaf, Chicken, Veggies and Potatoes- Father's Day
Barley, Tuna and Egg Salad
So have my sins kept me from losing more weight?

Ok so let me explain why there is no measurements, basically I was in a hurry to get to work and forgot to ask to be measured. I asked Marika if I should measure myself but we agreed that it's best if they take it for me.

I'm quite impressed that I lost weight, but I was told off for not eating regularly and avoiding fruit. With regards to the questions, Marika told me to re visit them in a few weeks to see the change in motivation.

Since I am off to London in a few days, I can be a bit flexible but I have to still keep in mind not to overdo it, let's hope for the best!

Until next time!

Martina XOXO

Friday, June 14, 2013

Tried and Tested: Make Up Store Nail Polishes #3- Sparkling- Anders

Hi Guys!

So for the last and final installment of the Make Up Store Nail Polishes (well until I get a few more nail polishes ;)), if you haven't checked out #1 and #2 of these installments of the Charmaine polish here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/tried-and-tested-make-up-store-nail.html and the Siw polish here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/tried-and-tested-make-up-store-nail.html

Today, i will be reviewing the Make Up Store Sparkling Nail Polish In Anders, which was part of their cocktail collection, you can view the rest of the collection in one of my previous posts' here: http://allthingsfabulousblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/make-up-store-cocktail-collection.html

Make Up Store- Sparkling Nail Polish- Anders
Like the other two nail polishes, Anders comes in a sleek transparent bottle with a black tap and contains 8 ml of product and retails for about 10.99 euro.

The colour of this nail polish is a deep blue polish with shimmery/ sparkly undertones, keeping true to the sparkling nail collection.

Application is very easy and you will be able to achieve good pigmentation with one coat, however, for a deeper, effective, colour, do opt for two coats. Unlike the Matt/ Glossy nail polish, this nail polish does not dry gel like, however, it dries kind of Matt, as you can see from the above swatch. This is something I would have preferred, none the less, the nail polish was still great!

I was quite impressed with the staying power of this polish, as you can see from the picture below, which was taken a week after application, the nail polish only chipped slightly at the tips of the nails after around 5 days of wear.
Make Up Store Sparkling Nail Polish in Anders
This nail polish was probably one of the biggest nail polish hits I have had in a while, everywhere I went, a number of people commented on the nail polish and what a lovely blue it is! I am usually not a huge fan of dark blue nail polish, however, this nail polish is definitely a win for me!

Do you own any Make Up Store nail polishes? If so, which colours would you recommend I get?

Martina XOXO


*Disclaimer*- I have received this product for free, however, this fact did not effect my review, the above review is of my true and honest opinion. I am in no way affiliated with the above mentioned company.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

OOTD: I've got the colour!

Hey Guys!

The weather has been getting quite hot lately, so I decided to yet again, to step out of my comfort zone, more about my first step here: 


I'm usually quite hesitant to wear shorts, why? Well, my legs don't look good if I don't wear heels with my shorts, however, that was 10 kgs ago! I am still not a 100% there yet, you know I still have those insecurities, but we're getting there, baby steps, baby steps!

So last Sunday, we had a photo shoot, more on that very soon!! So since it was quite hot and I felt like wearing my brand new Paisley bandeau and hot pink shorts, I said why not! This outfit was tres comfortable and I felt quite good in it. Sometimes we doubt how much clothes can lift your spirits, and believe me, I needed some lifting up these past few days!

I've got the colour!
New Look Hot Pink High Waisted Shorts
Jane Norman White Sheer Sleeveless Shirt
New Look Blue Paisley Bandeau
Shana Blue Cardigan
Accessorize Sling Clutch
New Look Houndstooth flats
Morgan Watch
Floral Bangles- Present from India
Asos Earrings
Tally Weijl Rose Gold Sunglasses

What do you think? Am I rocking the shorts look? Should I invest in more shorts?

Martina XOXO