Warm Weather Essentials

The sun has been a shining this month hasn't it....about blooming time too!

 

We English roses aren't used to the hot days and balmy nights, and neither is our skin!

 

These are my top products to use during the English summer (or whilst on your holiday)

NARS eye primer
I literally cannot imagine my life without this magic wand!  I have very oily skin and long working days, so I need products that will keep me looking fresh and matt. 
Apply this cream to your eyelids before doing your eyes and your eyeshadow and liner will stay in place all day long. 
Last week I applied my makeup at 5.30am, then went straight from work to the gym (I didn't have time to take my makeup off...very naughty I know) boxed for an hour in 28 degree heat and my eye makeup did not move an inch.  I don't think I could have put the product through its paces anymore than that! 

Kleenex shine absorbing sheets
I carry a pack in every handbag.  They are little purple sheets that you press onto your skin where ever you look a little shiny and they suck up all the moisture without removing or disturbing your make up and leave you looking fresh and matt.  You'll be amazed when you look at the sheet to see just how much oil was on your skin!

Sol De Janeiro coconut cooling spray
This spray smells so good, summer in a bottle.  Great for refreshing the skin (face and body) when the temperatures rise.  A must have for your beach bag.

Benefit stay flawless primer
There are sooo many primers on the market at the moment, it's almost overwhelming.  I've tried quite a few now, but this one works the best for me.  It's a chubby stick that you glide over your face (don't rub in) then apply your foundation on top.  You can almost feel it drawing into your skin as you put it on.  It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, some primers can leave you feeling like you've got a lot of product on your face by the time you've applied them, your foundation, powder and blusher.  I'd recommend going to your nearest Benefit counter and having a free makeover, try it out for yourself, see if it suits your skin.

Get Your Tan On

I have just discovered this false tan, it is sooooo good.   And believe me, I've tried many a fake tan in my 12 years of tanning. 

 

 

This sample tube came free with the June issue of Elle.

It's light weight, absorbs quickly, and is tinted so you can see where you have applied it.  Simple to apply for even a false tan novice.  Leaves a shimmery effect on the skin. Best applied in an evening and washed off in the morning.  So pleased with the overall effect, sunkissed, natural and not a streak to be seen. 

 

I would describe this as an elegant, grown up false tanner.

 

It comes in Dark and Light....I haven't tried the light, but don't be scared by the word dark, it really doesn't make you "overly brown."

The sample bottle was 58ml and has done 3 full body applications, so the standard bottle of  150ml should do about 10.  Available at www.rodial.co.uk for £17.50 with free p and p

Plus if you enter the code ELLE20 at the checkout you will get a 20% discount.

 

Happy Tanning! xo

ETM on Instagram

A selection of ensembles from the month of March

Love ETM xo

party time
dress - H&M
necklace - H&M

neck swag
necklace - H&M
shirt - Primark

 

snowy....again
blouse - Primark
necklace - H&M
skirt - Topshop
bag - Zara

 

pop your collar
shirt - Zara
bowtie - Topshop

 

baby it's cold outside
coat - M&S
scarf - Miss Selfridge
bag - River Island
glasses - Urban Outfitters

 

Sunday Lunch
blouse - Next
necklace - Topshop
trousers - ASOS
shoes - Primark

 

dinner date
dress - Topshop
jacket - River Island
bag - River Island
necklace - Topshop
watch - Michael Kors
bracelet - Topshop

 

up close and personal
lipstick - YSL shade 27
necklace - Topshop
blouse - Next

 

peace
blouse - Topshop
necklace - Topshop

 

Spicy Chicken Quinoa Bites

These chicken bites are ideal for lunches, they are both healthy and filling.  You can make them on a Sunday and store them in the fridge and they'll keep for upto 4 days (or you could freeze them).

Ingredients
1 cup of cooked quinoa
1 egg
1 onion (finely diced)
1 large chicken breast (cooked and finely chopped / shredded)
1/2 a packet of mozarella cheese (shredded)
1 garlic clove (crushed)
tabasco sauce (as many drops as you like, depending on how spicy you like your food)
pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions
preheat oven to 180 degrees
mix all the ingredients in a bowl together
distribute mixture into greased mini muffin tins (I used silicone bun cases), fill each cup to the top and press down gently to compact
bake in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes

Serve cold as part of your desk lunch or warm with salad for dinner.

Best Dressed at the Oscars 2013

 

In my humble opinion these were the best dressed ladies at this year's Oscars.

 

 

In Need Of Neon

Topshop is full to the brim with neon fabulousness at the moment.  Buy now to bridge the gap between winter and spring - a bright jumper with black trousers is the perfect transitional look.  Neon looks set to stick around for all of 2013, so go bright or go home!



Mini Satchel £18



Knitted Cropped Jumper £30

 

Lipstick in "Straight Lace" £9

 

Crop Top £8

 

Beanie £10

 

 

 

Embellished Top £38

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skater Skirt £16

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tunic Top £25

 

 

 

 

 

Obsessed with Zara Home

I love Zara Home beyond words.  They have so many fun, fabulous and kitsch pieces and the prices are really reasonable.  It is just full of things that you just would never find in other high street stores.  

All you need are a few new accessories to spruce and change up a room - change doesn't have to mean spending a fortune.  A couple of well placed bright cushions and a new lamp can make all the difference to the look and feel of a room.

 

Make your living space unique and stylish and stock up at Zara,;your home will thank you for it.

 

I adore this gold cutlery set and the intricate detailing
from £5.99

 





looks like an ashtray - is an ashtray but why not use as a pretty display for your rings.  Would look lovely on a dressing table or by your bedside 
ashtray £9.99



 

so 1980's - so fabulous

pineapple lamp £99.99

 

Mr ETM would love a pair of these
antlers £39.99

 

I realise that a piece like this is probably an aquired taste.  But I think this would look fabulous in the Taylor household,  juxtaposed amongst all our shabby chic wooden hearts

crocodile head £29.99

 

stool £29.99

 

 fish candle £17.99

likely to live/burn longer than an actual goldfish!

 you could use this to store your makeup brushes or hair bobbles

wine tumbler £2.99

 wine tumbler £3.99

because everyone needs a leopard print tray don't they?!

£17.99

 

As you have probably gathered, I am obsessed with all things gold.  I have been for quite some time now; my wardrobe and jewellery collection is filled with gold pieces.  I now want to extend this into our living space.  I think white walls and gold accessories can look so chic and luxe.