Wednesday 22 June 2016

The Art of Forgetting By Julie McLaren

The Art of Forgetting By Julie McLaren
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This book is really well-written and the mystery at its heart is really what intrigued me. The characters are very well thought-out and come alive when you read. However, the main protagonist, Laura, was a bit too passive for me. If I had such an irritating husband, I would have punched his lights out. She puts up with way too much.

Her mother, Judy's illness (dementia or Alzheimer's) is portrayed really well and would be understood by others who have relatives in a similar situation. However, Judy's struggle with dementia does not overwhelm the book. Instead, the author has actually used the illness as a backdrop to a murder mystery. It is a woman's struggle to remember an important event while struggling with a progressive disease in her brain. Beautiful but so sad.

It is a good read but I found Judy's daughter, Laura's personality really annoying hence 3.5 out of 5

Thursday 16 June 2016

The Diamond Throne (The Elenium Trilogy, Book 1) by David Eddings

The Diamond Throne (The Elenium Trilogy, Book 1) by David Eddings
Rating: 4 out of 5


This is the first time I have read a book by David Eddings band I was quite impressed. I always stick to authors I know when it comes to fantasy novels so this was a nice surprise. The story is about a knight trying to save his Queen but it is far from predictable or boring.
I started reading a sample from Kindle and within a few pages, I was hooked. In fact, I finished the book in 3 days!
The characters are really well thought out and come alive as you read the book (despite the fact that you meet many characters in this book, you will remember each one individually). You get completely engrossed in their adventure, as if you are there with them - really very well written.

Highly recommend it to fantasy fans.

Sunday 12 June 2016

7 beauty must haves this summer

7 Beauty Must Haves this Summer


1. Clinique ANTI BLEMISH cleansing foam 



I don't really have to sell Clinique to anyone - their products are fantastic. This facial wash is particularly great during the summer. It leaves your face feeling refreshed and ultra clean without feeling dry. The foam gel makes it really easy to use especially after a swim! It has anti-blemish action too so all in all - highly recommend it for your summer travel bag.

2. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo for all Brunettes 



Love all John Frieda Shine products. They have discontinued the glosser which was amazing. They smell great and only need a tiny amount to make your hair look thick n glossy!

3. Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder


This bronzing powder is light and perfect for summer bronzed look. It also conceals blemishes and you only need to apply a small amount for that. It looks very natural - a must have for after swim evenings!

4. Giorgio Armani Face Fabric


How much do you hate the oily makeup feel on a hot day? If you do, this is the product for you. Face Fabric is the most apt name for this wonderful product and well done to Armani for coming up with this! It is a mousse and not liquid, allowing it to be easily applied and keep your face matte. It provides light but very good coverage - it is literally like wearing a moisturiser. Absolutely perfect for day wear. If you want to wear it in the evening, you may have to add highlighter on your face to get a "contour" effect.
If you apply a large quantity of it with a good foundation brush (I use Clinique) it can almost give you an airbrushed look for those glam summer evenings. For a natural look, just apply it like a moisturiser. It reduces the appearance of pores and evens out the skin tone. I also have to emphasise that not only does it give you a natural, no makeup look, it also feels like you are wearing no foundation! In addition, it allows your skin to stay matte all day (unlike other foundations that make your skin feel oily towards the end of the day).

5. Charlotte Tilbury: EYES TO MESMERISE (Bette) Long-Lasting Easy Cream Eyeshadow


This is lovely eyeshadow for a bronzed natural look.  The colour it shows up depends on your skin tone and I wouldn't really recommend it for people with very light skin tones as it doesn't really show up. My skin tone in tanned/medium brown and I have to put a few coats of it to show up as bronzy gold. The texture is lovely and the application is quite easy (I use it as eyeshadow or eyeliner but I think it works really well as an eyeliner). It is a beautiful colour. it works really well with a bronze look.  It works especially well if you use a highlighter under the brow with gold eyeshadow.  The consistency is a mousse/crème. It lasts for up to 8-10 hours.

6. Clinique Chubby Sticks Lip Balm


Highly recommend this product for holidays. It does not melt in the heat moisturises your lips without being greasy. the sticks come in a variety of amazing colours so you can just buy a set for morning to night look! Great buy!

7. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil


 This is more of a lip pigment than pencil or lipstick. It can be used as a gloss on top of your lipstick or on its own for a natural glossy look. It's a good product to throw in your purse for a quick refresh. Also, its not greasy and doesn't slide off your lips. These come in a great variety of colours and I would recommend a dark and light one for day/night. Finally, no sharpener needed! I love MAC - they think of everything!!

















Tuesday 7 June 2016

Day in Richmond

The Day in Richmond






It's funny how you never appreciate where you live! I just had a lovely day in Ruchmond and thought to share it. I had completely forgotten how great Richmond can be in the summer!


Richmond is in leafy and green Surrey and although part of London, it feels like it's far away from the noisy city. This is because of its riverside, the expansive park, the local restaurants, and the pubs on the hill. It has such a small town charm to it.



So we started the day with breakfast at All Bar One - excellent food and very good service. They don't have decent high chairs so had to keep baby held quite tightly! Their hash potatoes were fantastic. 






We then walked along the river where the pubs and restaurants are and went to sit at the Terrace Gardens (secret park only know to locals) - away from the noise and tourists. It was so beautiful and tranquil and baby even took a few steps!












Baby and I then shared super tasty softie ice cream before heading off to town


We stopped at the famous Duck Obd market - where artisans and local food suppliers sell their products. Fresh breads are amazing and you can find some lovely gems there! 















All in all a lovely day which we rounded off with some shopping in Richmond
Outfit details for the day below. 










Top: H & M
Wide leg trousers: Zara
Bag: Tory Burch
Sandals: Destiny Shoes in Kingston
Sunglasses: Prada


Wednesday 1 June 2016

A day in the country

A day in the country
Spring and summer are so lovely in the country. You almost forget that living in London. We had a lovely Saturday in the country so I thought to share our experience here.



The weather was amazing and everything was lush green - perfect day for perfect pics!


It was also the right day to try out my Russell & Bromley pumps - so comfy! Since it hasn't rained, I could walk on the grass with these!

Needless to say the little one thoroughly enjoyed herself!


And here is a little summary of my chosen outfit of the day;
Romper from Day Birger et Mikelsson
Shoes from Russell & Bromley 
Hoodie from Juicy Couture
Bag from Valentino

Get outdoors guys! Good for you!