NYC Snaps

Hi everyone, hope you are all well.  A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go to America for a family wedding, I spent some time in NYC first and then travelled to Connecticut for the wedding which was amazing!  Here are some snaps from my week.  

H&M Bargains

This weekend I popped into H&M to pick up some basics to bump up my summer wardrobe.  Amongst other things I picked up a skirt, dress and two incredibly priced jumpers.

The lightweight jumpers are fab and priced at just £5.99.  As you probably know by now I am a sucker for floral prints so I immediately added the gorgeous flower jumper to my basket.  Next up was a simple slogan print with Eiffel Tower detailing.  

I can see these being a staple of my wardrobe over the next few months, they are lightweight so perfect for layering and for throwing on when the hot summer night (hopefully) turn chilly! 

I have looked on the website and there is a sugar skull design that I am desperate to get my hands on, I didn't see it on Saturday so the hunt begins! 

Laura xxx

Something to Make You Smile

Every time I see this advert it never fails to raise a smile, enjoy!

Laura xx

Naked Basics Palette

Whilst I was in America I ventured into Sephora in Times Square which has fast become my favourite place! The shop is amazing, filled to the brim with beauty products and perfume to suit all budgets and with fantastic try it out areas such as a nail bar.  

When I reached the till area I could not resist the Naked Basics Palette.  At just $24 I thought it was a real bargain and the perfect size for me to bring on nights out.  I am really pleased with the selection of colours which can easily take you from day to night and the staying power of the colours is excellent.  

I am now considering stocking up on one of the Naked Palettes, would you recommend one form the three? 

Thanks 

Laura xx

Cards Buy One Get One Free

Hi everyone, I'm back from the USA and I had an absolutely brilliant time.  Upon landing I had to start work on another essay boo! That has been submitted now so the creative juices are flowing again. 

 I have spent the morning finishing off a huge selection of cards for my stockists and the website.  To celebrate I am running a special offer all weekend.  If you purchase one card from the website I will place another in the package absolutely free! 

Happy Weekend xx

Spring/Summer Weddings Wishlist

I am going to a Spring wedding in America this month so I have been having a look for outfits to wear to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding day.  As I am sure you all know I am a sucker for floral prints but I have also picked out some plain dresses which I am going to accessorise with some bright jewellery and accessories.  

Laura xxx

NYC Wishlist 2 - Design Your Own Converse

During my holiday this week I am hoping to visit the Converse store to pick out a customised pair of trainers.  I wanted to pick up a pair the last time I visited New York but the store needed 3 days to make them and I only had two days of my trip left.  

Before the trip I decided to test out the make your own section of the website to test out some designs, these are currently my favourite pair! I will post pics of my final design when I get back from my trip.  

Laura xxx

NYC Wishlist 1 - Pamela Barsky

Whilst I am in New York i am going to take the time to visit the Artist and Fleas section of Chelsea Market.  I went there last time I visited and I absolutely loved it the whole place was fab I managed to pick up some beautiful jewellery and accessories last time and I can't wait to go back.  

Last time I was there I picked up a pouch from the super talented Pamela Barsky.  Her products are absolutely brilliant, gorgeous little bags adorned with quirky and funny quotes.  The one I bought two years ago has served me well, I have used it to carry makeup and jewellery and even as a purse.  I have a wish list ready for my visit. 

All of Pamela's products are also available from her Etsy shop, click the link to see how amazing they are.  

Laura xxx

Alchemist Manchester Review

This week I paid a visit to one of my favourite bars, The Alchemist in Manchester.  I have been to all of the branches now in Manchester and Leeds. This time I visited the New York Street branch which is my favourite of the three as it is a little roomier.  

The cocktail menu in The Alchemist is seriously impressive, there are lots of options and most have added impressive detailing including popping candy, dry ice, colour changing capabilities and popcorn!

I went with a group of friends for some tea and cocktails, the atmosphere was very relaxed and the staff were excellent.  Service was very good and we took advantage of a 25% discount code which you can secure by signing up on their website. 

My personal favourite cocktail is the Bubblegum Daiquiri which is not listed on the menu but the staff will happily rustle one up for you.  It is absolutely delicious and tastes just like a stick of bubblegum.  It has a topping of popping candy too, what more does a girl need!

We also had some food which was delicious and real value for money.  I opted for the chicken fajitas which arrived sizzling to the table with generous portions of dips, salad, cheese and wraps.  My friends opted for similar dishes such as steak and vegetable fajitas, burgers and sandwiches and everyone of us was more than happy with the meal.  

Have you been to The Alchemist before? What did you think? 

Laura xx

Benefit Lollitint Review

A few weeks ago I decided to treat myself to one of Benefit's latest products, Lollitint.  I am a big fan of Benefits tints, before buying this one my favourite was their best selling Benetint which I use on a daily basis.  

When I saw the new release I could not resist temptation, the colour is absolutely divine and I could not wait to get my hands on it! 

When it finally arrived I was not disappointed, the candy orchid colour is simply beautiful and perfect for everyday use.  I adds a lovely pink natural glow to the cheeks and it has fantastic staying power.  I have applied this in the mornings and roughly 8-10 hours later I have not noticed any difference in colour from application.  

The consistency of the product is much creamier than Benetint and I feel this makes it easier to apply.  The product dries quickly so after experimenting I find it easier to brush it gently onto a blusher brush and stipple it onto the skin.
Priced at £24.50 the tint is more expensive than some of the usual products I buy but a little really does go a long way.  Previous tints that I have bought have lasted for a long time and they are a staple part of my make up regime.  You can purchase it in lots of places including Boots, Debenhams and Benefit Stores or Online.

Next on my wish list from Benefit is the They're Real Mascara.  Have you got a favourite Benefit product or have you tried Lollitint?

Laura xx

Summer Sunshine Brights

Summer is just around the corner so we are really excited to start putting our new summer collection online.  We have had lots of fun designing and making these pieces.  We have a real mix of bright colours and delicate dainty pieces.

I have spent most of the weekend getting plenty of stock ready for the summer months including some pieces for a wedding I am going to next week.  All of the new stock will be online in the next two days plus it is FREE UK P&P on all orders too! 

Laura xxx

New Workshops

Hi everyone hope you are well, we have just announced our new workshop dates on the RethinkRemakeRelove Facebook page.  

We have also added the option to book online through our new website.  To celebrate the launch of the new workshops we are holding a giveaway on our Facebook page.  Prizes include free workshop places, fabric, sewing kits, bags and 1:1 sewing tuition places.  

Laura xx

Urban Outfitters Sale Picks

This week I spent some of my Christmas money on a few treats.  I headed over to the Urban Outfitters website where I was amazed to see up to 70% off.  I picked up a few treats for my house.  Here are some of the goodies I picked up.  

Rug £5 

I picked up a rug for my spare room/studio for just £5, the colour complements the room really well and I couldn't leave it on the online shelf for that price! They have a good selection of rugs left in the sale, a quick and cheap way of updating a room.

Glitter Storage Boxes £5

I picked up these glitter storage boxes for £5 too.  I have been looking for something to organise my make up in for a whole now and I was waiting for my next trip to Muji to look for some storage.  These stackable boxes are fab and they even come with added sparkle as the lid is full of iridescent glitter.  I all going to start a big clear out of my make up bag this weekend so I will post a blog later on.  

WAH Nails Book £5 

I picked up this WAH nails book as a gift for one of my friends who loves painting her nails and having a go at different designs.  I first heard of WAH nails when I worked next door to Amy from the NailLab when I had a shop in Mr Birds Emporium. Amy used to work for WAH in London and is now based at Bad Apple Hair in Sutton Coldfield and her designs are fantastic.  Take a look at her Instagram for information.  

Have you picked up any good bargains in the sales?

Laura xx

Wedding Invite DIY

Last year I was maid of honour for my best friend, the day was magical and I was happy to assist her in the preparations in the run up to the special day.  One of my jobs was making the invitations.  We took a trip to our local hobbycraft and began the search for the perfect materials. 

We took a swatch of the bridesmaid dress material and found a near perfect match for both the card insert and the ribbon.  Next up was thinking about the design, we decided on something simple yet effective and I began cutting and scoring (so much fun!)  

Work in progress

I didn't take lots of pictures of the finished invites I kind of got lost in the moment when making but the bride and groom were very happy with the finished results.  I used a heart die cutter for the detailing and later on we added printed text to the card insert for all the important information.  

Have you got any weddings coming up this year or are you getting married yourself?What do you think? 

Laura xxx 

Illamasqua Fragrance Bargain

Yesterday I visited the Illamasqua store in Liverpool's Met Quarter.  Illamasqua is one of my favourite high end cosmetic brands, I usually only buy products from there when I have my make up done for a special occasion as you pay £30 for a make up session and you receive the money back to spend on products.  Their sale is fabulous most items have now been reduced to between 50 and 70% off both instore and online.  

I managed to pick up a bottle of their Freak perfume yesterday.  I have been lusting after the fragrance since before Christmas when I smelt it in Leeds on a promotional stand and I could not believe my eyes when I saw the price.  30ml is just £15 or £20 in a box set including a nail varnish and eyeliner.  The fragrance is a little heavier than my usual choice and is perfect for a night out.  I'm quite tempted to order another bottle just incase it is discontinued.  

Have you picked up any sale bargains?  

Laura xx

Peaches and Cream Win

I could hardly contain my excitement this week when I picked up this package from the sorting office.  A few weeks ago I entered a competition on Twitter to win a full set of Peaches Pigments from Peaches and Cream in Liverpool and I could hardly contain my excitement when I was sent a winning tweet.  

Inside the envelope was some of the cutest packaging I have ever seen. The attention to detail Peaches and Cream use is amazing.  I have kept the little bags and boxes to use in lessons as inspiration for the students as they are fantastic.  

Inside the little boxes of loveliness are 10 amazing loose pigments.  The selection of colours is stunning and I have had lots of fun experimenting with them over Christmas.  The coverage is excellent some even shimmer and sparkle.  It was hard to pick a favourite shade but at a push I have gone for Stella, a lovely silver shade that adds a lovely shimmer to a smokey eye.  

Image from www.fabulousmakeup.co.uk

The image above shows the selection of colours and I am also a big fan of their instagram page which they use to display some of the looks they create on a daily basis.   I am hoping to book in this year when I am in Liverpool to experience being peached first hand.  

The pigments are £5.95 each or £45 for the whole set and I cannot recommend them to you enough.  Head over to their website for more information, shopping and inspiration.  

Laura xxx

Happy New Year

So we are into another year, the time when people reflect back on the last 365 days and think about the future.  2013 for me was very mixed, and I cannot wait to see what 2014 brings.  Have you set yourselves any goals for this year? One of mine is to blog more, I have set myself a goal of at least 2 blogs a week but we shall see! 

Laura xx