A night out

The other night I attended a Christmas concert in Dundee and then went for cocktails with a few of my lovely girl friends afterwards. I thought I would show you all a quick look of my makeup and outfit that I wore for the night out.  I apologise that the photo quality is not that great but the sun had already gone down and my phone does not take the best photos with artificial light. 

The shocking red lipstick is my new favourite by Rimmel London called Apocalips in the shade Big Bang

My belt and outfit are old purchases from Forever 21

My necklace is from New Look

 and my shoes are from Aerosoles

A day to relax

Who doesn't love a day of pampering? 

Having it done can be quite expensive so here is the way I like to unwind from a particularly stressful day or just a day I feel like relaxing. 

I first start off with running a bath for myself and lighting a few candles. 

Here are two of my favourite candles at the moment: 

The first candle is by Wax Lyrical and its fragrance is called "Winter Walks"

It looks so Christmasy and smells so lovely and fresh. I actually picked it up at Tescos for £10

The second candle is by Woodwick and its fragrance is called "Cinnamon Chai"

It's the perfect Christmas warm spice scent and has a wood wick so it sounds like a fire crackling when being burned. SO LOVELY!

Next I make myself a coffee or any particular drink I am loving at the time. 

This is my intense black coffee that I love from Nescafe and is used in the Dolce Gusto machines

I add a bit of Gingerbread syrup to it just to give a lovely Christmas flavour

Then a top it all off with a good book and moisturising body scrub. 

This book is by Elisabeth Gifford, the mother of a good friend of mine, and is called "Secrets of the Sea House." I am currently loving this book and would highly recommend it to anyone. Here is a link to a synopsis of the book and where you can find it: Secrets of the Sea House

The body scrub is one I have mentioned previously, which is my Body Shop Chocomania Scrub. 

After my bath I like to spend the time to give myself a mini manicure and pedicure if needed. Today I am debating between two Rimmel polishes over my Black Essie Polish:

First I use my Black Essie Nail Polish in Licorice

Then I'll either follow up with Rimmel London's Precious Stones in Diamond Dust or Rimmel London's Space Dust in Shooting Star

Then I finish it off with my Seche Vite top coat

So that is how I like to unwind. 

I'm off now to do just that :) xx

What do you wear to a wedding?

So as I reach the mid 20s age mark weddings are the things to look forward to as they are bound to be plentiful at this time in our lives. Having just been married little over a year ago it is something else entirely to look forward to someone else's big day than having to plan yours! Overall it is a stress free joyous occasion where you get to celebrate two people you love dearly make one of the most exciting memories of their lives! (Congratulations Andy and Daniella!).

However, I must admit I have been to very few weddings in my lifetime and therefore have really struggled with my friends up and coming big day with knowing what to wear. Over in the UK woman seem to mimic the Kate Middleton style, very elegant and classy with a fun headpiece or hat. Coming from the States I am definitely not used to wearing anything on my head for a wedding so I tend to shy a way from that a bit.

I took a day of shopping in town yesterday to try and find a dress (the wedding is two weeks away... whoops a bit last minute).  I just could not find anything I liked. All the beautiful classy ones did not fit my body shape. I have very womanly hips and anything body contouring does not suit me. I really have to go for more of an a-line or skater dress style. So after a failed attempt and feeling quite down about finding "the" dress I decided to do a bit of online searching. I had heard about a great website called ASOS that stocks multiple suppliers in the UK and distributes them from their website.

After much deliberation and searching I finally decided to not try and fit into the "stereotypical wedding day attire" and just go for what I loved and would feel beautiful in.  I also feel that if I am going to spend money on a dress I might as well get one that I can wear for a lot of things other than just one occasion.

The dress and shoes are currently on their way and should arrive tomorrow. I will keep you updated on how the outfit works out.  I just wanted to share what I plan on wearing just because I know it can be a difficult thing to shop for since you want to be dressy but not too dressy, comfortable but not too casual, and still feel beautiful.

So without further ado here is the dress:

When I saw this dress I was just so drawn to it but I couldn't quite wrap my head around the fact that it was black and this is a wedding after all, but I just kept coming back to it. So I decided to dress it up with gold accent pieces, plus I justified it because this is a winter wedding so dark colours are a bit more appropriate than summer ones. 

Here are the shoes I chose. I am wanting to get fun lacy or designed tights to add a bit more funk to the dress as well:

I will finish off the outfit with a statement necklace that has mainly gold in it. Here are some of the styles I am thinking of: 

I might try and find a nice jacket or something to put over my arms to jazz it up a bit as well!

So that is what I am thinking for my wedding outfit. It's a bit different but something I can wear for other occasions as well so I am happy with it! 

As I get the different parts of the outfit and see it come together I will post some update photos on my blog.

I do apologise

Oh dear,  I may have dropped the ball again.
As in the whole of November dropped the ball :/
I am very sorry but this month has consisted of some very exciting changes!
I now officially have a job, after only a year and a half! Phew I could not be more thrilled. I will give more details on this new job as it all begins to unfold. I won't be starting until after the holidays so I will keep you posted.

I have been debating whether or not this whole blogging/vlogging thing needed to be something I have in my life when I start working and I have come to the decision that yes I will continue to do it. I do truly love it and find it very therapeutic, but I will probably not keep to any schedule and will just do it as I see fit. The videoing will probably take the biggest hit because it is the most time consuming, so I hope to still post on here weekly!

Also I might have forgotten to post my happy thanksgiving banner! So here it is, better late than never.

I hope all you lovely Americans, and everyone who decided to celebrate this holiday, had an amazing family filled time with lots of great food, memories, and love!
Calum and I just had a little Thanksgiving between the two of us and ate until we popped :)!

This was just a post to apologise and update everyone on why I have disappeared this last month!

But now bring on December and Christmas :)!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

What's In My Shower?

My Top 10 Wants

Here are my top 10 products that I have been keeping my eye on and will hopefully be purchasing. Each of these products I have heard wonderful things about!

1.  Zara Leggings

2. Oribe dry Texturising Spray

3. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

4. Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

5. YSL Youth Liberator Foundation

6. Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

7. Yankee Candle Blissful Autumn

8. Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang

9. Rimmel London Colour Rush Lip Balm in The Redder, The Better

10. Its a 10 Miracle Leave in Conditioner with Keratin

Singin' in the Rain

I gain most of my inspiration for beauty from the 1940s-1950s. I believe it was such a beautiful and glamorous era, albeit people who actually lived in it might not completely agree. Not only do I love the fashion, makeup, and overall class people seemed to possess during this time frame, but I LOVE old movies and musicals! There is something so magical about watching these extremely well dressed, classy, beautiful humans dance around with such coordination and sing with amazing broadway voices.  Here is just a few of my all time favourites!

Get to know me

I just uploaded this video today for people who may not know me and are visiting my blog/youtube channel! Hope you all enjoy xx

D.I.Y. Shabby Chic Pumpkin

I wanted to share my D.I.Y. shabby chic pumpkin idea for Autumn! I do feel that this is such a simple do it yourself that it almost doesn't require an explanation, but I figured I would just make up a really quick how to. I am sure there are millions of ways to decorate and design your own pumpkin for Autumn. I just did this one with things I already had in my house.

First off I bought a cheap smaller sized pumpkin from my local grocery store (Tescos for me)

Then I took some "antique cream" paint left over from when I painted my coffee table.
I got mine from Homebase and it is Crown's non drip satin in antique cream.

I painted 2 coats of it with a dry brush onto my pumpkin without making it overly thick.

Then once it dried I took sand paper and gently went over the whole pumpkin until I had the desired effect.

Super easy, quick, and a nice way to give a more shabby chic Autumnal design!

Design

If I have inherited one thing from my mother it is her absolute love for design. She is incredibly gifted at designing homes and crafting things. I wish I had half of her talent but I still very much have the passion for it. Here is a photo of when we first moved into our new home in Maryland just to show you how beautiful my mom can make a home (it does not even do it justice).

One thing I have loved designing recently is graphics for websites, flyers, banners, etc. I have two events coming up recently that I designed the flyers for:

 I seriously enjoyed making them and would love to start doing more things along this same line. If anyone is interested in me making any graphics for them I can do flyers, banners, blog headers, business cards, or just ask and I can try and do it!!

Brand Focus: Introduction to Lush

1. Big Shampoo
2. Ocean Salt Face Scrub
3. Grease Lightening Spot Treatment
4. American Cream Conditioner
5. Happy Hippy Body Wash
6. Rub Rub Rub Body Scrub
7. Coco Lotion (Only in US)
8. Cosmetic Lad
9. Love Lettuce Face Mask
10. Bubblegum/Mint Julips Lip Scrubs
11. Honey Trap and Lip Service

What Autumn Means to Me

Autumn is the time of year that means home to me the most. Having lived in America most of my life I have always seen the significance in this season. It means cool crisp air and warm aromatic drinks. It means wood burning fire places and beautiful vivid colours. It means the excitement of change and family filled holidays around the corner. It means home for me. Being away from the States during this time of year I find especially hard. I love Scotland but I do feel like Autumn does not mean the same thing here as it does in America. Christmas stuff has already taken the place of all Autumnal decorations and the delicious candles that populate all American stores are sadly passed over for the more Christmasy scents here. I am completely speaking on my experience in Dundee since it is all I have known here, so sorry if I am misjudging a bit. Regardless I am in desperate need of the American excitement and enthusiasm felt when Summer changes into Autumn.
I have found a few comfort items that have helped me to not feel too homesick during my favourite season.

1. Lush Pumpkin Bubble Bar

2. Pumpkins in general (for decorations or eating)

3. Fall scented candles (although I have struggled to find them)

4. Red Wine

What is Our {My} Purpose?

I know I am not due for another post until tomorrow, but I heard something today that touched my heart that I truly needed to hear. I know this blog is about beauty.

But what exactly do I mean by beauty?

There is beauty in all things and I don't want to just explore the superficial side of that. I want to delve deeper and experience the Holy side of that.

I believe beauty, creativity, and love all stem from our Creator.

Something I have really struggled with since moving to Scotland and not getting a job is what is my purpose? I placed so much value in who I am as what I do. God has rocked me to the core with that perspective and stripped it away from me. I used to go to an amazing church when I lived in Lakeland Florida called ACCESS. Even though I no longer live there I am able to listen to their sermons online and I came across this message today. It was exactly what I needed to hear and I hope that if you are asking this question, what is my purpose, that you will give this a listen.

September Favourites

Things mentioned in this video:
1. Soap and Glory Righteous Body Butter
2. The Body Shop Chocomania Exfoliant
3. The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter
4. The Body Shop Foundation Lip Butter
5. Mac Lustre Lipstick in shade Plumful
6. Dior Blush in shade Strawberry Sorbet
7. Smores Poptarts
8. The Body Shop Aloe Skincare Range
9. American Candle Company in Scent Dutch Apple Pie

Wee Update & The Body Shop Aloe Range Review

Just wanted to update everyone on my uploading plan for my blog and videos since I have been so inconsistent in the past. From now on every Monday I will be uploading a blog post and then again on Wednesday that will be a video linked in with my Youtube account: Chelsea Chic
I am creating this schedule to keep me accountable. Blogging is a hobby that I love and therefore I plan on making it a more serious part of my life.

So now that that is out of the way lets move on to the fun stuff! Today I am going to review The Body Shop Aloe Range. I originally bought this because I wanted to try a new face routine that would fit well with my already sensitive skin. I would say overall I have combination skin that is pretty sensitive to most face washes. I have tried The Body Shop's body butters in the past and they have always been great on my skin so I figured I would give these products a try. So let's break down each product in this range...

 

1. Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser:

This cleanser has a milky consistency and feels very light on the skin. In the mornings I put this on first while my skin is still dry and then take two damp cotton pads and wipe it off. This doesn't get all the product off, but it is such a calming and gentle product that it really does not need to be completely rinsed off. At night when I am getting off all my makeup I first use a makeup remover followed by a makeup wipe and then use this to make sure all my makeup has been removed. I have had really silky skin and no problems with breakouts since using this facial cleanser! The only downside I have found is that the packaging makes the product hard to get out at times.

2. Aloe Calming Toner:

I have not used many toners in my life and I don't know if I notice a huge difference when using them, but I wanted to get the full affect from the range by using all the offered products. My skin has felt abnormally soft since using these products and I have had very little to no break outs. How much this is due to the toner I cannot say. I use this by adding about 5 to 10 dots onto a cotton pad and rubbing all over my face and neck after using the cleanser.

3. Aloe Soothing Day Cream

This is my day time moisturiser and I have really been loving this product. It feels very cooling and extremely moisturising without being greasy and leaving residue. In the UK during the cooler months it is really important to keep your skin hydrated. This particular day cream has made my skin feel healthier and more moisturised than ever before. 

4. Aloe Soothing Night Cream

The night cream has a thicker consistency than the day cream and feels like it lasts better through the night time. A bit more greasy but I think that is something you would want in order to keep your skin moisturized through the night hours. I was a bit skeptical about having a different cream for both morning and night time but can definitely see how it is beneficial now. I only bought the smaller version of the night cream to give it a try but would definitely buy the full 50 ml next time. 

5. Aloe Eye Defence

This was a later purchase that I decided to get since I was loving the other products so much. I have deep set eyes that often make my under eye dark circles appear more pronounced. I wanted a eye cream that would help with that but that would also be extremely sensitive due to that being the most sensitive part of your face. I tried it in the store and it felt so cooling and nice that I had to give it a go. I have not noticed a huge difference in my under eye area but it still feels very nice and I know it is important to keep that area hydrated so I will continue to use this product. The next time around though I might try for a different eye cream. 

Overall I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin. It feels softer, looks brighter and has little to no break outs. I would definitely recommend these products to people who also suffer with sensitive skin or people who just want a gentle cleansing face routine. 

Flat Tour 2 (Bedroom & Guest Room)

Products mentioned in this video:
1. Soap & Glory The Righteous Body Butter
2. The Body Shop Foundation Lip Butter
3. Bath & Body Works Rose Salve (it is still available at bath and body works)
4. The Body Shop Vitamin C Energising Face Spritz

My Autumn "Face of the Day"

first off I should start this post by discussing the obvious fact that I have been the world's worst at keeping up to date with this blog. I really would like to make it a goal for myself to post at least once a week on this little blog of mine. Now that I have it in writing hopefully this will keep me accountable (we shall see). To be honest I have been dealing with some health related things and it has pretty much killed my creativity. However, now that I am feeling a bit better I have found that ever so sly inspiration and can continue to blog again. This may be partly because Autumn is my all time favourite season and just the most inspirational/beautiful time of year in my personal opinion, but either way here goes nothing. So to kick things off I decided to do a beauty post and talk about my everyday Autumn face. So basically, when I want to take the time to do my makeup probably, these are the products I have been using this season.

I'll take you through my step by step process.
1. Foundation: Rimmel London: Wake Me Up Foundation (shade 103: True Ivory)
2. Powder: Rimmel London: Stay Matte Pressed Powder (shade: Transparent)
3. Concealer: Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer (shade: 3: Medium)
4. Eye Primer: Nars Pro-Prime
5. Eye Shadow Base: Maybelline Color Tattoo (shade 25: Bad to the Bronze)
6. Eye Shadow: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette and Too Faced Natural Eye Palette
7. Eyeliner: Soap & Glory: Smoulder Kohl (shade: Superblack)
8. Liquid Eyeliner: L'oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim (shade: Intense Black)
9. Mascara: bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara (shade: Black)
10. Bronzer: Nars Bronzer (shade: Laguna)
11. Blusher: Dior Blush (shade 943: Strawberry Sorbet)
12. Highlighter: Mac Mineralize Skinfinish (shade: Soft and Gentle)
13. Eyebrows: bareMinerals Brow Color (shade: Dark Blonde/Medium Brown)

14. Lips: Mac Lustre (shade: Plumful)

I plan on doing a more in depth review with a lot of these products in the future! It may seem like a lot of makeup/work but it takes me around 15/25 minutes to do my whole face depending on how much of a rush I am. 

I am pretty sure my coffee machine is calling my name so I will leave you with this little nugget of wisdom "The most beautiful thing a woman can ever wear is confidence."