Wots her name again?

Discovering The Lost Theatre In The Winter Night Garden

Every have one of those Fridays when you just need a cheeky cocktail?

Well I was defiantly having one of those Fridays following one of those weeks. My ecommerce project was close to the completion date which of course means that everything that could go wrong was starting to go wrong!

Half with one hour until home time I realised that I had plans to meet up with by blogger friend Chloe of: Life Of Ci which turned my mood right around!

Sod excel sheets, skype chats with web developers and frantic calls to our tech team in Denmark your girl need to fix up herself to go out on the town tonight!

The location of my salvation was Tequila Mockingbird (get it? I didn’t realise until I was two porn star martini’s deep) never heard of it? Well the DMN award-winning chain of popular neighbourhood cocktail bars are the places to see and be seen in trendy London locations such as Putney, Tooting and Clapham, Tequila Mockingbird and now Brixton right around the corner from am and also right up my alley!

This super cute location just off acre lane is what my version of cheers would be like accept nobody knew my name the super cute venue has a jazzy décor which includes an eclectic mix of exotic prints, exposed brick and neon signs displaying iconic movie quotes.

“You can’t sit with us!”

Can you guess where that quote comes from?

Comment with your answer below

90’s hip hop, R&B pop and I think I may have heard bits of jungle and Garage thumping through the speakers can’t lie guys I had an amazing time! The atmosphere was chill but at the same time buzzing and the other attendees all seemed to be having a good time.

Did I mention it was 2 four 1 cocktails until 9pm

No?
well lets discuss the cocktails then

Of course cocktails are the main event, and with such a plethora of creative mixes and classic favourites on offer; it would be rude if we didn’t try a few out.

Right

To ease in I had to go for my all-time fave the porn star martin of course but Tequila had some serious contenders to my old faithful tipple

Shout outs to the Caribbean Sailor and the Bramble

Also check out their signature Mockingbird punch which comes served in a flaming Tiki mug,

Of course you don’t have to be a part-time cocktail drinking lush like me to enjoy Tequila Mockingbirds awesome atmosphere

Tequila Mockingbird will also cater to those seeking refreshment which are not of the colourful fruity variety, boasting an extensive range of beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection nibbles

Luckily I was with my friend and not on a date because the wings was so lovely I couldn’t even eat them in a lady like fashion lol

I foresee that Tequila Mocking bird will be the venue for many of my girls nights out and maybe a few dates.

If you fancy trying it out please do so.

Tequila Mockingbird

is located at 64-68 Atlantic Road, Brixton, London, SW9 8PY

And open till 12am Monday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays

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One day swiping through Instagram, I came across a video of a woman shaving her face with a razor – the side of me that enjoys watching pimple popping TV shows, re-emerged.

YouTube was quickly drawn in and involved for research purposes. Once I saw my quota of videos, I learned that the female face shaving procedure was called "Dermaplaning".

Its official English dictionary meaning is a cosmetic treatment, often used to treat acne scars, in which surface irregularities are surgically scraped to give the skin a smoother appearance. (Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers).

A few google searches later I found glowing reviews plus the hashtag #dermaplaning showcased many before and after photos of people with mind-blowing transformations, showing how the treatment helped treat a number of complaints from rosecea, dry skin and acne.

This procedure to your face, which also eliminates hair, is supposed to result in baby-soft skin that looks healthier and brighter.

After the treatments, your chosen beauty products should absorb easier into the skin, offering a smoother canvas for your make up.
Sounds like a win-win all round right?

Initially I was completely sold, followed by somewhat worried that this newly discovered treatment could result in me eventually looking like teen wolfs Sister.

When I spoke about my new found knowledge with my local beauty therapist, she assured me that Dermaplaning targets the fine, baby hairs that are commonly found on the cheeks and forehead.

This is technically known as Vellus hair. This type is very different from the darker and thicker, terminal hair, which grows on our heads, pubic and underarm areas which grow back stubbly and potentially could grow back thicker.

So before you know it, I scheduled my Dermaplaning procedure at Essential Beauty Rooms in Beckenham.

Nervous but excited, a few days later I arrived and was asked first to fill out a questionnaire which I was asked to highlight my skin concerns, along with some health questions.

Once I discussed my issues with the consultant, I was made aware the risks involved are mainly being nicked with the razor which she explained was highly unlikely.

We also discussed aftercare for which included no wearing make up or perfumes for the next 24 hours, making sure to apply SPF on my skin daily.

As I failed to mention earlier, that I was slightly worse for wear due to going out the night before, but it was all for sake of the blog to follow soon. so that being said, I admit I didn't get to ask as much in regards to the actual steps or products that I would as standard normally do, being the consummate professional I usually am.

My face was cleansed and swiped it with some antiseptic to ensure it was thoroughly clean. Next the consultant got to work using a surgical-grade scalpel to scrape off layers of skin and fine facial hair.

At first I braced myself for some form of discomfort, but the worst sensation was just some light scratching.

Once the skin layer was removed, a few extractions were performed before a collagen mask was applied and I was left for a while for the mask to work its magic.

Once the mask was removed, moisturizer and SPF was applied, and I was good to go.

My first thoughts after the treatment were that my skin looked a lot brighter and felt super smooth. I wouldn't say I had problem skin, It is was mostly oily, which at times has resulted in me having the odd break out left me with spots of hyper pigmentation which I was assured will disappear after further treatments.

FYI, I take steroids to control the symptoms for a condition I have called lupus.

A number of side effects are evident externally and internally when using this medication

I had noticed that the hairs on my face had grown a bit thicker, so I wasn't surprised at the amount of hair that was removed
from my face.
Of course, I had to take a picture, if you are squeamish I apologize.

When writing this, It is day two since the procedure, but so far I am incredibly pleased with the results.

I didn't experience any redness or any tenderness, I did however notice that
my make-up went on a lot smoother, resulting in an almost airbrush like finish.

It's safe to say you can get Dermaplaning treatment every six weeks, but more it is also advised that you don't do more than once a month.

I am defiantly pro Dermaplaning and look forward to having the procedure again some time soon, but as I am going to Mexico in the coming months I may wait until I come back to avoid irritating my skin
Have you or would you try Dermoplaning?
Please leave a comment with your below

Well, it is officially 100 days until Christmas and me trying to be organised to avoid the last-minute dash to boots to grab everything in their 3 for 2 promotion started writing out my Christmas list and brainstorming gift ideas for my loved ones which eventually lead me to ask “What about me?”

Will since you asked…

To be fair this is not a new obsession I had seen a variation of this gadget on the Netflix series Breaking Bad some time ago

and then later during a visit to the ideal home show I was formally introduced to the iRobot® three years later I'm still lusting about it and I may seriously consider saving for It as I feel it will make a huge difference in my day-to-day life.

Ok I know it looks like one of those portable CD players from back in the day but I need this quirky little gadget in my life.
Imagine coming dome every day to clean floors?
You would love that right?

The iRobot is literally a robot hoover, I imagine it could be no more than 2-4 inches high and sits in a little dock in a designated spot in your home until a convent time set i.e. while you are at work then it leaves its dock and goes about its merry way cleaning up all the dust and dirt from your floors
Happy days

Of course, there are some pros and cons so let’s hear them

Pro: you come home to clean floors happy days

Cons: not great if you have children or rambunctious animals that may think it is a toy and want to play with it

Pro: this smart little device learns, maps, and adapts to your home

Con: it doesn’t wash floors (Hey it can’t do everything) but they do have a separate model called Braava® Mops

Pro: Roomba® Vacuums empties on its own.

Con: Not sure how the gadget works on different types of rugs

Pro: Dirt Detect™ sensors tell your robot about dirtier areas of your home, then clean them more thoroughly

Con: Stairs, steps and uneven surfaces are a no-no! (none in my flat whoop whoop)

Pro: did I day clean floors

Con: Stairs, steps and uneven surfaces are a no-no! (none in my flat whoop whoop)

Pro: You can control it with an APP! – with Wi-Fi® connectivity and mapping, you have ultimate control of your device when you are away from your home. Schedule and control from your phone, then see a map of where it's cleaned when the job is done.

Con: The price starting from £249 – £14999 the all bells and whistles Roomba s Series models which I have of course convinced myself I can’t live without

As much as I want one of these baby’s with I already have a Dyson V7 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner and a Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, so I can’t really justify the cost or simply bringing another vacuum cleaner into my tiny flat but if I am on Santa’s nice list hopefully he will consider popping one of these babies under my tree this year

Do you think that 240 to £2400 is too much invest in a robotic vacuum cleaner?
Please leave your thoughts in the comments below

❖

Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty| Love Creativity

Lee-Anne x

Why not check my social media networks

Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | YouTube | Facebook | Google+

And of course Instagram

I have been aware of Hydrogel eye patches, may have even tried a free sample at some point in life but they never kept my interest enough for me to consider adding them to my skincare routine.

Until a super-hot day in July when I ventured up to Covent Garden to check out the Kbeauty pop up shop with Iblushbeauty,

while I was there I got talking to a lady from Sokollab when I complained about the dark circles under my eyes she explained to me that the dark circles were a result of dehydration and advised I try out some Hydro Gel Eye Patches

and explained some of the benefits any reservations I had evaporated when she put one of the patches on my hand, I can’t stress enough how hot it was on that day yet my whole body seemed to cool down, and I had to make a purchase.

You simply apply the patches to cleansed and toned skin for 30-40 minutes before removing and tapping in any excess serum, I like to position them so that the smaller end is toward the inner corner of my eye. I've seen them applied the other way too, but I feel like this positioning benefits me the most especially since I have been noticing that my eyes have been puffier during the hot weather. They stick to the skin effortlessly and are not too wet or drippy, but cool and refreshing which I cannot stress enough have been a godsend during this heatwave.

You can go about life while wearing them Watch TV, tidy up they will not fall off, I, however, like to chill and relax as I wind down for bed once they get warm and feel dry I

simply peel them off and toss.

Simples

The Koelf Hydro Gel Eye Patches were available in:

Ruby

Bulgarian Rose: Contains Damask Rosewater from Bulgaria which is rich in vitamins that brighten dull or darkened under eye areas, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and smooth puffiness, Ruby powder, Camellia leaf extract, and Grapefruit Seed extract. These patches are translucent pink with gold shimmer that makes them a beautiful rose gold colour.

Pearl

Shea Butter: Contains Pearl powder which contains minerals and amino acids that brighten and illuminate the skin, shea butter which deeply nourishes and moisturizes reducing the look of lines and puffiness. These patches are opaque white.

Gold

Royal Jelly: Contains Royal Jelly to firm and improve elasticity, hydrate and decrease puffiness, and Gold powder to improve circulation and fight signs of ageing. These patches are translucent gold with gold shimmer.

The patches come housed in a sturdy plastic tub which contains 60 gel patches that expire in 2 months from the moment you open them.

While I have yet to see any change to the dark circles under my eyes I understand that results require consistent use. However, I immediately noticed decreased puffiness and more hydration.

I would highly recommend checking out these patches I mean for £13 for 30 patches you can't go wrong.
CLICK HERE for more info

Have you tried Hydro Gel Eye Patches and what were your thoughts?

Please comment with your thoughts

❖

Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty| Love Creativity

Lee-Anne x

Why not check my social media networks

And of course Instagram

I recently decided to incorporate a rose quartz roller into my beauty regime and so far I have been loving the benefits so I thought I would share it with you guys.

Said to supports lymphatic drainage to reduce the appearance of puffiness, and wrinkles the Rose Quartz Facial Roller meant incredible tool for inner and outer beauty perfect for relaxing and de-stressing. Rose quartz is also said to correspond to the heart chakra, the energy centre of love.

Benefits of facial rolling include

Toning up facial muscles

Stimulate detoxification by lymphatic drainage

Aid absorption of your skincare

Reduction of under-eye puffiness & dark circles

Rose Quartz Facial Roller is great for tightening pores and reduces puffiness and wrinkles

since it remains cold even when in direct contact with the skin

Works great with your favourite serums, moisturisers or sheer masks as it helps them to penetrate the product deeper into your skin

Does wonders for your circulation as they’re great for bringing fresh blood and oxygen to the skin.

How to a Rose Quartz Facial Roller

Before you use your Rose Quartz Facial Roller, cleanse your face and apply your skincare which the Rose Quartz Facial Roller can help work into your complexion.

If you are using your Rose Quartz Facial Roller to help rid your face of puffiness, your lymph nodes need to filter excess fluid out of your system.

Starting with your neck first with a roll with soft sweeping motions to help to clear the lymph passageways for this to happen.

Once you’ve rolled your neck, start on your jawline, rolling towards your ears in one direction not back and forth) from the centre of your chin up towards your ears.

Repeat up to your cheekbones.

Once you reach your forehead start in the centre and roll your way outwards.

Flip your Rose Quartz Facial Roller over and use the smaller roller for the area around and under your eyes and be gentle.

Amazon £12.99

Have you ever tried a facial roller?

What were your thoughts?

Comment below

❖

Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty| Love Creativity

Lee-Anne x

Why not check my social media networks

And of course Instagram

In this post, I am excited to share some of my fav Dermalogica skincare products with you guys as I have been raving about them for years

My skin journey has been crazy especially since I started to take medication for Lupus which has made my skin super oily, and before that, I was dealing with mid ache which also left me with hyperpigmentation which I covered with make-up and the cycle of breakouts continued.

It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s when I went to have my first facial that I was introduced to Dermalogica. Once my facial was over I was provided with a Facial Map which showed my skin issues.

And a prescription of products to use.

As the Dermalogica products are quite pricey I decided to try the travel kit to see how it goes before investing in the full-size products which I eventually did, as the products for me are worth it as my skin responds to the products and the regime

Dermalogica the Multi-active Toner

This is one of the products I originally started using. It is full of amazing ingredients and it also smells great too. The mist is basicity a toner that you apply after cleansing your face or throughout the day to tone hydrate the skin.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

A super gentle exfoliant which comes in a powder form which needs to be mixed with water before applying. Once mixed with water the unique Rice-based powder formula activates and creates a foam releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Helping to balance uneven skin pigmentation and calm the skin, leaving it clear and refreshed.

It’s gentle enough to use daily although I probably use it maybe 4 times a week. I love how my skin looks and feels after use. So when it comes to makeup application it's super easy.

Dermalogica Precleanse

When I get home from work this is the first product I go for, to take off my make-up.

Well, it was until it until Dermalogica came up with the Precleanse Balm which I will tell you about a little bit later. Precleanse is a deep cleansing oil melts away impurities and make-up from your skin. Part of the Double Cleanse regimen the water-activated oil cleanser deconstructs layers of excess sebum (oil), waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and product build-up on the skin.

You simply apply the Precleanse to your unclean face and the watch makeup and all the oils and dirt which collected throughout the day melt off.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

The final step in Dermalogica’s Double Cleanse regimen the Special Cleansing Gel is perfect for my combination, spot prone skin as I am not a fan of heavy cleansers because I which can cause me to break out, even more, it also doesn’t feel like it dries my skin out at all.

Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster Spf50

I recently started to use this under my make up because it has SPF in it and it also helps to control my oily skin.

Total Eye Care Eye Cream

I recently started using this attempt to combat the dark circles around my eyes, it's early days co I can’t report any changes as of yet however it does give my eyes a brightening boost It also has an SPF which is a big plus

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I love something that is genuinely going to leave my skin feeling super soft, and glowing. It is one of those products that is so gentle on the skin, you don't need a lot of it and after using this I notice a massive difference in the way my make-up applies and also how my skin feels.

Dermalogica Active Moist

If you are the kind of person that struggles with oily skin, then this product will be amazing for you as it is light on the skin and leaves your skin feeling hydrated.

Active Moist formula contains Silk Amino Acids and a unique combination of plant extracts that help improve skin texture and combat surface dehydration.

Unfortunately, I have yet to find that one special product to keep my skin nice and matte throughout the day, however, I have found using the products I have mentioned have defiantly helped prevent me looking like an oil slick.

Precleanse Balm

My baby! Similar to the Pre Cleanse this deep cleansing balm-to-oil melts away impurities and make-up from your skin. Part of the Double Cleanse regimen which begins with the Pre Cleanse Balm. This water-activated, balm-to-oil cleanser deconstructs layers of excess sebum (oil), waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and product build-up on the skin. It comes with a Cleansing Mitt to help thoroughly cleanse debris from the skin’s surface, and aid your recommended Dermalogica Cleanser to deliver more effective results.

The difference between the Precleanse Balm and the Precleanse Is the Precleanse Balm is a balm with a consistency similar to Vaseline and comes with a mitt while the Precleanse is a liquid and does not come with a mitt

Daily Superfoliant

Similar to the Daily Microfoliant the Daily Superfoliant is highly-active resurfacer which helps deliver the smoothest skin ever. Made from activated Binchotan Charcoal which is great for purifying the skin, and helps to adsorb toxins from deep within the pores.

Like the Daily Microfoliant, it foams up after contact with water and is to be gently massaged into the skin then washed off. However, Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough to use every day the Daily Superfoliant should only be used 2-3 times a week

Skin Hydrating Booster

This little aby is a super Hydrating fluid which helps restore moisture balance and minimize the appearance of fine dehydration lines and can bed used before, or mixed with, your moisturizer to help lift moisture levels.

I have also recently noticed the following product which I would quite like to try:

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

Revitalizing treatment gel-cream transforms skin overnight by optimizing night-time skin recovery. Tamarind Seed Extract creates a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin while encapsulated, motion-activated French Lavender Essential Oil (with Sandalwood and Patchouli) work all night to promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning. Other key ingredients include Persian Silk Tree Extract which reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality while Wu-Zhu-Yu Extract provides visibly radiant skin by the a.m.

Have you ever tried products from Dermologica? What did you think?

Please leave a comment and let me know your thought’s

❖

Discovering The Lost Theatre In The Winter Night Garden

On Fridays We Tequila Mockingbird

My Dermaplaning Experience