One of the most magical moments this week was with Dior. I was extremely honoured to be invited to an exclusive event hosted by Dior Makeup. It was an opportunity to see their makeup and skincare range up close, and to try some of their Limited Edition products independently.
First, I was introduced to the Dior skincare. Their range is vast and plentiful, more than able to tackle life’s skin problems. The Dior Hydra Life Glow Better is a jelly mask that melts into the skin. It helps revive the skin, to give a dewy, fresh look. Helping the skin look clear and clean. The smell was divine, light and airy.
The Dior Capture Youth Glow Serum was applied next. This allowed for a concentrated blast of pure radiance. A smooth liquid serum to help combat dullness and reveal perfect skin quality.
Once the skin had been prepared for applying makeup, a ‘natural look’ was the goal. I for one was excited about this, as I don’t particularly like the look of full-on makeup, but prefer subtle colours to accentuate my favourite facial features.
These are some of the Dior makeup products that we applied.
Starting with the skin, a Dior Forever Perfect cushion foundation was utilised with a brush, to give a soft dewy finish. It was explained that the foundation can be found in as many as 67 different shades, in both matte and glow finish. This is to allow customers the best match to their skin shade.
Next, the Dior Nude skin Luminizer was brushed lightly over the face to instantly lighten the complexion, giving a subtle sheen and highlighting facial contours.
Gentle, barely there eyebrows were combed and made more bold with an eyebrow pen and lashes were given an injection of ooomph with Diorshow Pump and Volume Mascara.
Finally, the lips - Dior Addict Lip Maximier was added to give an instant, long lasting effect. This is Dior’s No1 backstage lip gloss plumper and a must for any makeup artist. I must say, the look was pretty astonishing, very natural and pretty. A makeup look, that creates a timeless elegance and one that will last throughout the day. I will enjoy re-creating this look again at home.
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity Dior makeup and for the inspirational expertise of your artists.
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Yesterday, I decided to try a completely different type of cake. This one needs no butter..... but an inordinate amount of cream. In fact, my daughter said it was diabetes overload, with the quantity of cream needed. I must admit, the amount was pretty staggering, but this is what gives the cake a beautiful light and fluffy texture.
You will need 3 x 8 inch cake tins. Pre-set the oven to 350F (170C).
Ingredients:
700ml (3 cups) heavy whipping cream.
6 x large eggs.
395g (1&3/4 cups) granulated sugar.
1tsp vanilla extract.
450g (4 cups) self-raising flour, sifted.
1tbsp & 1tsp baking powder.
1tsp salt.
Method:
Pour all of the cream into a bowl and whisk by hand. I know this can be a bit of a pain, as it takes a while to thicken, but what you don't want is for it to be claggy thick, which is what will happen with an electric whisk.... trust me (wink, wink).
Once the cream has thickened slightly, crack three of the eggs in the bowl and whisk ever so gently. Maybe only 15 seconds or so. Then add the other three eggs and repeat the same process. What you are trying to do is to not deflate the cream.
Then, a spoonful at a time, add the sugar. Again being careful not to over mix. Add the vanilla next.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour/baking powder and salt together. Repeat this process twice. This makes it easier for the mixture to incorporate the flour, as it is nice and fine.
Slowly, with a spatula, fold the flour a bit at a time into the mixture, until you cannot see any traces of flour.
Once you are happy with the cake mix, divide into three and spoon into the three lined baking tins.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 30-35 mins.
Check that the cakes are fully baked by inserting a cake tester and ensuring that it comes out clean, with no bits of cake on it.
Frosting:
500ml (2 & 1/4 cups) heavy cream.
180g Philadelphia cheese.
200g icing sugar.
2 tsp vanilla extract.
Place all ingredients into a bowl and with an electric whisk, mix together until thickened and combined.
That simple ;-)
To assemble the cake, allow to cool in the tin for 10 mins and then turn out onto a flat surface. Layer the cakes with the frosting, reserving some for decoration.
I used a Wilton 1M tip to achieve the piped edging.
Decorate the three layered Vanilla White Cake, however you choose. Sprinkles, flowers or candles, if it's a birthday or special occasion.
Happy baking, everyone. Enjoy the long holiday weekend. Love, Sarah Xxx
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist® could be considered as a future cult classic. It is the ultimate skincare multitasker: hydrating, moisturising and refreshing.
As a lover of skin products, especially moisturisers, I was excited to see if this product lived up to it's Eight Hour® name. I was not disappointed. This super fine facial mist is gorgeous. You need to hold it 6-8 inches from your face, close your eyes and spray. You will be transported to foreign lands with it's delicate, fragrant scent of Lemon Water, Rose and Bergamot. It adds a natural, healthy glow to the skin. I was a little reluctant to try it at first as I don't like greasy products on my skin, but this was ultra-fine and refreshing and soaked into the skin, leaving it feeling soothed and healthy looking.
This Miracle Hydrating Mist is an extention to the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® franchise. It purports to last up to eight hours and it most certainly does.
It has a superblend of: acai, goji, mangosteen, pomegranate and coffee seed extracts. The incorporation of aloe juice also provides moisturising and soothing benefits, as it helps to soothe irritated skin.
The size available is very portable, allowing for use any time of the day. The product is also sized to meet TSA requirements, which means you can take it with you on your travels. Ideal for hydration during long haul flights.
The size is 100ml and costs £21. I can totally see this becoming a future classic. Refresh, set, go......
Love Sarah X
The last few weeks have been a little bit overwhelming; feeling out of sorts and full of cold. Fed up of feeling sorry for myself, I ventured to the new Patisserie Valerie, to pick up a little treat to cheer myself up.
As you can imagine, the biggest problem I had was choice. I knew that I wanted something to take away, rather than sit in the cafe, which looked very pretty.
Upon entering Patisserie Valerie I walked to the counter to peruse their delicious looking cakes. Whilst pondering my choices, a lady behind the counter approached me asking what I would like. I explained my dilemma and she very pleasantly talked me through the delights of each cake and tart to me. I decided on the Tarte au fraises. It looked delicious. The lovely lady asked if I would like it boxed with a pretty ribbon, of course I said yes, with a big smile. She then asked if I had every tried the tarte before, to which I replied, 'No' and she suggested that upon my return I should let her know what my thoughts were. Truthfully, just the mere look of it was enough.
On a day when I wasn't feeling too great, the lady in Patisserie Valerie helped me to feel much better. I will return to let her know how it was.... delicious by the way.... and maybe sample another cake or gateaux. For now, I am just grateful for the unexpected, pleasant encounter that I experienced that day. It cheered me up no end..... and so did the tarte.
I would highly recommend that if you were in the area, you should check it out. I hope to return soon with my girlfriends for a little afternoon tea and sample some more delights.
Love Sarah XOXO
Treating yourself or a loved one to a relaxing night in? Valentines Day is just around the corner and whether you are enjoying it solo or with a loved one, you deserve to be pampered. This year for the first time ever I bought some Lush products.
The first gorgeous product I bought was the limited addition, lip scrub.... The Kiss. This was specifically made for Valentines Day. It is beautiful, bright and pink, very Valentines. I'm not sure about you, but during the winter months my lips become very dry and rough. In other words, not very kissable; which is not a good thing, especially on Valentines Day.
Yesterday, I scrubbed my lips with The Kiss and let me tell you they instantly became soft and smooth. Some of the ingredients in this scrub contain: Sea Salt, Organic Cocoa Butter and Caster Sugar. You pop a little on your finger and rub your lips. It's ok to lick the excess off too, as it tastes good, like edible sugar candy. It polishes your lips to perfection and I'm sure mine looked more plump afterwards. The sequinned red hearts give the scrub a lovely whimsical feel.
Whilst in Lush I also treat myself to a Cupid Bath Bomb. 'Cupid draw back your bow and let your arrow flow....' This incredible smelling heart will have you and your loved one basking in a relaxing bath in no time. The bath bomb is beautiful to look at and as it dissolves it leaves a shimmering frothy shade of pink.
It's very moisturising and the fragrance of rose petals, raspberry juice and bergamot oil is very subtle. It will leave your skin super soft and ready for any cuddles you might receive later.
Five ways to live your life with no regrets.
1. Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road.
Too many people live their lives based on what other people think. They disregard pursuing their hopes and dreams for fear of ridicule and judgement. Don't let that be you!! Enjoy your individuality, choose to be strong, don't listen to the naysayers.... dance proudly down the Yellow Brick Road to find your Emerald City. Step into your dream and create the life you want.
2. Always Be A First-Rate Version Of Yourself.
In the whole history of what ever was or what ever will be, there will never be another you....Ever!! Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, think positively. Put your best foot forward, refuse to compromise who you are and what you believe in. Act with the utmost integrity, walk tall knowing you are doing the best you can in all circumstances. Look after your health, your wealth and your loved ones. Raise your personal standards, if needs be, to be someone who you trust implicitly, spread your wings and Fly.
3. Appreciate The People You Love.
There is no escaping the fact that loved ones are not going to be here forever. It's an unfortunate fact of life. Realise that no matter how much time, or how much you appreciate someone, or how much closeness you feel, it will never seem like you managed to spend enough time together. Don't shy away from the people you love. Open your heart honestly, tell them what you need to tell them, say the words, have the conversations, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable. They will appreciate your honesty. Leave a footprint on their heart.
4. Live The Life You Love.
Before you know it you will be asking yourself the question, "Where did the time go?". Life is over in a flash. It is made up of a collection of moments that express happiness and sadness, each lived one second at a time. Take the opportunity to figure yourself out, realise what you want out of life, take calculated risks, hold on tight to what you love. What makes you, YOU!! Work hard to make your dreams come true, grasp opportunities that come your way. Look for signposts on your journey to show you, you are living a life that you love. Life is shorter than you think.
5. Step Up To The Plate.
When life get tough, the tough get going!! If life doesn't challenge you, it won't change you. As an individual, in order to live, we need to grow. Putting one foot in front of the other, allows you to push through life's greatest challenges. Trust that you are going to succeed, reach for your full potential and stay positive. Forget the mistakes of the past and embrace the future. Today is a new day, the first day of the rest of your life. Spend today with no regrets.....live your truth!!
"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day"....... Edith Lovejoy Pierce.
It is the 1st of January 2017. Doesn't that seem strange to you? Hasn't the last twelve months passed quickly? I believe they have. Frighteningly so! As someone once said, time will pass whether you are busy or not, so best get on with creating and designing the life that you want!
Looking back over the last year I have enjoyed numerous highlights, for which I will be for ever grateful and as I stride purposely forward into the unknown of 2017, I know for sure that whatever awaits I will face with grace, compassion and wonderment.
Resolutions? Have you made any? This year, I brushed aside the idea of resolutions in favour of aspirations.
as.pi.ra.tion
A hope or ambition of achieving something, a will to succeed, an ardent wish or desire, hopes and dreams for the future.
I love the feeling of the amazing opportunity of another year stretched in front of me to improve, grow, develop, mature and strive for the very best. It is the start of a New Year, with no mistakes in it. I am looking forward to it with great expectation, delight and hope.
Ohhhhhhh, think of the possibilities!
My aspirations this year:
To cultivate more Self-Reliance, meaning I alone am responsible for my life and I alone am able to create it.
I don't want to rely on external approval or look outside of myself for reassurance and guidance. I want to trust myself enough to respect and honor my feelings and integrity. I want to cultivate the kind of confidence needed to accept and appreciate myself, whilst staying true to the core of who I am .......
Another principle I wish to adopt is learning what it is to be a Lady. I have always been fascinated with this quality.
Everything, from Style.
To Poise and Manners.
Before I embark on this new and exciting journey, I am going to celebrate: the woman I already am, the wonderful family and friends I have, the interesting opportunities that lie ahead in the next magical 365 days.
So, lets raise a glass together whilst I wish each of you a fabulous 2017.
Keep well, happy and enjoy every glorious moment.
I'm going to make a start on some lists and plan a few lifetime goals to ensure 2017 is a fabulous year for me and my family Xxx
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE Xx
Quiet Sunday afternoon munching popcorn and watching superhero films curtesy of Marvel Entertainments. Who is your favourite superhero?
A lovely summer afternoon, means a few glasses of ice cold Prosecco in the garden. Lovely x
Quick side dish post, because I'm all about the quickness x. I threw this together the other night as a side dish to some cooked chicken. It's basically, red onion, colourful peppers, courgettes, Tommy tomatoes and garlic. Swoosh it around in a baking tray with some olive oil and for a little more flavour.... A few rosemary sprigs. Season with salt and pepper (just a bit ;-) and pop it in the oven 200 degrees Celcius for 20 minutes. It's yummyoso..... I promise, pinky promise x
Love Sarah Xxx
Today has been a somewhat quiet day and the weather hasn't helped either. It was the perfect day to roast a chicken. I don't know about anyone else, but when the weather is pants outside, I like to batten down the hatches and cook.
Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius.
First, I wanted to add some flavour to the chicken. Sometimes chicken can taste a bit blah and bland. So, I raided the fridge and the cupboards and came up with a lemon, thyme and garlic combo. It was killer..... Totally what the chicken needed to be dressed with.
Here is a close up of the three amigos, just in case you didn't know what they looked like ;-)
I rubbed the chicken head to toe with butter, making sure I covered every surface. Next I sprinkled sea salt. This is good for crisping the skin. Carefully, I lay the lemon slices on top of the chicken along with a few sprigs of thyme.
Next, I stuffed the cavity with some lemon halves, garlic cloves and thyme. This helps to allow the smell to permeate the chicken and makes your kitchen smell divine.
Just artistically scatter the remaining ingredients around the chicken.
Pop it into the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 90 minutes, turning it half way through cooking.
I decided to add some baby potatoes to the tin and allowed them to roast alongside the chicken.
After 90 minutes, remove the chicken and allow to rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices of the chicken to settle back into place and make it all moist and juicy again.
In another tin, I roasted some sweet potato and more baby potatoes. These can be placed into the same oven as the chicken, on a lower shelf. They take 50 minutes to cook. Half way, give them a little shake in the tin, to move them around. This should allow them to brown evenly.
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