summer ready with sk:n

Images from Pinterest

With the warmer weather here, and my holiday fast approaching (sixteen days and counting...) I'm starting to think about getting summer ready. To start, that means getting my bod in a fit state to release on the general public. Don't worry, that doesn't mean you unsuspecting folk, just thew few who happen to be around the pool in Lindos in a few weeks. Phew! About eight weeks back I got fully in to fitness mode once again, and am finally starting to see the fruits of my labour. I'm reaching the last few years of my twenties, and the weight just doesn't shift like it used to!

So, with my summer bod starting to take shape I'm starting to think about tackling the one thing all girls hate - body hair. I'm a sensitive little creature, and sometimes razors can irritate my skin - particularly when I'm in hot places. I usually get a wax before holiday just so I don't have to worry about shaving and all that jazz, but am starting to think about something more permanent. After seeing Kim Kardashian (don't judge me) getting the baby hairs on her face lasered on KUWTK years ago, I've had the thought at the back of my mind.

Using laser technology to target the pigment in hair follicles, laser hair removal can permanently limit the follicle's ability to regrow hair leaving you with super soft, and more importantly, fuzz-free skin. Although you can begin to see results after the first treatment, approximately 6-8 treatments can leave you with permanently hair-free skin. I don't know about you, but I'm super tempted by this as I really really hate shaving and am such a wimp even the thought of waxing makes my toes curl! I've used Sk:n clinics in the past for other dermatological treatments (I had a course of microdermabrasion which was excellent) so am seriously tempted to pop into the Guildford clinic when I'm next in town to get some more deets. 

So my question to you is - have you had laser hair removal? Is it worth it? 

*this is a collaborative post

peppery undertones

Light, fresh, summer evenings call for light, fresh meals - and this is just that. This is something I chucked together for lunch last weekend, and was so pleased with the results! Best of all, it's so simple but looks and tastes amazing. No weighing or measuring here! You can keep pre-rolled puff pastry in the freezer for months, I used a roll I had left over from Christmas time. 

The doing couldn't be simpler - whack the puff pastry onto a baking sheet/tray on grease proof paper or the paper it comes in, and spread over a thin layer of caramelised onions. I buy them in a jar from the supermarket, they cost about a quid and are a great for keeping in the cupboard for times like this! They're also great in quiches, on homemade pizzas and with cheese. Slice up your cherry tomatoes and goats cheese and throw assemble evenly over the pastry. Tear some basil leaves and scatter over the top. Season with salt and pepper and a dash of olive oil and bake in the oven on about 160C (fan) for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. 

This makes a great addition to a relaxed, picnic-style lunch and any leftovers (good luck with that!) could be used for lunch during the week. These could also be made as mini individual tarts, and feta would also work instead of goats cheese. Enjoy!

kicking out

I'm such a sucker for a little fashion-hype! Kimonos are everywhere at the moment, and despite my June shopping ban (it lasted nine days) I have jumped firmly on board the kimo-yes bangwagon. Sorry, I couldn't resist! 

River Island Monocrome Fringed Kimono New Look Monochrome Crochet Hem Kimono 

New Look Rose Print Fringed Kimono River Island Black Floral Longline Kimono New Look Cream Floral Print Kimono

I've ordered the top right kimono online, and have now fallen massively head-over-heels in love with the RI longline kimono in the middle - how gorgeous?! I'm not sure I have the balls/style to pull it off... and £45 to justify it. Sigh. 

What do you think - a style investment or a flash in the pan?

the only difference

Hat H&M

Sunglasses River Island

Sandals Office

Bikini H&M

Introducing some of my favourite and key buys for Summer 2014. Lets start with the sandals - they seem to be out of stock online and I got the last pair in my size in store, so get in there quickly if you like them! I love the mix of textures, colours and fabrics and at £35 I didn't think they were too pricey. Middle-aged comment: they are also so comfortable!

The sunnies were a bit of an impulse buy, ironically when I was looking for some 'sensible sunglasses that really suit me'. Pah! There are definitely not sensible and make me look like a crazy person, but I love them. See them in action here - I look completely ridiculous, happy days! I think we should all embrace our inner-eccentric.

And finally, my two star H&M buys - the bikini I love and got online with a discount code. I really like H&M bikinis, which are great for smaller-busted ladies such as myself. I find myself sizing up though, so make sure you try on first. The hat I thought I should buy for our holiday to Greece this summer as it's due to be super hot. I always end up with a burnt hairline on holiday, and my hair usually gets bleached by the sun to within an inch of its life. I'm hoping this will prevent the singe! 

frankly my dear...

What a difference a little bit of sunshine makes - Friday evening at the pub dining alfresco, Saturday pottering around in the garden and Sunday reading my book with a cheeky bevvy whilst catching some rays. Ah, bliss! I picked up some new plant pots from TKMaxx/HomeSense at an absolute bargain price (under a tenner for both) so have been busy potting plants and making our patio a little more attractive. One of the dilemmas of living in a rented house is how much love, effort and money to spend on the garden - after all, we'll have to leave anything we plant in the ground! Our compromise is to have a patio dotted with colourful and beautifully scented potted plants and herbs. I've been having problems getting coriander to grow (tips?), but my mint plant has gone nuts! I need to start drinking more mojitos!

This brings me to my next point! I'd like to introduce my new favourite tipple - a Scarlett O'Hara - my favourite film character of all time, and now my new favourite whiskey cocktail! The Scarlett O'Hara is a true Southern belle and is made up of Southern Comfort*, cranberry juice and the juice of a lime. We added some orange juice too, which was delicious. For me, fruity cocktails are The One as they are sweet, refreshing and easy to drink. Who'd have thought a whiskey cocktail would be this good?! If you fancy having a go at cocktail making yourself , check out the Go Drink Yourself cocktail creation competition page. 

Just remember, #whateverscomfortable!

#bookaday

Some of you may have seen on instagram that I've started joining in on the #bookaday tag! It includes prompts such as "the one I always give as a gift", "future classic" and "never finished it" - it looks like fun and a good opportunity to dig through my bookshelf. 

Will you be joining in? Don't forget to check out the bookworm tab on here - most books I share on the tag I will have reviewed. And remember, there are no spoilers, don't fear! 

an aficionado

Bit of a cop-out instagram picture post, but I wanted to show you my updated hair! Last week I visited James at Farnham Headmasters for a worth-every-penny hair cut. He totally gets what I want every time and always manages to create a cool, undone vibe which doesn't require masses of styling or faffing. I wanted a heavier fringe with a more central parting - as each day passes I'm more and more over the side/swooping fringe! Luckily, this chunky centre parting is super easy to manage and just falls into place. 

I've had a fringe all my life from a big old bowl-cut type affair, to a swooping side fringe and an awful stage when I pinned it back a lot, exposing my ginormous forehead. I feel I've become a bit of a fringe-aficionado, so here are my top tips for wearing and maintaining a fringe:

1. Get it trimmed regularly. I am actually really bad at doing this, but its so important to keep it in shape! Remember, most hairdressers offer free fringe trims in-between appointments. 

2. Dry using a flat brush to help it stay smooth and straight, without losing volume and texture. Straightening your fringe often zaps out any movement, so try and style with a brush and hairdryer. 

3. Embrace da clip (thanks Estee!). I pin my fringe back into a big quiffy-type situation after drying whilst doing my make up, which helps to give it some bounce and doesn't leave it sitting flat on your face once released.

4. I also clip my fringe back when I get home in the evening, keeping it out of my face and helping it stay fresher for longer. Bra off, fringe clipped back, makeup off = sorted!

5. Refresh with dry shampoo as needed - there is nothing worse than a greasy fringe hanging all over your face. It will also make your skin more greasy and can lead to spots and yuckiness. Keep it clean, girls.

Another quick heads up - if you sign up to Headmasters VIP Club, you can get 25% off all hair services Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Its an amazing deal!

PS this post is not sponsored/collaborative, I just really like Headmasters!