The Folly Mixtures

I have come across some amazing people in my lifetime. At first, you meet people, judge them by what they're wearing or how they speak etc - 'look at her'... 'what a douche' lol but then you get to really know people and you realise that judging a book by its cover can really prohibit you from meeting some interesting folks.

You decide to keep an open mind next time you're in the presence of new people and that is exactly what I did... I started my most recent job this time last year and met one colleague in particular... I knew instantly she'd be really cool and she didn't prove me wrong.

Background story: She is a member of a burlesque troop... YES - BURLESQUE and they're called The Folly Mixtures!!! They had a show in Madame Jojo's in Soho and I went along with a few of my other colleagues, it was soooooo good! I don't have many pictures (the ones I did take were horrible quality but I'll put some up). I would advise going to check these beautiful ladies at their next show.

You can contact them on Facebook - search for 'The Folly Mixtures' and check their page for the next show!

Edinburgh

What springs to mind when you hear Edinburgh?

Yes, I know, exactly what I used to think - its not London! With every city/country I visit, I realise there is so much more than London... meaning there is so much more to see! I've written myself a list of all the countries I would like to visit within the next 5 years. London is my home but anything different is always a breath of fresh air.

I went to Edinburgh for a few days at the end of last year. It was not the most convenient time because of the weather. My outbound flight was cancelled two nights before I was due to go, booked another flight and that was fine but the return flight got cancelled and I had to take a train home (8hr journey). LONG! That slight mishap did not take away the beauty that lies in this city... I loved it and I would definitely go back during Spring/Summer...Winter is an absolute no go!

From the beautiful architecture to the Christmas markets, to shopping on Princes Street (high street stores etc), to finding a cute little coffee store called the Chocolate Soup... Oh the list is endless. I just wish it hadn't snowed so much, I would have been able to do so much more. As I said before, I will definitely go back so I'll just pick up where I left off and continue with my tour of the city.

 

Photo Credits: Crenshaw

My Easter

My younger sis that I promote at any given chance - check out her blog here

Random outings, beautiful weather, fun times!

Happy Easter everybody!!!!

My Shoe Collection

 The latest addition to my collection - ankara styled wedges from Aldo!

I really tried to add all my shoes but after bringing out my heels and trainers, I had no more energy. I will continue another time and showcase the rest of my collection. My mum thinks I have a problem and that I won't be able to wear these shoes in a few years... I tell her all the time 'I'll be old and fabulous'

Girl Crush : Solange Knowles

I love her. Her style channels individuality. With the release of her album Sol-angel and the Hadley Street Dreams in 2008, (which I still play today)- I realised she was one to watch. I am a big fan of ankara and she definitely has a love for it too - sporting designs from Boxing Kitten on more than one occasion.

I can picture her in Shoreditch or at festivals with her long braids living her life... Love that!

*Images obtained from Google

Debenhams Beauty Club

My name is AmarieLuvs and I am a member of Debenhams' Beauty Club. 

It has helped knock a few pounds off the usual price for beauty products and you gain points with every purchase allowing you to claim a gift when you have enough points. You receive regular emails about special offers so you won't ever miss a promotion.

10% off your favourite brands in store and online this Easter*. Even better - online deliveries are free. A chance to buy the make up/perfume you were going to get from Selfridges/House of Fraser etc delivered right to your door.

I am not encouraging you to spend... Just helping you save some money wherever possible. Every penny counts these days.  

*10% offer excludes already existing discounted sale products in store and online.

Wahaca

Wahaca is described as 'mexican market eating' and that is exactly what it is.

With its colourful interior, you cannot help but feel really chirpy and relaxed. I went to the Canary Wharf location, expecting to see uptight professionals unable to appreciate its chiled out vibe but I was proved wrong and it was actually the opposite. People laughing, even, a few dancing - I'm sure they were a little under the influence ;) - it was a nice atmosphere.

The menu is split up into different parts, no starters, lunch specific menus - the food comes all at the same time. Very nice for indecisive folks like me (food always looks better on my dates plate), so if you decide you don't really fancy what you have, you can taste one of the other dishes you ordered. Perfect!

The menu boasts prices that I love to see... under £5 for one of the dishes from 'street food' and under £10 for dishes from 'platos fuertes' (bigger plates for those with bigger appetites)

With the beautiful weather we have been experiencing lately, a trip to Wahaca's would be highly  recommended.

Days Like This

Some days I feel like imitating Angela Bassett in 'Waiting to Exhale' and cutting all my hair off...

Then I realise I have a round face and the look achieved will not be one of glamour but that of a housegirl... *blank stare*

I'll just chill!

Shoreditch Flow

Easter holidays are upon us and I have found myself travelling around London like a tourist.

A couple of days ago, I ended up in Shoreditch!!!!

Looked in a few vintage stores, walked around Brick Lane, finished off the day at The Breakfast Club, cool place to chill and eat - check it out here. The weather was beautiful, I stayed out well after the sun had set. Good vibes and beautiful people!!!

*Photo credits: Crenshaw

Weekender Break

I'm an avid traveller, I love going away and seeing different countries. It helps when I need time away from England.

An ideal location - Lille, northern region of France.

I went to Lille last year and I would go back in a heartbeat. This city is young and cultural with beautiful architectural surroundings, just have a look at the pics below.

Boots Press Day

The title is misleading, I did not attend the press day but my bestie did, check out her blog for her review.

As besties do, she gave me a couple products from her goodie bag. *insert big grin here*

I was so impressed with one product, I told her I would review it. Its called Falsifeye and it is AMAZING.

I never really experiment when it comes to my mascara, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black has always worked for me. Imagine my surprise when I used Boots Falsifeye, I really liked it. It really lengthened my lashes and didn't clump at all. It comes in a bigger tube then what I am used to but that allows you to have a sturdier grip when coating the mascara on. *sighs* I think I'm in love!

I used it for a few days and received a number of compliments *flicks hair, flutters lashes* - to the point where I have abandoned my Maybelline *wimpers whilst she buries mascara in drawer*. I don't know if they have started selling this product, I'm praying that it has already been approved and is on sale because if not, I might actually cry, even worse I will be forced to go back to my drawer and dig out the mascara I buried.*

Quick Review:

Product: *****
Packaging: ****
Likeability: *****
Meet products aims: *****
*Please note, these are my opinions. I still love Maybelline but Falsifeye has gained the no.1 spot

                      

                         

                             I also received No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in 'Sing the Blues'.

Dries in record time, you only need one coat - no complaints. My only comment is this colour is a bit harsh for me, I might put it on for a night out but its too much for me to have on during the day. The polish does live up to its name, I don't have a steady hand but it did go on my nails smoothly and darn near perfect. I think the shape of the bottle/lid helps with that - as with Falsifeye the shape of the product allows you to have a sturdier grip.


Quick Review:

Product: ****
Packaging: *****

Likeability: ****
Meet products aims:  *****

Gaucho

I cannot shout about this restaurant enough... I like - infact I love.... A LOT!

With its beautiful, fresh decor and impeccable service - Gaucho restaurants treat you like a VIP. I've been there a couple times and each time, the service improves and I am never disappointed with the food.
The cocktail of choice, forgive me I cant remember but its lovely. Tastes like a strawberry margarita but there is sugar around the rim of the glass... LOVE LOVE LOVE... Very easy to finish a glass in seconds, trust me! I'm no alcoholic but I could easily have 3 or more glasses.

I wouldn't advise going to this restaurant with just anybody- a date with a boyfriend/husband, really good friends, family members etc (I would not go here on a first date - very sad from the guy's perspective if there is no future with the girl, too much money spent)

Depending on what you order, you could spend £70+ based on a dinner for two. It is a tad pricey but well worth the experience, even if you just visit this restaurant once, you will not be disappointed.

Check out the different locations and the menu here