Cute Eyecare: SpeckyFourEyes Sunglasses

The past few days have been a rather typically British mix of weather. In the time we left the house yesterday afternoon we had gorgeous sunshine, heavy black clouds, rain and lightening! The wind was really picking up too, so we had to be quick if I wanted to get a snap with a hint of sun. 

I was sent an insanely cute pair of sunglasses from SpeckyFourEyes.com, who specialise in prescription and reading glasses, kids specs, designer shades and trend led sunglasses such as this lovely pair I have here.

These light blue sunglasses  (exclusively made for SpeckyFourEyes.com and retail for £15) have a adorable paw print design all over them, a cool feature for an animal lover!  Looks-aside, it's crucially important to wear sunglasses with proper protection so look for the CE Mark and UV400.  These sunnies are labelled as both.  Phew!

My style is pretty much a mish-mash of colour, feminine florals and quirky prints and slogans so colour pop sunnies are always on the top of my list every summer.  

Here's a pic of my outfit with my paw print sunnies.  I wore my Topshop Little Miss Star tee shirt (I loved the book when I was little!), New Look floral skirt, New Look 'LOVE' belt and Primark spike sandals.

How's the weather acting where you live?  Have you had chance to catch some rays?

Becky x

Read More

Summer Skincare: It's All About Green

The sun is shining, the air's humid and we're all feeling a little... warm.  I adore the summer months, especially when the weather's as beautiful as it is right now, but looking after my skin through tropical temperatures proves more of a challenge.

Every skin type has its own problems but we all have to contend with the effects of hot, sweating skin.  I have combination skin, which means my face feels tight and dry in areas if I don't moisturise, and it gets oily in the t-zone: forehead, nose and chin.  Summertime cleansing and moisturising is tricky and so I find myself reaching for products that will effectively clean my skin with the benefits of leaving me feeling refreshed and clean.

Some of my favourite products that I'm currently using coincidentally have one commonality: they're all green!  The colour green is synonymous with freshness; the great outdoors and soothing botanicals.  I love green because of it's clean connotations so it's a perfect shade to perch upon your bathroom shelves.

My top 5 fresh and clean green products:

Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner - this feels gorgeously cooling applied with cotton wool after I've cleansed my face and is perfect as a refresh any time during the day.

Tesco Cucumber Face Scrub - a yummy scented gel containing tiny beads that really wakes me up in the morning and leaves me skin feeling smooth.

Original Source Mint & Teatree Shower Gel - smells super minty fresh and feels tingly cool.  Amazing in a cool shower.

Nivea Daily Essentials Oil-Free Moisturising Day Cream - a light lotion that absorbs quickly, mattifies my problem areas and leaves my skin comfortable and fresh.

Sure Aloe Vera Sensitive - A leafy scented roll on anti-perspirant with calming properties that soothes my skin and keeps me dry.  

Do you find yourself using more refreshing products through the summer?  What's your summer skincare regime like?  Any must have products?

Becky x

Read More

Brastop Review: Curvy Kate Portia & Discount Code!

I love bargain hunting but it can be difficult finding what's considered specialist bra sizes anywhere, let alone be able to buy them cheap.  We don't always have the cash to pay full retail price but when you want to update your lingerie, what's a girl to do?

If you're a bargain hunting busty girl like me you may be familiar with Brastop - the online destination for big bra bargains!  

What's really great about Brastop is that there's always so much choice in a wide range of sizes (including 28 backs!) and the prices are incredibly low.  The reason the prices are lower than elsewhere is probably because the styles are predominantly last season but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  When you're looking for a specific collection that's no longer produced or simply looking for an affordable new bra set, you really can't fault them.  But, if you just want the current looks, you can get them here too.

Check out Brastop's huge D+ range and get an exclusive 10% off!  Simply use code: 'Becky10' when requested at the checkout.  

Offer expires 2nd Aug 2013.

Brastop are pretty unashamedly cheeky and proud of their assets, so much so they offer their beautiful customers the chance to be Brastop models with their Model of the Month competition.  I bet when Freya Pibworth entered last January's competition she never thought she'd end up in a video flaunting her best bits!

This is Brastop's nod to 'Russell Howard's Good News' title sequence only with a bra and pants clad paper model instead of Russell.  I think Freya has much more fun in this video...


Brastop kindly sent me the beautiful Curvy Kate Portia in the latest season's colour, Seafoam.  The dreamy aqua green is a stunning shade for summer and the raspberry pink ribbon trim just gives it a juicy edge.  Such a gorgeous colour combo.

I wanted to try a Curvy Kate because I've not yet fully checked out the brand.  There's usually speculation about sizing and knowing just what to order, so it was helpful to review the latest design.  I ordered a 28H in the bra and size 12 bottom.  
Portia is a light weight, unpadded balcony bra with a soft handle mesh fabric embroidered with a fancy diamond pattern.  The lower two sections of the cups are double layered with the upper section a sheer panel trimmed with laced ribbon and broderie anglais.  

The set fits really well and is super comfy.  The knickers are a short and, although lower than I usually would wear, they are fantastic on the butt!  I am really quite happy wearing them.

The band is a firm fit and spot on for size.  The cups fitted beautifully with all fabric laying flat and with no gaping but I was disappointed by the strap separation.  The bra seems widely set with the straps hanging on the edge of my shoulders, which isn't desirable.
I'd tried seafoam Portia earlier in the year but didn't get to sample the 28H, instead a 30GG.  I remember actually liking the fit and feel of the 30GG but wanted to compare with the 28H, thinking the latter would be the better fit, but I'm not so sure.  It appears the cups and straps here are broader on my body, possibly an effect of the band stretching.  The bra also seems unsupporting with a flattening effect rather than lifting, like the weight of my bust is pulling the bra down (although it doesn't feel like that.)  

I've commented about the strap separation of Curvy Kates before, and I'm not convinced designs have changed to remedy the problem.  

Is it possible to find a Curvy Kate that sits further onto your shoulders?  What do you think?

Becky x

Read More

Bra Review: Lollopop Lovely Freya Beau

When Freya released their Beau collection in new colour lollipop pink several months ago it was a moment of lust at first sight.  I generally love hot pink so the sugary shade combined with the cute repeating bow design and striking embroidery really caught my eye.  

When Beau first hit the market a year ago in neutral 'candy' shade I disliked it immensely - it looked drab in the most unappealing shade of pink ever, to my eye - so it just goes to show how colour plays an important role in your decision to like a product or not.

Despite marking 'lollipop' Beau balcony bra as my top must have on my birthday list back in February I never bought it, so when Large Cup Lingerie recently asked me if I'd like to review the set I was happy to oblige.  Freya Beau, come to mama!

I'm pretty consistent in Freya bras, mostly wearing a 28H but with the odd exception of the Deco where I can dubiously get away with wearing a 28GG, simply because it's not produced in the H cup (yet!).  I thought it was a no-brainer to request the 28H, on the contrary, it's become apparent this isn't the right size for me.  I think I'm currently in a funny between-sizes limbo.

The 28 band is snug, which I initially felt okay about as it seemed firm in a good way, but a few hours of wear into my day I was aware of tightness digging and nipping me, and I kept pulling the band away from my sides to give myself mere seconds of relief.  I was definitely stretching the band to its testing limit.  It wasn't looking good (and neither my skin).

Don't misconstrue my experience with the band for failure, as there were many attributes that impressed me.  How the cups completely and perfectly encased my boobs was a huge positive.  The large sections of embroidered sheer mesh fit like a glove, with no gaping or under fill like some other brands leave me with.  Although the shape isn't so rounded, more  pointed, it meant Beau felt and looked more natural.

The three hooks wide back fastening is also a strong point as it's more anchoring than simply two.  

A pair of matching medium 12 briefs accompanied the bra in the Large Cup Lingerie parcel.  Featuring the same miniature bow print and front mesh panel, these knickers really came into their own.

They're amazing!  The back is ruched, which lends a more form fitting structure and the bum coverage is fantastic.  I hate knickers that disappear between your butt and these do not. 

So overall, Beau is every bit the raspberry delight I'd hoped for.  The colour is cheerfully bright and the design cute.  I would love to find Beau in a 30GG as I suspect it would be a more comfortable fit, but until then, I can at least enjoy wearing the adorable Beau briefs!

----------

Do you like the look of Beau?  Which colour way do you prefer or would like to see?  I think Beau would look super sweet in violet purple!  What do you think?

Becky x

Read More

Heatwave Surviving Lingerie

If you're in the UK right now you'll be fully aware that we're currently in a meltdown.  Literally.  If we didn't complain enough that the snow had gone on for too long, and begged for our wet Augusts to be gone, summer decided to kick us in the shins and delivered us the heatwave we've not experienced since 2006.  I guess we had it coming.

Me modelling my bag carrying boobs!

For the past few weeks I've been sweltering in the 30 degree Celsius heat much like the next person, and raiding my hoards of holiday clothes for the thinnest tops and smallest skirts I ever bought.  Through my quest to find the least overbearing clothing, I realised that this need for thin layers went almost skin deep to the very foundation of my outfit.  My lingerie.  

So, I guess this is a little self help guide for surviving the heatwave.  Think about the following suggestions for cooler boobs this summer:

• Avoid padding.  Padded bras, including those in moulded styles, can have a thermal effect making you feel warm.
• Choose unpadded soft bras.  Bras made from sheer fabrics are cooler because there's less material for a 'barely there' feel.
• Plunge styles have less fabric which may feel more comfortable, but avoid if you suffer boob roll-together as cleavage can get sweaty!
• Natural fabrics such as cotton are cooler than synthetic and can wick away sweat.
• Some brands have wider straps than others.  Slimmer straps mean less close fabric.
• Lace can sometimes feel itchy and encourage irritation.  Not nice when you're hot.
• Bras constructed with front bands underneath the cups can often feel more restrictive and warm compared to those without.
• A bra and clothing may be just too uncomfortable when you're feeling really hot and sticky, so a supportive, bra integrated strappy top may be the answer.

My Favourite Bras for Summer

• Miss Mandalay Paris: Cool and breezy semi sheer mesh fabric that's incredibly breathable with narrow straps for a comfortable and barely there feeling.

• Panache Tango Plunge: Simple and unobtrusive design with low plunging cups and no under cup band, this is a supportive and easy to wear alternative to padded plunges.

• Cleo Lucy: Pretty yet uncomplicated structure.  Lucy has a thin mesh fabric with no padding in a balcony style, bridging the gap between a full covering bra and low plunge.

These are my tips for staying cool in this summer heat, what are your own?  What do you do to stay cool with boobs?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and revelations!

Becky x

Read More

Retail Royalty: The Charity Challenge

When Money Supermarket asked me to get involved with their latest blogger challenge - Retail Royalty - I didn't hesitate to accept.  The concept was simple: I would be provided with £30 to gift in goods to a charity of my choice.  As a bargain hunter with quite a thrift savvy head on my shoulders, I knew this was the perfect challenge for me!

It's all too easy to look out for ourselves and only do things with the anticipation of personal gain, which is a sad truth, especially in the current money tight climate when many single people, couples and families are struggling.  If you read my challenge intro post you'll know that the charity I chose to support helps those in financial crisis with the aim to keep people from going hungry - my local food bank, Food Store at King's Church in Darlington.

I could have headed off to the supermarket but instead I had a good think about how I could maximise the value of my funds.  At first I contacted various food manufacturers which didn't prove fruitful, but then Approved Food, who specialise in selling discounted food products online, came to my aid.  I'd asked them if they could help me out and they agreed to match my funds, doubling my £30 to a massive £60!  I was overwhelmed by their generosity and was so happy to have them on board.

I spent hours trawling the online store looking for the best deals, bearing in mind the type of food that would be most appreciated.  Staples such as packets of pasta, rice and soup and tinned fruit and vegetables went in my virtual trolley first as simple to cook foods are quick and cheap because they use less electricity.  Chocolate bars and biscuits may seem unnecessary purchases but little treats can make a massive mark on lifting a person's spirit.

When the food parcel was delivered to my door I was amazed by just how much I was able to buy.  In total I'd managed to buy 205 products!  The fact Approved Food helped me by doubling my funds made a big impact, and the offers I made sure to utilise - such as 3 or 4 for £1 - meant I had bought so many more items than I would have done by going to the regular supermarket.  The extra food meant only one positive impact: more families and individuals would be eating and benefiting from this food parcel.

This is what I bought ->

But that's not all...

A short while ago I got in touch with leading local newspaper, The Northern Echo, who were really interested in what I was doing and said they'd love to run the story.  A reporter called me to chat about the finer points and it was agreed my photographer fiance, Sean J Connolly Photography, would take photos for the article.

We went down to the Food Bank earlier today where we finally got to hand over the two big boxes of food.  I was so excited and I didn't anticipate how humbling it would feel.  The volunteers were so friendly and appreciative, I knew I picked the right charity.

The story is going to press as I speak, but here's the photo that was taken and will be appearing imminently in the paper: (I'll add a copy of the paper later!)  You just can't put a price on media publicity like this.  Many eyes will look upon the Food Store and donate or help in other ways from seeing them in the paper.

Myself, volunteer Ac and manager Lisa Marsh
Image Sean J Connolly Photography

I want to take this opportunity to thank Sean J Connolly Photography for the fantastic photo, Mandi Bishop at The Northern Echo for her brilliant report, Approved Food for matching my funds so generously and finally Money Supermarket for devising such a selfless challenge, providing the funds and giving me the opportunity to give something back.

*The Food Store at King's Church, Darlington are always in need of donations for their continually depleting supply.  If you're an individual or business and want to help with the supply of food, then Kings' Church would love to hear from you.*

Becky x

Read More

Retail Royalty: The Charity Challenge Intro

The massive popularity of Superman: Man of Steel, the 2 hour sell out of Capital FM's Summertime Ball, even tv shows such as the likes of Made in Chelsea would have you believe we live in a time of affluent wealth.  True, many have seemed to have escaped the redundancy roulette and they're still able to enjoy life's luxuries but just as many people have genuinely been hit by the recession.  

The credit crunch is very real, and when the government makes cuts and rents still need to be paid there are people living in crisis that means the difference between eating and going without.  Financial hardship through job losses and ill health is not a situation most people would choose to create because it's frightening not being able to rely on yourself.   I believe charity begins at home and it's our duty to look after our neighbours.

When Money Supermarket launched their 'Retail Royalty' blogger challenge and asked me to donate as much as I can to a charity of my choice from a fund pot of only £30, I was really keen to accept the challenge.  I support many charities' works but on this occasion I felt passionately inclined to help a local food bank.  I chose to donate to the charity Food Store run by King's Church in Darlington, Country Durham.

The Food Store at King's Church, Darlington

The Food Store is provided with goods both by a national food bank scheme and King's Church own funds, with the additional aid of donations made by local businesses and individuals and it's a constant effort to maintain stock.  The demand by those in need at the Food Store is ever growing and donated food to enable a single person, couple or family to survive for a minimum of 3 days is always needed and humbly appreciated.

I'm going to start working on this challenge right away, maximising the value of my £30 funds to help this brilliant food bank help those in my community most in need.  

Becky x

Read More

Bodycare Review: Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow

Getting washed is a regime I enjoy; I love waking myself up with a revitalising face scrub and come the end of the day there's nothing better than the feeling of fresh, clean skin when you head off to bed.  I both shower and bath, using soaks and cremes to soften my bath water and cleanse my skin wearing exfoliating gloves with body washes and gels.

Shopping for shower gel isn't a fail safe task if you're wanting something really good and long lasting.  Qualities I judge in a good body wash include: how natural and realistic the scents are, the consistency, lather and effect on my skin.  I've used some dreadful ones that have lost their foam on contact with water and some that have dried my skin out.  I don't think anyone finds these characteristics particularly endearing!

Crabtree & Evelyn is one of those quintessentially British brands that I've used on occasions.  I've had some shower gels, shampoo and hand creams before and also their Iris eau de toilette which was a gorgeous scent, so I'm fairly familiar with the brand.  Recently I was lucky to win a little bottle of Crabtree & Evelyn's new Somerset Meadow bath and shower gel in a competition so I thought I'd give a review on it.

Somerset Meadow bath and shower gel comes in a clear rectangular bottle with a white lid that flips open to dispense the gel which means no screwing off caps.

The scent of Somerset Meadow is very light and 'green' - think along the lines of freshly cut grass, but it's much more than that.  A sniff of the deeply fragrant perfume conjures up breezy, lush grasses, dewy hedgerows and an abundance of wild flowers; buttercups, ivy and apple blossoms.

Pouring a small amount into my exfoliating gloves, I rubbed my hands together to generate a froth and massaged it into my skin.  The gel felt light and refreshing, but I found it didn't create much of a lather which meant I used quite a bit more product than I usually would.  It went much further when I took off my gloves and washed with just my hands.  After drying my skin felt soft and cleansed with a hint of floral perfume.

Somerset Meadow really does appeal to me, it has that type of scent that I really like and look for in my refreshing body products.  If I were to change one aspect it would be to increase the bubble factor!  I adore natural perfumes that smell realistically floral and as Somerset Meadow contains many naturally derived plant extracts it makes me feel extra good to my skin.

Becky x

Read More

Bra Review: Tutti Rouge Betty

When Tutti Rouge's first collection, Liliana, landed for sale back in the spring, the lingerie community was alight with anticipation to try out the hottest new bra brand on the block.  The reason behind the excitement was simple: images of gorgeous lingerie in pretty shades and wearable styles which were shared through Tutti Rouge's social channels showed a glimmer of hope that sexy and desirable designs that look like 'regular' size lingerie were indeed attainable from 28 bands and cups DD to J.  I was as silly-interested as the next full bust blogger and couldn't wait to ride the Rougette train!

When I was asked if I'd like to try the next bra installment, Betty, I was thrilled and not before long a cute 'n' diddy black box arrived at my door.  At first I was sent a 28GG which I didn't have luck getting fastened.  As a rule I only wear 28GG if the bands are stretchy, like Freya Deco for example, with 28H or 30GG my usual sizes, although admittedly I'm preferring 30GG of late, so it wasn't too surprising that 30GG Betty fit best.  With this is mind, I would say Betty does run slightly small in the band but not immensely so. 

Betty comes in DD-HH cup sizes and is such a unique design.  Styled in a half cup shape, Betty boasts lightly padded cups fabricated in a silky satin with a softly coloured poppy print.  Intricate lace trims the cups and all the way around the circumference of the band lending a modern but still feminine look.

The little details make Tutti Rouge's bras so cute; the metal strap adjuster is a heart shape as opposed to a regular rectangle and Tutti Rouge branding is embossed into either end of the back closure. 

Betty's band has just enough give in the elastic, and with the deep wings and three hook wide closure means a really good, firm structure.  The front of the straps are fashioned in a slightly stretchy satin so it looks like taut fabric but allows just a touch of movement for comfort although it does mean the straps are semi adjustable on the reverse side.  Overall I find Betty really comfy to wear.  

At first I was convinced the shape wouldn't suit me but it fits me extremely well.  The wires aren't too wide and finish where I want them to, the cups aren't too highly cut so I've got no rubbing at my underarm, and my boobs are nicely cupped so I feel secure and well supported.  The only nipping I feel is to the outer edge of the wires but then all my bras nip there, and I just need to bend the wire a little to force a bit of curve around my ribcage and then I'm fine.  Lately I've been so finicky with my lingerie, the fact I've been enjoying wearing Betty all day long proves to me that I've found a bra I'm going to be happy in for a long time.

The shorty knickers (size small) feature the same poppy print satin to the front panels, with even more frilly lace trimming, and the back is just as adorable, with it's cheeky see through mesh and peep hole beneath the elasticated waist.  I do prefer to wear my shorties deeper cut with more generosity in the hips but these are still a cute pair of low rise briefs.

Betty... endorsed by Lucy!

Have you been able to try out Tutti Rouge's growing range yet?  Or do you have your eyes on a particular collection yet to come?


Becky x

Read More