Into The West Blogger Network 'Cocktail Evening' at The House Hotel Galway

#itwbn 'Cocktail Evening' at The House Hotel Galway 

Hi Guys!

On Sunday the 22nd of March the girls from the Into The West Blogger Network #itwbn Sinead and Saibh organised an informal blogger meet up for all of the bloggers around the west of Ireland. They decided to have the meet up in the Boutique Hotel Galway known as The House Hotel. It was decided that we would attend a 'Cocktail Evening' as this is one of the many things that makes this fabulous hotel famous. 

The House Hotel

The House Hotel is a gorgeous boutique style hotel. It is located in the heart of Galway city centre just two minutes from Shop Street. It is in the Spanish Parade in the Latin Quarter. It is a 4* hotel and its Cocktail Bar is amazing. It is so pink and girly with its boutique style furniture and decor. It is the perfect place for a birthday party, a girly weekend away or a hen party. The staff are so kind and friendly and didn't show one bit of annoyance when we stayed until 3am on a Sunday night. 

Cheers!

#itwbn Meet up 

The night began when we all met in the 'Cocktail Bar' as soon as we arrived The House Hotel treated us to champaign and strawberries. Aileen our wonderful waitress then presented us with the Cocktail menu. The favourites of the night were of course Cosmo's, Galway Girl, Hollaback Girl and The Zombie. We chatted all night long sharing hints and tips about blogging as well as healthy eating tips and so much more while we had our meet up we took loads of photos and updated the happenings of the night on all of our social media accounts! We all got on so well and didn't want the night to end. We didn't feel the time going until someone looked at their phone and it was 3am! Some of us had work in the morning and had to be up early. We said our good byes and we all can't wait for May now! Over all I had a brilliant night and learnt so much more about blogging and the people behind the blogs - I love you all! <3 

Thank you so much again to Sinead and Saibh for organizing such an excellent event and Thank you to all the staff in The House Hotel! No doubt we will be back soon! 

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Lots of Love 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue   

Liz Earle: Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask Review!!

 Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask Review!!

Hi Girls! 

I am back with another Liz Earle skin care review. I love the entire Liz Earle range. Every month to six weeks I order my skin care essentials kit which contains: the infamous Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Instant Boost Skin Tonic (which is your toner), Skin Repair Moisturizer, two muslin face cloths and a free full size gift. All of this comes to 56 Eur which is brilliant for the amount of stuff you get. 

As mentioned in 'My top skincare tips for flawless skin' post which you can read about here http://bellaandvogue.blogspot.ie/2014/12/the-beauty-department-my-top-skincare.html I mentioned the importance of cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice on a daily basis as well as using exfoliator and a facial mask twice a week. I love Liz Earles Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Norishing Treatment Mask, so I decided why not do a little review. 

Gentle Face Exfoliator

This exfoliator is perfect for anyone who suffers with flaky or congested skin. It leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and moisturized. Its fine jojoba beads gently buff away dead skin cells while the eucalyptus helps to purify the skin. The cocoa butter and sweet almond keep the skin soft and moisturized. I love this exfoliator because I have very sensitive skin and I find most exfoliators very harsh and irritating. But this is different even though it says on the tube that it is not suitable for sensitive skin I find that if you mix it with water it softens the beads so that they are not so tough on the skin but you still get a good exfoliation. This product is suitable for all skin types. I would definitely recommend this exfoliator to everyone. You can purchase it here - http://ie.lizearle.com/exfoliators-and-masks/gentle-face-exfoliator.html

Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask 

This mask is my a life saver. Whenever my skin is dry, irritated, tired or stressed I pop this mask on and I feel instant relief. This mask is a creamy texture but when applied to the skin it soaks in right and leaves your skin super moisturized. This mask hydrates and soothes parched, stressed and sensitive skin. I use this more than twice a week. If my skin is feeling very sensitive I apply it every night, I let it soak in for about 5 minutes. I then apply my moisturizer over the top. It soaks in all night and then I wash it off in the morning with my Cleanse & Polish. My skin feels and looks amazing after I do this and it feels like such a treat. The mask smells of rose scented geranium which helps to uplift and refresh your senses. You can buy this product here - http://ie.lizearle.com/exfoliators-and-masks/intensive-nourishing-treatment-mask.html

What exfoliators and masks do you use? Have you tried any of the Liz Earle products? If you have I'd love to know what products you use and what you think of them? 

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!

Lots of Love 

Kerrie Anne x 

Bella and Vogue 

#TanningThursday My top tanning tips for a flawless tan!

My top tanning tips for a flawless tan!

Hi Girls!

Its #TanningThursday! So I thought why not do a blog post sharing my top tips for a flawless tan. Anyone who knows me knows I am a tan queen. I think there is nothing nicer then having a glowing bronze tan. So here after years of trial and error are a few tips and tricks for that flawless glow. 

1.) On the run up to applying my tan or having a spray tan done professional, I exfoliate everyday for three/four days before using exfoliating gloves concentrating on tougher areas of skin such as my knees and elbows.

2.) I apply a rich moisturizer twice a day on the week running up to tanning. I also make sure to drink plenty of water to ensure that my skin is hydrated and silky smooth. 

3.) All hair removal should be done prior to the day of tanning. Your skin is very sensitive after shaving/waxing so if tan was applied straight after the skin can become irritated. 

4.) On the day of tanning have a shower half an hour before applying tan. In order for your tan to develop perfectly your skin's ph level needs to be balanced.  After a shower your skin is anything but, which cause your tan to turn orange instead of bronze. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying tan. 

5.) Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your elbows, wrists, hands, backs of knees, knees, feet and any other troublesome areas, to ensure that the tan does not stick.

6.) When applying your tan rub in circular motions and pat gently to ensure the tan is blended evenly. 

7.) Don't think the more tan you apply the darker it will develop, most will rinse off in the shower. Start by applying one coat from head to toe, wait a minute and then apply a second coat. Leave these two coats to develop and then wait until the next day to apply the third coat if you would like a deeper tan. 

8.) To prolong your tan avoid body oils and moisturizers containing oil. The oil will weaken the tan and cause it to fade faster. 

9.) Take time out to apply your tan, save yourself about half an hour to make it less likely to make a mistake.

10.) Find the shade that suits you, I have tried nearly every shade on the market so I do know what I like and what I don't like but everyone is different. I love a deep shade with a natural glow that wears off easily.

So girls there you have it my top tanning tips for a flawless tan. I really hope you enjoyed this post and if you would like me to do a post on my top favorite tans let me know. I hope you found these tips helpful and if you have any to add I would love to know! 

Lots of Love 

Kerrie Anne x 

Bella and  Vogue 

The Lifestyle Department: My Victoria's Secret Wishlist!

My Victoria's Secret Wishlist

Hi Beauties! 

Happy Sunday! Hope you are all having a good weekend! In a couple of weeks I am going to London, so I decided to have a browse online to see what the shops have to offer. I love Victoria's Secret but the closest store to me is in Dublin so I don't get to go very often. So when I go to London I'd love to pick up a few bits. So I decided to put this 'Wish List' together so that I will know exactly what I'm looking for. 

First on my list are 'The Afterhours Satin Pajama' in pink and white stripes. I love them. I think they are so pretty and luxurious. You can buy them here: https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pajamas/the-afterhours-satin-pajama?ProductID=215982&CatalogueType=OLS

I also love this 'Very Sexy Kimono' robe. I think its so cute and pretty. Its satin and light weight and would look so cute over a pair of sleep shorts and a t-shirt. You can buy it here: https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/robes-and-slippers/kimono-very-sexy?ProductID=201589&CatalogueType=OLS

I would love to buy a Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mist, Pure Seduction it seems to be the most popular choice. So I can't wait to smell them all and see which one I like best. You can buy them here:  https://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/all-body-care/pure-seduction-fragrance-mist-vs-fantasies?ProductID=166512&CatalogueType=OLS

Has anyone tried these two little gems? Booty Parlor Flirty Little Secret Firming Bronzer with pheromones and Love Thighself Thigh Toning Cellulite Cream. The packaging is so cute and i'd love to see if they work. You can buy them here: https://www.victoriassecret.com//beauty/shop-all-beauty/flirty-little-secret-firming-bronzer-with-pheromones-booty-parlor?ProductID=2109&CatalogueType=OLS&search=true and here: https://www.victoriassecret.com//beauty/all-body-care/love-thighself-thigh-toning-cellulite-cream-booty-parlor?ProductID=130074&CatalogueType=OLS&search=true

This iphone cover is to die for! I love it! You can buy it here: https://www.victoriassecret.com//beauty/accessories/iphone-6-case-victorias-secret?ProductID=218765&CatalogueType=OLS&search=true

I would also love a Victoria's Secret Bikini. I love this baby pink one it would look so nice with a tan. All I need to do now is book a sun holiday! You can buy the bikini here: https://www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear/bikinis/the-bombshell-add-2-cups-push-up-halter?ProductID=234603&CatalogueType=OLS 

So girls there you have have it 'My Victoria's Secrets Wish List!' I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have tried any of these products, or have any of these items I'd love to know your thoughts!

Lots of Love 

Kerrie Anne x 

Bella and Vogue 

The Beauty Department: The Irish Beauty Show 2015

Irish Beauty Show 2015

Hi Guys! 

How are you all keeping? I hope you are well and are having a good Wednesday! As most of you beauty people know on Sunday and Monday the 8th and 9th of March the annual Irish Beauty Show was on. I have attended this show every year for the last 4 years. I love it. I love getting the chance to dress up and have a day out with the girls and do a bit of shopping and to see what's new. I love getting to meet different brands and seeing what they have to offer. 

On Sunday morning I woke up very early to get all dolled up ahead of the show. Sandra from  http://www.ablushingcailin.com/ and I decided we would go together a few weeks ago and have a girly day out. We got the train to Dublin and met two other girls we knew. We laughed for the entire journey so we didn't feel the time going. We arrived to the RDS at around 11:30am. There was a queue ahead of us but we did not have to wait long to get in. There was such a nice buzz when we arrived everyone was so excited and looking forward to what the day would bring. 

My Irish Beauty Show Guest Pass Ticket!

As the day went on it got very busy so it made it hard to get around to all the stands. Sandra and I had looked up the companies who were going to be at the show during the week so we knew the companies we had to see. The first one on both of our lists was Cocoa Brown http://www.cocoabrown.ie/ . I'm sure you all ready know but I'm a big fan of the range. When we got to the stand we met Kate who is PR & Marketing for Cocoa Brown. She is also a blogger and so nice check out her blog here https://pureirishsugar.wordpress.com/ Kate introduced us to Marissa Carter the founder of Cocoa Brown!! This made my day because I love Marissa, I just think she's so cool. She so positive and hard working,  and a true inspiration to me. 

Here is a photo of Marissa and I at the Cocoa Brown stand. She is even more gorgeous in person and the Cocoa Brown stand is so pretty and pink. I bought Cocoa Brown 1hr Tan in the dark shade and Lovely Legs. Lovely Legs is the one product I have never owned from the Cocoa Brown range but my sister has it and I used it so I knew I would like it.

We then went to the Crown Brush stand which was absolutely crazy. There was so many at it you really had to know what you wanted to buy and just work your way up to the Crown Brush girls to tell them what you wanted. I really wanted the Crown Brush Concealer palette, so thankfully they had it in stock. I wanted to get a few brushes too but I will get them online here http://www.crownbrush.ie/ . Michelle Regazzoli-Stone was also at the Crown Brush Stand doing Carla Jackson's make up the two girls looked fab, unfortunately I couldn't get a good photo because of the crowd but maybe next time.  

We then went to the DreamDots stand where you could buy one box and get the other box free so I got two boxes because I find them really good when you have the odd breakout. The girl who served us name was Lorna and she was so nice and helpful she even told us that you can wear DreamDots during the day under your make up and no one will notice. 

Last but by no means least we met Wendy from Inailz. She is such a doll and her nail company is fab. You can find her facebook page by using the link here https://www.facebook.com/inailzireland?fref=ts. There very cool. I got two sets of nails to check out so I will keep  you posted on those. 

We then decided to go for lunch, we decided to have lunch in the city center and then do a little bit more shopping. We walked from the RDS all the way to TGIFridays, (yes, walked). We were dying for some fresh air and there were no taxis at the RDS when we were leaving so we just decided we'ed walk. By the time we got to TGIFridays we were so hungry so we even treated ourselves to very naughty but yummy desserts! 

After this we didn't have much time left for shopping so we had a quick look at the very pretty tulle skirts in River Island the one that stood out to us the most was this very pretty nude/peach one which you can buy here  http://eu.riverisland.com/women/skirts/midi-skirts/Peach-woven-textured-midi-skirt-667984 it is actually more of a peach/pink colour in the shop but its still very pretty. 

After this it was time to go, so we made our way back to the train station. We met the two girls we traveled down with and the four of us sat together sharing all we had bought at the show. We were all exhausted but had a brilliant day out. 

Overall I had a really good day at the show and am looking forward to going back next year. Next year I might even do the two days! ;) 

Hope you enjoyed this post girls and if you were at the show too let me know what you thought and what days you went! I would love to know!

Thank you again so much for reading. 

Lots of Love 

Kerrie Anne x 

Bella and Vogue 

The Beauty Boutique: Mink Eyelash Extensions Review

The Beauty Boutique: Mink Eyelash Extensions Review 

Hi Beauties! 

Last Tuesday I went to The Beauty Boutique in Castlebar, Co Mayo to get my Mink Eyelash Extensions. Anne-Marie the owner of The Beauty Boutique is a beauty therapist and lash technician. Before owning The Beauty Boutique Anne-Marie owned Mink Lashes Castlebar and about a year ago she decided to combine the two businesses and The Beauty Boutique was born. 

I was so excited to get my Mink Eyelash Extensions because I had them done before and I love them so much. When I arrived to the salon Anne-Marie greeted me and brought me to one of her treatment rooms. She asked me about what kind of look I was going for. I wanted a full but natural look. So the look we decided to go with was Glam Lashes. After we decided on the look Anne-Marie prepared my eyes for the treatment. I lay on the massage bed and Anne-Marie cleansed my eyes to make sure that I had no make up near my natural lashes, she then taped down my bottom lashes to ensure that my lashes wouldn't stick together.

Anne-Marie than began the treatment, throughout the treatment Anne-Marie made sure that I was warm enough and comfortable. We chatted away and I didn't feel the time going by. To get a full set of lashes it can take from two to two and a half hours, depending on your how full you would like them and the condition of your own natural lashes. 

Here is a photo of my Glam Lashes taken the day after I got my lashes done: 

I was delighted with the results. They are so light on your eyes I forget I have them in until people compliment me on how fab they are. They save me so much time in the morning too as I don't feel the need to wear a lot of eye make up and I don't need to worry about the dreaded liquid eyeliner because really I don't need it unless I wanted for a night out or something. 

*The product used for the lashes is 100% synthetic mink. They are 100% hand made and cruelty free. No animals were harmed during the process in making these lashes. That is another reason why I love them so much as I am a very big animal lover and wouldn't touch them if I knew animals were harmed in the process.*

The Mink Lashes last for about 2/3 weeks depending on the natural shedding process of your own lashes. As the lashes begin to shed you can pop in for refills but if you have lost more than 50% of the extensions it is recommended you have the remaining removed which will take about 15/20 minutes and a fresh set put back on. The price ranges of the lashes goes from 45/70 Eur depending on how full or long you want your lashes to be. Mine cost 55 Eur. 

Here is a photo of my lashes a week later. Still in perfect condition. I love them so much and don't know how I did without them. 

To find out more about Anne-Marie and The Beauty Boutique you can read about them in one of my previous posts here: http://bellaandvogue.blogspot.ie/2015/02/the-beauty-boutique-beauty-salon-get-to.html

To book your appointment today you can private message Anne-Marie on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/minklashes.castlebar/timeline and here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beauty-Boutique/246008128933743?fref=ts 

Or call/text 087 701 8256

In my eyes Anne-Marie is one of the best Lash Technicians in the business she is an absolute perfectionist and you will not be disappointed with the treatment.

So there you have it girls my latest beauty review. I really hope you enjoyed reading and If you happen to me in Castlebar pop in to Anne-Marie and say Hi. She will be more than happy to fill you in on all things lashes! If you get them done let me know what you think I would love to know! 

Thank so much again for reading! 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Lots of Love 

Kerrie Anne x 

Bella and Vogue 

The Beauty Department: Tan Organic Oil Arganic Multi-Use Dry Oil Review!

Tan Organic Oil Arganic Multi-Use Dry Oil Review!

Hi Beauties!

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a good weekend! I am back with a beauty review! This time its the none other than Tan Organic Oil Arganic Multi-Use Dry Oil. I received this product a few weeks ago in my goodie bag from the amazing girls Saibh and Sinead from the Into The West Blogger Network, you can read all about the event here - http://bellaandvogue.blogspot.ie/2015/02/into-west-blogger-network-itwbn-blogger.html 

I love dry body oils so I was so excited when I received this on the day of the event. I used it that night after my shower and I loved it. It smells like Terry's Chocolate Orange, which I loved its such a rich scent. I didn't need to use a lot of the product to cover my body so a little goes a long way. The oil dried in super quick and when I work up the next morning my skin felt so hydrated. I gave it to my Mum to use when she was going for a bath and she too loved it she poured a few drops into the bath and then used it on her skin after she could really see the difference in her skin texture instantly as she suffers with few dry skin. Last night I used to product again after my shower and I really like it, my skin feels amazing today and I can sill smell the gorgeous orange scent. I think you could pop a little bit of this dry oil on before running out the door instead of perfume and the scent would last throughout the day. Overall I loved this product and if you're looking for a luxurious dry oil to hydrate you skin I definitely would recommend the Tan Organic Oil Arganic Dry Oil. It can be used in some many different ways too which is an other plus. It can be used in your hair, on your face, on you skin and your nails as well as adding it to the bath and now can be used as perfume! :) 

Tan Organic can be bought online on the Tan Organic website here - http://www.tanorganic.com/where-to-buy/ 
I can also be bought in Boots, Debenhams and all good pharmacies throughout Ireland! 

I really hope you enjoyed this post and if you have tried Tan Organic Oil Arganic Multi-Use Dry oil or you try it after reading this post please let me know I would be more than hapy to hear from you/1 

Thank you so much again beauties for all of your support! 

Lots Of Love 

Kerrie Anne x 

Bella and Vogue

Live, Laugh, Love: My guide to me time and de-stressing

My guide to me time and de-stressing

Hello Everybody!

Happy 1st day of March. I hope you are all having a peaceful and relaxing Sunday! For today's post I have decided to do something a little different as lately I have been posting a lot of beauty themed posts, don't get me wrong I love everything to do with beauty, makeup and fashion but there is no harm in mixing things up a little. :)

Lately I have been reading a lot about mindset and how the choices we make daily can not only effect our mood but also our health. As I was browsing through Facebook last week I came across a post from a guy who owns a gym in Galway - his post was about people suffering with Dementia and Alzheimer's and how to help prevent it. One of the points he stated was to 'keep stress and anxiety to a minimum' this really struck a cord with me because when I was studying Anatomy and Physiology in college every single disease that we studied indicated that stress was a known factor that caused disease. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives and not take into consideration how stress can harm our body's, so this is the reason I have decided to write this post. You can see Levi's business page here - https://www.facebook.com/ltfitnessgalway?fref=ts it is full of motivation and positivity.

Stress can effect every area of your life, it can effect your skin by causing it to breakout, it can effect you nails by causing them to break, it can effect your hair by causing it to fall out and it can also cause weight gain, these are just some of the examples on how stress can effect you appearance so you can just imagine how it is effecting you mentally and internally.

Growing up I used to stress and worry about everything and its only lately that I have really started to calm down and really take it into consideration on how stress can effect me so I have put together a few tips that really helped to relax and de - stress! I really hope this post helps you to find some balance in your life too! :) 

1. Beauty Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors when it comes to being healthy and dealing with stress. When we are sleep deprived we can't function properly, we stay up late on our phones or watching tv. Then when you eventually go to bed you can't sleep because your mind is alert from the bright lights of technology but you still have to get up early and function at work/school/college this is when you need coffee to give you that burst of energy in the morning which than if drink to late in the day can keep you up at night it a vicious circle which just carries on which really stresses the body. My advice would be to turn your phone off an hour before bed, read or have a relaxing bath instead this can be your preparation for a perfect nights sleeps. After having your bath why not try and do a few minutes stretching this will really relax the body and put you in a positive yet peaceful state of mind before bed! 

2. Nutrition 

I really do think its important to educate yourself on what you put into your body and how it makes you feel, compare this how do you feel when you have a green juice for breakfast compared to coffee and a muffin. Even though you may want coffee and the muffin you will get an instant kick of caffeine and sugar and then a huge deep a while after and be craving more caffeine and sugar compared to having a green juice where you feel light, clean and energized.

3. Hydate, hydrate, hydrate!

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you stay awake and alert. I will make you feel good as you hydrate your body so therefore prevent stress.

4. Exercise

Exercise makes you feel good! The more you exercise the better you feel. After a long day at work there is nothing more de-stressing then hitting the gym for an hour or going for a nice long run.  

5. Me time

Taking some time out for yourself is very important. Take at least one evening a week off to relax and have some alone time. Do something you enjoy, have a nice long bath, put on a face mask and breathe, listen to some music, read a good book or meditate anything that helps you to relax and de-stress.  

6. The gratitude list

Each morning when you wake up and each night before you go to bed spend about 5/10 minutes writing out what you are grateful for, follow this up by setting goals and and setting a time frame to achieving them, this is basically acknowledging all the good things that have happened to you and to remind yourself that life really isn't that bad.

7. Go for a walk

The is nothing more refreshing than going outdoors for a walk and getting some fresh air it wakes you up and clears your mind. If you have a dog this is the perfect opportunity to spend time with them as well as getting some exercise in. 

8. Girls Night In/Out 

Meet up with your friends and have a girly night in, go out for lunch or dinner, watch a movie what ever you decide to do have a good chat and laugh you socks off there nothing more special then having a good laugh with your friends! 

So there you have it, I really hope you enjoyed this post and it helps you in some way. Life is really to short to be getting stressed and worried and we know deep that that it wont get us anywhere! 

So until next time

Lots of Love 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue