I refuse to be pigeon-holed!

My musical tastes are extremely eclectic, I don't stick to any particular genre and I truly believe that music can cure all woes and change a mood instantly.

I know, I know....everyone says they are eclectic, but really I think people like me are very rare.  I mean how many people do you know that would have a playlist with songs like this all in one place?

This is only a taster of what I listen to but I think it gives you a good idea about what I am grooving to, today!  :)

#HappyMonday #HappyListening

Ok so when I heard about this, I dismissed it as baloney but it turns out it's true.

In all his weight-loss expertise, Steve Miller has branded 7th January "Tell A Friend They're Fat" Day in an attempt to promote weight loss between friends.



Umm, why would anyone feel comfortable & proud to point at a friend and pick on their insecurities, for whatever the end goal may be.  Does this not give people an accepted avenue to critisise each other in the name of "weight loss"  If every friend I have told me on Jan 7th that I am fat, firstly I would question whether they have been living under a rock for the last 13 years, like have you only today realised I'm a big girl!? Secondly, I would be so disheartened by the shame of everyone openly pointing out my flaws that I would probably spiral out of control and eat my body weight in doughnuts alone!

I can't see the logic.  

Your friends should accept you for who you are.  If they are worried about your weight for health reasons, then a good friend will find an acceptable method of helping their friend to lose weight, like perhaps suggest they pick up an exercise class together or they both could try opting for a salad this week just for "lols" instead of the burger, chips & side of onion rings!  In essence a friend should be able to talk to another friend on the level without having to resort to body shaming (cos that's essentially what it is, isn't it!)  Sometimes people need an intervention, yeah I get that, but why put people down to pick them back up?!

So there is a plus side to this... SLiNK magazine have teamed up with blogger; Kate London-James to envoke a new campaign; #YouAreFab

The campaign goal is to counter-act Steve's negative message and #spreadlove instead and I quote;

Let’s not start 2015 with bullying, let’s start it with positivity and confidence.   
(You can read the full story in the link above)

Just Tweet, Insta or FB your Curvy mate using the #YouAreFab hashtag and tell them why!

Now this movement I can advocate....YES...PREACH, SLiNK Magazine - this is the message we should be spreading LOVE not WAR!

We could also make 07/01/2015, National "Steve Miller is a Bully" Day!!  Maybe then he might change his stance??

After the ordeal of the powder debacle I found solace in the lipstick section and after swatching many shades I announced to the same MAC lady brimming with confidence that I would like the shade "Ruby Woo" in Matte to which her face dropped and she simply uttered..."but babe I don't think it's your colour!"

I am thoroughly chuffed about the items +Leah XL Channel picked for me.

Here is everything I got;

Cherimoya Gel Eyeliner in Black - I tried this out today and I am impressed.  The mini brush is a little awkward but it is very handy.  The product is thick yet glides on effortlessly. I can tell we are going to be great friends!

A handy desk tidy which I have already found a use for.  I needed another brush holder, so this couldn't have come at a better time.  When I saw Leah talk about this on one of her haul vids I was eyeing it up, so I was so pleased when I opened it!

Khroma "Shebang" Quick Transformation Kit.  I haven't used this product yet, I'm saving it for an occasion where I need to use the lashes - so perhaps my Christmas Party?  It's taken from the Kardashian Make up line for which production has had to be halted due to legalities around the brand name.  :( Oh well, I didn't understand the relevance of "Khroma" anyways!


Next is a travel size pot of Philosophy's "Hope in a Jar"  I have heard great things about this product.  It has a gorgeous scent and silky texture, I cannot wait to use it.

3 x Rimmel London Apocalips - Lip Laquers.
I already love the middle colour; Stellar, so the addition of the Nude Eclipse & Apocaliptic is welcome in my make up case :)

Swatches - From top to bottom; Nude Eclipse, Stellar, Apocaliptic.





I also got a Chocolate Shimmer Bronzer & two eyeshadow palettes; Go Palette & Go to Hell Palette
I haven't had the chance to swatch these yet.


My little bit of sparkle was provided by a lovely little bracelet with little diamante-like stones in the bow



Next was a Makeup Revolution Mono eyeshadow in the shade; "Blow your Whistle"  It's a little wild for me and out of my comfort zone, but I am sure I can "werk" the colour in somehow over the festive period! :)


The next few products I love, love, love! Here is the Rimmel London Colour Rush in the shade "Rumour has it"  This balm is so rich and the colour is quite intense.  I can see me using this a lot!

Below are 4 Makeup Revolution Lip Glosses - as below from left to right; (swatches from top to bottom)
"Must be Strong", "Hush Hush", "Baby Try" & "Not Naive"
I LOVE these glosses, they have a distinct fruity scent which takes me back to my school days & smell good enough to eat!  They are a lot more pigmented then I had imagined. They have a creamy yet sheer consistency which left my lips                                 feeling moisturised rather than dry like other lip glosses.







Next we have my accessory; a pair of "Kat''' Ears.  I love these!  How apt! (Excuse the bare-faced selfie - I had to show them off!

Leah was naughty and bought me two high end products; this Elizabeth Arden, Maximum Volum Mascara is fabulous and so thick.  This may just replace my current mascara for day to day use!
















...and last but by no mean least... my high end item;  a gorgeous YSL travel palette.  This has a very handy mirror and contains; 4 eyeshadows, two lipsticks & a blush/highlight & 3 applicators.  The packaging tops it off - I love the leather covering it is so eyecatching.  I hope the colours work for me!

I am so glad that Leah agreed to swap with me. Every product is lovely and I am very grateful that she took the time to pick them. I have found Leah to be a kind and beautiful lady and I am honoured to have shared this experience with her.

My #Unboxing Video is here!


+Leah XL Channel's parcel hasn't reached her just yet, but she will upload her vid as soon as possible...

This was such a fun experience. Leah's picks were gorgeous and well thought out.  I am so pleased to have collaborated with such a lovely woman, she's a star!

I will do a post tomorrow of all the products I got with some tests/swatches :)

Once again....thank you Leah, my gifts were AMAZING!!!

It's gone... posted 1st Class to +Leah XL Channel

Choosing items was way harder than I thought, but I did a bit of research through her Blog & Youtube Videos to find out what she had already and what she was looking for and what she is into, so I hope she loves my picks.

....So I guess the next update will be when we receive our packages...for the #unboxing

Simply cannot wait!!

#NotSoSecretSantaSwap