Brussels Haul: Belgian Pharmacie, T-shirts and more

I took the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Bruxelles Gare du Midi and spent 10 hours exploring Brussels! Here's what I brought back (not all for me :)

Rensonnet Marzipan Fruits - these almond paste 'marzipan' sweets are all delicately molded into the shape of different fruits. Yum! - 9,90

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Anti-Redness Moisturiser - I've never really tried French skincare but La Roche-Posay is meant to be good for sensitive skin so I can't wait to try it out! - 15,96

I Love Tintin T-shirt (Rue de la Colline) - I got this in the official Tintin souvenir shop, on a street just off the main Grand-Place

Titans Comic (1978) - comic-strip art is a big thing in Belgium and there's even a whole museum dedicated to it. I got this vintage one cheaply - 2,00

Beer Revolution T-shirt - to add to my collection of oversized tourist t-shirts! - 12,00

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: Marilyn Monroe Casual

I've always been a little bit obsessed with all things Monroe ever since I was young, and I think these surprisingly modern 1950s and 60s casual fashion shots of Marilyn are inspirational.

Carpe diem xx

August Empties: Beauty Products I've Used Up

Dove Summer Glow: I love this gradual self-tanner but stupidly bought the one for normal to dark skin  when I should have got light to normal! Definately won't repurchase that one.

Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash: A nice oil balancing exfoliator and face wash with witch hazel. However, I'm trying out other one's and won't repurchase soon.

Aussie Limited Edition Take The Heat Leave-In Spray: Great spray and works well, like the other Aussie products I've tried. However, also trying other brands such as John Frieda.

Olay Essentials Complete Care Plus Light Moisturising Cream: I've loved this tinted moisturiser for ages but recently felt that it's starting to give me spots. I have sensitive skin and think there must be an ingredient in this that is irritating it. Not for sensitive skin!

MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara: Love this mascara, which really does give the effect of false lashes; perfect for someone like me who doesn't like the hassle of putting them on! Repurchasing in waterproof :)

Vaseline Rose and Almond Oil Lip Therapy: Loved Vaseline as an essential forever, but I do think they gradually dry your lips out so I'm weening myself off it!

Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes: Great for sensitive skin and good makeup removers.

Carpe diem xx

July Favourites: Peaches, Company and more....

I know.... it's very late! But here's a seasonal, summer-themed July favourites. 

Food: Peaches; they're in season and I absolutely love them! I usually have them as part of my breakfast to kick the day off with a smile on my face :)

Foundation: Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation is a brilliant medium-coverage high street/drug store foundation with shimmer and sparkles! Creates a great summer glow

Skincare: I've been loving these samples of Benefit's new skincare range b.right Radiant. Particularly the eye cream for counteracting dark circles 'It's Potent!', and the thick glossy texture of the moisturiser 'Total Moisture' for a barrier against summer aging. 

Reading: My new favourite magazine for the summer months has definately been Company magazine.  It is a slight alternative to the glossy covers of Cosmo and Glamour, particularly focusing on fashion. September's issue features Whitney Port's in stunning flowing locks and glowing summer makeup, as well as a brilliant article on Vlogging, which includes lifestyle vlogger Anna Saccone. Thumbs up from me!

Carpe diem xx

Top 5 All-time Book Series for Children and Young Adults

The Worst Witch - Jill Murphy

A series of books about the adventures of trainee witch Mildred Hubble at Miss Cackle's Academy. Great for all those obsessed with everything witchcraft and wizardry.

Reading age: 7-9 years

Sherlock Holmes - Conan Doyle

A series of short stories, first published in 1892, telling the mysteries discovered and solved by Sherlock Holmes in the words of his faithful friend Dr Watson.

Reading age: 13+ years

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

World-renowned 7-part book and film series charting wizard Harry Potter's and friends progress through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and his battle with The Dark Lord. Can be read on many levels and great for children and adults alike.

Reading age: 11+ years

Thursday Next - Jasper Fforde

Literary crime detective Thursday Next's adventures in BookWorld among fictional literature-related crimes. Great fantasy fiction and intelligent plots.

Reading age: 13+ years

The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkein

Bilbo Baggins out-of-the-ordinary adventures as told in Tolkein's classic trilogy of 1937. Like Potter, can also be read on different levels by children and adults.

Reading age: 11+ years

Carpe diem xx

Summer OOTD: Biker Jacket and Flip Flops

Biker jacket - Topshop Petite

Blue sailor stripe dress - H&M

Gold hoop earrings - Accessorize

Black flip flops - Accessorize

Carpe diem xx

OOTD: Summer Wedding

Dress - Topshop

Shoes - Stradivarius (Spain), hid-heels
Gradual self tanner - Dove Summer Glow, light to normal skin

Carpe diem xx