Mud machines 2014….

So…I'm doing Tough mudder!!

Finally the event of the year that I have been mentally and physically trying to gear myself up for.  Well not really sure why I bothered!  If I am honest, I am not sure anything could have really prepared me for this.  All the time I was worrying about the physical work needed for this challenge, when really just as much mental training is required.  I had been dreading it, I wanted to do it, I signed up for it and coaxed my fellow team mates to join me.  However, I guess having booked it in February, it was then very easy to push the October event to the back of my mind, only reappearing occasionally to keep me on the gym training straight and narrow.

Well October came….and with it so did Tough Mudder.  Training was upped and running outside was increased.

So we were all smiles at the beginning!  Myself, Best Friend Rachel, her Husband Sam, my Brother Adam  and his Girlfriend Sian are now the Mud Machines 2014….Adrenaline was pumping, nerves were definitely mixed in.  But things felt ok.  In fact we decided to sneak into the earlier wave we were that raring to go, or should I say raring to get it over with.  Off we ran to join the warm up, before passing cheerily through the start line to jump over a wall and join the Tough Mudder pledge.  Lots of rowdy hoo haaaaing and testosteronish-adrenaline, which genuinely does make you feel better.  I am not the biggest fan of rowdiness (Yeah I know what your thinking, why do Tough mudder??)  This was the only rowdy bit….where the newbies are down on one knee and the legionnaires are standing-(Legionnaires have competed in more than one tough mudder.)

One of the reasons I entered this challenge was because of the kind of event it is.  It is a team event, whether you are alone or actually in a team, everyone helps everyone.  No one is there to push past you and if they do an apology is shouted as they go.  

Before ya know it eye of the tiger is playing and you are all off jogging to the finish line.  Admittedly, mile 1 felt like forever and at that point I was worried.  I can run, 5 miles is ok….but these miles I swear were long miles.  I then had the sudden realisation there were 11 more with 23+ obstacle.  This of course was when I realised what a huge game the mind likes to play on you.

Having completed 2, Obstacle 3 was Walk the Plank.  I always said I  would attempt all obstacles, the fact of did I know if I would like them?  Well I have never put myself in a situation to know.  So there was only one way to find out.  Walk the plank, wasn't so bad.  Jumping from a platform into a pool of cold water was just a bit of a shock to the system.  However, it most definitely kick started the system.  After a while every obstacle where water was involved was quite a welcomed treat, despite feeling like I was being slapped with a wet fish, it kept the body numb for you to want to run to keep coldness at bey….well that was until the numbness fell away and you were left feeling the sensation that you had gained ten stone and had to run with that additional weight.  

The two obstacles I dreaded the most were Arctic Enema and Everest.  In actual fact, Arctic Enema was not as bad as I thought, what was bad was the fact every muddy mudder had dipped in and out having just done the mud mile…. I was essentially dunking in to ice cold, cow pat infused water.  So on emerging, I basically could only smell and taste cow poo. This really was the least of my worries, but I am just stating it was not my finest hour…..or 3 and half hours.

I attempted all but one obstacle, that was at about mile 9.  Where physically lifting my leg was out of the question so I offered to help get my team over the hero wall and passed it myself….my running had turned into more of a Quasimodo style limping/hobble…In my head I was running, so I was running!  Don't get me wrong at times I was walking….oh there was walking.  When I said you underestimate how much of this is based on mentality, 9 miles in is when the realisation hits.  It was at about 10 miles that I realised how much it did not actually occur to me, that my body may not actually want to help me out at all anymore.   This is where I feared I would not have any energy to run let alone gather speed for Everest.

Pre-Everest snap with the team, I could not focus for picture time…clearly my mind was busy scaling Everest.

 Despite shocking myself and managing the sprint up the wall and making it to grab the boys hands, i couldn't quite get my leg up and over…..I was prepared for them to let go, I asked them to let me go (bit like some kinder scene from saving private Ryan "save yourselves"), they didn't!  I hung there for a while trying to get my footing.  Eventually I was hauled up, in not the most elegant of ways, but I was up!  I took my place ready to help the next expectant sprinter.

All over Everest, and through the last round of Electro-therapy, which felt like a tea towel whip to the ass, and not a playful one.  Before making our way through to the finish line and claiming our well earner orange headbands and Beer.

A group hug and we were done.

Hitting the finish line to grab a beer, suddenly all my movement was restricted to hobbly pigeon steps.  Pain aside, I was proud, surprised and very impressed by myself and my team, who I most definitely could not have done it without.  And of course by the support of my Mum, Dad and Boyfriend who wondered the course taking snaps of our progress and cheering us on.

Of course the mudder finisher t-shirt will be my new sleeping and training attire for the next year ….just in case no one knows….Marc looks pretty bored of this breaking news already!!

P.s. Day 2 after completion and walking still has not resumed to normality and bruises are appearing left right and centre!  Which I wear with pride!!

Lx

Wedding fair cherry popped!

Having entered the world of weddings from the sidelines.  So to speak years ago, by being lucky enough to be part of a brides special day, creating their special day hair and make-up.  This weekend I threw myself into a whole new side of bridal mania.  "The wedding fair!".  Having doe my research from areas, stall presentation and etticate.  I thought I would ease myself in gently and so attended the De Vere Hotel branch in Denham, who were holding a fair within their venue.

Marked with a vintage car, which always helps sets the scene for any wedding theme, we walked in to get set up.  Attendees were greeted with a glass of bubble and goody bag  on entering the fair, they were then left to wander the various exhibits ranging from musicians, photographers, cakes and even a master of ceremony.  

 

Oh and of course not forgetting myself as hair and make-up.

On researching my stall, I decided I wanted a no fuss vintage feel…I know as if it would be anything else.  At the same time I needed to stand out from the crowd.  I had my bridal folio on a slideshow loop, I proceeded to get stuck in with a few up door  for my helpers to model, showing some of the possibilities in hair ideas.  A jar of cheeky chocolates were planted, to entice people over…everyone loves a freebie.

 

 Flyers and business cards were at the ready for those who could not stop and chat.  I did simply request prospective clients, stick their details on a luggage tag for me to contact them nearer their chosen date, if they so desired.

 Just some doos I whipped up whilst the room was filling.  Once interest had been gathered, I happily chatted to all brides who came my way, as did my kind helpers.  Note to myself,  I maybe would stick to my slide show playing my work, instead of adding unnecessary pressure by styling hair at the venue, especially as you do need to be ready to chat to anyone making an enquiry.   This was why easing myself in with a low key event was so important. The first was bound to show the do's and don'ts through a bit of trial and error.

Oh the choccies went down well, even if that is one of my helpers…helping herself!

All in all I felt pleased with my stall as a first timer, I stood out and seemed to generate a fair amount of attention.  It can be both hard for the guests and vendors to ask the right questions.  I believe strongly in not forcing yourself on possible clients.  Offer advice by all means, but it needs to be their choice if they want further info.  You run the risk of coming across to pushy and no one wants that.  Think outside the box and make your stall stand out from the rest, it is the small personal touches that matter.  Always offer a freebie, goody bags, choccies or even information in the form of a flyer.  Clients with shove this away in their bags, but I guarantee they will revisit that stash of fair goodies.

The proof will be in the pudding 2015 could prove to be a busy year!

Lx

Teal appeal.

Remember when it was on trend to add that pop of turquoise, to your summertime bronzed look.  How things have changed, this fall  Teal seems to have a certain appeal, and I am quite pleased.  With winter coming, we tend to go for the usual variations of smokey, plumy influences or the never out of fashion signature flick.  Don't get me wrong, I love them all.  However, adding a striking flick of deep turquoise can give quite a new spin on things.

As seen online in Vogues behind the scenes. Pat McGrath for Versace, was on trend with her take on Teal infusions.  Both looks show the use of contouring with colour, or sticking to a edgy flick of striking colour. 

  

Alternatively, if you don't want to be so "pop" with your flash of colour.  Follow in Elie Saabs' show footsteps, and enhance eyes with a smokey hue of Teal.

More examples of Teal creeping in this season could be caught in sundays Style Mag.  Where by both product and examples were shown.

Giving my own take, here are a few suggestions of how to wear your Teal.  for some the idea of make-up can be daunting let alone adding colour.  However, Teal may be turquoise, but it can be quite a rich tone and therefore not as in your face, as say a brighter shade like Aqua.  If you aren't so confident and want to look more on trend than, well…on tramp.  Maybe just a touch of Teal on the lower lash line would be enough.  If you prefer your signature black flicks, change it up and find a Teal liquid/gel/khol liner or even a touch of Teal on the lashes can be enough to open them up and ignite a bit of subtle colour.  if your a lover of the smokey eye amply change your chosen shade and have a play around with Teal tones to contour and shape your eye.

Remember don't over do it, if your choosing a glam eye, keep to a clean fresh base.  Maybe a hint of bronze on the cheeks, or even a matt blush like Mac blush in Cinnamon or Organic Cream blush by Kjaer Weis http://kjaerweis.com, which will give a real warmth.  

Slick the lips with a tinted balm, Aeos do organic lip tints packed full of all the goodness you need for beautiful lips, if you want neutral stick to soft peach http://www.aeos.net. or slick of gloss and your good to go.

Lx

Merry Berries!

It is now fact, autumn is here!  So a lot is changing.

Your beauty regime is becoming more nurturing against those cooler climates, your summer wardrobe is being shunted to the back of the closet and your hair and make-up is leaning towards the more richer hues.

However, just because it is getting colder there is no need to layer up everywhere.  Layering do's come in the form of:  Clothing- by all means layer up/texture up.  Scent- layer that musky festive fragrance within those layers. Do not!  Layer cake your face.  By all means prep and prime with a good bit of moisturiser or face oil and primer.  Just because it is cold, it doesn't mean you can't still have a dewy, fresh face.

I love the below pic, it shows exactly what I am talking about.  Skin is natural and fresh, whilst remaining dewy, with a statement lip.  Leading to my next point….Beautiful berry lips! 

Berry lips are back!  Echoing  a real vintage feel, berry, red wine, aubergine and grape lips are a Fall season must have.

Geek Chic:

Whilst lipstick has well and truly secured its' place throughout history and is definitely a quick fix to enhance your appearance, applying lippy instantly takes any day look into the night.  The simple act of applying lipstick, marked womens independence throughout the many eras it fell within.   Deep red lips paved the way for the 1920s.  It was within this time, flappers used a deep red lipstick to mark their independence.  Apparently acceptable to apply in public in the day, but not at dinner.

Whether it is the starlet look your going for with a statement matt lip, or a simple stain to give that plumper luscious lip.  A red berry lip is never too ott for any occasion.

Be it a Stain, Matt, Gloss or Sheen.  Chose you shade wisely and get that pout out!

Lx

Love a parcel!

Big thank you to MV Organic skincare!  Having blogged recently about there Jojoba oil.  I was kindly sent a sample of their Rose Soothing & Protective Moisturiser.

Not only is this little pot of lushness kind on the skin.  It is rich and creamy, but not greasy and skin just drinks it up, so it does not just sit on the skin.  I sometimes feel grubby after moisturising, which makes me a bit slack on actually doing it.  However, the scent of this product is fresh, subtle and I felt far from grubby after applying this.

Organic products are becoming more "fashionable".  Fashion aside, they should be more popular due to their pure production and naturally sourced ingredients.  Ingredient are selected for their healing properties, to actually target and help various skin issues, without the addition of toxins.  Ingredients should be easy to distinguish, and more often than not, organic products are to the point and clear, making it far easier for you to know what you are actually putting on your skin.

Whilst organic maybe that bit pricier it pays off, and you may even be contributing to farmers of organic produce, as MV do when you purchase their products.  I would advise before you commit, shop about and look for the right products for you.  Always grab some samples where possible and see how you get on.

Organic does not just relate to our food, it means a purer skin routine too.

Lx

www.mvskincare.co.uk

About town!!

In my job, I find myself all over the place when on shoots.  So, I thought I would upload a few shots from my latest shoots where I have been around Landaan town.

A week ago I was on location around Caledonian Road in a spacious studio, often a bit of a luxury to us mua'S to have a good base.  The next day I was sent to St Pauls to Lloyds head office, not only did we have the boardroom to work in as our base, but we had some pretty lush views of the city.

This week I was working in Westminster, loving how my job is helping me visit the places in London I just never seem to get round to seeing!  Obviously accompanied by my "oh so" patriotic Make-up case!

Loving making up London!

Lx