Fantastically Wonderful Advertisers | April 2013

Image Source

Olive & Frank

You may remember this lovely shop from last month’s post? Well I’m so glad they’ve decided to stay put for another ramble about how much I love them! I’m sure you’ll agree that there are countless online boutique’s to choose from, so what makes one stand out from the other? In this day and age affordable prices seem to be the front runner, and Chloe who founded this stunning shop has got that spot on. When you have so much choice, clothing and accessories to die for and you won’t be spending more than £30 it’s a no brainer. I would happily own every single piece and I’m particularly fond of the Yellow Tassel Loafers...pretty sure they need to be mine.

Bows, Bangles and Bakes

What can I say about Jen? Her blog sums up what I would like to be in ‘life’ – she bakes, has a creative eye for DIY projects (candle in a teacup has to be my fave) and knows exactly how and where to pick up amazing charity, bargain finds. With all this documented in her lovely blog and a smashing personality to boot – she’s always making me laugh with her witty tweets; you know the only thing there is to do is hop on over and see the wonderfulness for yourselves.  

I hope you enjoyed reading about the lovelies that are on my sidebar...it's fast becomming one of my favourite ways to discover new blogs and shops - I think it's fab that our little blogging community can bring everyone together!

As of June 1st, there will be some changes on how Wonderful You's advertising package will work. I won't go into too much detail now, but there will be options for more than one package along with mentions on this blogs other social media platforms throughout the month.

If you're interested in securing a spot, please do get in contact: wonderful.you(@)hotmail.co.uk

And a big, big thank you to the two lovely ladies above - you're fantastic!

Balance Me | Radiance Face Mask

Face masks have to be my favourite part of the skin care routine - they feel truly luxurious and it’s always something I look forward to after a long week. When Balance Me got in touch and told me all about their natural beauty amnesty, I was excited. The hope is that us beauty lovers will swap out our synthetic products and replace them with natural ones – and of course I’m always up for a challenge!

So – what do I look for in a mask? Having blemished and scarred skin top of my list is definitely exfoliation and brightening. BalanceMe’s Radiance Face mask manages to incorporate that along with deep cleansing properties including ingredients such as ground walnut shells, fruit acid complex and kaolin clay which all contribute to getting rid of any nasties and encouraging cell renewal for a clearer, brighter complexion.

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask c/o

It works differently to any of my other masks – it has a similar consistency of an exfoliator but you apply it to dry skin, rubbing in circular motions to release the beads and then you leave it for 5 minutes to work the rest of it’s magic before removing with warm water. Never before has my skin felt so silky smooth and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was definitely softer than a baby’s bum – it’s like a layer of loveliness and been left on my face with no stickiness or drying. The scent is also really calming and not at all over powering, perfect just before bed.

Of course, what you really want to know is if it’s actually done any good. What do you think? Yes is the short answer, but I’ll let you have a little more than that. Obviously my skin feels smooth after use, which is always a plus but it’s not the be all and end all – I’m more interested in the changes it brings to my skin. After using this twice a week for 2 weeks the scarring on my forehead from previous breakouts have almost disappeared, and my complexion in general is clearer, brighter and with a more even skin-tone. 
The nasty scarring on my chin hasn't budged just yet but it's becoming easier to blend with my makeup, so I'm confident that with a few more weeks it will help to improve that more too.

This retails at £18, so I'd say it's at the higher end of a high street buy - but it's definitely justified with the results it's given me so far.

Fear not - If you're on a spending ban (like me) and want to re-vamp your beauty regime with some natural products like this, enter Balance Me's competition here where you stand a chance to win £200 worth of their products!

What do you think of Balance Me? Is it a brand you've tried before?

Butte, Montana

This last weekend my parents and I flew to Butte Montana to spend time with family; and boy did we! I had such memorable time chatting up my cousins, learning more about our family and passing around those old family photos. The day after we explored town we were able to visit my grandmothers grave, on the way is an old metal shed looking over a lake where my family once owned land after they immigrated from Ireland.  Each member of my family has signed their name for decades and it was pretty great to write my own name near dozens of my other family members. I love how this town really represents the Irish history, it's a bit romantic making it present almost every where you seem to go.

We ended our trip with a farewell breakfast, and then stopped at a sapphire mine where I held this heavy duty meteor that was sitting next to fossilized turtles, dinosaur jaws, and precious gems! I joked with this old man if I could take it home then declined after he told me some guy from California once offered $9000 to buy it.

I haven't been to Butte since I was a little girl but, definitely will be bringing my own sons back next time for a visit!

Art - Kate Mullin

A reader shared her worked with me and I was so blown away by Kate's talent that it had to be shared with the world! I really love how kate blends abstract into realism with such a tasteful & intentional color palate. She's an oil painter currently based out of Charleston, SC with her own studio in Redux Contemerary Art Center. 

Kate Mullin's has many more beautiful pieces available you can find on her website

Spring Haul! | Primark, Estée Lauder & More!

I’ve been absent from my YouTube account for the past month - I find myself falling in and out of love with it and to be honest I think I’d love it a whole lot more if I had some decent software or a new laptop to edit from. I’m sure other ‘YouTubers’ will agree that editing a video is a time consuming and hard going process; to get your video not looking a complete shambles it takes some care and attention and some of my videos can take a couple of hours (including filming).

Nonetheless I am back and this time it’s with a Spring haul! I’ve picked up a few items of clothing and make up bits and bobs over the past month or so and of course, I want to share it with you lovely lot...

Hope you enjoyed watching :) Have you picked up any bits and bobs for spring?

Bon Voyage

With my bags packed, if you need me ill be found in the great state of Montana, and all it's beauty...

Thomas Paul Spring Chairs

I just finished the matching Thomas Paul chair the set is so fresh! You can find it for sale in the navigation bar above, under "Available Furniture" for $190 (for the set)

black and white babyshower

How chic is this black and white baby shower? Never thought you could make a babyshower look like an adult party.

Looks so inviting and candy for the eye

images on to baby

 Love the detail of the invited friends being able to make their own scent of aromatherapy and bring it home.

Limited Edition Starlet - A Starbucks Parody

A vintage(!) Starbucks parody shirt from AMBLVD (American Boulevard) and a Primark statement necklace (Opia Limited Edition 2013) - glamorous street style, or what do you think? Should definitely try taking a photo wearing this shirt while drinking my favorite frappuccino in a starbucks store XD!!

Ja, das Shirt ist schon einige Jahre alt. Das hatte ich schon zu Schulzeiten getragen und mein Engischlehrer ist als Erster darauf reingefallen^^. Nun ja, da sieht man mal wie stark so Marke die eigene optische Wahrnehmung prägen kann... und wie war das noch gleich? - Es ist eben nicht alles Gold was glänzt (๏∀๏ ).
Ich denke irgendwo habe ich sogar noch eine Stofftasche mit einer Play Doh Parody. Da war noch der kleine Kinderkopf mit im Logo drin, den es ja jetzt nicht mehr gibt (ist mir erst ziemlich spät aufgefallen （╹ェ╹）) Also wenn ich sie finde, werde ich darüber posten - versprochen (●*∩_∩*●) .

Doch nun zu einem weiteren kleinen Schmankerl für Euch. Wie Ihr sicher mitbekommen habt, gibt es bald ein großes Giveaway. Starttermin ist Anfang Mai. Doch zuvor möchte ich Euch in kleinen 'Sneak Peaks' zeigen, welche kleinen Schätze Euch in diesem tollen Paket erwarten. Da es doch recht viele Kleinigkeiten sind, habe ich mir gedacht so eine kleine Minivorstellung kann nicht schaden. Man will ja auch nicht unbedingt die Katze im Sack geschenkt bekommen^^. Heute wird es also passend zum Post Titel recht glamurös:

If you want to know what exactly will be featured in my upcoming giveaway in May - this is a first sneak peak: you will get a Primark rhinestone bracelet (this was an exclusive press sample - thanks Primark ♥) and original Japanese eyelashes from Saizen...and there's more to come ♪

Diese kleinen Schätzchen erwarten Euch also unter anderem. In den nächsten Posts erfahrt Ihr dann mehr.

Zu guter Letzt noch eine etwas aktuellere Fashion Zeichnung meinerseits featuring Karl der Große Lagerfeld und einer unbekannten Schauspielerin.

Karl the Great Lagerfeld and an unknown actress - paparazzi alert on the right

365, what a lovely number

Wow, my goodness, 365 fans! I remember I just started and thought, who will find my blog interesting enough to read. Thank you, writing for you have helped me so much! 365 the number as the days in one year. This post is about my most favorite desk calender, yes...I am in love.
It´s simple, chic and has a purpose, love that combination. The desck calendar of Sugar Paper.

I've been SHORTLISTED! Company Style Blogger Awards 2013

Okay so this is some pretty hefty news for Wonderful You..I only went and got bloody shortlisted in the Company Style Blogger Awards! I know – I can’t really believe it either, it only seems like yesterday that I started this little bubble of happiness in my life and to think that other people think it worthy of an award is CRAY. But honestly – it makes me feel giddy inside and so, so proud. Thank you so much to every single amazingly amazing individual that placed their vote to get me to the shortlist I am sending you the fattest virtual snog ever.

I said it last time and I’ll say it again – I do feel a bit naughty writing a blog post about this and I hope it doesn’t annoy people too much, but I promise this will be the last you’ll hear of it on my blog!

If you wanted to vote for me to win it’s super simples. Just click here and I am under category 6 – Best Fashion Blog Newcomer; you have to click ‘next page’ 6 times in order to get to my slot, but there are some other amazing categories with amazing bloggers if you want to vote for them on your way to mine! :) then just continue to click next page until you get to the end where it says ‘Submit’, your vote will then be counted.

If you do choose to vote for me, it will mean the absolute world. And I know it sounds silly and mushy, but I don’t mind at all if I don’t win – there are some wonderful blogs that I’m up against and just to be shortlisted has literally made my year! If you don’t want to vote and managed to get to the end of this ramble, then thank you for reading and apologies again for being a bit of a nag!

Sending out SO much love to you – thank you all  for being truly supportive and fan-bloody-tastic. And of course a huge BIG LUCK to everyone else shortlisted - congratulations :)

Just some weekend fun

La Fiorentina by David Hicks

Absolutely my favorite fabric: bold & geometric patterned. It turns any room into a chic and sophisticated room. The black and withe pattern is my favorite, but it comes in a sever color options.

Above two pictures are of Erica Bretchel´s home, the talented mom, blogger,designer...this girl can do it all and so well. Please visit her blog Small shop studio. I think that when I saw her home for the first time I had to have those pillows.

images