Twelve memorable moments: March

Ok, so I may have pulled a fast one here and cheated a teeny, tiny bit. I didn't actually do this in March. Actually, I am still yet to do it. But I organised it, that can count right?

Truth is, this March I just felt stuck which month three isn't a good sign but I was just so busy I didn't know where to turn. But, low and behold the bargain hunter struck again with Groupon. After Februarys Spa deal I felt more comfortable in trusting these sites so I went in positive and motivated.

I stumbled across a make up course deal for £38, a beautiful 80% discount from the original price of £190. The workshop is with Make Up London Academy and this ladies (and gents) is my memorable moment for March. Make Up Class.

Image courtesy of Make-up London Academy 

When starting my bucket list for 2014 I had a make up course at the top. I really envy people with flawless make up and those who can master the smokey eye or eyeliner flick. Those who understand the difference between primer, foundation and what brush to use or definitely not to. When looking into the courses they were way above my price bracket but I wanted to get some sort of qualification out of it.

When this deal with Make Up London Academy came up it seemed pretty perfect. Three hours at a reasonable rate to get me to test out whether this is something I would like to pursue and invest in a more respected course.

I don't know much about the school apart from it is based between Caledonian Road and Kentish Town, Camden. Being brutally honest, the website isn't very slick and doesn't give me the impression it is anything too serious. But, as they say, don't judge a book by its cover.

The company says 'MLA was founded to bring excelled to the make-up education, by teaching the best make-up techniques in a fun and simple way.' 

Sounds cheap and cheerful and worth a go right?

The workshop is a simple and basic introduction to make up which is something I am up for; I'm not going to pretend I'm a genius with the paint brush, I can apply my make up in the morning and lets be honest, thats it.

I am set up to be introduced to skin care preparation, the perfect base, techniques to long lasting make up. Day and evening looks will be explored,  trends of the season and false eyelash exploration. I will get to use MAC and Bobbi Brown products with some complimentary MAC products to take away (YAY!) Personally, I'd love to nail the smoky eye look so hopefully this is something I can try out with them. The workshop consists of one hour tutorial with two hour to practice.

So, I didn't do it in March but its what I did that lets face it, I probably was too lazy and complacent to not do before. It's an accomplishment and I promise, I will make sure the month I do it in, I'll do something else to.

Until then, stay posted.

Twelve memorable moments: February

Image from Puma Hotels

So month two and I was going strong with my ideas. It was my mums birthday and I decided to seize the opportunity to do something different, something memorable. I wasn't quite ready for my sky dive but some beauty therapy couldn't go a miss..

Believe it or not but I have never been on a Spa day before. Yes, really. I've gone and had a tan, my nails done but not a proper Spa treatment. So, to celebrate my Mums birthday in style we decided to pamper ourselves.

We found a deal on Travel Zoo, a holiday and mini break deal site. I haven't ever brought anything off these sites before but thought we should give it ago when it was £29pp for access to a spa, treatment and afternoon tea. Being all optimistic we felt there wasn't much to loose.

A nice drive to the Cotswold and we arrived at the country hotel, The Lygon Arms. On arrival to the Spa we were offered our towels and slippers and told that disappointingly no other treatments were available than our pre book massage. Expecting this, we weren't completely disheartened and took into consideration the price we had paid is what we were going to get. We remained positive and ordered a glass of presseco which we drank in a seating area at the top of some spiral staircase (no drinks by the pool).

The pool area wasn't massive; there was limited seating (in which someone removed our towels whilst we were up in the seating area) and the pool was basic. It would have been nice to have some atmospheric music as it did feel like our conversations were clearly heard to everyone else but it was nice enough.

We were approached regarding some last minute facials which after about an hour we were told the beautician had gone home... great.

Stay positive....

The massage we had pre booked was amazing - just what the doctor ordered. Atmospheric music, a full briefing I really needed it. Starting light to firm to begin with I found it hard to adjust and found myself twinging when my pressure points were touched but it was definitely needed and with my tense muscles.

After a bit more relaxing we got dressed and moved across to the hotel bar for our afternoon tea. This was definitely the highlight.

We were served a selection of finger sandwiches and desserts on a plate - ham, cucumber, smoked salmon. Victoria sponge cake, mango dessert and a pot of tea and I was sold.

Overall I think for the value, it was a great deal and a lovely day out which lead to wondering between the country stores in the cotswolds (lots of Cath Kidson and Barbour).

I would definitely recommend using the deals especially if you want to try something different and are short on the cash. One thing I would say is not to go with too many expectations and enjoy it for what it is.

Modus Press Day: Cambridge Satchel Company

Anyone who works in PR knows the whirlwind press days bring. Even when you are not heavily involved there is always a sense of panic and frenzy around London. I was lucky enough to be a part of Modus press day for work with Victorinox but in between welcoming guests to our stand I took the liberty to take a sneak peak at all the brands on show.

I'm not going to lie, I made a bee line for The Cambridge Satchel company. Though I don't own one (or a cheap knock off) I'm always drawn to the beautifully leather crafted bags and admire the company's development. And yes, the google ad had a lot to do with that.

I love the transformation from classic styles to quirky, on trend pieces. This Autumn Winter expect berry, cream and deep purples. For the more adventurous find animal print patches and those who just sit in between, two tones hit the middle road nicely.

I have never had a favourite colour but I am definitely drawn to violets and purples. The sophistication in the colour range is right up my street and the cream will be great for brightening up the dull autumn winter and carry you through to summer.

To say the least, I'm sold. I'm counting the pennies and entering them into the piggy bank and I know I won't be disappointed with the investment. Now the decision.... which colour? Expect a Cambridge Satchel featuring soon.