Monday, 16 November 2015

Lush! Herbalism Face & Body Cleanser.


I'm a bit of a late-comer to the Lush scene. The whole Lush rush completely passed me by but don't worry, I'm here now! Whenever I walk into a Lush store I always feel a little overwhelmed.  I just wanna smell, touch, try everything. Luckily for me, I always get snapped up quickly by one of their sales assistants.

There are always so many different concoctions on offer, but I was focused on getting something to help with my recent breakouts. I was initially drawn to the Dark Angels Cleanser however I felt that the Herbalism Cleanser (pictured above) was going to suit my skin needs better.

You use the cleanser by taking a small amount and placing it in the palm of your hand, add a small amount of water and mix it into a paste then rub over your face (or body). The smell, as you can imagine, is beautifully herbal. You can really notice the Rosemary in the mixture also which I absolutely love! The mixture is gently exfoliating because one of it's main ingredients is ground almond, which is a big thumbs up for me!

Since using Herbalism I have noticed that my complexion seems more radiant and I'm definitely not getting as many breakouts. I think that the natural ingredients are really helping to clear my skin up! Maybe I was just overdoing it with harsh chemicals in other products or maybe my skin knows that this product is vegan and cruelty free! *wink*

Unlike some Lush products, you don't have to store this is the fridge however you do have to use it within 3 months because the ingredients they use are fresh.
It is £6.40 per 100g pot which I think is pretty darn good.

Have you tried any Lush products? If so, what is your fave?

Sunday, 15 November 2015

10 Alternative Rock/Metal Songs to have at your Wedding

If Ed Sheeran and Whitney Houston isn't something that you were wanting for your wedding ceremony there are plenty of alternatives out there that are just as romantic and tear jerkingly sweet.

I have compiled a few rock and metal songs that I think would work in your wedding ceremony along with videos in case there are any that you aren't familiar with.

Give them a try and let me know your faves too! I would love to hear from you.


Bon Jovi - Thank You for Loving Me

Metallica - Nothing Else Matters

Ozzy Osbourne - I Just Want You

The Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight, tonight

Marilyn Manson - Running to the Edge of the World

Aerosmith - Crazy

Alice Cooper - Poison

Motley Crue - Home Sweet Home

The Cure - Friday I'm In Love

David Bowie - As the World Falls Down

Saturday, 14 November 2015

Look Book | Sultry Bridesmaid Styles

Sultry Bridesmaid Styles

Sultry Bridesmaid Styles

I have picked a sample of bridesmaids dresses that I feel will suit any and every type of ceremony.

They range in price from £13 to £195, proving that you can get gorgeous bridesmaids dresses on a budget. These would not only suit a wide range of shapes and sizes but also could be worn by the mother of the bride/groom. Very trendy.

I would love to see pictures of your bridesmaids dresses, post them below in the comments section.

Friday, 13 November 2015

Look Book | Maternity Bridal Wear

Maternity Bridal Wear

Maternity Bridal Wear

Some of my favourite bridal looks are actually from those who are expecting. They always have such elegance and seem so serene. Above are some examples of bridal gowns for the blossoming bride.
Bare in mind that any wedding dress you choose can be altered to allow for a bump. 
Oh and congratulations!

Wednesday, 11 November 2015

An Honest Review of 'Your Tea' 28 Day Tiny Teatox.

 photo mug_zpsvdwysqj6.png


I first saw about 'Teatox' on Instagram, then it popped up on my twitter feed... Teatoxing has suddenly become a thing. I thought the concept was pretty standard (I know of a variety of people using herbal remedies and herbal teas to help soothe minor health complaints) however this was intriguing. These teatox companies were pushing out of their 'alternative remedy' quiet zone and using social media and bloggers as a way of promoting their product to their target audience.

Because 'Your Tea' was the first 'Teatox' I came across, I decided to look at their website and their claims were quite astounding...
This cleanse will assist with reducing weight, easing bloating, increasing digestion functionality, improving skin clarity, increasing energy levels and alleviate issues associated with food intolerances.  

Wow! Definitely some big claims there. All the reviews, insta-pics and tweets seemed to be showing that this was indeed a pretty remarkable tea so eventually I caved to peer pressure and bought myself a 28 day Tiny Tea Teatox box.
The prices were, in my opinion, pretty pricey and I would never normally spend so much on a hot beverage however I managed to obtain a 20% off code - win!
I'm guessing that a lot of you reading this will already know a little bit about the tea so I won't bore you with too many details. The idea is that you drink 3 cups a day. Either 30 mins before each meal or 1 hour afterwards. Also it's important to say that they recommend you don't drink it after about 6pm and that you always consume them warm/hot. Anyway the website is pretty detailed so please check it out thoroughly before ordering. www.yourtea.com

I reviewed the teatox each day, sometimes (due to lack of planning) grouping a few days together. Let me know your experiences, thoughts or questions in the comments section below.


Day 1 Today was an early day for me, I was up at 6:30am and out to commute the 1.5 hour journey to work at 7:30am. I was a little concerned about how I was going to fit my morning tea in but with a little forward planning I used my travel mug (£3 from Costa) and drank it on the way. After the first few sips I was seriously starting to wonder if I could finish the cup let alone continue the full 28 day box that I'd ordered. The tea tasted so strong and the smell was a little overbearing. I forced myself to drink all three teas today because I know that usually if I keep eating/drinking something that I'm not keen on, eventually I begin to like it. I think if you're a big herbal tea drinker then you'll have no problem at all with the taste. I like green tea and a couple of other varieties but I can be a bit fussy. Anyway this tea tastes to me like I've taken a big bite out of Autumn while someone nearby is spraying hairspray. Weird thoughts. Basically a dry, earthy taste. Decided that because you have to plan when you drink the tea in relation to when you consume food, it really helps gain a sense of what and when you munch throughout the day etc. Also I haven't had time to drink any other hot beverages such as my usual lunchtime coffee or my 3 cups of tea with soya milk.


Day 2 After a further 3 cups today I have noticed that I don't mind the taste as much. I am however still finding the smell of the tea quite offputting. I've been eating clean too which I think will help with how sluggish and bloated I've been feeling recently. It's my friend's wedding tomorrow so I'm not sure if I'll be able to fill my quota of tea and I definitely won't be eating clean. Lots of cake and alcohol coming my way!


Day 3 Woke up this morning feeling a lot more revitalised and awake. I think that this whole teatox thing is really starting to work. I feel better on the inside. And without giving you tmi, it makes you very regular which is another positive. No one wants slow, sluggish bowels. At the end of today: I only managed one tea this morning. But hoping it won't make a difference to the overall 28 days. I didn't think it would be very good of me to sit drinking my own brew at the wedding breakfast.


Day 4 Only managed 2 cups today. It's a sunday - a gal can relax right? Also don't mention the amount of junk food I've eaten!! Shhhh.


Day 5 I know it's not great that I can't fit in time to have a hot drink while I'm at work but it's true some days. Some days I work through my lunch to try and get all of my work finished. I wish there were more hours in the day sometimes. Anyway two cups isn't too bad, 'Your Tea' say that if you have a hectic schedule then it can work out well for you if you only have two.


Day 6 Managed two cups today, mainly because two of the teabags I had taken with me today have ripped apart when I've opened them. It seems that in the sealing process, 'Your Tea' had accidentally sealed the edge of the teabag to it also. I've emailed them and they were amazing! They instantly responded and offered to send me out a 14 day box free of charge. I must say, I'm incredibly impressed with their customer service. Big thumbs up from me!!


Day 7 I got through three cups today, yay! It's amazing how much better you feel when you've had all of your teas in one day. It's like I can feel my body thanking me. Also, its strange but I'm really finding the smell and taste quite comforting. Its been a week since I started and although I wasn't doing this teatox to lose any weight I have dropped a couple of pounds.


Day 8 I've been drinking only 2 cups a day. That's all I've been able to manage I eat at very odd times especially if I have wedding ceremonies booked and I can't always plan ahead which is annoying. I have been really missing the tea when I'm only drinking it twice a day and I kinda never want them to end. I really enjoy the smell and the taste is quite pleasant especially in the morning. It's quite an enjoyable routine.


Day 9 I'm feeling so energetic today and I am at the stage now when I really enjoy drinking the tea three times a day. I just love it. My skin is a lot clearer too! My breakouts are at an all time low and my complexion seems brighter. I squeezed juice from 1/2 a lemon into my last cup of tea and it tasted wonderful. It really combats the bitterness and with added vitamin C you can't really go wrong.

Day 10 - 17 I've been drinking the tea every day for so long now, I feel like it's integrated into my life. Some days I'm only drinking 2 cups but for most I drink the full 3 cups. I used to get bad bloating most evenings, but now - nothing! I've not been eating very healthily this week so I'm expecting my acne to come back with a vengeance. Lets hope not!


Day 18-23 I've hit a wall... I'm really struggling to drink all three cups each day. I'm thinking now that the 14 day tea would have been better for me. I find it really difficult sticking to things for long periods of time. Some days I'm only managing to have one cup which is a bit rubbish. Although I still feel really good. The bloating hasn't come back and I do feel more energetic! My acne is still fine. Hardly any pimples at all!


Day 24-28 Today is my last official day drinking the tea and I'm sure that I will miss it. (I still have a few left because I kept missing them out! Oops!) I will carry on until I finish my pack anyway.


Summary: Drinking 'Your Tea' Tiny Teatox has been a really good experience for me and in all honesty I have really enjoyed it. I feel the tea has really helped to clear up my acne and improve my complexion and I 100% have more energy than when I started. I haven't felt bloated in ages and although I haven't lost any significant weight through drinking the tea (I think I lost like 2lbs) I do feel that it makes you consider your eating choices more carefully and aids with the digestion process. The only reservation I have with the tea is the price. I feel that it could potentially attract a larger number of customers if they decreased the price a little.
I think that the taste may put some people off. Stick with it you guys! It gets better, I promise! I would really suggest adding some lemon juice into the tea, it makes it taste so much better!


Have you got any questions for me? I will be doing a Tiny Teatox FAQ really soon! Leave any comment or questions in the comments section below or tweet me @lifelikedisney xx

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Booking your ceremony venue | The Happily Ever After Chronicles

http://www.luisholden.com
Photographer: Luis Holden  |  Venue: Somerleyton Hall, Norfolk.

Deciding where you want your ceremony/wedding breakfast/evening reception is extremely important. There are a few things you need to consider when you are visiting your perspective venues…


What type of ceremony is best for you?
If you are getting hitched in the UK there are lots of different options open to you.

Firstly, you have the choice between a religious ceremony (held at a place of worship) or a civil ceremony that can either take place at a register office or an approved venue, (such as a licensed hotel for example).
If you had set your heart on an outdoors ceremony (pray for good british weather!) there is such a thing as a DUO ceremony, this basically means that the legal elements of the ceremony would be carried out in a licensed room either before or after your outside ceremony. For more info on DUO ceremonies you would need to discuss it with the registration office that is in the area of your ceremony as not all of them are able to do these types.

Is it going to take place in the area/county where you live? The area where your family live? Abroad?
Think about logistics here, is it a reasonable and ‘do-able’ distance for you both and your guests to travel to your chosen area/county?
If you have decided on a wedding ceremony abroad then you will need to contact the country’s authority/government dept to find out what information and paperwork you will need, how early this paperwork/documents needs to be with them and also how long this paperwork will be valid for. (Some countries ask you to present them with a ‘Certificate of Non-Impediment’ which is something you would then need to speak to your local registration office about getting.)

Key things to think about:
Location vs. Travel costs: Remember that if you are travelling a long distance it will cost you more in travel expenses. Especially if you are hiring cars/transport.
Disabled access: Do you have any elderly or disabled guests attending? When looking around venues check for disabled access and parking
Parking: Speaking of parking, is there any parking? A lot of inner-city locations may only have ‘pay and display’ or multi-story car parking which can leave guests with a large bill if they are there all day.
Accommodation: At the end of your day, are you going to be staying in your venue? A nearby hotel? Do they offer a discount for the wedding party rooms?
Venue vs. Photography: Is it a place that you can have nice photos taken indoors if the weather turns sour?

Whats included? (Some ideas of what to ask…)
Do you get drinks upon arrival? – Is there a bar?
Are seat covers included or do you have to pay per seat?
Is there a min/max number of guests for the room?
Can you have the ceremony/wedding breakfast/evening reception all in the same room?
Do you get special rates for wedding guest bedroom bookings?
Do you have good choices in the menu and is there an evening buffet?
Do you have to use their own in house DJ/caterer/florist? Beware! Some venues charge extra if you wish to use your own people.


Remember!
Haggle! The prices the venues set are not set in stone. If you want something thrown in to the plan then ask. Or if you feel uncomfortable asking outright then mention your budget and ask of anything can be done/swapped/exchanged.
The worst they will do is say no. What have you got to lose?

It’s your wedding! So DON’T let people bully you into changing your plans or doing something you don’t want to do. However, DO keep an open mind and don’t get annoyed or upset if somebody suggests an idea or highlights a problem.
Nobody likes a bride/groom-zilla after all!

Thought of anything else? Please comment below.

Monday, 9 November 2015

A Register Office Wedding | The Happily Ever After Chronicles

There are many venues around the country in which you can get married. 
Today I am going to tell you a little more about having a marriage ceremony in a Register Office.

In each registration district there is a Register Office. Usually these types of ceremonies are referred to as '2+2 ceremonies' and are reserved for the bride, groom and two witnesses. (Some councils will allow you to have any children that you and your partner have together in the room also.) These ceremonies usually cost about £50 and are simple, quicker ceremonies that are usually friendly, more informal and intimate.

If you are wanting to have more guests present at your ceremony, but not wanting a huge expense for your wedding day, many registration offices also have a 'Decommissioned Suite' which usually hold up to 50 guests. These ceremonies cost between £150 and £500. These are similar to having a ceremony in an approved venue, for example; you are able to have a photographer or videographer present for these ceremonies also.

Both of these ceremonies are 'civil ceremonies', although they may be smaller, this in no way lessens it's validity or importance as a marriage ceremony. You can arrive in full formal/bridal attire or you can choose to wear something more casual. You can have readings in your ceremony to make it more personal to you and even decide upon your own ring/token words.
It's your wedding day so it's completely up to you.

The prices above are not inclusive of the legal preliminaries that you and your partner will need to do. Giving notice is similar to 'reading the banns' at a church, it is done to get your marriage licence and these usually cost £35 per person.

If you have any questions about getting married in a Registration Office or are planning one for yourself I would love to hear from you.


Sunday, 8 November 2015

The Perfect Spring Wedding | Eeek - Colour Schemes!

Planning your dream wedding may seem a little daunting and everybody seems to have their own take on what makes for a good colour scheme. I'm here to give you my two-pence of what I think works well based on the various ceremonies that I have seen each season.

Lets start with Spring...


The Chic Wedding

Pastel pink, coral, pastel purple, mint or pastel blue look so beautiful as a colour scheme. Light, bright and airy with a hint of romance. You can add candles and some oversized letters, balloons or paper lanterns for that extra bit of 'je ne sais quoi'.


The Classic Wedding

One or two pastel colours with gold accessories is a big winner for this coming year.
We are going seriously glam here. Think Marilyn Monroe meets the Dior J'Adore advert from circa 2011.


The Boho Wedding

For those wanting a natural feel to their wedding; pale green or mint as a main colour scheme with cream. Pale freshly cut wildflowers everywhere; daisies, poppies, forget me not's- a fresh fruit wedding cake. Candles, ribbons tied around fixtures... The possibilities are endless.


The Simplistic Wedding

White with additional bright colours or multicoloured accents. This will draw the eye and you can have a lot of fun with this... Think multicoloured shoes for each bridesmaid, multicoloured socks for the groomsmen, balloons, flowers, even multicoloured umbrellas for if the weather turns into 'English Springtime'.


Which would you choose for your perfect springtime wedding? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 7 November 2015

I'm famous darling! Don't you know who I am?! :P





This year I was given the amazing opportunity to be in our county's marriage magazine.
I'm so excited to be able to share this with you.
Being a registrar wasn't a career that I was planning but I wouldn't change it for the world!


Friday, 6 November 2015

Readings and Poems to have in your Ceremony.


Choosing to incorporate readings or poems to your wedding celebration is a lovely way in which you will be able to add a personal touch to the ceremony that your wedding celebrant or 'officiant' has prepared for you.

It can be quite daunting when deciding which to choose of which are suitable so I have grouped together some of my favourite readings, poems and quotes for you to read and use as you wish. During the ceremony they can be used to ease the tension on you and your partner after saying your legal vows and before going on to exchanging rings/tokens. They can be read by the bride, groom, guests or of course the registrar if you wish.

Monday, 25 May 2015

5 Steps to Hosting a Simple Engagement Party


An engagement party is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and see family and friends that you haven't seen for ages. They'll be wanting to congratulate you in person and it gives you an opportunity to introduce everybody before the 'big day'. Here are 5 steps to hosting the perfect party (with a few extra ideas thrown in for good measure.)


Thursday, 21 May 2015

Your Engagement | The Happily Ever After Chronicles

So you're engaged?!
Congratulations!

Social norms and expectations can be a little daunting, especially if you are an anxious person like me, so I'm here to guide you through the whole process.