Pregnancy Update

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update on my pregnancy seeing as the majority of my readers are enjoying my pregnancy journey I said I'd do a quick update! 

So I've three weeks left until my due date ( 7th Juy) and it's just flew by! A lot of people I've spoken to about their pregnancies would have said it felt like they where pregnant for ever, but it's not the case with myself I feel like I got pregnant yesterday! I don't know if it's because I only started to really show at about six half / seven months or because of being monitored and working I was always busy but it really feels like it's gone by in the blink of an eye! 

However, the past few weeks have taken it's toll on me mentally and physically. I do not feel myself in the slightest, I feel like I'm in someone else's body and my head is all over the place. It's crazy how emotional you feel over the smallest tiniest thing, like I will literally cry over anything! One minute you're on cloud nine and the next thing I feel like I'm a serial killer looking to murder someone!.. Honestly I do not know how my family, friends and boyfriend have put up with me, a big pat on the back to you's saints! 

So as my due date is approaching I'm also like a hypochondriac, the smallest pain and I'm like ''BITCH I'M IN LABOUR''  and well yea I'm not!! It's actually gas thinking of it, I sound like a nut job! Everything is hurting at the moment though, my feet are looking like balloons and so is my legs and as for my boobies!.. Hello thunder tits!! They are so so heavy! How in the name of god do you big booby ladies carry that weight around all day? I will never dis my little boobies every again when they hopefully go back to being the tiny tots they where! 

I'm also nesting  like a mad man. I am freakishly obsessed with soapy warm water and sponges!... This my friends is actually my pregnancy craving. I will literally go down stairs and fill up a bowl of hot water and fairy liquid and put a sponge in it and sit there for hours playing with it and scrubbing unnecessary things.. like skirting boards?! I've washed down every single item of furniture in our room every single day religiously and I have a special system on how I do it!

 Today I actually went and took down our curtains and lampshade and decided it was time for them to go in the bin! I washed the curtain poles, moved so much of Conors things out of the room and removed all our dvds as they where ''gathering dust''! I've also rearranged everything millions of times the past week and feel so happy and satisfied when I do it! I've also taken cotton buds and cleaned in the cracks of the doors and shelves and window ledges, yep I am a crazy bitch! 

Also another thing with the sponges and soapy water I actually have to admit I'm guilty of drinking the water! (I hang my head in shame here) Okay so it wasn't the fairy liquid but when I've been in the shower/bath I tend to use a sponge (my favourite one) and just put Radox all over it and soaked it in the water and well yes you guessed it drank it!... Look lads, I'm pregnant and I'm being weird but I can't help it!... And as for my beauty blender sponges, well they've seen better days! 

All my bags are packed and ready at the door along with babas little car seat, I can't wait to turn around in the car and see him sitting there in it! I've been drinking raspberry tea the past week every day with the hope that it will speed things up but so far nada! It's supposed to be good for you'r uterus and helps it contract during labour and to smooth out the process so here's hoping to that! 

My pregnancy has been far from easy and has had it's highs and lows but now thankfully everything is looking good, and after my previous hospital appointment my consultant has given me the thumbs up for a what will hopefully be a smooth labour. Again I couldn't have gone through all of this without my family or friends or my amazing boyfriend. He's been the best in the world and if you're reading this don't get a big head you gobshite! 

For any woman or young girl who is pregnant at the minute, stay strong amigos, it's a precious gift and it will be the best one you will ever have received. When people ask me if I'm nervous I say yea and no because well you never know what's going to happen but if millions of women in the world can do it then of course I can. 

As for now my wee bear is happy in my belly and maybe fingers crossed my next pregnancy post will be with him sitting beside me! :) 

And for anyone wondering on my outfit, the shirt is my boyfriends and it's from River Island, and everything else is from New Look! :) 

Thanks for reading everyone,

Love BV xx

The Ibiza Edit

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying this amazing weather,finally a bit of sunshine in Ireland! I've decided to do an Ibiza Edit post seeing as all of my friends are heading there in the next few weeks and as I won't be going (sadface) I picked some of my must haves that I would have purchased If I was making the trip to the golden Island.

Anyone who is going for the first time... be prepared... it is as hardcore as everyone says it is! I went for two weeks one year and I actually needed another holiday to get over it! Seriously tough going, but absolutely unbelievable and well worth it! Honestly it is one of the most magical places in the world, everyone is so happy, the sun is shining the views are amazing and the night life is unlike anywhere else in the world! There is nothing more amazing than sitting with a couple of hundred people along the sunset strip with top DJs from all around the world playing in Cafe Del Mar and watching the sunset, gives me goosebumps thinking about it and I cannot wait to go back!

So I've picked a few pieces that I would most defiantly have in my suitcase for the trip of a lifetime!

River Island Monochrome Drawstring Beach Bag €55.00

I fell in love with this when I was browsing their website. I'd double this as my carry on luggage bag on the plane and also use it going to the beach. I love the monochrome and the gold detail and the drawstring helps secure all your bits and bobs.

Boohoo Wrap Front Halter Neck Body Suit €16  Boohoo Alicia Strappy Front Body €14.00

I picked out these two body suits from Boohoo because I love the detail on both of these. They come in loads of different colours and there so easy to match with a pair of shorts for a night at Amnesia!

New Look Rust Wide Leg Trousers €18.99        Primark White Mesh Sun Hat €4.00

              

These wide leg trousers from New Look look so comfy and airy and would be perfect for the plane They come in white black and a few other colours and prints but I'm loving the rust colour, very 70s! These are an online exclusive and I actually just bought a pair as part of my post pregnancy wardrobe! I'd team these with the white bodysuit from Boohoo the sun hat which is perfect for protecting your head against the Sun to stop any sun stroke and would make you feel extra fab! 

ASOS White Playsuit €27.40                                        Mango Strap Cord Sandals €24.95

                     

 

I spotted this playsuit on Asos and thought it would look amazing with these gladiator style sandles from Mango. I love the front detail and it actually gives a cleavage and support because of the two straps so all  you members of the itty bitty titty committee rejoice! 

Jagged Edge Vintage Custom Made Shorts

Everyone loves shorts shorts in Ibiza so what better way to stand out from the crowd than to have your own personalised ones that nobody else would have?! Jagged Edge Vintage are an Irish based company that customises your shorts to what ever suits your taste. There made from authentic vintage Levis and they are the funkiest shorts ever! They have shorts on their website already pre made or you can customise your own pair. They also have some pretty cool t-shirts and swimwear. Alot of celebs from Towie & MTV series love there pieces. Prices start at around €30.00 but the lovely Claire at Jagged Edge has given all of my readers a special Discount of 10% of all custom orders. To get your discount all you have to do is e-mail RACHEL101 to jaggededgevintage@gmail.com and quote the code to get your discount! Yaaaaaaay!! How unreal would you look bopping about to MK in a pair of these?? 

Check out their website here 

 http://www.jaggededgevintage.com/

 Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Moire €132.00

I picked these as I do love me a pair of air max and these bad boys are perfect for all the dancing you'll be doing in Ibiza. The colour is amazing and would look so so good with a tan and I will defiantly be purchasing a pair and wearing them with my custom made shorts from Jagged Edge Vintage for the next festival I'm going too! AMAZING! 

River Island Tassle Bum Bag €25.00

Ok like it or loath it the bum bag is an essential on holiday! I personally love them! There the handiest thing to put all your money and hotel key in with no fear of being robbed or losing it. Do not do not do not attempt to bring a clutch out with you or you will most definitely be crying your eyes out after it's robbed or lost. Seriously you can't shimmy about when you have it stuck under your arm so all the ladies who hate the bumbag embrace it because it's the most practical thing to bring out! 

New Look Beach Towel €11.99

I seen this and yes I would buy it and yes I would parade around the beach with it because I like mermaids and would like to be one! 

Boohoo Cross Back Dip Front Swimsuit €27.00

I picked this swimsuit with the vision in mind of having a day at Bora Bora beach. Anyone travelling to Ibiza it's a must on your list especially on a Sunday the beach does be rocking, it's an all day long beach party!! 


Missguided Sports Lux Sandals €28.00                 HotMess White Mesh Swimsuit €53.57

I'm obsessed with anything Sports Lux, and monchrome, as you can tell I have a lot of black and white included in this post! Honestly most of my wardrobe is black I need to step away from it and branch out a bit but it's just such a versatile colour!!! This swimwuit would be the one I'd wear to Ocean Beach Club along with the sandals. I love the way swimsuits are making a come back because they hide so much of the wobbly bits and you don't feel as nakey! 



River Island Two Piece €24.00 & €18.00

Oh I do love a two piece and these high-waisted bottoms suck the belly right in! I like with two pieces the way you could mis match it with another top/bottom and it's like a completely different look, I love the detail on this bikini and how dressy it is, another look that could be worn on a boat party, pair it with your air max or favourite sandals and you'r the hottest piece of ass on the west end! 

They have been my favourite picks that I would have purchased if I was heading off with the rest of Ireland to the white Isle!... However I am not as this baby is nearly here, but for averyone that is going here's a few tips

• Don't buy tickets of reps on the beach. More than likely there pricks trying to steal your money and I know so many people who actually have got done by this scam and it's shit when you think your paying €80 for a ticket and it turns out to be a dud. Stick with the ticket sellers from the booths and you'll be safe enough.
• Don't unless you want to waste your money buy tickets of your hotel reps. Yea I know it may seem like it's going to be the best party ever but more than likely it's a shit fest in a kip so don't crumble under the pressure and get tickets off them because some of them are pushy! 
• Don't drink the tap water!!! No matter how thirsty and hungover you are, stock up on water when you arrive! I done this and well... it wasn't very pleasant! 
• Be wary of where you walk. There's so many prostitutes and pimps about especially car parks so don't venture around these areas. 
• Don't entertain the lucky lucky men (men selling all the shit off the day) because they will not leave you alone for the rest of your life! 
• Don't be a pleb and wear heels. Seriously? You don't look sexy you look like an uncomfortable giraffe. 
• When it comes to make-up invest in a good powder! Worst thing ever looking like a sweaty betty! Also I'd say leave the lashes at home I'm only speaking from experience on how mine hung off my cheek the whole night with out me even realising! 

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday and act's the maggot,

Thanks for reading,

Love BV xx

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Review

Hey ladies,

I posted a snap yesterday morning off products I recently purchased and couldn't wait to do a review/first impressions of them. The one I wanted to try the most as I have used the other two previously is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. 

I've been dying to try this for a long time but when the time came to get a new foundation I'd always chicken out and stick to my Mac, as I just thought "shit it's a bit expensive what if it doesn't suit" bla bla bla and all the rest. So let me get started with what my thoughts are now that I've finally bit the bullet and bought it. 

Ok so first impressions are the packaging.... oh so fab! It's only in a normal glass bottle but it's the wee GA on the lid that I thought was so pretty. Such a magpie I am, anything shiny and, boom, I'm hooked! However I had a mini heart attack when I seen the colour because I thought it looked waaaaay to dark for my skin tone. However when I swatched it on the side of my hand I couldn't believe it was an exact match, delighted! For reference I bought it in the colour 4.5 as I'm normally NC20 in most of the Mac foundations. The colour was an exact match which I patted myself on the back for and it smells really really nice, like a nice moisturiser! 

So before I applied the foundation to my face I applied Macs strobe cream, followed by the fix+. These two products are ones I will never let leave my make-up bag. Firstly the Mac strobe cream is amazing for giving your skin a gorgeous dewy glow and brightens the skin as a whole. I then spritsed my face with the fix+ which helps set your foundation and also provides a nice dewy finish, For anyone reading the type of look that I like is a nice glowing natural finish. I also have dry skin so anything that takes away from that I will jump at the chance to use. Sorry to all the matte ladies out there but I don't think this one is for you!

Excuse the bed hair and sexy pjs but this is before any foundation I have just applied the strobe cream and the fix+

After leaving that to dry for a few minutes I then took my Real Techniques buffing brush and applied the foundation in down ward strokes, as this helps the foundation to set into your skin and not sit in your pores. I kinda freeked out here because I thought It looked darker than it did on my hand but after blending it in it looked like a good match. Now my neck is as pale as a ghost but I always bronze it so no problemo there. 

After applying the foundation with my brush I then sprayed some fix+ onto my beauty blender sponge and started to pat it into the skin. This step is not necessary its just I have a sick obsession with sponges at the minute (it's my pregnancy craving...don't even ask) but I wanted to make sure it was completely set as I wasn't using a powder. 

I then applied some of my mac studio fix concealer to highlight and then followed that by using some bronzer. a small bit of highlighter and some mascara. So do I think? Well I'm never using another foundation ever again!... I am in love! Okay so It's perfect for my skin type which is dry/sensitive. I wore it all day and It didn't make me break out. The undertones differ hugely from Mac, as I'm a cool in Mac I find some of their foundations way to yellow like the stuido sculpt. This foundation isn't its matched with a cool tone like Mac as the colours ending in .5 are yellow and the solid numbers are pinks. So I am so happy with the colour. It lasted all day with out powder, it's coverage is medium but you can build It up. I just love it! I will definitely be repurchasing this again and again!

The pictures I've attached are not at all edited in any way, bare in my mind my camera is a load of shit but I tried to get the best selfies possible so I could show you's what it really looked like and I haven't used any filters.

The bottom two are when I came back from being out all day just so you''s could see what it was like after a day out and about. 

Thanks for reading,

Love BV xx

Outfit Of The Day (OOTD)

Happy Friday everybody! 

Today me my boyfriend went to collect our Moses basket thanks to my amazing sister! As I said in a previous post we honestly would not have been able to afford all these amazing things with out the help of our friends and family who have been the best support network for the both of us. If any of you's are reading I just want to say thank you so much to the best bunch of people in the whole world, you's honestly don't know how much you've helped both myself and himself over the past nine months. We love you's all to the moon and back xx

Okay so soppiness over (I've been an emotional wreck lately it's getting ridiculous!) I posted a picture on my Instagram earlier of my outfit of the day that I wore when I was heading out and about. Lately I actually haven't been bothered to get out of my p.js at all as I find anything I wear just doesn't look right or sit right. I've just been feeling like shit basically! Don't get me wrong I love being pregnant but now I'm at the stage where I just want my old body back and to be able to wear a pair of jeans without feeling uncomfortable or like a ten tonne whale. I actually can't even bring myself to look at a pair of jeans at the minute and I will not be venturing out in a pair for the foreseeable future! 

So today I wore my fabulously comfortable leggings which are from New Look. I don't mind the ones from Penny's what so ever it's just I find them really see through and I'd rather not have my arse on show thank you very much! So the ones I buy are from New Look I can't remember the price but there cheap and come in different lengths, colours etc. Actually my whole outfit is from New Look, my top is a fitted bodycon dress that I used to wear pre pregnancy and the shirt was actually from a trend we had in at the start of the year, I'm not sure if they're still selling them but there is similar ones you can buy in store which are the same style but in different patterns. I've been living in them the past few months because there nice and lose and dress up my leggings and plain top combos that I've been also living in! 

My shoes are also from New Look and I got them last year in the Belfast store as part of the premium collection. I love my wee babies so so much, and rite now thanks to my swollen feet there about the only pair that I can wear for long periods at a time. 

My purse is from Parfois in Swords I only recently got this and yes I know it's like a clutch but I love it. I can fit everything into it and most of the time I don't bother with a handbag. I stick my phone and keys in it and It's got loads of card pocket thingys which I love! 

My sunnies are from Penny's and don't do a tap with protecting you'r eyes but they look cute so that's good enough for me! They where only €1.50 so I couldn't pass them. 

And that was me set for the day! I honestly don't know if people enjoy reading these posts, If you's could comment on them and let me know what you's think that would be great, I don''t want to bore people to death with them and I'd love to know what you's would like me to write about it would give me some inspo! I've been pretty focused on make-up/beauty based posts at the minute because of how I'm feeling but for all the pregnant ladies if it's more pregnancy posts you's would like than I'm more than willing to do more. 

Thanks for reading guys,

Lots of Love Bv xx

Festival Inspired Make-Up

Hey ladies, 

hope everyone's Sunday is a lazy as mine, currently lying in bed with a hot bottle and a hungover boyfriend ready to watch Harry Potter :) I actually do not miss going out what so ever. Okay don't get me wrong there's been times when all I want to do is go cray but then when I'm at home in my jammies eating everything in sight I'm actually happier than a pig in shit! And when I look at the dying head on my boyfriend I don't envy him in the slightest! 

Anyway, while all you lovely people where living it up at Slane and Forbidden Fruit I decided to play with my make-up and do a festival look that I would wear if I was off on my travels for the weekend. It's obviously not for everyone but I thought I'd share it anyway. The photos I took are courtesy of my phone which does not pick up any of the contour or highlight or most of the colours on my eyes, I really need to invest in a new camera, but for now please bare with me! 

The shadows I used are all by Urban Decay, I have a few of their palettes and find the pigmentation really strong, however there is a good bit of fall out when you'r applying the shades so best to save foundation until last, however I did not do this for this look and learned the hard way! 

So first I started with my base, my foundation, highlight and contour. For anyone reading I have done a previous post on my highlight and contour routine so I won't go into much detail about that.  

I always fill in my brows before I do my eye make-up,I've been using Rimmel eyebrow pencil in 002 and then I apply some concealer above and beneath the brow to give it better definition. I then applied my eye shadow base, for this I used Urban Decays eye shadow primer in the colour Eden. I love this stuff it actually holds your eye shadow all day, it literally will not budge! 

The first colour I used was from the Urban Decay Deluxe palette in the shade ransom (1), and I just applied that to my crease as the transition colour. I then used the colour Blackcurrent (2) from the Naked3 palette and applied that all over my lip with a flat brush to pack on the colour. I went back to the Deluxe palette and used the colour Fishnet (3) to smoke out the edges with, and I also applied this mixed with Blackcurrent under the lower lash line. I then applied some Mac Kohl eye pencil, tight lining my eye. I then applied some liquid liner, I used Rimmels liquid liner in black, and then applied a coating of my Lancome Hypnose Mascara. 

For my lips I used my Rimmel eyebrow pencil to line, and Macs lipstick in the colour Myth along with a nude Revlon lip gloss. I haven't a clue what the colour is I found it in my make-up case so decided to throw some on! 

The bindi which isn't really a bindi but a metallic tattoo, is from Pennys featured in my festival essentials post. Be warned, I stuck this on just for the crack and had to get my boyfriend to try and scrape it off! Great staying power for festivals, not so great when you'r roaming about the house in your pjs, he thought it was hilarious and said I looked like 'Medusa'!. 

And that was the look finished! 

Thanks for reading,

Love BV xx

Top 10 Festival Essentials

Hey everyone, 

so seeing as Slane and Forbidden Fruit are on this weekend and of course I'm housebound ..sad face... while all my girls are off on their travels, I decided to to do a blog post on Festival essentials which are all from Pennys! 

There is absolutely no point what so ever in spending a shit load on you'r festival bits when guaranteed there going to be wrecked by the time you stumble home and in fairness you're not going to want to look at the shit stained bag and wellies you had for the day or weekend! So I've picked a few things that tick all the boxes but at a reasonable price. 

1.  Bag

I uploaded a picture last week of this back pack on my Instagram and people went crazy looking for it. It comes in a black version as well and they're only €13.00. A back pack is honestly the handiest thing to through all your bits into and when you'r on top of someone's shoulders giving it loads, switch it around and it can be used as a drink holder! Everyone is rocking the tassels at the minute so on trend and a bargain! 

2. Bum Bag

Not everyone's cup of tea but I love them!! They hold your phone, money, and there so secure there's no fear of some prick trying to rob you! This bad boy is only €7.00. 

3. Hat

Nothing makes me feel more like a festival chick than a trilby. Don't ask me why but when I have it on and a pair of shades I like to think I'm a bit of a bad bitch like Kate Moss. Great for hiding you'r manky hair after a few days on the session and also stops your hair from getting wet or if in the rare case it's actually Sunny it will protect the scalp. Just make sure to hold onto it as there's always one gobshite who will try and rob it! This pretty little one is just €4.00 so even if you do loose it, no tears my friends!

4. Sunglasses

Everyone loves a pair of shades, you can do all the creeping you want. These bad boys are just €1.50 and as there not Ray Bans who gives a shite if they break? Even if it isn't sunny it will hide your extremely drunk self. Hey resting bitch face!! 

5. Face Wipes

Definitely a must, if you're there for the weekend or just for the day, a girlo can get a bit sweaty, nothing worse than the smell of sweat of someone! Great for the loo as well, horrible festival toilets always run out of toilet roll and tbh I'd rather find a nice quiet area and drop it like it's hot than actually use the porter loos at concerts, there so rank it makes me sick. Speaking of sick if anyone needs a tactical puke these are great for cleaning the mess up as well and there only €1.50!

6. Hair Brush, Hair Bobbins, Dry Shampoo

 So if that prick has stole your hat, it's best to be prepared, spray a bit of dry shampoo on the wig (€1.90) , give it a brush ( €1.50 this wee brush is actually a de-tangler) and tie it up (€1.50) and you're good to go! 

7. Lip Balm

I need this in my life at all times anyway, my lips are always dry. You'r skin and lips get so dehydrated from all the beer and lack of water so it's handy to have this in your bag nothing worse than chapped lips and if you'r on the vodski it will sting like a bitch! Investment at €1.50 and smells fabulous! 

8. Socks

Weather your're there for the day or the weekend, you will give yourself a pat on the back when you can ditch the smelly wet socks and put on a fresh pair. I remember coming home from my first Oxegen years ago and I just wanted to take my wellies and socks off but didn't have the brains to think of bringing any more socks. My feet were all water marked and just felt horrible. So ladies, feel like the smug bitch when your friend is still wearing her manky ones and you'r as fresh as a daisy! Or you can be sound and give her a pair as there is five in this pack and they're only €3.00!

9. Plimsolls

Not the most fab but when all you want to do is ditch the wellies for the journey home they do the job. I actually felt like Beyonce when I had my new clean runners and socks on, after the weekend of living in shitty wellies you will think you're the bees knees and these are only €3.00! 

10. Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Again it doesn't matter if you're there for the day or weekend to me this is well and truly up there as an essential. The amount of times I've kicked myself for not bringing one with me for the day, especially after all the tactical pukes it's an investment and at €1.50 it's hardly breaking the bank! 

So that's my top 10 Festival essentials, giving you've already invested in a decent raincoat and a pair of wellies, However I also have to add a few more, such a woman take everything but the kitchen sink! But I could not not include these few things, first are the metallic tattoos I love them soooooo much and have bought a few packs from pennys and haven't got the chance to wear them yet. There only €2.00 and come in loads of different designs and look fab with a tan! And when I seen all the celebs wearing them I just wanted an excuse to buy them!

Last but not least is a cup! Yea ok not a huge essential but it's got a handle and a straw and a lid ten times better than the plastic cups they give you at the drink tents and it prevents any spillages! It's €3.00 and you will feel very smug when all the lads are spilling the five euro pints all over the place! Also if you'r a lightweight and can't down a pint split it with you'r bestie and sip until you'r hearts content! 

I hope everyone has a ball this weekend or any other festival weekend and I hope this helped some of you festival goers. Be strong troopers and represent for all of us staying at home! 

Thanks for reading

Love BV xx