10/31/2014

Ginger Fashion: Autumn Days Are Made Of This



Ginger Fashion: Autumn Style
Grey Duffle Coat: Florence & Fred, Blanket Scarf: Primark, Skater Dress: Primark, Chelsea Boots: New Look

My style has been evolving a lot lately. Right now, I'm sitting in my blogging space with a huge bag of old, unwanted, or worn-to-death clothes behind me. As I'm getting further and further into my 20s, I'm finding myself being more and more drawn to the more simplistic styles. And forever an advocate of the multi-wear pieces, it was time to update my wardrobe a bit. 

Ginger Fashion: Autumn Style
Grey Marl Coat: Primark, Blanket Scarf: Primark, Elephant Print Swing DressASOS, Chelsea Boots: New Look
These are the kind of looks I've been loving lately. With the newest additions to my wardrobe being this amazing snuggly blanket scarf from Primark and my Florence & Fred hooded duffle coat I feel like all the pieces I love so much can get a re-vamp ready for Autumn. 

With a new hairstyle option under my belt (check out my braid tutorial here,) I feel like I have found a really timeless, effortless, "I woke up like this" (even though I didn't) look that I can carry from Autumn to Winter.



10/30/2014

Boodles, Brunch, Celebration Of Style, And A GIVEAWAY! | Just Add Ginger


Celebration of Style Liverpool


Celebration of Style Liverpool 2014

Celebration of Style Liverpool

Celebration of Style Liverpool

Last Friday, myself, and some other lovely local bloggers were invited down to Boodles to look at very pretty jewellery and discuss the upcoming Celebration of Style event that is set to hit Liverpool in just a few short weeks.

The event is going to take place over three days (13th - 15th November,) with events happening in iconic locations throughout the city....from the Liver Buildings to the Titanic Hotel. It is a celebration of all things fashion....art....architecture and style, and is set to show that in the big ol' game of fashion, our city packs one hell of a punch! Celebration of Style will feature appearances from top hair stylist Andrew Collinge, fashion photographer Tim Bret Day, and renowned fashion designer Matthew Williamson...It is set to take the city by storm!

Justine Mills (owner of Cricket,) has teamed up with SK Events to put together an event that pulls out all the stops to showcase what a lively, influential, and stylish city Liverpool is. I think my jaw nearly hit the floor - tactically avoiding the amazing jewellery - when Justine walked in. 

But hearing Justine speak about Celebration of Style was enough to set off a million butterflies in my stomach. To hear her speak so passionately and vivaciously about something made me even more excited for the event to take place. One of the main aims of the event is to dispel perceptions about Liverpool that people outside the city tend to associate with it. The media can misrepresent our city in such a big way. And people think it's what Liverpool's about? Well not for long folks. This city's going to show exactly what Liverpool's all about.

The schedule for the event is jam-packed. And with so much going on, Liverpool is going to be buzzing. With events and activities happening throughout the city. From events happening in-store at shops to the Stanley Dock there is going to be something for everyone! 

And to top it off, I have been very, very kindly been provided with the opportunity to host a giveaway (c/o Celebration of Style) for your chance to win 2 tickets to The Influence of Style event which is happening on 14th November (10.30am-4.00pm.) You and a friend will be able to immerse yourself in a day of panels and talks from top experts (Cassie Lomas, Justine Mills and representatives from Matalan & MMU but to name a few) about what it's really like to work in the industry and to give advice about making your start in the biz. 

Giveaway Rules

* Entrants MUST be aged 16 or over. 
* The prize is ONE set of 2 tickets for 
The Influence of Style Event (14th November 2014.)
* The giveaway is open to UK residents only. 
*You must be able to make your own way to and from the event.  
*The giveaway will end on 11/11/2014




NB: Once the winner has been selected, you will be contacted by a member of the Celebration of Style team with details about receiving your prize and entry to the Influence of Style Event

I cannot tell you just how bloody excited I am for Celebration of Style. It is going to be an incredible event with so many things going on. It's time to show the world exactly what Liverpool is made of! 

If you're on Twitter, stay up-to-date with Celebration of Style by following @C_of_Style, and using #COStyle

10/29/2014

Dark & Creepy Halloween Make Up



If you saw this blog post, then you will know that last weekend I went to my first Halloween party in a long, long time. So, with me being a lover of fancy dress anyway, I wanted to pull out all the stops and look as scary, dark and creepy as possible!

Although I used mostly face paint on my original look, I wanted to film a tutorial recreating what I did, but using minimal make up that I already had in my collection to show you a make up idea you can achieve if you're running short on time, and don't have extra bits like cream make up, face paint, or fake blood


Products used in this video: 

Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation 
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara 
Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette 
Sleek i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette (Au Naturel 601) 
L'Oreal Superliner (So Couture)
L.A. Colors Lipstick (Black Velvet)
MAC Lipstick (Dubonnet)
Various make up brushes from my brush pot

I do apologise for the random blurry patch that appears on the camera. I have no idea where it came from and it just sat there for a bit and then went away of its own accord. 

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. And because this is the first one I have ever filmed, if you have any constructive criticism or thoughts, please, please, please leave me a comment below and talk to me. I really enjoyed filming this video and if you lovely bunch enjoyed watching it, I might just consider filming more in the future! 


10/28/2014

Zoella Beauty Part One | Just Add Ginger


Zoella Beauty Fizz Bar

I'm sure I don't need to tell you about the recent launch of Zoella (Zoe Sugg's) very own beauty line - Zoella Beauty - do I? 

The YouTube starlet has brought out a line of body, bath and pamper products whose buzz has been filling up my Twitter news feed for months! And whereas I might be out (but ever just so slightly of course *cough*) of the demographic that the line is probably targeted for, I wanted to show my support for the YouTube & blogging community and indulge in a few cheeky purchases from the range....
...When I could actually get hold of some. When I went to check the stock on my go-to beauty website FeelUnique.com, everything from Zoe's line had completely gone. Luckily, I was able to quickly pop a couple of products in to a virtual shopping basket on Superdrug.com, and, with baited breath, I waited for them to arrive. 
The first product I went for was Fizz Bar.
Zoella Beauty Fizz Bar

It was the concept that intrigued me the most. If you know me or have been with Just Add Ginger for a while you will know I am a die-hard Lushie. But with a wedding to plan for, my trips to the candy shop of pamper products has to be limited (Waa!) Fizz Bar really sang to me because of the multiple-use design. Not only does it come in very cute (and quintessentially Zoella) packaging, but the Fizz Bar is designed like an eight-squared chocolate bar. You can break off as many chunks off as you want to use in the bath, and keep the rest for another day. And all this for around the price of a Lush bath ballistic.... I had to give it a try! I'd never abandon Lush - no way - but this seemed like a more budget friendly option. 
The pieces were easy enough to break apart. Each "chunk" is marked with a "Z", and for all intents and purposes looks like chocolate. (A very humorous "DO NOT EAT" label is even stuck to the back. Nobody wants to be farting bubbles, do they?)
Zoella Beauty Fizz Bar
The scent of Fizz Bar is light and a mix between floral and citrusy (flitrusy....cloral?!) It is not overbearing, and definitely appeals to those of out there who prefer the lighter fragranced beauty products.
I first tested out Fizz Bar using one "chunk," and to be honest, it just wasn't enough. It fizzed and bubbled happily enough in the bath, and turned the water a slightly milky colour, but the scent didn't come through at allTo be fair, it does suggest to use one OR two cubes of Fizz Bar, so in the spirit of giving it a fair shot, the second time I used it, I used two chunk to see if that made a difference. 
This worked a bit better. The water turned milky, and whatever was in Fizz Bar made my skin feel really smooth, but I still couldn't smell anything. I don't know if that is what is meant to happen, but personally, I like a really highly- scented bath ballistic. They are such a novel thing for me to buy that when I invest, I want the excitement of a lovely smell.... Glitter.... Bright colours.... Dried flowers.... Something to make me feel really pampered, and Fizz Bar just did not pack enough punch for me in that department. 
 Fizz Bar did leave my skin feeling lovely and soft and nourished though, and for that, I was really impressed, and very happy! There's no better feeling that having soft and supple skin, especially in these Autumnal months as the weather gets colder and skin gets unhappier.
But is it enough to make me repurchase Fizz Bar? No. Probably not. Don't get me wrong, I think the concept of the chocolate bar design for Fizz Bar is excellent and so innovative, and if I was a bit younger and on more of a budget, I think I would invest again because you get so much use out of one bar. But for me, I want more out of my bath products. I don't know if that is because I am older, and have a more informed preference, or if it's just because I am so much of a Lush fan. But either way, whilst I'm glad I bought Fizz Bar and showed my support for Zoella Beauty, Fizz Bar has not knocked my love of Lush off it's pedestal. 
What I will say though, is that if you are looking for a new, gentle and pampering budget-friendly bath product to try that you can use multiple-times, and that leaves your skin feeling soft, give Fizz Bar a go. Just because it didn't tick all the boxes for me, it doesn't mean it won't for you. And with Fizz Bar retailing for £5.00, it'd make the perfect Christmas present or stocking filler for the upcoming festive season too! 
Have you tried anything from the Zoella Beauty line?

10/27/2014

Creating A Boho Side Braid | Just Add Ginger


Just Add Ginger Blog

Being able to do a braid has been on my hair wishlist for years. Since my teenage years I have always had relatively long hair, so the possibility was there, but I was never sure of exactly how I could achieve it.

Then a few weeks ago, whilst we were visiting Mama & Papa Ginger, I met up with my friend Saunders, who, on that day, was sporting a very lovely looking side braid. And then it hit me....I realised that doing a braid just might actually be possible. The next day, I took a deep breath, and attempted my first braid.

I don't think I'll ever be able to do a super-neat braid, but I love the messier hairstyles. They suit my stupidly thick main a lot better. So if you want really polished hairstyles this video may not be for you. But if you're like me, and are always drawn towards the more relaxed styles, then please give this video a click!


And I  know I always say it but if you know anyone who could find this tutorial helpful, please share it round. I really want to inspire confidence in those you of out there who may need it, and show you that anything is possible!

Pssst.... To see more videos in my "One-Handed Ways" series, click here

10/26/2014

Ginger Fashion: Halloween 2014


Halloween Costumes 2014

I don't think I have done anything for Halloween since I was at university. And that was a long time ago! So you can imagine how excited I was when some of our friends decided to have an early Halloween party! The minute I heard the words "costumes are essential" I knew I had to pull out all the stops and go completely OTT in making myself the creepiest I could. 

Being a fan of fantastical tales, picking a costume based on Alice in Wonderland was pretty much a given. I found an amazing "Malice in Horrorland" costume on Escapade  . As well as the costume, I ordered a blonde wig, extra fake blood, and a wig cap.....ooh yes! I was bringing out the big guns when it came to my costume. And nobody was going to hold me back. 


The costume fit me to perfection, and the wig cap (which I was concerned wasn't going to fit all my hair) had plenty of room to spare. The only thing that didn't work was the wig. My head was just too big, and coupled with the ridiculously thick hair I have there was no way it was going to work, But, not being one to let anything like that defeat me, I popped in to my local Smiffy's, and picked up a new wig, and a pair of striped tights to finish off the look. I'm not going to lie....looking in the mirror at the new, creepy me didn't half give me chills! And that was even before I'd done my make up! 

Just Add Ginger Blog Hallloween

Doing the face paint was the most fun part! Boyfriend found a picture on Pinterest that he thought would look great with the costume and we used that as inspiration. Boyfriend used a Snazaroo white face paint to cover my face, ears, neck & décolletage. I then went in with some paintbrushes from a local craft shop and cream face paints that came in a set from our local supermarket to do the eyes, brows, lips and cheeks. I'm not going to lie, having never used cream face paints before I did struggle, but the water-based choices just didn't cut the mustard! Just before we left the house, Boyfriend added some fake blood to my cheeks and chin to make me look extra disgustingly creepy! 

I have to hand it to Boyfriend, who spent two days making the horns for his demonic costume, They drove him up the wall but looked so effective. And all he used to make them was some rolled-up cardboard, red and black paint, cello-tape and PVA. One the horns were done he attached them to his head with lashings of lash glue. I then did his face paint around where the horns were. 

For my first Halloween party in a very long time, I had a brilliant time! I loved going as Malice and definitely think it's a costume I'll recycle over and over again....only thing I want to get better at is my face painting technique....I'm a bit rusty!

Malice in Horrorland

Going to a Halloween party? Let me know what you're going as! 


10/22/2014

Be Proud To Stand Out | Just Add Ginger


Be Proud To Stand Out From The Crowd

How many of you look back on your childhood with fond memories? If you could go back and live that time again to change the person you become, would you?

When I was a child, life seemed so simple. I was surrounded by people who loved me and cared about me, and took me for exactly the person I was. No conditions, no clauses, no limits on our friendships. They just were completely and 100% honest friendships. Sweet. Innocent. They filled my childhood with joy. 

Then I grew up. 

And growing up wasn't easy in the slightest. As I made my way through secondary school it became abundantly clear that if there was even just 1% of you that stood out from "the norm," then certain people would use that and point it out to you all the time, like you weren't aware of it yourself. And there were some very unaccepting people that I knew in secondary school. Now, as a grown woman, I wouldn't hesitate to give them a piece of my mind. But back then, as a desperately unconfident teenager, most of the time I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. 

Fir those of you who don't know me that well, or may have clicked on to my blog for the first time, I was born with a condition called "hemi-paresis," which affects the left side of my body. Basically it means that my left arm and leg are a lot stiffer than the right, and I have limited movements sometimes, particularly in my left hand. It's a condition that I entered and will leave this Earth with. It is something that I cannot change, and would not ever want to.

Sometimes, it can be so easy to shy away from sowing our true colours, or embracing the person that we are. We become afraid of what others might think, and scared to show the world the person we are deep down. But let me tell you something. You may be afraid of what others might think of you, but remember... Those people who might make you feel like that are probably just as terrified on the inside to show their true colours too. 

I used to get gawked at in secondary school for my disability. I used to hear the secret snickers, and sense the stares. And I bet today that if I were to see those people in school, they wouldn't remember doing it, and if they did, would be so ashamed if I told them. At the time I was so hurt by the actions of those people, but it has spurred me on now I'm older and it has helped make me so strong today. I don't let anybody bring me down, If there is any message or help I can give to others who may need it, I'm going to get it out there and show that where there is a will, there is always a way.



All of us are different and special in our own way, And you might not always see yourself as special, but there will be something that makes you unique. You may be academic, creative, musical, or fiercely independent. You may have wonderfully-coloured hair, freckles, wear glasses, have your own style.....all of these things help to make you you, and we all need to take a little time to celebrate how amazing we are.

Don't spend your time trying to fit in with other people. Find friends who have a similar style or personality to yours who accept you for who you are and who you don't need to "wear a mask" around. Once you find friends who make you feel comfortable in your own skin you'll look back and wonder why the hell you bothered with others who put you down. It may take a while, but try looking in to extra activities that sing to your interests. That's a good way to seek out like-minded people, and will help start to build your confidence and belief in yourself.

Magic Is Believing In Yourself

We need to take all of the things about us that make us unique and embrace them. We are not all created with the same mould. We were born to stand out from each other and we should be proud that we do. If we were all exactly the same the world would be a very boring place. Each of us being here and being who we are makes the world so beautiful, exciting and interesting! Why should we want to fit into the same category of human being? Being unique ROCKS!

Life isn't always a smooth road, and you will find people out there who you don't bond with. And that's okay. Not everybody will get along with each other. It's the nature of life. But you can be cordial to each other, and be happy that your paths crossed and now you are off on your own journey. It doesn't mean that you should stop being who you are. We are all individuals swimming in the bog pool of life together. We cross paths, meet each other, some of us will become friends, some of us won't, but without us being unique, special and different, that pool just wouldn't be the same.

Please don't ever be afraid to be exactly who you are. There is only ever going to be one you out there, so head out on to your path through life, and shine. Bumps, snags and hiccups may happen along the way, but you will get through them, and when you come out the other side, you'll be more powerful than ever!

A.A. Milne quotes

With positivity, love & hope,



10/20/2014

#Guestober 2014 : Saloca in Wonderland

5 Ways To Deal With Stress In The Workplace
With Monday upon us, and a new working week starting, I don't know about you, but work can get pretty damn stressful, especially at this time of year when everyone starts gearing up for the holidays and the stresses of work and family life all roll into one big stressful mess. 
I try to keep my work and life stresses separate but it's too easy to bring your bad day at the office home with you. In a bid to avoid this, and get through your work day a little easier, here are 5 simple ways to deal with stress in the workplace.

1) Get out at lunch time
If you've had a bad morning or you know the afternoon is going to be a killer, take your lunch break elsewhere, preferably outside. The weather right now doesn't exactly scream for picnics in the park, but, a quick walk around the block or just having your lunch in another part of the building (never at your desk if it can be helped) will work wonders. The fresh air will clear your mind and getting away from the office, even just for a short walk, breaks up your day and you'll go back feeling ready to tackle anything the afternoon will throw at you.

2) Workout
When my day really has been that bad, then a quick workout after work really helps to release all that tension and stress. I'd rather work it out after work than take it home with me that's for sure. If you can't get to the gym after work, try walking home, or even just to a further bus stop, but do it with some gusto and get your blood pumping, not boiling!

3) Get your groove on
Dancing around the office might not be allowed or professional, but taking a quick break with your headphones in will shut out the office mayhem for a song or two. Close your eyes, get lots in the rhythm and lyrics, even put on a song you know will lift your mood. 

4) Walk away
When the crap really hits the fan, don't rise to the occasion, simply walk away. Walk down the corridor, walk to the bathroom. Walk down the stairs and back up again. Just walk. As much as you want to scream and shout and wring a certain persons neck. Don't. It's unprofessional and it's not going to make you feel any better, only ten times worse.

5) Tomorrow is another day
After Monday, comes Tuesday and so on, and before you know it the weekend is here. No matter how long your day might seem, it will always come to an end, you'll shut down the terminal, put on your coat and you'll leave. Always keep that in mind. You can walk away from the stress tonight, and tackle it tomorrow. With a good nights sleep and fresh start, you might just be able to deal with the drama a little better too!
How do you deal with the stress at work? Any tips you'd like to share?
Until next time,

Huge thanks to Jackie for giving me the chance to come on over to her blog and get to know you all! If you want to get to know me a little better, you can find me over at salocainwonderland.co.uk 

Childhood Christmas Memories* | Just Add Ginger


Just Add Ginger: Transun Competition


Whoooooooshhhhhh

I remember it so clearly it could be yesterday. It was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, everyone was in bed and stupidly excited for Christmas. My grandparents were staying at our house, and because my room was the bedroom/guest room, I had moved in to my parents' bedroom and was on the put-me-up bed. Still in primary school, I could snuggle so far under the blankets I almost disappeared. I remember they were brown and woolly. I'm pretty sure my parents still have them. Every time I think of them, I'm taken back to a childhood of cold winter nights spent huddled underneath those blankets. 

So anyway, there I am, the carrot, milk and biscuit had been left out in anticipation for the arrival of Santa and his sleigh, and I am about to go to bed and let my family get a precious few hours sleep before they awaken to me jumping up and down and emphatically declaring "It's CHRISTMAAASSSSSS," and then forcing them all to get up, bleary-eyed and bed-headed, and head downstairs to open presents.  

I sneak out of bed and peep out over the windowsill. I can see down in to the garden. To me, at four years old, it seems to go on for miles. The sky is pitch black and twinkling with a sea of stars. It is breathtaking. I can sense the magic in the air. I stand there on tiptoe for a few moments, only just balancing, and watching out over the world. 

And then I see it, right up, high, high up in the sky. It shoots across the star-blanketed sky and leaves a trail of silvery-white light behind it. The biggest, and brightest shooting star I have ever seen and ever imagined! Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Am I dreaming? Or did I see a flash of red winking at me amidst the silver? 


And now, even as a twenty-seven year old, looking back at that night always gives me goosebumps. I will never know what I saw on that Christmas Eve. Was it just a shooting star? Or was it that jolly man dressed up in red with his team of reindeer?  Every time I look back, I recapture the magic of that night. In that memory, I remember all the amazing Christmases I got to share with my grandparents (who have since passed.) In that star I always remember to embrace every moment, to live with excitement and never lose the wonder of making memories, And every Christmas. without fail, I will peek out the window and look up at the night sky, wishing, and hoping that I will see that star again. And maybe one day, just one day, it will shine down on me, reminding me that the magic if Christmas is something that won't ever leave me.

Christmas Memories Transun Competition


*This blog post is a competition entry for the Transun "Win a family trip to Lapland" competition


10/16/2014

Ginger Vlogs: Pyjamas, The Park, And Homemade Chicken Soup




Life in the Ginger-Bear household is really busy, exciting and hectic at the moment. Work happens during the week, and then at the weekends we are 99.5% of the time off on an adventure...visiting family, running errands, or travelling across the country for different reasons. Having a lazy weekend is really rare for us.

Which is why - a few Sundays ago - I made the impromptu decision to pick up my phone and vlog our day. Sometimes it's really good to capture memories of what it's like to just experience a lazy Autumn afternoon. Dedicating a weekend a month where you do exactly what you want to do, with no pre-made arrangements can be so rewarding and lets you really appreciate the time you spend together. 

Boyfriend did so well making his vlogging début and filming his chicken soup recipe that I think he deserves a bit of a shout-out. If you enjoyed watching that part of the video, please leave me a comment so I can pass it on to him. He is such a good cook that I really hope he wants to film more recipes in the future (with a camerawoman who doesn't fall asleep half-way through the cooking process though!)

What are your favourite things to do on lazy Sundays? 

10/05/2014

#Guestober 2014: ElleDeesBeauty

I was delighted when the lovely Jackie recently asked me to guestpost on her blog! I have recently been getting excited that autumn is here and winter is around the corner. I prefer the fashion and beauty trends in these seasons rather than spring and summer which are why I chose this topic for my guestpost.

My favourite fall colour for make-up is definitely Maroon, it is an obsession of mine. Whether I wear it on the lips, cheeks, eyes or all of the above; why not?!

Listed below are my hot-picks to wear for this season.

Eyes

#Guestober - Just Add Ginger
Sleek vintage romance palette, £7.99.
Naked 2 palette, £37.00.


Lips

#Guestober: Just Add Ginger
Collection prohibition, £3.99.
Collection gothic glam scorned, £2.99.


Cheeks

#Guestober: Just Add Ginger
Mac mineralize blush lavish living, £18.50.


I hope you all enjoyed my little guestpost, Thanks again to lovely Jackie for letting me guestpost on her blog!