High Ponytail Revisited | Just Add Ginger

I've never really been one to say "no" to things. Growing up I've been a stubborn old goat and have found it difficult to pass tricky things off as impossible. Granted that some of my choices have been a bit scary (scaling a 200ft gorge in Australia one handed was probably the biggest.) I just refuse to take no for an answer. There's always a way around something that from the outlook might seen unachievable. 

So, when I got to my late twenties and still hadn't gotten round to finding out how to do my hair one-handed, I thought "Right, that's it." It was time to sort it out, sit down, have a big old think, and play around with how I could make this happen. 

And so, my One-Handed Ways series was born. With each new hairstyle I tackle, I share a video showing the technique I use. Being a girlie-girl, finding new ways to do my hair is incredibly empowering. It really sets my feeling of independence aflame, and it is always my hope that my tutorials help inspire others out there who may struggle a bit doing their hair too.

The latest in this series is revisiting the hairstyle that probably took me the longest to figure out. High ponytails are such a hand style to have in your arsenal, and I think I have nailed the one-handed technique for doing them now.

If you watch this video and find it helpful - or know someone who will - please pass it on. It is my dream to help inspire others to claim independence and empower as many people as I can. 

Because, the way I see it, if we just believe, where there's a will there will always be a way.

Psst....To watch all of my other One-Handed Ways videos, click here

ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Foam Bath | Just Add Ginger

I discovered ESPA last year. And it was love at first sight. 

The ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Foam Bath was the first ESPA product that I ever tried. I found it nestled in a goodie bag at a North West Bloggers event. And with one sniff my infatuation with the brand began.

I think we all know that when it comes to me and my baths, it takes a lot for me to be blown away. As a self-professed "LUSHie." when it comes to soaking in a roasting hot bubble bath, I like to indulge in a bath ballistic or bubble bar. Bath foams get a little bit boring. 

Until I met ESPA! Firstly, let's take a moment to admire how beautiful the packaging is. The sleek, deep purple bottle with rose gold and lavender lettering just sings to me. It looks opulent and luxe, and really high-end. It calls out in hushed tones "You know you want me. Pick me for your bath tonight."  

The scent is just as enticing. The blend of notes create a deep and spicy scent that is right up my street when it comes to fragrance. It smells like you have walked out of your bathroom and stepped in to a spa. It is just divine. Once a bottle of this foam bath is merely in your presence, the bergamot, jasmine and cedarwood waltz their way in to your nostrils and bring about this sense of calm that is inescapable. 

The consistency of the foam bath is thick without being gloopy, and bubbles up under running hot water beautifully. Before you know it your bath is filled with fluffy, amazing-smelling bubbles that bob up and down on the water. Unlike quite a lot of the bath foams I've tried, the bubbles don't melt. They glide on the water for ages, and keep the spicy scent filtering in to your presence.  After the bath is over, the fragrance lingers on your skin, and makes you feel like you have just left a luxury spa treatment. 

I honestly cannot sing the praises of little bottle of bath-time joy enough. Boyfriend and I are on our second bottle, and we are both dreading the day that it is all gone. There is no question about it. We will be investing in this foam bath again. It's going to be a battle to decide who gets to have the last drop in their bath. At £18.00 a bottle it is a touch on the pricier side, but in my opinion, it is worth every single penny. The Boy and I both get so much enjoyment out of having it in our lives that I don't think we'd know where we were without it.

 There is nothing like coming home from the gym, or a really long day, and slipping yourself in to those soapy, spicy suds. 

To find out about the ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Foam Bath, or any other ESPA product, head to: 

http://www.espaskincare.com/

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! 

Ginger Fashion: Halloween 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! 

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!

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

#Blogtember Day Eleven: The Wedding Planners

It really only does seem like yesterday that Boyfriend and I were gazing out at the Eiffel Tower's beam spinning round and round and listening to Pink Floyd....But, now six weeks down the line, the wedding planning is now in complete full swing! 

I may have started the planning by myself, but now that Boyfriend has become equally as involved I wanted to film the next part in my #Ginger Gets Engaged series to update you all on how far we have gotten. We may seem to have done quite a lot, but I really don't want to be sweating the big stuff over Christmas. I just love that time of year too much! 

I still have to do a double take sometimes to really believe that all this has happened. I mean. In two years time I will be married....how weird and marvellously cool is that? 

If you have any wedding planning tips, want to share your wedding planning story, or have any pearls of wedding wisdom, please drop me a line in the comments below! I'd love to network with other brides out there to share some ideas around.

Ps: To catch up on the first instalment of the series, click the picture below!

#Blogtember Day Two: The Best Eye Make Up Remover I've Found!

I suffer from incredible sensitive skin, particularly on my face. I have to be so careful when it comes to finding new cleansers, masks, toners and moisturisers to use because my skin can react so quickly to ingredients that may be too harsh. This seems to be even more tricky when it comes to finding products that are eye friendly. Because of my skin tone and hair colour, the skin underneath my eyes is particularly thin and irritable. This makes using make up remover there almost impossible. 

It was at The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil launch event in Liverpool One that Sarah (Saloca in Wonderand) introduced me to The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make Up Remover. She absolutely sung its praises, and when I mentioned how sensitive my eyes were, she assured me that the product wouldn't irritate me at all.

What could I do but give it a go? 

This is honestly (so far) the most amazing and gentle make up remover I've found. At £8.00 for a 150ml bottle it isn't overly expensive either! The packaging is gorgeous in its simplicity. A clear bottle with a slightly blue hue and decorated with two pictures of camomile flowers. I like that the packaging is understated. It doesn't need to be OTT, and the clear bottle means you are well aware of how much solution you have left and if it is mixed properly (you have to shake it to activate it.)

Although on The Body Shop website, it says the product has no fragrance, to me at least, the remover does has a faint scent of camomile to it. But this is in no way overbearing and has no effect on the skin. It is easy to apply too....simply shake the bottle to activate the product, pour some on to a cotton pad, and apply to the area where make up needs to be removed. And voila! In only a matter of seconds all your make up is removed with no trace that it had ever been in place. 

I've only had it a matter of weeks, but The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover is the best thing for my eyes I have tried. It does not irritate my skin, and does a great job at removing all the eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and brow gel I apply. For somebody who finds it incredibly hard to find products that successfully remove all my eye make up without having that unbearable stinging sensation that leaves you momentarily blinded and searching for something to wipe away the pain. 

So if this tale of picky skin, irritated eyes, and last night's mascara that you are still trying to take off rings true for you, definitely consider giving this make up remover a go. Cos' now that I've added it to my skincare routine, it's here to stay! 

North West Bloggers Event: 1st June 2014

Back at the start of June, the second North West Bloggers Meet Up took place. The lovely Hannah (Words by Hannah Rosalie) spent a long time organising the event, and on a very sunny Sunday afternoon, Sarah (Saloca in Wonderland) & I headed down in to town ready to attend the event, starting off, of course, with an obligatory coffee and cake stop!

The event took place in one of the Revolution's in Liverpool. I'm not sure of the exact name of the bar but if you know Liverpool, it's the one closest to the Cavern Club...I think it's recently been refurbished, and I couldn't get over how chic it looked inside. It was the perfect venue for the meet up. Everyone seemed to congregate downstairs in the main bar prior to the event itself which gave us time to have a  life catch up and indulge in a cheeky cocktail or two. (They had my favourite cocktail on the menu...WIN!) It was so lovely to see so many bloggers again, and this time not have to tentatively use the "Are you (insert name here) on Twitter?)

After a couple of minutes hanging out downstairs we headed on up to the meet up. Unlike the first North West Bloggers Meet Up I went to, I wasn't half as nervous because I already felt like I knew some of the girls who were there. Whether we had met before, or talked on Twitter, the atmosphere was just so rich and lovely I didn't feel awkward being my stupid-self around anybody. And THAT for me is always a good sign.

Snacks and treats were set out for us to munch on throughout the day, and a barman appeared upstairs so we didn't have to constantly head downstairs to the bar. There were doughnuts and sweet-filled champagne flutes galore and Carrieanne (Beauties Unlocked) had made some cute cupcakes for the occassion. We were a very spoilt bunch indeed

Hannah had done such a fab job organising the event and having lots of lovely stalls for us to peruse. The Krispy Kreme Selfies went down a storm. I don't think I've ever laughed so much about food before! Teardrop Designs had a stall, showcasing some of their lovely jewellery, alongside Urban Calm, Rebekah Treheme who was giving airbrush foundation demos and made my face look flawless, and a company called Green Bubbles, who I had never heard of before, but do the most gorgeous handmade soaps and body products. (they had me at the Lego soap!) Hannah had also arranged a raffle again, with prizes galore. Tickets were purchased as we entered the event space, and announced throughout the event.

  What I enjoyed most about the event was chatting away for what seemed like hours (and what actually was hours) to everybody. In my "normal life" it's so hard to help people understand about blogging, what it is, and why I love it so much, but at the event, I felt like all of my questions, fears, hopes and experiences could be free and everyone there could relate to me. Hannah and I were laughing about it on the day. At the start of the year we barely knew each other, and now there we were in June, firm friends. That's how powerful blogging can be at bringing people together. 

After the actual event itself had finished, some of us may have stayed behind to partake in some *whispers* shots. After a couple of games of shot roulette, grimaces, and a final Happy Hour cocktail order, those of us who were left headed to Nandos for some post-event eats and more blogger-talk. It really was a fabulous day, and I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you so much to Hannah for organising the event and putting such a wonderful day together for us (I don't know how you do it,) to all the sponsors, to Revolution for playing host (and including a Basil Grande in your cocktail menu - you official are awesome,) and to all the lovely blogging babes who came to the event. It was fantastic to see you all, have a chat, and unabashedly shout out Mean Girls quotes with you.

You go Glenn CoCo! 

The Perfect Imperfections Tag

You know when you are just sitting down in the evening, watching TV, hanging out, and then you have a great idea?!

Well, one night this past week, Boyfriend & I were vegged out on the sofa. I was watching YouTube videos, and then suddenly, the Perfect Imperfections Tag Video on Bamblings of Naffy popped up as a recommendation. 

It really got Boyfriend & I talking and we (well he actually) decided that it would be a really cool video to film. 

It is so important to remember that no matter what "imperfections" or "perfections" that you have, to love you for the person you are as a whole. Remember, there is nobody out there just like you, so we should celebrate who we are as individuals, and not focus on the things that get us down about ourselves. 

We are perfect, just the way we are! 

Ginger's Jollies: Center Parcs 2014

It has been nearly a whole month since Boyfriend and I set off on our first holiday together. I can hardly believe it. Even though we were only away for seven days, it felt like we were gone for about a month because we did so much travelling.

The first park of our holiday we spent at the Het Heijderbos Center Parc in The Netherlands with my parents. I don't really get to see them that much so it was lovely to get to spend time with them. And because Boyfriend gets on so well with both Mama and Papa Ginger it meant that we could all do things together. 

It was such a wonderful week that it felt like it lasted forever. We had visitors, went out for the day to local towns, hopped over the border to Germany to go shopping, ate lots of amazing food and indulged in a few cheeky tipples. It was exactly what we needed to completely relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the everyday chaos (sometimes) of our lives.

(And of course I took my video camera along to capture the holiday.)

Have you ever been to one of the European Center Parcs? What did you think? 

For more information about Center Parcs, visit: 

http://www.centerparcs.com/

Ginger Fashion: Be Original

T-Shirt: Original Attire (received at the NWBLPOOL event). Vest Top: H&M. Skater Skirt: Primark.

I think the last time I wore an oversized t-shirt was in the 90s. Ever since then, I've been a bit afraid of them. Don't get me wrong, I love a good graphic print tee, but the idea of wearing a big, baggy one alwayus sent me into a bit of a fluster. 

But when I received an Original Attire t shirt as part of the North West Bloggers event goody bag, I got really excited. Instant flashes of how I could layer it went flying through my head. 

I apologise for my horrendous attempt at modelling

Having a monochrome base to work with makes it really easy to style the t-shirt. Opting to layer, I did my tried and tested hair tie trick and hitched up the side to create a cropped effect. I felt so comfortable-casual, and yet really pretty and girlie at the same time: something I never thought I'd get out of a t-shirt! 

This t-shirt looks great with a skirt. What has made me click with it instantly is that I know I can team it with anything - leggings, jeggings, denim shorts, oversized cardigans, shirts, high-waisted jeans - I know it's going to be a go-to staple in my wardrobe from now on.. And I can't wait to add more Original Attire pieces to my wardrobe! 

#NWBLPOOL: North West Bloggers Event

Photo Credit: Saloca in Wonderland

On 2nd March, North West Bloggers held their very first event at the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool. The networking event was organised by Hannah (Words By Hannah Rosalie.) Lending an additional hosting hand was Frances (Frances Cassandra.) 

 To say that I was excited to attend would be a complete and utter understatement. This was going to be my first ever blogger-related event that I had attended, and every time I thought about it, I did a little internal jig of happiness. 

What I love so much about blogging is that I get to share my passion with an absolutely lovely community. 

We may not have ever met each other in person, but we are all out there, supporting each other. To get the chance to meet some of my fellow blogger friends in the flesh was going to be wonderful. 

The setting for the event took place in Hari's Bar - a cosy, intimate bar within the Hard Days Night Hotel - and in the adjacent function room. The location could not have been more perfect. For a first time event, the space wasn't overwhelmingly big. There was no way you felt like a dingus going up to people and striking up a conversation. A plethora of yummy treats greeted us as soon as we walked through the door....PopChips, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Jelly Beans galore, and a stand of sensationally creamy-looking cupcakes made by Carrie-Anne (Beauties Unlocked.)

Of course, Sarah and I wasted no time and headed straight on down to the function room to investigate all the stalls. We were immediately drawn in my the Teardrop Designs table and their gorgeous array of jewellery. Being the total magpie that I am, a bracelet and necklace from their gorgeous selection made their way in to my handbag.

There were a number of stalls to explore, including ones with representatives from St Moriz, Fashion Zoo & Skinetica. I had a quick peruse over their goodies on display but then, like a moth to a flame, I was drawn over to the Lush stall (what do you mean you could have guessed?) 

Lush Spa Liverpool is - without fail - one of my all-time favourite places to go to every time I am in town. The staff are friendly, the products are divine, and, well, I think you know how I feel about the spa treatments. The stall was bright and inviting, and I spent so long talking to the staff that the time slipped away. What made it all the more exciting was that Jen Hunter  was there, giving make up demonstrations! Well, I had to jump right on to that bandwagon didn't I and sample one of the lip stains? Starting out knowing nothing about the Lush cosmetic range, after my chat with Jen, I am definitely going to be giving it a go!

L-R: Bathroom Selfies w. Sarah. ASOS Floral Playsuit. Goody Bag & Prizes

Throughout the day, a raffle table sat in the corner. At any point you could go over and buy raffle tickets in the hope of nabbing one of the fabulous prizes on offer. Of course, Sarah and I headed eagerly over and picked up our tickets. I couldn't actually believe my eyes gazing at the goodies that you could win (Thank you so much North West Bloggers.) Winners were announced through Twitter over the course of the event. Me, being me, had completely glossed over the fact that I could pick up Wi-Fi, so assuming I couldn't access the internet (no data left,) popped my tickets in to my bag and promptly forgot about them. So you can imagine my utter delight when Sarah gently nudged me and declared, "you've won something." 

I WON A HAIRDRYER!!!! OH. EM. GEE! 

My Raffle Prize, Teardrop Purchases & Goody Bag Contents

As the event began to draw to a close, we were each given a very generous goody bag absolutely fit to burst with amazing treats for us all. I was completely overwhelmed by it all and felt incredibly blessed. How lucky we were! The North West Bloggers team must've worked tirelessly to put these bags together. They were filled with products from Lush, St Moriz, Nair, Benefit, Q, Original Attire, Crown Brushes....the list goes on! 

The whole day was just wonderful and it was so lovely to meet so many marvellous bloggers from the North West. I can't thank Hannah, Frances, North West Bloggers, and all involved in putting this event together for us, setting up, and making the day so amazing. There are already talks of a second event taking place in a few months, and I cannot actually wait! 

I feel even more a part of the wonderful blogging community that's out there than ever. You can be sure that I'll be attending any other North West Bloggers events in the future.