Quick catch up...

Hi guys

So sorry that I haven't written for a while. To be completely honest, being a beauty blogger is very expensive when you don't get things sent to you for free.
I've been really busy though recently as well. I've changed offices at my current job and had a lot going on in my personal life.

• About 3 months ago, my boyfriend and I broke up. We've since got back together, which is great but as you can imagine, it caused a lot of upset at the time. 
• I'm really wanting to try and write a book of some kind but every time I get an idea in my head, it vanishes as quickly as it arrives. 
• I'm also trying to lose some weight and get fitter and so far - I've gained weight!!!! #waytogo 

Regarding that last point, my old Fitbit broke a while back and I wasn't able to afford a new one so I asked for one as a present for my birthday (three weeks ago). I've worn it every day since. I always try really hard to hit my target of 10,000 steps. Some days I do it really easily and other days I struggle to even get to 5000. As I type, I'm currently stuck at 9606 steps. I went for a long walk earlier and got to 9000 and have barely moved since! However, my appetite has increased recently so despite all the walking I'm doing, I still haven't lost anything. Talk about frustrating. 

I haven't had a takeaway in over three months
I barely drink alcohol
I'm walking a lot
I've even started eating (and enjoying) avocados
There's a form of green tea that I can finally drink and enjoy too - Twinings Salted Caramel.

I'm trying to read a bit more too. Recently I have read a few books that I have really enjoyed and all are pictured below. I'm currently reading 'The Girl on the Train' but haven't got very far into it yet. I've also got a list of other books I want to read (all listed on my 'Wunderlist' App) and there are 31 altogether. 31. All 31 of these books, I own and haven't yet read. So, on that note - I best shut up and get reading. :)

Bye for now :) xxx

Have you discovered ARBONNE yet?

Hi Guys

I just thought you should know that if you haven't yet discovered or come across Arbonne in any way - it's time you did. 
Arbonne do everything you could wish for from Skincare, Bath & Body, Hair and Make Up to all things Nutrition! All I can show you today is a very tiny sample of their products. 

The four small samples at the bottom of that photo, I haven't yet started on. Although one of them is the Primer (which I'll talk about later). 

• The first sample is part of the Arbonne Intelligence range - Rejuvenating Cream. It can be used on your face and body, focusing on dry/rough patches. It has botanical emollients to help replenish moisture. The current RRP is £30 for 57ml

1. The second sample you can see if from the RE9 Advanced range - Lifting and Contouring Eye Cream. This claims to give you the appreance of more awakened, lifted skin around the eye area when used morning and night. I'm definitely looking forward to giving this a go. Current RRP is £48 for 15ml (A little goes a long way). 

• Finally with the samples we have the Cellular Renewal Masque - Also from the RE9 Advanced range. This MUST be used on a night before bed as it will make your face go red - totally normal and expected, but you won't want to go out like that. After cleansing, apply the masque and leave on for 5 minutes. Remove using more of the cleanser. It gently exfoliates to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture & leaves a radiant glow. Current RRP £54 for 49ml. 

Now - Onto the products and I can honestly say I have tried and LOVED. Especially the Primer and Foundation. 

Make Up Primer

This Primer is becoming one of the most popular in the US & UK. Simon Cowell uses this for crying out loud. It creates a beautiful smooth surface for your make up to glide over. 

It looks a bit like a jelly. It goes on clear, there is no colour to it at all. If you don't like to wear a lot of make up, you can even just wear this on its own. The pump action means you don't need to waste any. One pump is usually enough. My make up looks flawless whenever I use this. Although I tend to save it for special occasions. 

Current RRP £27 for 30ml

Perfecting Liquid Foundation with SPF 15. 
This is as good as the name suggests. Its perfect. I've used so many different foundations in the past and never bought a single one for a 2nd time. In fact, I rarely finish the bottle. As you can see from the picture, this is nearly finished and I've ordered a new one already. 

 It gives fantastic coverage and lasts all day. It has the added bonus of SPF15 in it. I got mine the colour Buff. As with the primer, it is pump action so you don't have any wastage. I generally use 1 or 1& ½ pumps and thats more than enough for me. I don't wear make up every single day, but I wear it a lot and this has lasted me since November & with whats left, it will probably take me towards May. So it averages at around 6 months when used regularly. 

Current RRP £32 for 30ml

It's a Long Story Mascara - Available in Black (but towards Christmas, they do a purple one). 
The purple one isn't very dark. It's best used on top of the black just to make the ends of your lashes pop a bit more. 
The black one is very good. I'm very fickle when it comes to Mascara and this one, I like.  

Firstly, the packaging is really nice. Secondly, the brush is my favourite type. (I much prefer a brush to a comb.) Thirdly, it's great for creating fuller, thicker lashes. It also contains somethings called Panthenol (Also known as Pro vitamin B5) which helps to soften and condition lashes. 

Current RRP £26

Sheer Glow Highlighter

This is a luminescent highlighter that adds radiance and a soft glow. 

It's another lovely product that looks great, but not for every day use. 

It also needs rubbing nicely into fingers and patting onto the skin rather than straight on. If you go straight on, it can mess with your foundation.

This isn't one of my favourites, but I do like it and definitely recommend it. Don't overdo it. Too much can look silly!

Current RRP £32 for 30ml

Overall, I'm a convert. I love Arbonne. Do I wish it was cheaper? - Yes, of course I do.

But - these are high quality products and they're worth the money.

They don't advertise, they are sold mainly through word of mouth. They're in the US, the UK, Australia and many other countries. They're currently expanding into Poland and considering others. They're doing really well and it's because the products sell themselves.

Take a look for yourself : 

http://www.arbonne.com/pws/international.aspx?ref=/pws/homeoffice/tabs/home.aspx

or message me for more information...

Twitter: @emsky1329

Instagram: Emmavic1329

Snapchat: emsky1329 or Emma Parkinson

Facebook: Stardust Beauty Blog

The Body Coach - My 90 Day SSS Journey

I have no willpower whatsoever when it comes to dieting. So a few days ago I decided to join up to The Body Coach 90 day SSS. I knew it was going to be hard and I was going to start missing chocolate and crisps straight away but I decided it was the best thing to do to motivate myself.

I've paid for it, so I've got to do it. Plus, my boyfriend won't let me slack off even for a day!!

Just for a second, lets go back a few weeks: Just recently I've had a chest infection, which affected my asthma, which has resulted in me being on two lots of antibiotics, one lot of steroids, blood tests and a chest X-Ray. 

I signed up for this programme and waited patiently for my pack to be sent through. The day before it arrived I've now ended up with a really bad cold and my cough has come back. Marvellous! 

I've not let it out me off though and this morning I attempted my first HIIT session. 

I couldn't finish it. By the end of what I did manage I felt like I was dying. 

I walked downstairs and my legs had turned to jelly. 

I downed my second lot of BCAA and then went in the shower. I then drank my protein shake (Cinnamon - gorgeous!) and made my first Build up Bagel. Again, I couldn't finish it all. I'm a grazer so getting used to all this food is going to be hard.

I'm also failing straight away because I'm now going for a birthday meal for Jacks Step mum. I will hopefully find a meal very similar to what I'm allowed to eat and I've also said I'll drive - so no alcohol. 

I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. So far, day one - not ideal. Tomorrow I plan on getting up earlier enough to do scrambled eggs and lunch is already prepared (Tuna Salad). Not snacking is going to be so hard!! I'm allowed a protein shake and 50g of fruit. Not much compared to what I normally snack on.

#Leanin15 - My review of the UK's Best Selling Book

Joe Wicks - The Body Coach - Lean In 15

Before and After

This is my review of the UK's best selling book of 2015/2016

The title of my Blog says it all really. This is a best selling book and its best selling for a reason. I've looked at many recipe/diet/lifestyle books and this is by far one of the best. It's very well written and easy to follow. The recipes are fantastic and none of them use super fancy food that no one has ever heard of before.

By total coincidence, my boyfriend bought this book at the same time as me and we had it delivered on the same day. We were looking through that evening and decided that the very next day we would try one of the recipes. We went for page 72. Tomato and Chorizo. Below is the result - and can I just say, we were very proud of ourselves!! It tasted fantastic. We couldn't find any Spring onion in the supermarket so we decided to use Spinach instead and it went perfectly.

The back of the book consists of some before and after photo's of normal people that have tried Joe's 90 Day SSS Plan. They all look incredible.

He also has a few pictures and instructions on HIIT workouts.

The Hiit workouts look great but they're flippin' hard work. I decided to go on Youtube and watch a proper video to do my HIIT workout. Joe Wicks does 4 rounds - I managed 3. Not too bad for my first attempt.

Yesterday I did my own version of the Italian Stallion Sausages. Unfortunately, we were too hungry and just ate it straight away before I thought about taking a picture. I used my Pampered Chef chopper to make the courgettes and onions very small rather than chunky. It tasted beautiful and I'll be recommending/doing again soon. It was a lot more a soup/stew than I imagined but that's probably due to how finely chopped the veg was. I also added about 12 Cherry Tomatoes rather than the 4 or 6 he recommends and I added some red pepper. Beautiful!

I've got the ingredients to be trying Cauliflower Cous-cous Chicken Salad, Cheesy Chorizo, Chicken & Spinach and the Goan Fish Curry. Think I'll be cooking this afternoon!!

UPDATE:

You can see the steam it's that hot!! This is plateful of Cheesy Chorizo, Chicken & Spinach. It was beautiful. I did part spinach, part kale and I didn't add any nits. Other than that, the recipe was the same. Another one that I'll happily make again!

I just need to learn to 'prep like a pro' and I'll be all sorted!!!

I hope you all enjoyed reading this post. Follow me on Instagram @emsky1329 for more food pics and ideas. 

Bye Guys xxx

***Happy New Year 2016***

Hi Everyone. Hope you've all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. 

I've not written a blog for a while, due to being so busy over the last few weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to normal now and continue doing blog posts. 

I'm writing this on the 2nd January. Already I've had a good start to my New Year. I've actually made some resolutions this year and I hope I can stick to them. It's not often I even bother making them. 

1.       Keep going to the gym.

2.       As little alcohol as possible. (I'm doing dry January - more about that later)

3.       Stop spending on rubbish and budget better to save more.

4.       Start writing my book and keep going with blog.

5.       Eat healthy.

6.       Keep a To Do List.

That's right, I've gone from doing no resolutions whatsoever, to 6!

I started going to DW gym in November and I've been enjoying it. Always feel much better after I've been but my motivation isn't very good. I've only ever been once on my own, so that needs to change.

I've always wanted to write a book so hopefully 2016 will be the year that finally gets started.

I definitely need to start keeping 'to do' lists. Especially for things around the house. 

On to Dry January - I've signed up to do the Cancer Research Dryathlon. With one major clause... I get to drink on the 23rd!!! It's our annual Pride Awards with work and I can't not drink there!!!! 

Anyway, Other than, I will be doing dry January. Because I'm doing it for Cancer Research, I need people to sponsor me. I've already admitted there will be one evening where I won't do it, but to make up for that, I'm going to continue it into February. 

If you'd like to sponsor me, just copy this link into your web browser... https://www.justgiving.com/Emma-Parkinson-dryathlete1329/

It is only the 2nd Jan, but so far I've been eating a lot better, drinking lots of water (hot & cold) and I've been to the Gym today and plan to go again tomorrow. 

Oh and by the way... this was how I celebrated my New Years Eve - A night in with my boyfriend and my cat. So guess what, no hangover yesterday :)

Hope you all have a fantastic 2016. Don't forget you can follow me on Instagram - emsky1329 and Facebook - Stardust Beauty Blogger

Ciao for now :) xxx

Eating Healthy and Doing Exercise. It's Easy... Right?

2015 has been the year of 'healthy'. There are so many new books coming out about a healthier lifestyle, new recipe books, all with healthy foods in them. Yet somehow, as a 27 year old normal girl with a full time job, I still struggle to find the time and money to eat healthily.

I have just recently joined the gym (again) and plan to stick to it this time. I'm determined to fit into my Bodycon dress by the end of January. I also keep buying the lifestyle books I've become addicted to. 'Made' by Millie Mackintosh is a recent favourite. Maria Menounos has done two books so far, the first of which, 'The EveryGirls Guide to Life' is my Bible. Girls like Binky Felstead from 'Made in Chelsea' are even putting short exercise videos onto Instagram for us to watch and copy. I love all of these things. I love hearing about them, watching them, reading them. Yet somehow, I can't seem to be able to follow them.

I find healthy food to be very expensive. How cheap and quick is it do a pizza? £1.00 and 15 minutes. If you're in a rush, It's the easiest option. How quickly does salad stuff go off? When you live on your own and not having salad for every single meal... very quickly! I seem to waste more food than I eat. And that's not to mention the jargon that comes with healthy eating. What on earth is that green powdery stuff you're supposed to stick in your juicer these days? It's weird, that's what it is.


I won't lie to you; I'm eating a pizza right now. It's only a tiny one, but I was late home, there is very little food in the house and thanks to a rather unexpected expensive weekend, I'm now officially broke until pay day. So I 'cooked' the quickest and easiest thing I could find. A Pepperoni Pizza. And you want to know something else? I'm not even enjoying it. Right now, I'd honestly much rather be eating a nice healthy vegetable soup.

Convenience and money are my main problems. I think my New Years resolution should be to finally pay attention to these books I keep reading. Learn how to cook for one and not waste food. Going to the gym is great... slightly pointless though if I'm going to sit here eating a pizza.

The Best Beauty Advent Calenders for 2015 (plus, bag one half price...)

Hi Guys

Welcome to my new blog post. This time, we're talking about the amazing new Beauty Advent Calenders. Read on to see which one you want in time for December 1st...

I would firstly like to say that isn't an Ad. I haven't been contacted by any of the stores I'm about to mention to write this...

I'm going to start with my favourite one and the one that I currently have ready and waiting for me to open in just over two weeks time.

Ciate Mini Mani Month - rrp £50.00 - http://www.tkmaxx.com/new-in-beauty/mini-mani-month-nail-beauty-set/invt/42081031

This gorgeous advent calender is definitely for the nail polish lover. It is a beautiful box decorated with a London scene and features all 24 doors for the run up to Christmas. It has a different nail colour treatment behind every door and includes 17 colours, 2 nail toppers, 3 treatments, a mini glass nail file and a mystery colour full sized pot.

I have put above that the price for this one is £50.00 - However, follow the link above to TK Maxx and you'll be in for a very pleasant surprise. Its currently half price! Yep, you read that correctly. TK Maxx are selling this advent calender for £24.99 (Hurry, before they all go)

Body Shop 24 Happy Days - £60.00 - http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/gifts/over-30-gifts/beauty-advent-calendar-2015.aspx?

Sadly, I can't find this one any cheaper that its RRP of £60.00. However, looking at it, I'd say it's definitely worth the money if you're a body shop fan. It is worth a grand total of £93.50 and contains all sorts of different products. Again this calender has 24 days and has body care, bath stuff, make up, fragrance. Below is the full list from their website. Personally, I love the Fuji Green Tea scent.

• Frosted Cranberry Heart Soap 25g
• Frosted Cranberry Shimmer Lotion 60ml
• Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel 15ml
• Colour Crush™ Nail Colour 6.8ml (Relish the Moment)
• Eye Definer Black 1.25g
• Mini Nail File
• Almond Hand and Nail Cream 30ml
• Shea Shower Cream 60ml
• Shea Body Butter 50ml
• Shea Heart Soap 25g
• Eyeshadow Brush
• Wild Argan Oil Shower Gel 60ml
• Vitamin E Moisture Cream 15ml
• Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream 15ml
• Fuji Green Tea™ Shower Gel 60ml
• Fuji Green Tea™ Body Lotion 60ml
• Green Mini Crinkle Bath Lily
• Italian Summer Fig Eau de Toilette 10ml
• Vitamin E Hydrating Toner 60ml
• Eyelash Curler
• Strawberry Lip Butter 10ml
• Strawberry Hand Cream 30ml
• Honeymania™ Lip Balm 10 ml
• Frosted Plum Body Lotion 60ml
• Frosted Plum Heart Soap 25g

Feel Unique 12 Days of Unique Beauty - £30.00 - http://www.feelunique.com/p/feelunique-Beauty-Calendar-Exclusive

The Value of this box is £85.00 according to their website. Its a complete surprise what is in there so I can't say too much about this one. The website says "Behind each door one of your favourite brands is waiting to be discovered, from NUXE and Philip Kingsley to Grown Alchemist and this works, the beauty elves have put together a treasure trove of full-size and travel-size luxuries to be enjoyed." 

I do know as well that there is a Fleur De Force product in there from her new range. I believe its one of the eye shadow quads. It looks fantastic. It's only 12 doors as opposed to the 24 the others are doing, but the products, from what I can gather are definitely worth it. 

Just to make you aware, it is fairly easy to get a discount code for Feel Unique. You can Google search and usually one will come up. The website do fairly regularly have 10-20% off as well. Again, these are selling fairly quickly so hurry if you want to order one. 

Marks and Spencer Ultimate Beauty - £200 (or £25 if you spend £25 or more on other beauty products) - http://www.marksandspencer.com/christmas-advent-calendar/p/p22428282

Starting Tuesday, this £200 advent calender is only £25 when you spend £25 or more on beauty products. Pretty much, the bargain on Christmas. Featuring 24 beauty treats from iconic brands such as L'Occitanne, Leighton Denny, Stila and Cowshed. 

Plus, if you order online, you can get free delivery to your nearest store. 

Selfridges Beauty Workshop - £60.00 - http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/beauty-workshop-beauty-workshop-advent-calendar-2015_277-2062014-ADVENTBWS/

Also 24 doors and featuring over £226 worth of products. I've had to steal from the website again as the desciption doesn't give too much away. 

Selfridges Beauty Workshop Advent Calendar

Includes:

Tweezerman Petite Slant Purple Reign

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner

Eve Lom Cleanser 20ml and Cloth

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 7ml

OCC Gold Glitter

James Reed Tan Peel Mask 25ml

Caudalie Divine Oil

Merci Handy Hand Sanitizer

and many more...

Lets face it, its Selfridges. You know its going to be good value for money. Its completely covered in stars too. What more could a girl want. 

                                         

There are sooo many more that I could show you. These are just a few of the best. The cheapest I could find at just £20 is from House of Fraser but its currently out of stock on the website. You may still able to get it in store though. 

Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter - @emsky1329 , Instagram - emsky1329 and Facebook - Stardust Beauty Blog. 

Have a fantastic time picking out your favourite advent calender. Let me know via Twitter or Instagram which one your favourite is. 

Bye for now xxx