Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Base and Top Coat - Review

 

I recently got the Sally Hansen French Manicure Pen kit for my Birthday, and since I have not had the opportunity to use the white pen or the pink colour, I will just review the base coat for now.

 

Firstly, this is my very first time buying an expensive nail product. I am very impressed with how quick it dries. It's just great. Usually, I wait for hours and still smudge colour! So this element was good. It looked great alone and gave my natural nails a very clean shiny finish. The only thing I didn't like about it was that after about 2 days wear, it started to wear off. And what I mean by that was that there were no chips "technically" it's just that after having a shower the sides and tip seemed to evaporate or something and the more showers, the more this happened. I'm not sure if it was the shampoo or the hot water....Apart from this, I could get away with this look, since it is discreet for a few days. And after applying 2 coats the second time around, it seemed to extend the wear for a few more days. So I do recommend, but I think it would probably be better in the summer, when cold showers are on the list of things to do.

 

Laura xx

 

 

 

 





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Crying is prohibited!



 

 

A beautiful, touching video has been released as World Down Syndrome Day approaches on the 21st of March. If you haven't already seen it, I invite you to take a look.  

 

 

Crying is strictly prohibited! lol.

 I think people need a re-awakening as to the beauty of down syndrome children. Since we no longer have as many of them around, due to abortion, people are somehow afraid of them and don't seem to remember that they are harder to bring up, but still very beautiful and very worth keeping.

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How to find your perfect bold lip colour

I read a perfect post on Kate's blog "The Small Things blog." It answered a question I've been asking myself, for a long time. Some are lipstick ladies and some aren't, but  most want to find something for a special occasion. Perhaps the reason for being against lipstick on you, might actually be that you've never found a good one that looks great on you. There's a trick to every makeup product in your bag. Unfortunately, lipstick is one of the harder ones......

Anyway, enough ramble. Check it out "The Small things Blog"





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Blog Renovation

Sorry for any difficulties you may be experiencing with Tales of Romance at the moment.
I am currently renovating (you might call it that) and experimenting with a few things.
This shouldn't take long and hopefully everything will be up and working within a few days.

 

Laura xx



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Sew Cute!

Well, after a long struggle with computer problems, I'm back!
I don't know about you, but I think it feels great to be in a new year. 2014! It feels refreshing.
This year, I really pondered what it would be like if we didn't actually start over again and call it a new year! And all I can say is, thank goodness we do.

New year's resolutions are always one of my favourite things about starting again. I have plenty every year, but this year, mine are all about skills mostly. Like sewing and cake decorating for example. Things I've always wanted to do better. Over the next few weeks I thought it would be nice to share thoughts on our New Year resolutions and tips to help us accomplish our little projects.

I might try my hand at something like this soon. Simply love these kind of simple, day dresses.

 

I was born in the wrong era!

 

Laura xx

 

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Lime Sherbet Punch

Whether it's getting cooler your way, or hotter, there's no day, that I'd say no to a cold, refreshing punch.

 

For the recipe click here

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My First Fashion Photo! - Keep it simple!





Learning how to pose is hard and kinda funny when you're doin it!



 

Especially when you're sister has no idea what you're even doing!

 

 

The theme today is keep it simple. Maxi style! Plain maxi, mix and match patterned tops and then accessorise!! I'm wearing pearls. After following this blog for a while you will learn (school teacher voice) that I love pearls!

 

Tell me how I did and what you think below!

 

xx

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Hair Dare

 

Found this cute hairstyle tutorial on latest-hairstyles.com and thought my gal friends would like it. I always though ribbon in hair was old fashioned looking, but this lady makes it look so sweet and feminine. Next time I'm in the sewing shop, I'm going to pick out a few colors of ribbon and try it myself. Below is the exact instructions, but I think it looks pretty straightforward.

 

1. Create a side part and wrap the ribbon under the hair and up to the top of the head. Tie it in a bow and place it slightly off center.
2. Smooth all the hair back and place the ribbon over the top about an inch from the hairline. Tie the ends together and hide them underneath the hair in the back.
3. Take a section of hair from right behind the front hairline and tie the ribbon around it. Pull some hair loose to create a small bump. Let the ribbon hang longer with the tails falling down each side of the head.
4. Create a pompadour and secure the ribbon around the clear elastic band on the top of the head.
5. Pull the hair back into a half up, half down style and secure it with the ribbon at the middle of the head.
6. Take two, 2-inch sections and braid them towards the back of the head. Secure the braids together with the ribbon.
7. Smooth the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Secure it in place with the ribbon.
8. Brush all the hair to the side of the head behind one ear, and tie in with the ribbon. Leave the tail falling forward over the shoulder.
9. Comb all the hair into a high ponytail at the top to middle portion of the back of the head. Use the ribbon to hold it in place.
10. Start at the left side of the head and French braid the hair down to the bottom of the right ear. Tie the braid in place with the ribbon.
11. Pull all the hair to one side and braid into a single braid. Wrap the end with the ribbon, leaving a few inches of hair below it.
12. Create a single French braid down the back of the head, stopping at the nape of the neck. Fasten the hair with the ribbon letting the bottom portion fall free.
13. Smooth the hair into a sleek low bun. Wrap the ribbon over the top of the head about two inches from the hairline. Tie the ends and hide them underneath the bun.
14. Pull the hair up into a high top knot. Place the ribbon over the top of the head, securing the ends at the nape of the neck with a knot.
15. Fasten the ribbon onto a hair pin and tie two symmetrical bows. Create a deep side part and slide the hair pin into the hair about two inches above the ear.

Read more at http://www.latest-hairstyles.com/tutorials/ways-to-style-hair-with-a-ribbon.html#lXQ5GigW4J0RyEcy.99

 

So reach for your favorite ribbon and try it today.

 

xx

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Radiance Magazine

In a world that is ever changing, (and not in the right direction I'm afraid to say) it is becoming harder every year for us gals (and that goes for guys as well) to find some engaging material to read, or watch. Something that challenges us, inspires us and helps to keep our eyes focused on the real in this truly, unrealistic world!

 When it comes to love, fashion, beauty, body, health, and beliefs, we are being cunningly invited on a day to day basis to engage in publications that lead us very quickly away from who woman really is and what she's expected to focus on all the time.

What we truly need, is talented people who can provide this inspiration and entertainment, but with the right perspective.

What we need and what very few people realise we have is Radiance!

From a team of experts comes a new magazine, hot off the press! Available in print and online. With beautifully detailed photographs and graphics, interesting topics and real interviews with real women, this has to be my favourite magazine, the best I've ever come across.

 Take a peek at past issues here: www.be-radiant.com and tell me what you thought!

 



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Toxic Wasteland - My Makeup Decision.

Coming from near death when I was 6 years of age with cancer and learning what causes this terrible epidemic of our time, will never leave me. Once you have the knowledge, you can't hide from it, and in the long run, no matter how annoying those facts are in effecting your life, you're actually better off with the info. An informed person has a decision to make, at least they have that decision.

Cancer is no mere mystery, and neither are other diseases and weird conditions that people suddenly get these days. The big companies are rotten to the core. They don't care what they put in their products. People are nothing to them. And if those people like how their products perform, smell and cost, if that makes them money, then they would put anything in them for all they care!

Beauty products, household products and even food are tainted by toxicity.
After recently starting out on the makeup journey and delving deep into how to get flawless skin, the perfect lashes and the all important lip colour, I can't ignore that health and what I put on my skin everyday will have long term effects, and matters just as much, if not more than those other factors.

So I'm ditching the old Maybelline Fit Me foundation and I'm the look out for a better option. So far, I've come across a few Organic or natural makeup companies. I'm currently ordering some samples from "Vapour" but if any of you can direct me to a better place or share your experiences with me, that would be really great. I'm not just after harmless products, but those that perform well too.
xx

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My Monthly Makeup Tip

Want a little lip colour to brighten your face but don't want to look like you're wearing it? Bright red, deep grape or shiny lip-gloss not your thing?

Well, when I'm wearing natural looking makeup, which is usually all the time, I just rub on my favourite lip balm and then dot as much lip stick as I want on top. Rubbing it all in and accentuating the lines well. Making the colour as dark or as pale as I like. I even make my own colour sometimes by using different shades.

My favourite at the moment is actually a brown cream eyeshadow pot which works really well with this pinkish AVON lip balm I have. I tie this all together with natural makeup, bit of bronzer and natural shade eyeshadow. Sometimes I just use the same blush or bronzer on my eyes.

Hope this helped. Remember, something on your lips is always better than nothing. The other makeup will make you look too washed out if you don't.

xx

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Race week

Grafton has been holding their race week this past week with the Grafton cup being the 100th.
The crowds almost doubled from last year and my hopes were high to join in on the hustle and bustle. But it was not to be........well sort of.

Last Sunday we went to the races, without going!

There are nice parks and lots of grass on the outskirts of the racecourse, so we just parked our car, alongside a few others (who were just as crazy and desperate as we were!) and waited for the races to start. Slept in between. Well Mum and I did. When they did start we chose a horse or two and listened to the race caller on the radio. It was surprisingly fun to see a pack of horses sweep past in half a second! Well....maybe not quite as fun as being there, but I managed to pick the winner on the last race and that really did make my race day, one of a kind.

xx

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I'm back!

Haven't been on for a while, but I am back!

Just letting you all know that the wedding dress game is still up and running. So get in and choose your favourite type by telling me the name of it in the comments box. Have fun!

xx

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New look - New name!

Hi everybody, as you may have noticed, Modern Modesty's had a revamp!
Tales of Romance is the same blog and the same girl. I just decided that modest fashion is not my only passion and that my blog needed an extension of interests. There are also going to be some changes like a new post everyday. lol And you will all be happy to know that I now have the funds to run competitions....so keep an eye out and keep checking the "competitions" section.

Hope you all enjoy the new look, and if you get the time, tell me what you think below,

Laura xx

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Messy Bun

Ever wanted something simple to do with your hair when it's been a couple of days since you've washed it? I found this neat up-do that would do just the trick. I'm going to see if I can perfect it. Thought you'd all like to watch the tutorial too!

And.....I think it's really cute!

Laura xx

http://vimeo.com/33513115

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Pancake Tuesday Vs Muffin Tuesday!

Tomorrow is Pancake Tuesday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a great fan of pancakes, but why not add my very favourite muffins to your menu tomorrow. They are currently my absolute favourite recipe! I’ll give you the original recipe and advise you on what I used. So go ahead and try my.......

 

Blueberry and Orange Muffins

 

Makes 12

2 cups of PF

4 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

¾ cup sugar

Zest of ½ orange

½ cup canola or other oil

½ cup plain or fruit-flavoured yoghurt (I used Jalna’s strawberry, but any is ok. I think strawberry is best)

½ cup orange juice (I used half fresh orange juice and half apple and mango juice)

1 large egg

1-11/2 cups blueberries

Preheat the oven to 220C (or 210C fan bake) with the rack just below the centre. Non- stick spray 12 standard muffin pans. (I used patty pans)

Sieve the first five ingredients into a fairly large bowl.

In another bowl combine the oil, yoghurt, orange juice and egg, and mix thoroughly.

Tip the egg mixture and fruit into the bowl containing dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture to incorporate all the ingredients so that the flour should be dampened, not smooth, and the berries keep their shape.

Evenly divide the mixture between the muffin pans and bake for 12-15 minutes until a muffin springs back when pressed. Leave the muffins to cool in the pans for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool.

Note: Use frozen free-flow blueberries when fresh aren’t available. To stop fozen blueberries staining the batter, use them before they thaw completely but note that muffins will take about 5 minutes longer to bake.

Don’t forget to taste the mixture!! That’s the best part! It’s also the best mixture you’ll ever taste!

 

 

Laura xx

 

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Wedding Dress Game

We all know that the a girl's dream wedding dress is the main focus of the big day.....yes? no? Anyway.....that's another discussion......The point is that every woman has a different idea of what she thinks is more beautiful. Whether you go for traditional or modern, talking wedding dresses has to be the most enjoyable past time. So, lets play a little voting game. I'll put up several wedding dresses and from those very few, choose your favourite. The point is to choose YOUR favourite, but if you happen to choose MY favourite then you go to round two if there's more than one girl. Your 2nd favourite, chose mine and you're through to round 3. Last girl standing wins! No prizes available at the moment though. So....join in and have a little fun. The more the merrier!

swan

lace

bow

snowflake

ruffles

 

Good Luck and have fun!

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Where have I been?

Well I don't know exactly! I'm still getting the hang of this whole blog thing and I've simply had more time for family, Christmas, siblings and a whole shopping list of other things besides getting on the computer every day!! Might sound weird to all you other teens out there, but my motto is "neglecting important duties, then neglect computer." Yesterday, computers weren't a part of everyone's lives, so if today they effect "living" then it can wait. So.......anyway, I'm back for the New Year and one of my resolutions is to post you something every day, but you know what!

Using my motto........it probably won't happen, knowing my life!

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Jacaranda "Queens"

Nearing the end of November (where has it gone!) prompted me to remember all of the things that have happened this past month. One which I forgot to mention was the Grafton Jacaranda Festival. A festival only held in Australia as far as I know and only one town. Basically the town is covered and the streets are lined with the Jacaranda tree. They blossom in November, sending out sprays of beautiful, vibrant purple flowers. The town deck themselves in purple and all are merry. (funny how people do that for a few days at certain times of the year....)

Anyway, one of the main events, that historically goes back a long way is the crowning of the Jacaranda Queen. Now, after actually seeing what goes on, and how they proceed to "judge" the candidates, I was really beginning to think that it was all just wrong. The idea that there is some ultimate girl who is more attractive than the others and it always seems to be the blonds...... I mean that's what it's all about! Now lets be honest girls, we're tired of being judged by our appearance! From the moment we are born we are expected to turn into that "package." What package? The one made up by others, the one we will never be and the image that maybe only one woman has in all the world naturally. We look at all these images that are air-brushed on every single magazine. And even the famous, have the professionals at their fingertips. Anyway, as much as we want to convince ourselves that we enjoy all the attention and would love to be in a competition, deep down we long for real love, REAL love and an end to all pressure and stress on our part! The truth is that every girl is just as beautiful as that one girl whom they crown. It's the soul that matters. The truly beautiful thing about women is how God made us. We should have care, concern and love for others. A compassion above all others and the tender loving care that only a women can give. Men and women are made differently. And we need to find what we were made to be! Hands of love, hands that make, care and nourish. That is half the reason why I am so against immodesty. Because, while I agree that women should have rights, we have gone too far. We have objectified ourselves! When you dress that way, what do you do? You are now purely an object. It wouldn't matter if you were ugly, men would hang off you!! They are only seeking to please their passions. So we're objects. And what happens to an object? Let's take a shiny new toaster. It's stainless steel. There are lots of fancy colours, but you prefer it at the moment to all else. You take it home and place it with pride on your kitchen bench. You use it every day, mind you, there's no "love" for it, real love. A few years go by and it's looking a bit scratched and quite frankly, you're tired of looking at it. You just passed by a new red one in Harvey Norman. And before you know it, the now old toaster is at the dump. Let's face it, we are objects these days. And we have to think carefully about whether that's what we're after in this life. If that's your cup of tea, then go right ahead, but personally I think we need to take steps within our own lives to reverse this damage and get our rights back as women. We aren't households objects of pleasure, we are humans, and there's a big difference if you ask me.

I know this was long, but I get a little carried away, hope you don't mind. Any comments would be much appreciated. We might just spark up a conversation.

Check out this website......it will shock you as it did me. http://iwanexstudio.com/ just click on portfolio.

Laura xx

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We have a Melbourne Cup Winner!!

 

Congratulations to Green Moon!!!!

 

This was a hard one to pick! If anyone picked Green Moon to win please comment below. Because I doubt there were many people who even gave a thought to him. There was so much talk about Dunaden, Americain........

 

I'm a real Melbourne cup fan when it comes to fashion..... and speaking of fashion, did anyone notice Christie Whelan's stunning dress?? It was just so modest, stylish and graceful!! Wouldn't have looked any better in anything else really. She was just beautiful. I'll post a pic of her soon when I can find one. Anyway, my sisters and I had fun Melbourne cup day! We just put on our best from the wardrobe and I spent a bit of time doing fancy up-do's and they even got a little try on of my "precious makeup."

 

Had a great day Melbourne cup, hope you did.

 

Laura xx

 

PS I will also post pics of us all dressed up when I get the time.

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