Tuesday, 19 August 2014

Duty Free Haul!


Before I went on holiday I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to waste money at duty free on things that I really didn't need, but with all those discounted prices I really couldn't resist. I was on holiday after all...

             
MAC 'House Wine' Lipstick

My first stop was the MAC counter. Since I was trying not to spend too much money I decided to limit myself to purchasing only one thing so the battle between a new foundation brush and a new lipstick began. I walked over to the stand where all the brushes were displayed to find that the brush that I was looking for was out of stock, which made my choice A LOT easier! Red lipstick has always kind of scared me a bit as I have found that it only really suits certain people which is why I have always avoided it in the past. But with my collection of pinks and purples being ridiculously large I thought it was time for a bit of a change. I went for the shade 'House Wine'as it's a bit of a darker, more subtle red and so didn't scare me so much!  I've worn it a few times since purchasing it and I really love it. I still don't think I'd be brave enough to wear it on a daily basis but it was great for nights out while I was on holiday.


'Primping With The Stars' by Benefit


Next up was the Benefit counter! I had never purchased anything by Benefit before so I was excited to try out some new things. I was drawn to this 'Primping With The Stars Kit' as it comes with 6 mini sized Benefit favourites which is excellent for Benefit virgins like me who want to try out their products before committing to buying the standard sizes. The kit includes Stay Don't Stray concealer, the Porefessional, Some Kind Of Gorgeous foundation faker, Benetint cheeks and lips tint, Girl Meets Pearl and They're Real! mascara. I really love this kit as it's a great way of testing new products and it was also great for travelling!

'Alien' by Thierry Mugler

I've been wanting to add this perfume to my collection for the longest time but I have just never gotten round to purchasing it. I had heard soooo many people raving about it so I just had to have it! I really love this perfume's scent and I think that it's very versatile. It can be worn as a day time perfume as it has a very strong jasmine/floral scent but it also wears well  as a night time/going out perfume as there is also a spiciness to it. This has been by go to perfume ever since I got it and I think it might just be my new favourite!


Okay so the last thing isn't a duty free purchase but it just looked so amazing and tasted so yummy that I couldn't not share it! While we were waiting in the departure lounge we had breakfast in one of the airport cafes. I opted for the smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toast and I'm not even joking it was one of the best meals I have ever had, I couldn't stop talking about it the whole 9 hours we were on the plane!



Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Salsa, Cigars & Sunshine | Cuba


On Saturday morning I arrived home from the most incredible 2 weeks in Cuba. My mum, my step-dad and I stayed in a hotel called Iberostar Tainos which is situated on the North coast of the island in the resort town of Varadero, which is known for its breath taking white sandy beaches.We didn't visit Havana or do any excursions this year as having been to Cuba before we had already visited everywhere we wanted to visit so we just had a relaxing 2 weeks around the hotel.

Walkway to the beach

Paradise!


This was our third visit to the hotel so it was really nice to see the members of staff that we had gotten friendly with over the years.

Barmen Risel & Yudel

Bar Staff Risel & Daylin

Our 'Cuban family' Yudel & Claudia 


The welcome back cocktail party for return guests

Birthday celebrations for my step-dad

For me one of the best parts about going on holiday is meeting new people and this year I was lucky enough to meet loads of different people from different countries. I made friends from the UK, Cuba, Argentina, France and Italy. They definitely made the holiday extra special and as soppy as it sounds, I will never forget them or the memories we made.

oooo holiday friends oooo

late night beach partyyyy


running red lights

         
the 'bit too hot for a club' selfie

One thing is for sure, you will never starve while staying in this hotel. There is a buffet style restaurant which is open every day for breakfast lunch and dinner with a wide variety of choices. One of my favourite meals was from 'Sakuru' which is the hotel's Japanese A'la Carte restaurant. They cook all of the food right in front of you whilst doing various tricks with the utensils, talk about dinner with a show! The food is also super tasty!  




I enjoyed every single minute of my time in Cuba but for me there was diffidently one stand out highlight! The first year we visited the hotel we became friends with a couple from Belgium named Ellen and Rudi and we have met up with them the past two summers in Cuba. It was our last night in the hotel and we were all extremely sad about leaving but suddenly Ellen dropped the bombshell...Rudi had proposed to her!!! It was SO romantic and I honesty couldn't have been happier for them.

Congratulations to the happy couple

I think that out of all of the holidays I have ever been on this one has 100% been the best. Cuba is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. I love the music, the people, the dancing and especially the gorgeous beaches, you really couldn't ask for anything more. I have only been home for 4 days and I am already missing it crazy amounts. I would honestly do anything to be back!!



Until next time Cuba...