A token of thanks

My last post was dedicated to covering Freya De Fleur's worthwhile Charity Blogger Event which if you haven't yet managed to read please show your support and do so here.




Freya Bromley hostess to the event was kind enough to gift all her guests with some great goody bags which included some lovely pieces. There were everything from make-up brushes to sweets and tea. To my delight there was also a gorgeous chunky ring from Ottoman Hands, a brand with stunning bohemian styled jewellery that really focus on beautiful precious stones. 




Besides such nice complementaries I was also gifted some stunning earring from the lovely people at Ottoman Hands personally. It was quite the surprise when the ladies from the brand's stall came over and past me a tiny black satchel labelled 'Give Me More'. I thought I had won a prize or that they were handing them out to everyone but apparently not! It still gets me all smiley and shy when people show kindness and generosity when it comes to my humble small blog but it never goes without gratitude so I'd like to say a big thank you ladies!




If you haven't yet heard of Ottoman Hands make sure to check them out here as I was drooling over their colourful jewellery pieces all night - and having worn the earrings a few times now I can vouch for their quality and prettiness myself! As someone who doesn't wear earrings too often I actually looked forward to putting these in my ears as they were light and very comfortable, unlike so many other stoned droplets that I own. It is always nice when you receive compliments too and I've had countless comments on how beautiful the colour is and where they were from. So, I will be pulling these out of the jewellery box quite often...

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A Day To Remember...

What a truly magical day... congratulations Alicea and Richard

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Wind in my hair

At the weekend my partner came to visit me in London. We ended up staying in a hotel in Hammersmith and roamed the area to get to know it better, as it is where I work and where soon I'll also be living. We went for food in Friday at a cute restaurant called Lola and Simon where they sold delicious pasta! After the working week it was lovely to enjoy a big glass of wine and practically fall into bed.




Saturday was so hot in London so I wanted wear something light and airy so opted for this silky navy dress from H&M paired with statement floral necklace to bring a bit of summery colour to the look. We started the day of with breakfast at a really cute Australian urban cafe that sold yummy confectionary. Afterwards the day consisted of wandering the streets nearby, enjoying a bit of shopping and of course more eating! Which was Lebanese in the Duke of York square. FYI I love aubergine!




Sunday was equally if not more wonderful. We went to Grosvenor Park where I meet bloggers Lily and Vivianna at their picnic meet-up! This was such a treat for beauty fanatic me. If you watch her latest blog here you'll spot me in the red river island dress towards the end. After we finished the day off with sushi which is a very different cuisine to my Mums normal Sunday roast.




Saturday I'll be a braidsmaid for my cousins wedding so will most certainly have photographs to share about that day soon. But to keep in the loop early make sure to check my social media platforms because I'll be sure to share a picture or two! Until next time.

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Flower Power

I have officially been living and working in London for two weeks now and I can report that I am extremely happy. I feared so much about the big move (which is still up in the air without having laid down roots yet - thank the lord for good friends and a spare sofa), although there are aspects which are difficult to cope with such as living away from my boyfriend time has been filled with work and socialising and that has kept me sane!

I can't believe how lovely everyone is at work. Liz Earle seem to be an abolsolutely wonderful company to work for. With a long, insightful and hospitable induction I feel I have been a little spoilt actually and thankfully made friends within the company already. The role requires me to hope over to the isle of Wight, the homeland of the brand but I can't complain! Sun, sand and sea have been a welcomed sight. In the next post I'll have some snaps of which to share with you!

The photographs above are of a John Lewis rooftop event we did and I helped out at. Complete with flower headdress I dilly dallied around the oasis in the clouds (trying not to burn in the scorching heat) helping to coordinate the goings on. It was such a pleasure to work alongside the talented crew and was very special to continue into the evening with the VIP event with the lady herself. Liz Earle spoke about the brand's beginning and her favourite products. It was beautiful watching the sun go down and being amongst such lovely people and might I say a gorgeous garden-inspired setting.

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Standing Tall

Blue Seahorse Tunic

My last post championed the unspoken hero hue of yellow and I guess if this post had a shinning grace it would be blue. 

My likeness for blue is not something I have only just discovered. I have always had an attraction for the colour for as long as I can remember. If your a regular reader of Give Me More you may be able to think back to my trend posts on the electric, bold version. 

Lately I have fancied the softer, dusty and pastoral variants that give a more delicate touch to an outfit. But for this look, made up of a Primark white colourless, Scolloped edged jacket (well done Primark), a light blue Sugarhill Boutique seahorse patterned shift dress* and royal blue New Look heels, I wanted to see what pairing the two types of blue looked like against one another.

I thought it may have gone horribly wrong but somehow the clash makes for an interesting look, which is balanced nicely with the no-frills jacket. So far, my wardrobe is becoming ever the more colourful and now I am starting to become braver with mixing and matching too. I'm not sure what it is either. There must be something in the air...

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Life is Balance

I am beyond excited to do this post today as I have been eagerly awaiting these photographs and the permission to share them with you. Not long ago my good friend Ellis - who you may have heard me talk about before (she was the nice lady who bought me my red Chanel lippy), is the founder of Balance - a shop selling various treasures and trinkets from clothing to interiors to my favourite, jewellery. 

It was the latter which sparked this photoshoot as Ellis and her co-owner Sol released their new jewellery collection and I was lucky enough to be part a part of promoting it. Photographer Georgina Martin, a seriously talented creative who I have worked with a couple of times was the magician behind the lens. I posed as model for the day to the floral backdrop of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens which involved prancing around bare footed and quite a lot of smizing (something I'm not sure I have mastered). Smouldering glares aside this was a lookbook all about showing off a more feminine side to the alternative brand. So, my tattoo-virgin skin allowed for the beautiful detailing of the pieces to shine through. But another recent shoot with a heavily art adorned lady translate a different attitude to the same pieces - one more fierce that appeals to Balances core consumers. But I think no matter your style Balance offer something everyone could fall in love with. 

Another reason I've been looking forward to writing this and partly why I was thrilled to collaborate with the female power duo was because the whole thing stood for so much that I value. First off, this is a born and bred Sheffield company and shop that has quality at their core. Shredded of the gimmicks that are normally associated with alternative lifestyle products (including smoking paraphernalia) this is a modern thinking store with a conscience. They care deeply about the planet and endeavour to source and stock only products of sustainable and fair trade origin. Meaning customers can feel safe in their purchases. Secondly, the development and future of Balance is really inspiring. It represents so much positivity - here are two people who made their humble dream a reality. And better still it is continually evolving and growing with ideas in the pipeline which will really set this company apart. 

So, if you are looking for somewhere a bit different and off the high-street then don't overlook this little gem! Everything is always done to the highest level of customer service, wrapped lovely, delivered promptly and hidden inside each order will be well made, hand selected goodies. Invest in the small people of the fashion industry and enjoy guilt free shopping! 

Photographs by Georgina Martin

For www.lifeisbalance.co.uk

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HUGE Body Shop Haul and News

This blog post has been a long time coming but I just hadn't managed to make it happen how I intended - with a video review. Instead I choose a less time consuming photo post instead because these last couple of weeks have been manic. So, before diving into the review I best fill you in. If you don't already know I'm starting work tomorrow! And moving to London. So, it has been an extremely busy time getting ready but also cramming in seeing everyone I care about before I leave. I'll be working for Liz Earle in the marketing team and because of this there will be some slight changes to the blog. 

This will be the last beauty post. I can't say forever but it may very well be. My role requires this so it is something I am certainly going to comply with but does mean that a huge (and core) part of my blog content and format will now be no more. However, I quickly made peace with the idea as more important things will be happening around me and this opportunity isn't something I was going to miss. So, I have decided to replace the beauty part of my blog with lifestyle. That may include cooking, interiors, my working life, outings and an increase in look / style posts. Although one element is ending, it will open up more variety onto Give Me More and take it back to what it originally intended to be: a fashion blog. 

Hopefully, the new changes will be welcomed and I will try to use this time to document and explore my journey into the big wide world of work and the capital. Also, even though in the pass I have tried to commit to daily posts I am no longer going to put myself under so much pressure. From now on expect posts on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday... with the potential of an extra dose on a Saturday depending on what deadlines I have going on. But this new structure will begin next week. However, I want to get my Instagram and Twitter looking more interesting so will try to post daily on there with outfit details and more. If your not already following me there make sure you do now! Here @holliefur and Here @holliesworld. 

Finally, on to the Body Shop review. I've become a big admirer and user of Body Shop products lately and have to say that from body scrubs, to butters to fragrances I'm seriously impressed. The summer scents are fruity, fresh and invigorating and leave your skin feeling and smelling wonderfully dreamy. Since I can't pick a bad one amongst them I though instead I would pick out my top 3. 

The first one being the Coconut Beautifying Hair and Body Oil. This comes in a variety of scents from Mango to the newest addition Sweet Lemon but for me it will always be the tropical creamy scent of Coconut. On the skin things are left hydrated with a shimmering finish thanks to its lightweight blend of nut oils including Community Fair Trade marula oil. But it is on the hair which really gets me excited. With damaged ends I apply a mixture of water and droplets of this nourishing oil to the mid-ends of my hair for a mask like effect. Leave for up to 20 minutes and rinse. For on the go treatment I carry a spritzer bottle with a combination of 70% water to 30% oil and spray my hair when it begins to feels dry instead of using serum. 

Shea Butter is next and it is down to its unique smell and gorgeous formula that soaks into skin without leaving it tacky or greasy. As someone who enjoys munching on almond nuts and so on Shea Butter has a n earthy, distinct and nutty smell that almost doubles up as a perfume on the skin. I just love how it melts as you warm it up in the hands and leaves skin radiant and glossy. 

Last up is the Madagascan Vanilla Flower Fragrance Mist. This warm and sensual blend of floral and oriental notes is inspired by the tropical island. And I love nothing more than a product that mentally transports me on holiday. I am a big fan of vanilla in anything, food, candles and creams but to be able to easily spray this scent directly on to me or in a room is a delight. The Body Shop fragrances come in every scent imaginable so if vanilla ins't your cup of tea something certainly will be! 

That's it! That is my last beauty post done. Make sure to keep checking out the blog this week for a very special blog post and a look / style post thrown in there as well as a round up of my first week on the job!

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Neon Glamorous Workwear // M&S Collaboration

Photographer: Georgina Martin // Stylist: Myself // *Dress & Bag: Marks & Spencer

I was extremely lucky to be contacted by M&S and asked to choose some pieces from their latest collections in honour of some specific trends. Of course I was more than happy to comply and decided to coincide the look with workwear as I will be joining the marketing team at Liz Earle in London very soon! With that in mind I knew I had to pick pieces which would stand out of my wardrobe and make a great first impression. 

There were many trends of the season to choose to emulate from floral, abstract prints to one of my current favourites white-out. But as someone who struggles with wearing colour I wanted to catapult out of my comfort zone and tap into the neon/colour-block trend. I chose this beautiful Neon yellow A-line pleated skater dress as I loved its simple yet impacting design. I especially like the small details such as the angular deep set neck line around the armholes. It looks and feels structured without compromising on femininity and comfort also the length means it can be worn with peace of mind. To give it a more casual twist I paired it with a thin brown plaited belt which also emphasises the cinched in waist that this dress delivers. 

I also chose the Grey Winged Tote Bag to go against the dress and like how it's soft and light hue contrasts against the bright and bold yellow of the skater dress. As this was a look which could easily be transferable from the office to the evening I opted to add some small heeled sandals into the mix which I feel really sets off a summer vibe. It would look equally as cute with flat loafers for the day or could be updated for a night out with stilettos and a statement necklace. Making this a very versatile little dress. As for the bag well since this photo-shoot it hasn't left my side and goes with every outfit I've worn, proving to be a roomy, practical yet stylish piece of arm candy. Perfect for life in the capital.

With special thanks to Georgina for taking these snaps and adding some serious quality content to my blog and as I model for a friend's brand too there will be more of Georgina's photography of me to be sported on Give Me More very soon! Life is going to be changing massively due to the move South and you can look forward to more lifestyle posts about my journey and experience. So, make sure to keep checking in :)

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The Only Red You'll Ever Need

All hail the ultimate red lipstick by who else but the high-end cosmetics legend that is Chanel. With huge thanks to Ellis for bringing this beaut into my life, I now have the pleasure of swiping this all singing all dancing lippy onto my face whenever I feel like it. And the urge takes over quite often. Let me introduce you to Chanel Rouge Allure in 97 Incandescente - the only red you'll ever need. 

It is everything you'd hope for in a red lipstick. It isn't too shiny or glossy instead it has a satin, velvety finish that oozes sophistication. The colour has a flattering warm undertone which brightens and sets off your natural skin tone. The pigmentation isn't too intense meaning you can feel comfortable wearing this lightly in the day whilst building up the layers to a more intense colour saturation for the night. The formula doesn't dry your lips out which is probably down to the fact it isn't quite matte but the hydration doesn't leave you reapplying countless times a day as with other lipsticks. This one can be lightly applied and built up to leave a constant stain on the lips that doesn't bleed and lasts for hours. It may bare a price tag that would make your eyes water a little but I'd much rather invest knowing I'm getting incredible quality and predictable results rather than waste pounds on not so great cheaper alternatives. 

So if your searching for a new red lipstick, I've made that a whole lot easier for you. As with Incandescente the search really is over.

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Summer Essentials Makeup Kit

Summer has barely begun and already clothing and cosmetic brands are beginning to introduce their A/W collections or at least show us what will be on sale soon in anticipation of the next season. I don't know about you but even though A/W is my preferred season the thought of even looking at such products and pieces now makes me frown. I have only just mastered my Summer Essentials let alone having to make mental lists for splurges I'm not going to make until several months from now. 

Now I know the British summer can suck. But I am excited for the summer makeover to begin. I'm talking ditching black for white, reaching for floaty shapes and lightweight fabrics and embracing colour, finally. My favourite makeup looks are those inspired by the sun which use sandy taupes and smouldering golds to create a beachy bronzed face. So, let me break down my ultimate cosmetic collection for the season of now.

It is all about more of a dewy finish which for me the YSL Touche Éclat Foundation in B50 has always been impressingly good at. It's light yet buildable coverage makes it ideal for the hot climate just make sure to use a SPF moisturiser or primer underneath as the quality is absent in this complexion staple. Next add some concealer that you know will be long lasting but not cakey, cue Nars Creamy Concealer in Custard with it's sheeny, light reflecting properties. Try to avoid the powder and use a bronzer to dim down the glow whilst adding definition and colour. I'm loving the Wild About Beauty Bronzer with its different variations of depth, perfect for contouring. If you feel like you still need more colour choose a pinky peach blush like my Chanel Jous Contraste Blush in Frivole, it delivers an even wash of coral flush as well as radiance. 

For the eyes you could keep things simple with some long and defined lashes with something like the Givenchy Phenomen`Eyes Mascara which delivers stunning jet black separation that actually stays hydrating all day meaning lashes don't dry up in the climate. If that isn't enough you could either choose to frame your lids with a sheer liner crayon like this Wild About Beauty Eyeshadow Pencil Duo in Annie. It's dual ended hues compliment each other in a smudgable formula that makes creating fuss free smokey eyes easy peasy. If your more of a powder gal then my latest love Mac Eyeshadow in Folie is the perfect light-medium warm brown that looks elegant dusted into the crease or dramatic swashed all over the lid. Lastly, there is one lipstick that can pull together any eye makeup and that is my go-to Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Ravishing. With it's nourished, healthy appearance it plumps up lips whilst giving them a nude with attitude touch of colour. Combined they conjure up the epitome of summertime beauty; light, luminous and lustrous. What is your Summer Essentials Makeup Kit?

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Birthday Treats: Fashion, Beauty & Accessories!

   

Good Morning! I finally have a new video discussing my birthday gifts from friends and family as well as I couple I gifted to myself... This could have been called a H&M haul has 70% of the items discussed are from the shop. Obsessed a little it may seem. So, please press play for plenty of clobber from my favourite patterned jeans to a bargain minty sweater as well as my newest fierce lipsticks and statement jewellery. I'll be sure to get actual style post of the content in action very soon too. For now sit back and enjoy me ramble on as usual about the latest additions to my draws. 

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Birthday Number 22 But What Did I Do?

I turned the ripe age of 22 on the 14th June and have done many a thing to celebrate yet another year of being twenty-something. It started off the last weekend in May where I went to visit University friends in London, Sarah, Loren and Alex who all share a flat together. We spent the days just walking through the streets shopping and occasionally stopping for food or beverages or ice cream. We did attempt a night out on the tiles but ended up leaving the flat too late to get in anywhere oops. So that was a failed attempt at partying in the capital but we know now for next time to choose somewhere A) a little more laid back and B) set off before the following day...

The following weekend I celebrated with friends in my home turf because my bestie Cara was off on her holidays on my actual birthday weekend and of course some of the lads would have chosen watching the World Cup then coming out for a non-milestone 22nd. But it meant stretching out the birthday experiences that bit more so I was happy to party a week before my birthday was official. We headed onto West Street and Division Street in Sheffield City Centre and enjoyed dancing away to RnB classics followed by a random trip to the casino at the end of the night. Cue food and water time which was a good move for the next morning. No hang over. 

The following day I invited Ellis and Cara round to mine for a vegetarian dinner which I made a feta and spinach filo pie and Moroccan aubergine and chickpea salad. Unfortunately the latter didn't taste too great thanks to adding too much honey to the mixture but the pie was pretty tasty. Even if it did take a lot longer to make after the filo drama. Mine was mouldy so it took two trips out to go find another batch from the shops. Mental note you keep filo in the fridge not the cupboard. Cara and I were treated to pizza and cocktails galore by Ellis the week before and even though it wasn't for my birthday I'm putting it in here anyway because it was awesome. Ellis also treated me to a rather gorgeous beauty gift which will be showing up in a post very soon.

Finally on to my actual birthday weekend. On the Friday I went for a meal at one of my favourite French restaurants in Sheffield, Chev Lahlou's -  a seriously no fuss family place that sells great quality dishes at mammoth portions. This was followed by a drink at Dam House, which is a pub overlooking a reservoir. The Saturday was a day with the Dad shopping and eating yummy sushi which led to heading out for a 60th birthday party. Then Sunday was another family day but this time with my Partner's side. As you can see in the collage there is a new addition to the family and Tim and I are the happy Aunt and Uncle to boy number two. This time it is Tim's brother's son called Henry and he is quite the cutie. We have spent lots of time with this bundle of joy but on Sunday it was time for other people in the family to meet him. So of course we went along too. That evening Tim and I spent some birthday one on one together heading to the Cinema for food and 22 Jump Street. It was lovely to relax and just sit and watch a film together after what has seemed like such a full on few weeks. I didn't expect much but did laugh out loud a lot and thought it was a fun and happy film to end the week on. 

So, all in all I have had such a nice few weeks. Here is to my 22nd year, I'm hoping it is a momentous one!

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Fake Tan All Stars

It is summer this month and here in Britain the weather conditions have been swinging from almost abroad temperatures to buckets of rain. But that doesn't stop me yielding for the fake tan. I don't know quite what it is about the stuff, it is just such an infallible outlook to, lets face it a superfluous being. But you could say that about the whole beauty industry - heck the whole fashion industry. The world would be a much blander place without them though. I don't care whether some folk still think it is strange to go faux glow. I feel better with a tan and If I'm not going on holiday I feel better getting it out of a bottle instead of under UV lights. So, speaking of these bottles of brownness what am I reaching for this Summer? 

St.Tropez Bronzing Mousse and St.Tropez Bronzing Lotion Face: For regular readers it is no surprise these bad boys are on my hit-list. I can always rely on the iconic fake tanning brand to deliver up on the goods. For me it is all about their mousse. Quick, easy and even it leaves an immediate golden sheen before developing into a deeper hue. I've stopped using this on my face since the purchase of their bronzing lotion for face which I adore. It is light and nourishing whilst delivering buildable colour. As a duo it is faux glow perfection. 

Vita Liberata Phenomenal Luxury Tan Lotion: What the St.Tropez lacks the Vita Liberata provides. And that is odourless tanning. There is no tell-telling fake tan smell with this luxury tan and I love the deep, rich chocolate shade it produces. Does it last 2-3 weeks? Not really but a solid week to a week and a half it certainly does. So, for me that is good enough to justify the price tag. Even if it does make me slightly wince.

St.Moriz Instant Self tanning mousse: When the expensive fake tans run out and the bank balance looks miserable I go to this great cheap as chips alternative. It is always good to have this inexpensive bottle in the draw as it gives you instant colour - and good colour - in no time. But you do need to use it irregularly to stop it drying out your skin. It doesn't wash off as evenly as the others discussed but as an affordable option it is one of my top recommendations.

What fake tan products are you loving this Summer? Any I should check out?

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Handy Tips, Handed Down

   
Today I have a different sort of blog post for you which I hope you enjoy as much as I enjoyed making! I collaborated with Crabtree & Evelyn in honour of their new campaign ‘Handy Tips, Handed Down’ built around the sharing of beauty, lifestyle, health and wellbeing tips that have been handed down from generation to generation. And it is a campaign idea stemmed from the 1973 brand award-winning hand therapy cream, which have been used by women of all ages for many years’. 

The hints and advice could be about anything from your Sister's secret recipe for flawless skin to an organic hair treatment passed down from your Grandmother…. they want it all! I think it is such a nice philosophy to take a step back and think about the origins of your tastes and behaviour within beauty - and in such a warm and positive light.

Beauty doesn't have to about solidarity. It can be enhanced by the knowledge of our friends and family. It may be a small handed down tip but every time you do it, it will remind you of the person that gifted it to you. Beauty should be more than just being sat in front of a mirror, ultimately it is an experience. So, in respect of that I am joined by my lovely and willing Aunt and Nanan to lift the lid on our tips in this special video.

We talk inspiration, those fundamental basics you may take for granted, D.I.Y suggestions and many more. Now I have this video to look back on in the near future and maybe even pass down to my own children one day! So, let us plant the seed for sharing and gift each other with the beauty tricks that we can spread for generations to come. 

As part of the Handy Tips, Handed Down campaign the brand is also encouraging customers to share their handed down beauty tips to receive £5 off any £15 purchase as well as the opportunity to win a photo shoot with Venture Family Photography Experience worth £600. Just go instore and share your advice to one of the tip trees or head to their website to join in with the conversation there! Don’t forget to hashtag #Crabtreehandytips.

I just want to wrap things up by saying that Lisa, my Nan and I feel really passionate about sharing such simple advice to other women of all ages and feel that all girls should have the opportunity to master the art of beauty and wellbeing to carry throughout all their adult years’. But it is really important to love yourself in your natural form and remember that as much as beauty tricks are about disguising problem areas they are more about enhancing your best bits.

So, for now I just want to say a big thank you to my family for agreeing to feature on this video with me and sharing their knowledge too. It has been a pleasure and I just want them to know that I appreciate all the lessons inside the realms of beauty and beyond that they have taught me along the way.

Crabtree&Evelyn Website // Crabtree&Evelyn HandyTips // Crabtree & Evelyn Facebook // Twitter

*Sponsored post

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