Dotty about Nails

Over the weekend I finally got around to ordering some Nail Art Dotting Tools and after giving them a go I can honestly say they are much easier to use than nail art pens. The effect is also nicer as the dots are 'flat' as opposed to bubbly dots that can burst or smudge if you haven't let your nails dry thoroughly. You can buy your nail dotting tools here.

I used my two favourite Ilamasqua nail varnishes in 'Milf' and 'Wink' as the base colours, adding some white dots on top. I have to say I think the end result is pretty cute.

The good thing is I also tested out the Nails Inc Corrector Pen from my CEW haul. I usually just dip a cotton bud into nail varnish remover but I have to say I do like the corrector pen, it smells a lot nicer and less risk of me spilling nail varnish all over the place (I fill the lid up to dip the cotton bud in normally which can lead to spills everywhere!). Just use after nails have dried for a nice clean finish.

My must have nail bits.

Spare tips

Messy finish..

A bit neater after using the Nails Inc Corrector Pen

CEW Beauty Awards: The Challenge

Each year CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) hold a product demonstration evening  where members are let loose in a room full of beauty products and allowed to take home as much as they can fit into a beach bag. The aim is for all CEW members to fairly test each product entered into the annual CEW Beauty Awards before they cast their votes for their favourite products. This year I was lucky enough to go this eye opening event for the first time. I dutifully loaded up my bag with more than I could carry and had lots of fun picking what to try. Now judging by some of the haul people left with, I wondered who would actually test everything? My quest is to try as many of the products I have picked and posting about them before voting day in March! As you can see from my haul this will be no mean feat but I am sure I will have fun trying.

I can't actually believe I managed to fit all this in one beach bag.

Asia De Cuba

Food at Asia De Cuba? One word sums it up.... Uhh-mazing! My sister had long droned on about how the food was great blah blah but until I went I thought she was being over-generous with her compliments. I thought for sure it would be the usual poncy rip off places that so frequently pop up in London but my-oh-my did I eat my words. Sure, the price is not cheap but, not wanting to sound too L'Oreal like...it is worth it. I loved how they use the chinese sharing concept, that is all the dishes come in fairly big portions and the idea is everyone shares so you get to try everything. This even applies the dessert, much to my dismay. I could have polished off those mexican donuts all by myself I think. Oh, except for the drinks. No one was getting their mitts on my delicious Raspberry Refresco!

If tasty food is your thing, go and treat yourself next time a special occasion comes up. I know where I will be having my birthday dinner this year...

Raspberry Refresco

Clockwise from top left: Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops, Free Range BBQ Cuban Chicken, Pan Seared Ahi Tuna and Spiny Lobster Wok Chi

Dessert!!

Donuts this good deserve a close up - Mexican Donuts

Bay of Pigs

Cuban Opera

Dessert shot - Strawberry Cheesecake. I didn't realise it contained vodka until I reached the bottom. Divine.

Bangok part 1: Banyan Tree - Latitude Lounge & Bar

If you ever find yourself with some free time in Bangkok make sure you go for a drink at the gorgeous Latitude Lounge & Bar on the 52nd Floor of Banyan Tree.

While I was in Bangkok for a couple of days last November the Vertigo and Moon Bar on the 62nd floor of the Banyan Tree was closed for a private function so I settled for the Latitude Lounge & Bar. Despite not being open-air and 10 floors below, the views and drinks did not disappoint. The cocktail I had was one of the best drinks I've ever had. Although the price of a cocktail was similar to London drinks (which is really pricey in comparison to anywhere else in Bangok!) the view, taste of the drink and atmosphere was worth every baht. Next time hopefully I can check the view from the 62nd Floor.

The best cocktails of our entire two week holiday in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Amazing view of Bangkok.

More on my trip to Bangkok very soon!

The Delights of Italy

As a self confessed carb-a-holic Italy is definitely one of my favourite places in the world. Nothing beats the great architecture, beautiful landscape and tasty food. Back in September 2012 I was lucky enough to attend a stunning wedding in the Amalfi Coast. Despite the weather not being fantastic (it rained so hard when I was changing buses from Naples that the clothes in my suitcase were soaked through!) there is no denying the Amalfi Coast is a beautiful part of the world.

My first glimpse of the Amalfi Coast

Surely one of the coolest tunnels in the world?

Said tunnel close up

Hurray! The sun finally makes an appearance.

Double rainbow spotted on the way back from Capri! Such a shame everyone else was too seasick to appreciate it.

Capri market square, a good place to rest if you have spent all your money in the designer shops

Do visit Capri if you have a day free, the Beverly Hills of Italy!

As with the rest of Italy, the food (when avoiding tourist traps) no matter how plain or simple was delicious! Don't believe me? Just take a look at the pictures.

There is a cute little alleyway that has a fab cake place! See, it's not all bad when it rains. At least I discovered  Dolceria dell'Antico Portico

Decisions Decisions..

Canapes at the wedding

Watermelon gets a make over

Luckily for me, I even had time en route back to the UK to stop off in Rome, truly one of the most romantic cities in the world. Even thought it was only a couple of hours I managed to squeeze in a slice of pizza, pasta and gelato! All in the name of research of course.

Spanish Steps

One of the tourist traps I mentioned. Looks tasty but tasted bit odd..

My Rome stop off was topped off by a much needed Gelato

I have no idea where this sandwich starts or ends..

Ciao for now!