Author: Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie)

Trying the Autumn Menu from Pizza Express

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Me and the bloke decided some Italian inspired food was well overdue and booked ourselves in with Pizza Express in Piccadilly to try their new Autumn menu.

I did a little fun poll on Twitter and Instagram (which got a whole 8 participants lol) to decide what to wear. Urban/Street 20% , Alternative 40%, Mix it up 40% Fancy-ish 20% so I went with a sailor tattoo inspired rockabilly blouse, a little black shrug, kickflare fitted jeans and feminine but chunky-soled boots. I would never have thought of putting all of them together but it worked!

Pizza Express’ new veggie dishes include a starter of Creamy Baked Garlic Mushroom with vegan mozzarella or goats cheese. Battered Halloumi bites are a new side. A main of Calzone Verdure with roasted peppers, aubergine and courgette with spinach and smoky tomato harissa. The Carbonara Romana Pizza with pancetta, mozzarella and garlic oil on a béchamel base, baked with a free-range egg. Risotto con Funghi creamy white wine risotto with Portobello mushrooms. Two chocolate deserts and an Orange & Cacao Gin Buck cocktail.

For starters I got Tomato, mozzarella and pesto (I asked for the vegan mozzarella as I love it but was told it wasn’t an option, even though it was an option with the blokes starter!?). He got the new Creamy Baked Garlic Mushroom which he thought was well balanced and tasty but not worth over £6.00! We got a huge Superfood Salad to share which is always delicious.

 

I ordered the new risotto which was delicious and very filling but not heavy. I didn’t get why it had so much rocket on it though. I had halloumi in the fridge at home so I  ordered (my fave side) polenta sticks with honey and mustard dressing. The bloke got his usual understated and under rated pizza with olives, capers, sultanas and red onions. Sounds weird but it works!

Staff were helpful and friendly and service was speedy as usual. Our only complaint was that the temperature was way too hot, even though me and the bloke were only wearing thin tops and jeans.

What would you have eaten?

❤Chrissie❤

Halloween Makeup To Get Creative With

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Rather than put together a specific look, I decided to find, what I thought were the most versatile items. This way after Halloween you can subtly incorporate them into an evening look, using as much or as little as you want. Creative and budget friendly!

 

Glow Up – Orly

Cosmic Cowboy Face Jewels – Barry M

Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick in Iconic – Ciate

18 Hit Wonders Eyeshadow Palette – E.L.F.

I’ve left off any prices and links as it depends on which country you live in or what your fave beauty halls or websites are. My fave UK places (apart from the brands own websites) are Superdrug, TK Maxx (online), Debenhams and Cult Beauty (online).

Happy creating! V- -V

A Quick Catch Up

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Hi lovely people!

I’ve not been blogging for a bit as I’ve been chillin at the blokes and doing life admin in between. Ive read all but one of the books on my Autumn Reading List which amazes me as applying my attention to reading (and finishing) a book was never my strong point.

I’ve changed the heading description for this blog Andy updated the photo so hopefully it’s more representative of the content and how I look on daily basis. Hope you like!

Like a lot of you have probably learned, Pizza Express is in dire financial trouble. I’m pretty gutted! I love Pizza Express because their gluten and dairy free options are extensive and delicious; their staff are (mainly) polite and patient and their chefs are accommodating. I reckon their food is authentic, creative and affordable.

After booking in for two nights, we realised that they weren’t going to fold (insert tactless calzone joke here) for at least a year. This made us relieved that their staff would, maybe, have time to find new jobs.

The first night was tonight (Tues) but I woke up with my neck and shoulder hurting so much because I’d slept funny and I had a funky tummy doing seriously foreboding rumbling noises. I had to cancel.

I will be there on Thursday, taking photo’s of dishes from their new menu and then posting a review. I won’t be drinking wine so I won’t be accidentally eating the food before I’ve taken a piccy of it, hehee.

❤Chrissie❤

Selfcare Feck Up’s, Victories and Weirdness

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 7 Comments

 

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I’ve been a lazy bunny by not getting up until 1.00pm because I’ve been enjoying the comfort of staying in a real bed again, for as many hours as I choose (long story). The down side of that is getting woken by glorious sunshine but by the time I get up washed and dressed, it’s buggered of behind thick cloud for the rest of the day. That has not helped my mental health or motivation…I swear I’m some kind of emotional weather vane! Anyone else?

List of my self care feck up’s and victories

Bad – Not getting up until pm

Good – Been flying through the novel Mirror Mirror

Bad – At around midnight I realised I was so hungry but the simple burrito I was meant to warm in the microwave collapsed into a soggy mess, I then salvaged it and promptly dropped half onto the floor

Real low – I then sobbed over it (literally), while I cleaned bits of it up and then ate the other half. At least my tears added some well needed salt. I then started bargaining with a God I don’t even believe in to make my Dyspraxia and chronic fatigue easier. Although, to be fair, I had just watched Bruce Almighty. The voice of Morgan Freeman did not reply.

Good – I’ve been keeping up with my skincare routine everyday

Bad – I’ve been abandoning my hydration flask and glasses in random places around the house and then feeling constantly dehydrated. Ironically, this is probably why my memory of where I’ve put stuff has been so crap.

Good – Did shopping with specific meals in mind so everything works with everything else for once.

Bad – Forgot to prepare food to eat for when I’m tired and hungry, then left it too late to be able to cook anything, so had to order takeaway again as very wobbly.

Good – It was a healthy one, with veg curry, avocado sushi and an edamame and spinach salad.

Bad – The next day I forgot that English mustard is much hotter than the squirty American stuff and practically buttered my bread with it!

Good – I’m getting better at keeping track of time and/or setting alarms for things

Bad – Ended up wearing PJ’s two days straight as all of my chillin clothes were in the wash basket and I repeatedly forgot two wash them.

Good – Washed clothes

Bad – Forgot the damn washer had stopped and left the clothes to crease to oblivion for an hour. Had to do another quick wash to sort them out – sigh.

Good – Had a shower and washed my hair, did body and hair care.

Good – Been well on top of my blogging and reading other peoples.

Bad – Having a nightmare with getting on the housing register properly. Every person I’ve spoken to on the phone (as I’ve had total silence from them since July and I’ve noticed several big mistakes) hasn’t had a clue what’s going on. I’ve heard “Oh, that’s odd!?” about four times now. They keep making notes and saying someone will phone me to explain the confusion.

Hmmm – Their medical assessment team will be arranging a visit ‘soon’ apparently….

Good – Finished having a huge clear out. Finished buying new stuff to replace old/unsuitable stuff and am now saving to move into a suitable flat of my own, finally!

Plans

Keep saving.

Use post it notes more often.

Get up before 11.00am.

Plan evening meal and make it/eat it earlier.

Keep up with washing and styling hair, when I have the energy.

❤Chrissie❤

 

 

 

 

 

Glow Oil Lip + Cheek by Milk Makeup

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I’ve been on a never ending quest to find a blusher that doesn’t look too powdery/flat or too sparkly, just something that gives a sheer pinky glow. Glow Oil Lip + Cheek by Milk Makeup £12 is my latest and last attempt.

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It’s rather small for the price but it is portable and I think that’s the idea. I was very disappointed to find it comes unnecessarily packaged in a plastic box, rather than cardboard.

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I picked ‘glimmer’ as it looked the right shade for my skin tone online and it does give a sexy flush of realistic colour. However, there’s subtle shimmer or ‘glimmer’ and then there’s full on sparkle with glitter…

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As I’m not a small child going to a party, I will not be wearing this glittery nonsense on my cheeks. How a brand can even pretend that this gives a sheer, natural glow, I do not know! It does look pretty fantastic on lips though, especially when mixed with lip balm or another lip oil. It’s non sticky, unlike a lot of glosses and it’s not particularly drying either. It also looks good arched over green or blue eyes (along with eyeliner and mascara) as the glitter ensures you don’t get mistaken for just having hayfever.

Rating 2/5

I’m going back to applying a moisturising lipstick with my fingers for blush in future.

❤Chrissie❤

 

 

Reducing or Replacing the Clothes I Never Wear

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Things I’ve Gotten Rid Of 

I’ve been on this mission for the past 18 months or so as I’m on a limited budget. Here’s half of the clothes and accessories I’ve given to charity, chucked or put into a clothing bank and the (sometimes rather amusing) reasons.

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Pictured above

Cardigan: falling apart from wear. Sunglasses: I sat on them, like a dick…I mean I was the dick for sitting on them! Handbags x4: Not cross body and no zip so too easy to dip/thieve. Denim jacket: Too tight (sob). Belt: Falling apart. Hats x2: Too hot/itchy. Bracelet: Too faffy to be arsed even trying to fasten.

Not pictured

Knee high boots and ankle boots x2: Heels too big for me balance in these days. Pirate boots: Worn to pieces (sob). Cargo pants: Picked up every bit of fluff and then my neighbours fluff. Dark blue jeans: Kept stretching as waft and weave the wrong way, maybe? Stupid linnen summer pants: They get giant knees in them after one days wear. GIANT B-boy/skater pants: So wide and low slung that I kept tripping over them, getting them caught in doors! Converse and Vans which don’t support my arches and make me fall on my face. Cardigan that was 18 years old. Fitted check shirt that I can’t manage to do the buttons on anymore. Long-line hoodie to go over leggings, 3x leggings and 4x skinny jeans: I now find all of my leggings and skinnies too hot, tight and claustrophobic because of stupid sensory changes.

Some pictured below

Joggers with diamante: (apart from the naffness of diamante) they went all baggy after three washes. Tiny skater skirt: It’s tiny and I am not anymore. Fake Uggs: They have collapsed after constant wear.

The replacements and saves

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Black cuff-ankle jeans: to replace joggers and those fluff prone cargo pants. Camel cargo pants: to replace stupid linen pants and stupid giant pants. Stone wash, boot cut jeans: To replace many others I’ve had over the years. Snake print pants: To replace wearing pyjama bottoms all bloody day. Handbag: Sturdy, zip fastening and cross body – perfect! Shrugs x2: To wear over dresses or a nice top, less frumpy than ancient cardy. Amazing faux leather jacket: To replace really thin, cheap faux leather jacket which fell apart! Structured fake Uggs to replace other fake Uggs. Flat ankle boots I can actually walk in. Custom Nike Air Force 1’s: The comfiest trainers in the world. Knee high boots: Sleek enough to wear with party dresses and tiny heel which I can actually dance in for a bit. I’ve saved the fitted shirt as the perfect summer cover up. Long hoodie, leggings and skinnies: I hope when the weather is freezing, I’ll be happy in them again.

Loss = 25 items

Gain = 12 items

Save = 9 items

Result = 13 items successfully removed or replaced

Doing this has saved me so much time, space, stress and confusion. It’s such a nice feeling to be able to wear and use everything in my wardrobe easily. Now I like getting ready in the morning and look forward to putting together outfits for nights out. It’s amazing how style buoys your personality when you wear things you want to, rather than things you’re stuck with! Charity shops are amazing places to find practical replacements as the items are affordable and you can try them on; just make sure they really are going to earn their place in your wardrobe, otherwise they aren’t a bargain.

Note: Every item that wasn’t working for me went on a ‘Second Chance’ pile and was restyled and worn for a day, before I decided what to do with it or if I should replace it. Apart from the leggings and skinny jeans which are in the bottom of the wardrobe waiting for Winter.

❤Chrissie❤

Replacing Our Fave Scents with Cruelty Free One’s – The Result!

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I decided we should use a mixture of Eden Perfumes and Floral Street perfumes to give us a better chance of finding our replacements. Here’s a reminder of what we want to find dupes for.

The bloke

Oud by The Body Shop (as they no longer stock it)

1 Million by Paco Rabanne.

Me

Heat by Beyonce

Deep Red by Hugo Boss (I already have a fairly good one from Floral Street)

Opium by YSL

Burberry Woman (the bloke noticed this on someone and asked what it was)

Final Result

Treasure by Eden Perfumes mixed with Wonderland Peony by Floral street replicates Beyonce Heat pretty well.

Electric Rhubarb by Floral street – which I was sure would be similar to Heat – was fun but had no depth to it, no projection at all and then faded into oblivion after 15 minutes!

Wonderland Peony by Floral Street is a deep, spicy replacement for Hugo Boss, Deep Red with Treasure by Eden being similar but lighter.

Black Orchid by Floral Street very similar to Opium by YSL but a little lighter.

No luck with the random Burberry one unfortunately.

Million Dollar Man by Eden Perfumes is pretty close to 1 Million.

Oud Wood by Eden Perfumes is the perfect replacement for The Body Shop Oud, we are both thrilled!

Surprise!

I can’t even remember how many perfumes I’ve tried at this point but it’s meant that I’ve found some new unexpected favourites.

Wild Vanilla Orchid by Floral Street smells like freshly baked fruit pie. So comforting and natural. It reminds me a little of the original Angel by Thierry Mugler but no where near as sickly.

Virgin Waters by Eden Perfumes smells how a Piña colada cocktail tastes. I have to resist the urge to drown myself in this everyday, the perfume I mean…possibly.

Well, even if I wear perfume every time I leave the house, I don’t think I’ll need to buy any more for decades! Now, I also have lots of handbag/washbag sized  ones.

Which out of all of the above do you want to try?

❤Chrissie❤

 

 

 

I Share the Veggie, Gluten and Dairy Free Contents of My Cupboards, Fridge and Freezer!

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“You’re vegetarian, gluten and dairy free, so what do you eat then?” I’m often asked this question because lots of people are some of the above but most people aren’t all of those things. So here is my response in photo’s.

I Eat

Crisps, natchos, bombay mix, nuts, seeds, cake bars, sweets, cooking sauces, gf pasta, gf gnochi, rice, soup, daal, chilli, gf muesli, ratatouille, roasted peppers, falafel, smokey sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts in garlic oil, tamari (soy sauce), gf pies, gf tarts, Vitalite, quinoa, lots of pickles, veggie kebab strips, veggie chicken pieces, McCain Smiles (crunchy on the outside, fluffy in the middle), humous, df cheese, curry, burritos, tacos, all manner of fresh veg, garlic mayo, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, salad cream.

I Drink

Strawberry/chocolate protein powder and rice/almond/coconut/hazelnut milk, innocent smoothies, orange/pomegranate/mango/guava  juice.

[I’m sorry that some of the photos could be clearer but it’s so difficult taking pictures inside a very deep cupboard and of backlit items in a fridge.]

If you have any queries about brands and ingredients, I’ll do my best to help you out :o)

❤Chrissie❤