MY FAVOURITE DRUGSTORE & CRUELTY-FREE RED LIPSTICKS!

Hi there!  So, this is a time for my favourite red lipsticks! There are only two I want to tell you about. I guess the number of my favourites clearly speaks for itself😀- I am not a big red lip wearer.  However, these two products stole my heart.

COLLECTION LASTING COLOUR LIPSTICK IN 'PINK DIVA'

The first one is actually one of the best lipsticks I have discovered throughout my life-  it is the stunning Collection Lasting Colour Lipstick in the shade Pink Fusion. Don't let the name fool you - this is a cool-toned red lipstick with the slightest hint of pink to it. 
It brightens my face and instantly adds glam to my look. It looks very expensive on the lips. 
The finish of this lipstick is just stunning. It is a true matte, which looks like velvet. 
You may think that it would be hard to apply- not at all! The well-conceived formula guarantees a smooth application.

This lipstick is very comfortable on the lips, so light that is almost impalpable. It doesn't transfer much, which means it won't bleed all over your face. And the little fingers won't smudge it everywhere🙂 It lasts on my lips for 5 hours, and it wears off really nicely. There are no cons to this lipstick in my opinion. Did I mention that it retails for less than £3?

I like its packaging, it is simple and very sturdy. I can't recommend it highly enough! I hope Collection comes up with more colours in this formulation, as they only have a few available at the moment.

WET N WILD MEGA LAST MATTE  LIP COVER IN 'CHERRY PICKING'

It is a stunning cool-toned red. It looks amazing on! It glides on the lips, and it is very comfortable to wear. It is not drying at all. It is not as matte as Pink Diva by Collection, therefore is not kiss-proof. It will transfer onto your glass or cutlery. But it is not the type of lipstick that would bleed all over your face. The formula of it is great. And the colour is so rich and opaque! 
I am sure that you have heard that before- the packaging of this lipstick is very weak. The lid comes off easily and breaks. It is not the kind of lipstick you want to throw into your handbag without securing it with a bit of a tape.
I know that many people love the shape of the lipstick, and they believe that it makes it easy to apply a product straight onto the lips. I prefer lipsticks with a pointed end, but again, this is only my personal preference.
It usually stays on my lips for a good 3-4h, it wears off beautifully, leaving a stain of colour behind (I love it! It makes me look like I have just eaten fresh, ripe cherries!). This shade is so rich that it almost looks juicy!

Overall, the quality of this lipstick is wonderful! The shade selection is wide, but Cherry Picking is definitely my favourite!

What is your favourite red lipstick? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for reading x

THREE-INGREDIENTS EASY VEGAN PANCAKES. PERFECT FOR BLW!

If anybody told me a year ago, that I would be enjoying sweet breakfasts, I would have never believed it. I am not much of a sweet tooth, a bowl of pasta always wins over a pudding for me. OK, I could bear a slice vegan cake in the afternoon 🙂 but who would like to start the day off eating something sweet? Well, I kind of get it now. I have changed my mind since I tried eating porridge for my breakfast and I absolutely fell in love with it. And then, gradually, other non-savoury breakfasts followed. Today I want to share with you my current favourite recipe. These amazing three-ingredient vegan pancakes are delicious on their own, or served with maple/ dates syrup or fresh fruits. They are easy to make, affordable and delicious! My son loves them, too! They are fluffy, soft and easy to eat for kids. A perfect BLW breakfast idea.

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 glass of semolina,

- 1 glass of almond milk (you can swap it with any other vegan milk or water),

- coconut oil for frying (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: In a bowl, combine semolina and almond milk. Leave it for 20 minutes and let your semolina thicken.

STEP 2: Add two mashed bananas  to your batter and mix it all together.

STEP 3: Heat an non stick frying pan over a full heat and add a tiny bit of coconut oil. You can also fry it on a dry frying pan, over on a medium heat. Use a spoon to pour the batter. Cook the pancakes until golden (I usually do 2 min on each side).

STEP 4: You can serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, your favourite fruits, peanut butter or walnuts. Enjoy!

You'll get about 16 small pancakes (double the amount shown in the photo). It is enough for and adult and a baby🙂

Let me know if you tried this recipe out, and if you liked it. What is your favourite vegan pancakes recipe? Thanks for reading! x

5 BIGGEST LIES ABOUT MOTHERHOOD

My son is my biggest love, best friend, and biggest inspiration. I can not express how grateful I am for having him in my life, and I wouldn't change a thing about him. As dreamy as motherhood sounds, it is a lot of hard work. I have prepared myself well for this role, and I have learned a lot throughout my pregnancy, but I have still believed in these 5 common lies that I wish I have never heard. 



1.BABIES ONLY SLEEP AND EAT

Yes, some of them do. While some others want to breastfeed all day long. I remember planning on doing thousands of things for myself when my baby arrives. I collected plenty of books that I wanted to read. I thought I would be able to start learning Russian again. I even planned some DIYs, and art projects ( yes, my imagination took me even there). None of them happened. When my hands were free for a few seconds, I had to take a shower and eat quickly before my son wanted to eat again. Obviously, as babies get older, they become more independent. If you're pregnant or planning to, I suggest you read about the '4th trimester' of pregnancy. This will help you a lot!




2. YOU CAN/SHOULD SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS

As I explained in the 1st point, sometimes when your hands get free, there are thousands of things you want/need to do. Some people are OK with living in a messy house and eating ready meals. I couldn't bear it. And I needed some time only for myself, so instead of sleeping I was either organizing the flat or doing my makeup/ reading/ writing. Watching some Netflix. Just so I could remind myself that I am not only a mother.




3.YOU'LL HAVE NO MILK

Yes, you will have a milk. You will have a milk. Oh yes, you will. It is one of the cruellest lies one mother can tell another- you'll have no milk.
Breastfeeding can be very difficult at the beginning (it can, but it doesn't mean that it will), so if you want to breastfeed your baby, do a proper research during your pregnancy. I heard that from way too many women when I was pregnant, that I will not have milk because "my boobs didn't grow much".There was a moment when I started to believe in this.I would hear thousands of stories of how some women are not 'born' to breastfeed.  ✱bullshit✱

         

Luckily, I woke up early enough. And there was one midwife, very kind and patient, who helped me a lot. She not only reminded me that yes- I can breastfeed but also showed me what I was doing wrong and how to correct it.
You will have the milk. It may come a few days after your baby is born, but it will come. Just do not give up.

4. YOU'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO AS SOON AS YOU SEE HIM/ IT COMES NATURALLY

Everybody told me that. Men and women who have kids, and those, who don't. But I didn't know what to do. I didn't know all the answers (despite being quite well ready for a baby). I didn't know if I was holding him right, I didn't know if he is too cold, or too warm. Even though I am an aunt to many nephews and nieces, I was never a mother before. 



5. ALL BABIES SUFFER FROM COLIC 

Thank God, not every baby suffers from colic! My son never had one, and I am very grateful for that. But I wanted to mention it here, because when I have had this colic anxiety thing for the first 3-4 months of my son's life. I truly believe that few things helped us to prevent colics.First of all- breastfeeding (regular feeds, and no over-feeding). Secondly, I have never used the 'cry it out' method. Here you can read more about why you should avoid this cruel sleeping training. Thirdly, I  wasn't feeding my son with anything apart of milk. Water, juices, camomile tea, fennel tea- they are not suitable for babies under 6 months old. Younger babies cannot try/ lick solids, or 'sip' a tea. And lastly, I wasn't overstimulating my son Obviously, we were lucky, too. I know that some parents are doing everything to prevent it, but their baby gets colics anyway 😢

Let me know what your thoughts are! Did you hear any of these lies yourself? Thanks for reading x

5 MUST-WATCH SERIES ON NETFLIX

Netflix holds all the cards in the series section these days. They not only stream the best tv shows (like Prison Break or Breaking Bad) but also create the outstanding 'originals'. If you want some recommendations on which shows to watch on Netflix, keep on reading. I chose some of my favourites for today's post. 

Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo in 'Fargo'.  Photo credit: FX

'FARGO'

A spin on the Coen brothers' film from 1996 (also titled 'Fargo'). An award-winning black comedy drama. A psychotic villain  Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) randomly meets a lame duck Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) in a hospital. Lester broke his nose when he ran into his childhood bully, Hess. Lorne suggests killing Hess. The Death settles in the cities of Duluth and Bemidji,  Minnesota. Police officer Gus (Colin Hanks) and deputy Molly (Allison Tolman) have their hands full for a while. 
The second season takes us 27 years back, but I won't tell you more about it because I don't want to spoil it. All I can say is that it is as bleak and as funny as the first season!

Lily Tomlin as Frankie and Jane Fonda as Grace in 'Grace and Frankie'. Photo credit: Netflix

'Grace and Frankie'

The most funny and uplifiting series ever. Wonderfully acted. It is a story about two couples in their 70s facing the hurricane of their lifetimes! And it all starts with an announcement- the men decide to leave their wives and start a new life together. This could be a plot for an Oscar-winning drama/tearjerker. But it is an uplifting comedy starring phenomenal actors such as Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston. I can not wait for the 4th season (Dear Spring 2018, please come soon!). You can read my full review here.

Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield in 'Prison Break'. Photo credit: Fox TV

'Prison Break'

One of the best series ever made. Written to perfection gripping TV drama. A story about lawlessness, brotherhood, hope and courage. I promise that you won't turn off your laptop until you finish watching at least the first season! The story begins when a genius engineer Michael (Wentworth Miller) commits crime and gets sentenced to the Fox River penitentiary. This is where his brother, Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) awaits his execution for killing a brother of Vice President of United States. Michael is planning an escape. 
Prison Break is full of twists and surprises, great action and fantastic characters. A must on your 'what to watch' list! Seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix. 

AmyBeth McNulty as Anne in 'Anne with an e'. Photo credit: Netflix

'Anne with an e'

The most sublime version of 'Anne of Green Gables'. Everybody knows the story of a red-haired orphan, and everybody needs to watch this series. 'Anne with an e' is beautifully made. You'll enjoy watching it from the opening (perfectly done!) to the closing.  Amybeth McNulty is phenomenal as a pride and garrulous Anne. If you're interested to read more about it, my full review is here.

Nadia de Santiago as Marga, Maggie Civantos as Angeles, Ana Fernandez as Carlota, Blanca Suarez as Alba in 'Cable Girls'. Photo credit: Netlix

'Cable Girls'

A story about women working at the telephone company, set in 1928 Madrid. The series talks about feminism and gender equality. And about all that women are able to do to become free. 

You get it all in here- drama, love, love-drama, murder, abuse, gunshots, friendships, beauty, motherhood. And fantastic costumes! I fell in love with Blanca Suarez after watching the 'Cable Girls'! A must watch it if women empowerment is close to your heart.