Have a Very Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year

I think it is safe to say, on behalf of both Shanice and I, that 2014 has not been an easy year for either of us. Many of you who follow our blog will know about the problems that Shanice has faced in reguards to relationships, and Abby has faced her own ones. But as i sit here now, writing this post, despite my life not been perfect, i know 2015 is going to have some amazing moments.

It will be a year of change for both of us, we will be setting off to Europe, and standing on our own two feet, knuckling down at college, and then Abby is off to Uni. However, despite 2014 not being easy, there have been some awesome moments. Shabs haven't really seen one another as much as we would like, and maybe that is something we can change next year. But we started this blog, we have planned an amzing holidays, and we have had many laughs.

Every cloud has a silver lining, that is what thy say. And despite the rocky road our lives have taken, i think our friendship has definitely become stronger. I know for a fact taht Shanice is always there for me, silently stalking my twitter in case she sees something that indicates i am not okay. I'm the same with her.

She thanked me for being a good friend back in her post 'Dedicated Friends', now i feel i should thank her too. Shanice puts up with my ramblings, rantings, and general annoyingness, and never once moans. And despite her (frequently attrociously) late replies, (she is getting better) i know she is always there for me. No matter what.

So thank you Shanice.

And as for you, our wonderful followers, readers, and silent onlookers, Christmas is just around the corner, and let's make it a great one. Wherever you are, hot or cold, near or far, make sure you eat more than is healthy and relish in some good ole' you time.

So Happy Christmas from Shabs, and let us all make 2015 our year.

Bewitched by Budapest

Budapest, not only the George Ezra song that inspired the entirety of this trip, but also the next city on our journey.

This city is one which Shanice is especially looking forward to. Budapest is actually made up of two parts, Buda and Pest. Yep, I'm not joking. These two parts are joined by the Chain Bridge, which is in no other words stunning. It's architecture is magnificent and at night it looks amazing. So Abby is here by requesting that we walk across it at night. 

I mean how stunning is this?!

Budapest is also know for its thermal baths. These places are like castles file with water and this is no exaggeration. They are stunning, you can swim inside or outside in the summer, have treatments or just relax. Honestly, it's like this massive spa. They're reasonable priced considering how big they are as they only cost £12 at a weekend. I don't think we can visit and not go to one of these places if I'm honest. They are going to be worth a visit just for the architecture, but the baths are brilliant for you. They are said to help with aches and pains, so maybe our feet won't ache so much from the walking and our backs from the backpacks? 

The City of Healing Waters

Budapest is also a place of supreme history. If you walk along the banks of the Danube river then you will most likely comes across one of the most incredible things. In 2005 a film director called Can Togay erected a monument in memory of the Jewish people that were brutally killed in Budapest during World War Two. It is tonnes of metal shoes placed on the bank. To say it is thought provoking is an understatement. The metaphors laced within it is stunning. This is one of the places on our trip that we are both looking forward to most.

Shabs x

Crispy leaves and tea.

It's the most beautiful season of all; autumn. 

The mornings are brisk and the evenings dark meaning snuggling up in bed is all the more wonderful. The leaves are at that beautiful stage when they are a mixture of gold, red and orange dotted with the odd great on clinging on to summer. Then in a gust of wind that bites at your skin they fall to the ground. Even at seventeen we still believe there is not much that is more satisfying that jumping in a pile of leaves and hearing that 'crunch'. Having said that, when the leaves are all soggy and stuck to the ground they are just as beautiful. A confetti carpet. 

(Abby) The other day I had my break at work in the morning. Leaving the kitchen, I pulled on my sweatshirt and raincoat, grabbed my bagel, tea and blueberry muffin and went to sit outside. I work near a main road, but it was still beautiful. For me, there is something about escaping into a brisk autumn morning and just taking it all in. Whilst hugging my tea to keep me warm.
(Shanice) For me, this is the first year I am truly appreciating Autumn. I am a summer baby and usually hate it when the warmth of summer leaves, but this year I am embracing it with everything I have. I have no idea how I've missed out on the outstanding beauty of Autumn for so long. 

We love everything about autumn. From soup and crusty bread in front of the fire, to the first frost and tea. Ginger sponge on bonfire night, watching the fireworks from your bedroom window when you're meant to be asleep, everything Halloween related and children in need. But for us, there are a few essentials that you need to get you through autumn. So, here are what we think you need...

Firstly, you need coats, wooly jumpers, scarves and leggings, and I am being deadly serious. With ankle boots, black boots, brown boots, leather or suede - basically this is your survival. Especially when bonfire night comes around and it is freezing cold as you're stood in the garden looking up at the sky. 

We love scarves and if anyone out there is wondering what to get Abby for Christmas? Scarves! Chunky cardigans are just as brilliant, and if you want a lovely one then our advice is - as with anything clothes related - get yourself to H&M. 

Vaseline. It's literally Abby's saving grace at the moment. Working in a boiling hot environment then stepping out into the cold is playing havoc with my lips, and this stuff is the only thing stopping the, bleeding. Up until this year I never really used lip balm or anything. Instead I just used lipstick - which is you use a decent brand will work just as well, I always opted for Avon. However, my mum let me have a brand new pot of hers and it has transformed me. I love the way it makes my lips look super glossy and glamorous but doesn't feel greasy or anything. 

Good food. There is nothing better at this time of year than coming home to a good hearty hot meal. In the colder months our bodies burn more calories, which for us is great because we can have that second helping of soup or maybe even cake!

In autumn and winter the weather changes can also cause bad skin in people, as well as make them feel down in themselves. The right food and right care of yourself can help sort this right out!

This time of year for me (Shanice) causes me to reflect on the previous few months since the year began. I, as Carrie Fletcher put it in her 'Letters to Autumn' videos, use this time to reflect on who I have lost in this period of time and who I have gained, how I have changed and how I have stayed the same.

In my reflection I always become far more aware of myself and others around me. How I am feeling and wondering how others are feeling too. I always feel people mellow during this time of the year, right before the stress of christmas hits and I want to appreciate that.

I am a far different person this year than I was last, and I'm glad that with the changes I have come to love and appreciate Autumn because it is incredibly beautiful. 

Do you love Autumn as much as we both do? 

Shabs x

Wandering Warsaw.

Hey you beautiful people!

The third and final city in Poland that Shabs (accompanied by Zac) will be visiting is Warsaw. This is probably one of the more well known Polish cities. However, we all have such bad geography that we had never heard of it. That probably is a scary thought when you consider we are to be going all over Europe - alone! 

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland, and is -in the clichéd travel blog words - an up and coming city. It's dealt with it's fair share of pain and fire, it has risen from the flames, and more recently dusted off the ashes to reveal the bright colours beneath. 

Once more, Warsaw is a place that we are more than a little excited about visiting. In actually fact we are probably most excited about visiting Poland as a whole country because it is so unknown to us. So what are we going to do when we visit this city? 

Well, as you can tell there is going to be a lot of sight seeing on this trip. All that walking will hopefully allow us to burn off enough calories to go and bury ourselves in the local cuisine without putting too much weight on! 

Lazienki park is the largest park in the city, and when I say it is large, I mean it. It is massive. Set in the beautifully landscaped and designed park is Lazienki palace, also known as 'the palace on the isle' in reference to the fact at it overlooks the lake. What absolutely made us fall in love with this place is the fact that the building is only accessible via footbridges - how cute!

Warsaw has seen so much pain, and that is something that would be so easy to forget. But it is that pain which has helped to make it the city it is today, and Shabs are firm believers in embracing that. So we are also looking at heading to the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial. This is built exactly where the Warsaw Ghetto used to be, a place that was destroyed in the 1940's. Those who lived their were either killed, or sent to a concentration camp. So this memorial was built, to re bed the lives that were lost, but also, to remember those who fought against the Nazi's.

It seems as though it would be a humbling place. 

There are so many places in Warsaw we would love to visit, and even more museums. I have a feeling that we will leave this city wanting more! 

When in Warsaw, there will be plenty of wandering, especially around the Old Town. There will also be tonnes of Instagram moments! 

Have you been to Warsaw?

-Shabs

Gorgeous Gdansk.

Gdansk is a Polish city on the Baltic coast. It is another city that we will be visiting that is seaped in history, and yet another city that we had never heard of prior to this trip. The incredible thing about this city is the fact that during the Second World War the whole core of the city was practically destroyed. What you see today is actually one of the most amazing pieces of architecture restoration to date. 

Gdansk is said to be one of Poland's principal seaports and we are so excited to explore this beautiful city! Of course, it being a port, means that it is by the sea, meaning there is a beach, and seafood and that amazing salty sea air! Abby is from a seaside town, so for her it is a reminder of her childhood. For Shanice, well, it is what she wanted at least once on this holiday. 

We would love to do real tourist-y things here. Going on the Gdansk City Tour and visiting St Mary's church. There is something important about knowing even just a little about the city that you are staying in. Learning about the history, and the events that made it what it is today. A tour is one of the best ways to do this. You are not relying on sketching internet data, or simply suspicions. You are hearing pure facts from the people who know the place the best. 

St Mary's is a Roman Catholic church in gdansk. St Mary's is currently one of the largest European Brick Gothic churches, and is currently the largest brick church in the world. Its construction began in 1379.I (shanice) am fascinated by the architecture of this building. Both the interior and the exterior. It is a must see on my list and will be very disappointed if I don't get to visit this beautiful place.

 When it comes to architecture, Golden House is probably the richest facade that the city has to offer. It is decorated with busts of famous historical figures, including two of Polands Kings. The four figures that you can see waving from the top of the building are Cleopatra, Oedipus, Achilles, and Antigone.

When it comes to this city, however, one of the things we are most looking forward to is walking around it at dusk, walking around the port and the little streets at dusk. Seeing the sunset, the sky turn a spectrum of colours all behind the ancient skyline. 

It really does look stunning. 

Have you ever been to Poland? What food should we try?

-Shabs

Picture Perfect Poznan

Now for the second stop of our European city adventure...

Poznan. We're going to guess that ninety percent of you don't know where it is, and to be honest until we started planning this trip neither did we. It is a city that was recommended to us by a friend of Abby, who is Polish.

Truth be told out attraction to this city is purely based on it's looks. Tiny winding streets where you can go walking and find hidden coffee shops and little boutiques. Of course, we won't be rich, so we most likely won't buy much. But I don't think we will mind too much. 

When it comes to Poznan, however, our excitement is mainly centred around the stunning hostel we will be staying it. Honestly, it is by far the nicest accommodation we will have on this whole trip, and when the majority of our stays will be in plain dingy rooms you have to understand that this is incredibly exciting! It's a converted old building, and all the rooms are painted in white, pink and purple, the beds are white... 

Can you feel our excitement yet?!

The whole point of this trip is discovering places that we would never think to visit at any other point in our lives. So none of us want a rigid timetable of places we will go but we do want to sit and plan the places we would like the chance to visit, but at this moment in time, none of us mind. Even if we end up just wandering around and taking photos, it will be perfect. 

When it comes to Poznan, I think we will be mostly enjoying taking in all of the beautiful sights and culture that Poznan has to offer. 

Dedicated friends.

Now this post is a little out of our ordinary (and a wordy one at that, I do apologise.), but I (Shanice) feel that it needs to be said, and read, to remind us that friends are incredibly important and can make our lives so much happier.

I recently went through a breakup of a relationship, I was and still am totally in love with the boy but I accept we're young and I'm not what he wants anymore. That being said it doesn't make it any less painful or upsetting.

Abby, the other half of Shabs, has made it her mission to keep me smiling and make me feel better. She is talking to me constantly, offering me support and her wise words and sending me little pictures or quotes to make me feel better about myself and smile. I can not thank her enough as I can't imagine how I would be feeling right now without her.

I love the quote 'Friends are the family we choose for ourselves'.  I believe wholeheartedly in this as my family aren't the best but my friends are incredible. 

People often take their friends for granted as they see them as easily 'replaceable'. If one of your friends treats you badly constantly for a long period of time and there is nothing you can do to salvage any sort of friendship then cut that person loose without a second thought!
but, and it's a big but if your friend is just having a bad day, or week allow them that. We are all only human and we need compassion and patience from each other.

The basis of any friendship is understanding, and thats not something that always comes easy. A friendship also takes dedication and effort and I feel that a lot of people forget this sometimes. Myself included!

So really the point of all that was make sure you appreciate the people in your life. Abby's kindness has reminded me that I should be doing more to remind the people around me how much I love and care for them and it's something I intend to do!

Shanice x

Catching Up

June was a stressful month, so here's a post to catch up with our hectic lives!

So, July has just hit us (Happy Independence Day to any of you in the USA), and we have officially finished our first year at college! No more exams for a while, no more homework, no more assignment (well...) and no more deadlines, meaning there is a lot more time for us to update, or at least, in theory there is. Currently, we're both busy applying for jobs left right and centre. But, we're going to try our hardest!

On a little side note, today marks exactly a year since it was our prom! A day when, we must admit, the weather was an awful lot nicer than it is today. 

Here we are looking all fancy and glamorous at the Golf Club!
July 4th 2013.

So, yesterday Shabs met up, and it was made official that summer 2015 will not be when Shabs go stateside. Unfortunately, as we both have exams before we leave, and college and University when we come back, it will not logistically work. 

But, don't get too upset because there is a super awesome replacement in the works. How many countries are there is Europe? over 30. How many have we visited? Very few. So, it's about time we set that right. We can't quite manage, nor afford, to visit them all, but how about 1 month, and 10 countries. Setting sail from England, and hitting Paris, then going on one long train journey, stopping along the way, until we set sail back home from Amsterdam. 

So, as we work this out, and spend hours researching ferries, hostels and places to go, get ready to hear plenty about it! 

Where do you recommend that we visit?

Shabs

Summer romance.

Hi guys. 

Well today we thought that we'd indulge you in our fantasies and ideas of our perfect date. The title obviously refers to the time of year that our 'perfect dates' would be set, because when else could a perfect date be other than summer (any other season if you ask Abby)?!

Shanice: 

So first things first, as every girl will agree clothes.
For a date I believe in dressing to impress, and staying classy.

This cut out skater dress from TopShop (£45)
is perfect. It's something I'd feel comfortable in,
and that's key to having a good time
anywhere!

Heels are a must for me.
They give me confidence, and
confidence is a must!
asos (£42)

As you can see I couldn't choose!
I'm obsessed with heels.
asos (£55)

Makeup:

I'd love to have my makeup done by a makeup artist for a date. I love having my makeup done by other people! I think I'd opt for a smokey eye, a decent amount of contouring (to give shape to my very round face) minimal blush and topped off with Tanya Burr picnic in the park lip gloss.

I suppose I should get into some detail about the actual date! 

Place: 

I'm in love with London, my birthplace, an amazing city. So It would either have to be there, or in the complete opposite, a quirky place in the middle of the countryside, because nothing is more beautiful.

Romantic or fun? 

I'm a romantic at heart. I want nothing more than someone to take me out to a quirky little place that they absolutely love. This is because I love seeing people be enthusiastic about things they love. It puts them in such a good mood and it's contagious. Instantly making for a better time.

Doing what?

Food, food, and more food. I believe dates are to spend quality time with your partner and for you both to be relaxed. While I do think it's great to shake things up and do different things, the classic meal out is perfect for me. 

With whom?

Since I'm in a relationship I should obviously say him! Although as much as I love him, I have celebrity crushes that I'd absolutely DIE to go on a date with! These include Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, and Liam Hemsworth. If I had to choose though it would be Ian Somerhalder, not only is he incredibly attractive and a great actor, he believes strongly in making this world a better place by reducing the impact we have on it. What he does is incredible and I admire him greatly.

Abby: 

So, for my clothes it would be all about wearing something that I feel would make me look good, but also that I am confident and not self conscious in. I also would pick something that allows them to see the real me. 

I'd definitely choose a dress, and I think
this cream lace dress is simple,
elegant and ever so pretty.
Debenhams (£45)

Because I'm always cold, I would put a shirt
open over my dress. Plus, it adds to the
country style. 

Because it's really important to feel happy in what
you are wearing i would wear my favourite
pair of boots. I do love my heels, and i wear them
at every chance i get, but i'm also conscious of being
taller than everyone else, so i would opt for these.
Skechers (£66)

Makeup: 

Unlike Shanice, i would do my own make up. I have had mine done before and it looked amazing, but I and terrible when it comes to people being near my eyes. It'd so simple and with what I know. Mascara, a touch of black liquid liner on either my eyelid or just under my eyes. Then, I'd go with a light dusting of shimmery shadow, a touch of blusher, and my Avon, Moonbeam lipstick. 

Place: 

Considering this is a fantasy, am I allowed to say Nashville? 

Fun or Romantic? 

I would like a little of both. I think if it was fun it would make it a lot less scary, but then again I'd love a romantic date! 

Doing what? 

It sounds cliché, and it's probably the result of listening to so much country music. I'd like to go to a country concert, not some big arena tour, but a small concert. Whom? Probably Eric Church, although I would not say no to seeing Frankie Ballard, Kip Moore or the Nashville cast either. (This would be the fun bit) Then I'd like to go somewhere quiet, like a park, and have a picnic (Romantic) on the grass - FOOD! This is the part which is in so many country song, and I guess it's just made me want to live it. 

With whom? 

Well unlike Shanice, I am single, so I don't have to say anyone in particular. And as there is no one who I can think of who I know, I'm going to say Sam Palladio (from ABC's Nashville, Jonathan Jackson (Nashville once more), or Michael Whetherly (NCIS). However, my first choice would be Sam Palladio, I think, because he is British, a fantastic actor and singer, but also seems like such a down to earth person. 

Who would your perfect date be with? Let us know!

Shabs xx

'So many books, so little time'

Hi guys!
ok so today we're talking books! Since we're both students (which automatically equals us being broke the majority of the time) one of our favourite pass times is reading!
We both have our individual tastes in books but we love swapping books and reading something the other one loves!

Abby:
I'm currently reading: F is for Fugitive, by Sue Grafton
So, this is the sixth book in the Kinsey Milhone series. A series which (funnily enough) focuses around Kinsey Milhone, a private investigator based in Santa Theresa, California. What's different though is that all of the series take place in the 1980's, meaning that the work she does is proper investigative work - therefore  you don't have to be a technology genius to understand what is going on.
This series is one of my favourites, and I discovered it about 4 years ago in Spain when I had run out of books whilst in a villa in the middle of no where. Thank fully there was a bookcase, which, low and behold contained 'C is for Corpse', my first Grafton book. The way I would describe them is almost a toned down James Bond, and Grafton actually writes a lot like Flemming. The beauty of which is that everything is described in a poetic like way.
F is for Fugitive focusses on Bailey, a man convicted of the murder of Jean Timberlake when he was younger. Only he escaped prison and laid low for many year until now, when a simple case of mistaken identity brings him to the Police's attention. Kinsey is consequently drafted in by Bailey's father to try and prove his innocence - whether she succeeds or not I am yet to discover.

Summer recommendation: Heat Wave, by Richard Castle (and then the rest of the Nikki Heat series)
Anyone familiar with the ABC TV show Castle, will recognise the name of this author. That is because, the fictional character 'Richard Castle' and the author of this series is one and the same. In fact, it's all based around the show it's self. To anyone who does not know what I'm currently rambling on about, Castle is a show which focuses on the New York Police department, and the team of Kate Beckett. Richard Castle is an award winning crime novelist who, thanks to his connections, gets to shadow Beckett on cases in order to research his new book. The new book is about a Police detective Nikki Heat - yep, you got it, these are the books he writes in the show.
Most people will write them off, thinking they're just the standard copy cat style, but don't. This is one of the whitty-est series around, and I highly recommend it.
The light hearted style is perfect for some poolside reading or garden lounging.

Shanice:
I am currently reading: the Gone series by Michael Grant. This is comprised of 6 books all set in the fictional small American town of Perdido Beach.The basic plot is that everyone 15 and over disappears and the whole area is trapped in an impenetrable energy barrier. Due to this everywhere erupts into chaos and when kids start developing powers things take a dark turn. It is a science fiction series with a little bit of horror thrown into the mix.
I discovered this series while I was very ill. I couldn't physically move out of my bed for a good week, so I laid and read all six books in one week!  I also had periods of hallucination during this time because I was so ill, mixed with reading these books, was very odd! Although this is not to put anyone off, it was a very very funny and strange experience!
I am re-reading this series because it is just SO great! With so many unexpected twists and it taking a turn for the dark side it's something I could read over and over again! It is immensely popular series worldwide and I'll be shocked if you haven't heard of it!

Summer recommendation: The Hunger Games. By Suzanne Collins. This is without a doubt one of the best book series I have ever read. I can not put into words how much I love these books. The films are amazing but they don't do any justice to the books. I know personally so many people that have hated reading, and they've tried these books and just can't put them down!
These books are perfect for the summer. You can pick them up and put them down and pick them up again and remember exactly what happened because it's such an easy read. I lovelovelove books like that! 

So let us know if you've read any of these books, if you love them or hate them, or if you've got any that you'll think we'll love! 
                        Shabs x 

Wading through exam stress.

Bonjour to all of you vagabond beauties!

So, today's post marks the beginning if exams. And, as of 11:10 this morning, shabs had their first AS exam - Abby had French speaking. Now, everyone has to deal with this abhorrent period at one point or another in their life. Whether it be for their SATs, GCSEs or Alevels in England, highers in Scotland or any other type of exam - each one of them is a month or two of stress and pressure none of us will ever forget. 

With that in mind, this post goes out to give a little bit of reassurance to you all. A shout out to say do your best, because your best is amazing. But sometimes, even knowing you've done your best does not ease the stress. Thus, we've collated a list of our top tips to survive the next month or two of sports halls, ticking clocks, single desks, sleepless nights and enough ink to bathe in. 

Tip #1; Music
It's like a tranquilly escapism from the real world, where words are beautiful and colours swim aimlessly around your mind. It lets you forget what you're worried about, and calms you down. So, the one things that got me through my GCSEs and will get me through my Alevels and no doubt my degree, is music. Pick a CD, one which you love, and always will do. But don't pick one which has songs which get stuck in your head - trust me, the result is that you find you spend your whole exam singing the song in your head instead of doing your exam. Abby's choice of CD? Bon Jovi's, Have a Nice Day. 

Tip #2; Relax
Sometimes, most of the time, we all get so caught up in the fear and nerves that come with exams, and so pent up that we should be realising that spew never actually take a deep breath. I'm not saying never revise, we all know that will do more harm than good, as you'd end up being disappointed with your final result! But one night a week take some time off, (and read our blog). The night after an exam, take a shower, curl up in bed, and just forget about the stress. A rule I have? (That Shanice doesn't because she works until stupid times in the morning and then cries all of the next day) Never work past 19:30-20:00, by that time your mind is so tired that nothing even manages to go in. 

Tip #3; Make the effort
This may be the strangest of all of these points, but it's true. On the day of an exam, make an effort, do your makeup, style your air, wear something pretty. Firstly, in the morning that's when you worry, and if your mind is occupied by applying makeup or braiding your hair then you have less time to panic. But secondly, if you look good on the outside then you feel good, you feel confident. That confidence is contagious, and so when you get in that exam, it's still there, and before you know it you're halfway through the exam. 

Tip #4; Make the effort
This time we're talking about revision. Blahblahblah I know, but it is THE most important thing to do if you really want to achieve the grades you know you can! The best way to do this is to find a revision technique that suits you, usually the sillier the better! Many of my friends have key points from their subject on post-it notes stuck in the silliest places they can think of! Or you could use the simple but effective 'look, cover, write, check'. No matter what you chose putting work into something is the only way you'll get anything back. Can you imagine how boring life would be if, as they say, everything was handed to you on a plate? 

Tip #5; This is not the end.
And by this we mean if you do these exams, and you don't get what you want then it is not the end of everything. You can usually retake them, and even if you can't there will be different routes of entry to what you want to do. There are always options. Remembering this will reduce the stress, and reducing stress is the best way forward!

Voila! They may be nothing outrageous, and not quite what all our teachers and tutors tell us to do, but they're what we do. These are the Shabs suggestions, not scientific, just why works for us, and if they work for you, then that'll make our day. 

Good luck our remarkable readers,

-Shabs 

Face Day!

Hello to all of you awesome wanderers of the world wide web!
This is officially the first blog post which was not solely constructed via text or Skype, so some might call it a step forward in our blogging career - we found it quite hard work! But, it was completely worth it as you will soon find out . . .

So Shabs finally met up today!
And with the aim of making our faces look a little bit better, we got down to sorting our skin out, and then ruining all our hard work by putting makeup all over it (something we only realised after we'd finished)!
Here's our day in pictures!

We decided to steam our faces using
boiling water.

It wasn't as glamorous as we thought it
would be,and how people manage to stay like
this for 10 minutes is absolutely absurd.  

We found it was really hard to breath!
Hence why we did this for about 6 minutes. 

Looking like tomatoes, but with really
clean skin! 

We then decided to remove our blackheads!
(Read the instructions fully first,because we didn't, and ended up wearing them for nearly half an hour!)

   

So cold and sticky!

This was the weirdest feeling ever
because they go hard, and you
can't laugh, which when you both look like idiots
with plasters on your face is ridiculously hard!

    

Next step, clay mask!
Something Abby had never done before.

Our skin is as clean as its ever going to get.
It is also really smooth!

The products we used at the beginning
of the post to help our skin
(more information below)

The products used after the face mask.
(more information below)

What we cleaned our faces with prior to all of this
maddness! Clinique cleanser is Shanice's, Clearasil
face wash is Abby's!

We had to stop for a snack break!
(we discovered pop corn is a lot of help
when trying to remedy your skin)

Now onto makeup! This is Abbys.

This is Shanice's.

The final result!

Neither of us are very good at taking serious photos.

Products used in the pictures above:

T-zone, clear out face pore strip.

Balance snake venom clay mask. 

Regen moisturizing cream.

Clearasil daily Gel Wash.

Simple kind to skin hydrating light moisturiser.

Makeup (as pictured above)-

Abby:

• Real Techniques powder brush.
• Body Shop blusher brush.
• MUA pressed powder foundation.
• Giordani Gold bronzing pearls.
• NYC Cover Stick concealer.
• NYC 'show time' volumizing mascara.
• Rimmel exaggerate eyeliner.
• Avon Moonbeam lipstick.

Shanice:

• Real Techniques Expert Face brush.
• Maxfactor 3in1 facefinity foundation.
• Scandaleyes Lycraflex mascara.
• Rimmel moisture renew Salone Plum lipstick.

And here we, we successfully made it through our first beauty blog post without either of us having an allergic reaction or breaking something. Thank you all for reading. 

-Shabs