Pageant Prep & Preen.

• I had the wonderful opportunity to have a Q&A session with Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff and Miss Wales finalist, Jessica Mundy. I found out all her pageant secrets, from the Hollywood hair to the flawless finish but also the truth behind the Miss Wales pageant and how it's not all makeup, dresses and a big smile. Jess hopes that this Q&A session 'helps change the publics perception of Miss Wales'. 

  
  

  So Jess, you looked amazing. Tell me about the preparation routine you undergo before the pageant? Please let us ladies know that we could at least try to look as beautiful.

  Thank you very much! There is a lot of preparation. It's important to look healthy more than anything. So moisturising every night, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy. Also I personally like having a tan, so a spray tan a few days before. Things such as eyebrow waxing, natural healthy nails, also your hair plays a big part. So a hair mask and oils are good, keeping it looking glossy and healthy. And last but not least beauty sleep, I had lots of early nights to keep the dark circles away!
• What hair oil treatments do you use that you could recommend to the readers?

  I love Morrocan Oil treatments! They leave my hair glossy without a greasy heavy feel afterwards. 

  
  

  Moroccan oil is amazing. Totally agree. So the day of the pageant! Exciting. What makeup products do you use?

  I like to use Mac cosmetics. I use their primer to begin, which is important, as it helps set and keep my make up in place for the stage. I then use their foundation, next their concelear to banish any blemishes. Next it's loose transparent powder to take away any shiny oily bits. Then a highlighter to highlight my cheek bones and brow bones. Then a Boujour bronzer to have a healthy glow. I use black mac eyeliner on the outside of my eyes, and a white liner on the inside to open up my eyes. I shade my eyebrows with a powder from bliss beauty. I also wore mac eyelashes. As my eyes were all done up, I kept lips to a minimum with a nude Rimmel gloss.

  
  

  

  
  

  Wow thats a lot of makeup. So what about your hair? There's one word to describe it... Hollywood!

  I had my hair styled by the miss wales sponsors. Morgan's hair salon. I prepped my hair with some bed head superstar spray, the stylist then curled my hair with a wand, then pin curled every curl to ensure it didn't drop. After a few hours he took them out and lots of back combing went on to create the Hollywood style! It's important to not use too much products as it can stiffen your hair. So some hair spray an bed head spray to create shine was used!

  
  

  It looked amazing. It is definitely every girls dream to have those Hollywood locks. With these pageant secrets, I'm sure we can all try out some new techniques and get that desired look. The dress. Wow. How long did it take you to find the perfect dresses for the pageant?

  To be honest, I only got my dress 4 weeks before the pageant. I'd seen it online and knew I needed to try it on. So I went down to Stardust Boutique in Swansea, where there are loads of amazing dresses! My dress was the first I tried on and I said as soon as I put it on, I want this one! It's Jovani, it really does have the wow factor! I would definitely recommend stardust boutique in Swansea for amazing dresses!

  
  

  

  
  

  Most people today think that a pageant is makeup, dresses and a big smile. They do not realise what actually happens behind the scenes. Tell me a little about your fundraising for your chosen charity, Bobths Children's therapy centre?

  They couldn't be further from the truth, yes all that plays a part but there is a lot more to pageants than all that, fundraising plays a big part. I absolutely loved the fundraising. I done numerous of things to raise money, such as a disco in a my grandfathers local pub, a charity night at my home where we had a raffle. I also took part in a charity fashion show in Cardiff. All my family and friends really helped out raising money and I couldn't be more thankful. And as for the bobaths children's therapy centre, the work they do is incredible. It's really lovely seeing exactly what your hardwork is doing for these young children!

  
  

  Running up to the pageant, your fundraising, holding events, buying your products, prepping and preening, finding the perfect dress. But your also attending pageant coaching sessions, what did you get up to?

  Yes I attended a session with Chloe-Beth who really helped me. Basically as chloe Beth is one of britains most successful beauty queens she taught us everything she knows to succeed. From the walk, the pose, the interview to make up and hair tips. She covered everything, which was brilliant before the final. I would recommend any new young girls to the pageant scene to attend a session.

  
  

  So you had a session with one of your beauty idols on how to win! That's fantastic. I'd love to know how you started out? Was it a childhood dream to become Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff?

  I've always watched miss world since I was a young girl, and always dreamed of being up on the stage like them. So when I seen applications for Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff I applied. It was an amazing feeling winning the title last year! I think it's every young girls dream to become a 'Miss' something.

  
  

  

  
  

  How was the atmosphere behind stage with the other contestants? Were the girls really friendly and approachable or was it simular to a scene on 'Mean Girls'?

  The atmosphere was amazing!! We were all so excited to get out on the stage and make our family and friends proud. Every single one of the girls were lovely! It really is nothing how people think, yes we all want to win, but after spending so much time with eachother you all grow to become good friends. I had a nightmare with my party dress. And a few girls I shared a dressing room with quickly got ready themselves and helped me out which really proves how Lovely the competition is. I have made a few friends for life and will always keep in touch with.

  
  

  So you've achieved the title Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff and taken part in Miss Wales. What's your next goal?

  As for this year, I will carry on with my studies and my role as Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff and encourage other young girls to enter. November this year, I will be handing my tile over and would love too see lots of girls competing for it! I am still only 18 and have a few years left to compete. So who knows I may try for the miss wales title again in a few years time!
  
  Applications for Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff 2014 are now availible. So ladies, you know all the secrets on how to look amazing and what goes on behind the scenes. Get applying and good luck! 

  
  

  @jmmx @LaurenMjD

  
  

  Mj

  xxx

blog. Blog. BLOG

Blogging.

It's such a wonderful thing to be able to write about what you love and allow your content to be read by anyone across the world. But it is a very time consuming hobbie that often needs to take a back seat when it comes to university work and part time jobs! But I love it. 

There is alot of work to be done while writing a post. You have to plan what your going to write about, what is going to be the title of your post, where are you going to get the information from - family, friends or your own views, will you take your own picture, if so will you edit them... So on so forth.  'Blog Inc' by Joy Deangdeelert Cho helped me to balance my life and blogging. 

This book literally contains EVERYTHING you need to know about blogging, all inside this simple 184 paged book. This book is definitely for the bloggers who write about what they love but want to take it to the next level. The book taught me simple things, for example finding my personal 'niche' and learning to stick to my preferred content. It also informed me on how to make your blog into a business, how to run it and how to keep up with it. 

If you have just started your blog or thinking about starting one, I definitely recommend this book. Pick it up and take as many tips and hints from there as possible because its truly full of great blogging advice. Pick it up even if you already have a blog up and running, theres information within the book that not only advises you on how to start your own blog but also 'the next stage of blogging', such as updating your blog, pursuing your blog as a career and finding a balance between life and your blog. 

I have something a little exciting coming soon. I had the opportunity to interview Jessica Mundy, Miss Rhondda Cynon Taff and Miss Wales finalist, on her experience in the 2013 Miss Wales competition. I've got all her beauty tips and secrets and her inside view of what really goes on within the Miss Wales pageant competition. 

Mj

xxx

Sun? Sunglasses!

I had the wonderful opportunity recently to receive a pair of sunglasses from a company called Firmoo. So I went online and choose this pair, aren't they gorgeous? If you read my blog, you know I love all sings silver and shiny. So when I seen the silver paneling on the side of the frame, I had to choose these. 

The glasses arrived very quickly and safely packed. The glasses even included a Hard glasses case and a soft sleeve which is perfect for protecting them within your bag full of things that we need everyday...  Yeah right, I could do with out half of the things I carry around. But they will come in handy one day, right?

Now these glasses have been my go to glasses since I received them a few weeks ago. This is purely because I'm always wearing silver, black jeans and a bright top, especially when the UK has now finally decided to enter summer.

I love the shape and style of the glasses. I was very surprised that they suited me, as I hadn't tried them on before hand. However, I was able to upload a photo of myself and place the selected glasses onto the photo. This great application allowed me to choose the perfect shape, while being half way across the world. 

What's great about Firmoo? 

+ They offer you a 'First free pair program'!? No you didn't misread!

Here is the link to get this fabulous offer. 

What do you think of the glasses? Have you tried out Firmoo? 

Mj

xxx

Solid Moisturisers.

I can't believe that I'm nearly hitting 50 followers. To some of you, that means nothing, but to me it means alot. It tells me that nearly 50 people out there read my blog and take the time to follow and keep up to date with what I post on here. I just want to thank every single one of you.

As I am increasingly on my way to 50 followers, I think that a giveaway is in store. So as soon as I hit 50 followers, I shall announce what I'm giving away and so on and so forth. Once again thanks so much!

+++

Surprise surprise, some Lush products once again. I do apologise but everything from that shop is simply wonderful. So here are a few massage bars from the store. I have previously spoken about the Hottie Massage Bar, which is another solid moituriser thats great for massaging and moisturising at the same time.

 

This Massage Bar is called the 'Soft Coeur'. The wonderful thing about this bar is the wonderful smell of chocolate and honey! Who doesn't want to smell like chocolate!? This product is packed full of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Honey, Cocoa Powder, Almond Oil and Sweet Wild Oranges Oil. Lets be honest, that concoction smells like a terrys chocolate orange. Yum. As you can see this product not only leaves you smelling delicious but it is also full of moisturising oils that are great for the skin.

I really love these bars, not only because of their gorgeous smell and cute little shapes but simply because there is no wastage. With a tub of moisturiser, I'll dig out a handful, slap it on and I find that im rubbing it in for ages because I've used too much! But with this bar, you massage it into the skin and it doesn't need much at all as it melts in yours hands and onto your skin.

'Shimmy Shimmy'

This massage bar literally does this. It makes you shimmer with little tiny bits of glitter, Great for making your legs look amazing in that LBD. So this massage bar comes in handy when you need to nourish your skin but you also want something special too. Thats whats great about these bars, they not only nourish your skin, come in cute little shapes, smell delicious but they also have a unique specialty within each bar. For example, the cocoa power, the glitter and the massage bar with it's 'knobbles and bobbles' as lush put it!

So here is 'Tiny Hands'. How cute is that name, it makes me thing of little babies hands and feet! So this again is a solid moisturiser, but it is specifiaclly targeted for your hands. This bar is great for the winter months when your poor little hands are dry and cracked and in need of some help from some tiny little hands.

Even though these products are like some of my favourite products from Lush. They are a pain in the arse to carry around because when it gets a tad warm they'll start to melt and you don't want your 'tiny hands' melting within you gorgeous leather designer handbag, right girls?

So a massive tip, would be to purchase the 'Massage Bar Tin' from lush. This is a small tin that will allow you to take this product in your bag and let you use it on the go, not just the confides of your home. You could even search for some other little tins to keep the products in, it doesn't exactly have to be the one from lush.

So girls, have you tried any of the Lush solid moisturisers? What did you think of them?

Mj
xxx

I have a crush - Sugar crush.

I think the title of this post is enough, don't you? 

I am seriously in love with this product. Soap and Glory have an amazing range of products at the moment, targeting all ages and skin types. But Sugar Crush has to be my favourite. I love to just open the lid and smell the product let alone use it. How sad it that... yes a serious product crush. 

Now the scent, how do I describe it? It's not the usual S&G scent. It says 'sweet lime' which I think sums it up quite well but there's a sweetness to it too! Seriously, its smells good enough to eat. 

Even if you don't need a new body scrub or don't want to try it... please just go open a tub and smell! You'll thank me I'm sure.

You can purchase this from Boots here. 

The scrub contains 'smashed brown sugar', 'almond oil' and 'macadmamia grains' all in one tub, fighting together against dry and flakey skin! My hero.

I use this around 2-3 times a week to get rid of any flakey dry skin. The scrub literally makes my skin feel brand new, clean and fresh. I wouldn't use this over 3 times, puerly because I don't think my skin needs to be 'scrubbed' that many times a week. I think it could end up doing damage rather than nourishing my skin. 

Soap and Glory are also adding some more products to the 'Sugar Crush' range - 

+ Sugar Crush Body Wash

+ Sugar Crush Body Buttercream

My bank account just shed a tear. hehe. 

Well we all have to spoil ourselves right? and we all have to take care of our skin right? 

Mj

xxx

Uni Wardrobe

Hello hunnies, Just a little update from the last post. 

I've added two of my handmade silver bracelets to my shop - here! You can also access it at the top of the page, next to 'contact' and 'home'. It is a dainty, elegant and pretty little silver range containing Shamballa beads, Swarovski crystals and heart pendants with silver and crystal beads.  I'd love for you to go check them out. There will also be many more designs being added over the next week or so, so please keep a look out. 

So anyway...

Heres another Uni outfit. 

Here we have a cute and casual outfit. 

+ Checkered dress - River Island Chelsea girl - Sale £15

+ Black Studded Boots - River Island £60

+ Black Bag - River Island £35

+ Belt - Present from Grandma. She's so stylish!

I love this belt, not only because it's form my Grandma but mainly because it pulls you in at your your waist, defining your curves. The diamontes also draw extra attention to the area, creating that Holly Willoughby hourglass figure that we all desire. 

Makeup: I just have some quick and easy makeup for a long day at uni. 

+ Tinted Moisturiser - Nivea, review here 

+ Loreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara 

+ Collection 2000 Concealer

Hair: Literally wash dry and go! 

Mj

xxx

MaryJanett Shop!

Hello lovelies!

Just a quick post to let you all know what i've been up to lately. I've been setting up my online shop - MaryJanett, where I will be selling handmade silver bracelets. These bracelets will feature Shamballa beads, Swarovski Crystal hearts, Silver hearts with both silver and crystal beads. The bracelets are very dainty ranging from 2mm beads to 4mm, so small and sweet. I think they look so delicate and pretty on the wrist and they are great to stack and bunch up! I am really excited to begin this adventure.  

If you've read some of my other posts, I will always feature my silver bracelets in every outfit because I literally wear them each and everyday. These bracelets are soo versatile, you could wear them as an everyday bracelet but you could also wear them for a fancy meal or to go out clubbing. They definitely transform you from day to night time with very little help!

So basically, i've added another page to this blog, just above called 'Shop'. After you click this it will take you to my Big Cartel website. There I have featured my first handmade bracelet for you all to take a look at. I cannot wait to share the other designs with you! I will be uploading these in the next week or so. I would really love to hear your feedback as to what you think of the bracelets. I will also be able to customise the bracelet to how you want it, via letters, charms or colour. This will take a little longer, but I'm sure you'd appreciate it!

So go check out the shop and let me know what you think!

Thanks so much.

Mj

xxx