Interview with The Make Up Fairy

Well do I have a slightly more interesting post for you tonight? If you're a blog reader, then you have surely heard of Joanne Larby. Currently one of Ireland's leading make up artists, curvy models, stylists, beauty bloggers and youtube guru's, she's becoming a household name. Joanne was kind enough to respond to an e-mail I wrote her and agreed to an interview. I don't know about you guys but she is such an inspiration to me and is a reminder that all women are beautiful. She's also a very genuine and kind person with an array of talents, skills and qualifications. Thanks again Joanne for taking the time out of your day to talk to me. I kept my cool but there was some serious fan girl-ing going on!

1. So Joanne, tell me a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? Where did you study? etc.
I turned 27 this year and I've been a make up artist for about 7 years. I went straight into art college after school and did a four year portfolio course. From then, I went on to study make up artistry full time which covered all areas of make up artistry from high fashion, beauty therapy, skin disorders, etc. I was then qualified and wend to work for Shiseido in Brown Thomas. I also worked in smash box for a year and a half. I then went back to study child psychology and special needs. I worked as a teacher for three years and ran the make up along side it. During which time I started my blog, The Make Up Fairy. It was literally just a hobby to get me the odd freelance job, to keep in the loop of beauty and to keep the passion as I taught. I would come home everyday from teaching and go to various events and show my face around which eventually lead to people beginning to recognise me. I now have about 97,000 international hits a week and my social media has grown dramatically. I came to the decision to start modelling, styling and doing make up artistry. I had no time to teach any more so I decided to leave after December (not just gone, the one before) and I launched the website turning my blog into an on line magazine. Since then, a lot has happened!

2. How did you become interested in make up? Did you always know you wanted to be involved in it somehow or was it something that just happened?
I always knew. I would have always been an artistic, creative person from when I was small so whether it was making and altering clothes to painting on my walls, my mum kind of gave me the artistic life to do what ever I wanted with my room. Between interior design, styling and make up, those were the three avenues of creativity that I was always interested in so then I kind of focussed in on fashion and make up I suppose when I got into transition year in school where I actually worked in MAC for two weeks and I also got to study under John Rocha so I pretty much always knew. I went into the avenues of styling and make up from about the age of seventeen on.

3. Who is your favourite designer and why?
Hmmmmm.... I like so many different designers for different reasons but I guess it would be the likes of Marchesa and stuff that are more high end, elaborate and creative. They wouldn't exactly be directly wearable but I kind of more admire it for the artistry that goes with it. As regards to high street, it comes down to small, unknown designers and Zara. If I had choose between, it would be high street rather than designer.

4. You're currently working part time as a model. Tell me a little bit about that?
I was initially signed on my first modelling job about two or three years ago where I was asked to do a style diary, which is basically a week in my world of outfits and I got a photographer on board to professionally take the photo's for that instead of myself. I was then contacted by Assets modelling agency having seen the photo's. At the time they didn't have a size 12-14 on their books when they signed me so I did a couple of jobs over the year and a half I spent with them and then I ended up being approached by a woman called Andrea Roche. I moved to her agency and did similar jobs as well as catwalk modelling and stuff like that. And now, I'm with Asset's again. 

5. Do you think that plus size modelling is on the rise?
Yes definitely! Over the past, even the time that I've been in the industry which is incredibly short, there is a massive difference. When I first started out two years ago, I was one of a hand full of girls that were plus size from a 12 up that were actively working and recognised as such. Now, even with V Plus, I think we've got 24 models so far on our books and that was before we even had any casting date! Also with the likes of high streets stores. I've worked recently with the likes of boohoo.com as their plus size model and other shops like missguided, forever 21 and Topshop are all doing segregated plus size ranges because the main retail size would be 14-16. They're basically starting to realise that women are that size and stuff like that so it's definitely on the rise.

6. When you're not working or travelling, what do you like doing?
I do work a lot. I am a self confessed workaholic. So a lot of my work is hobby based. However, I joined the gym which is going to be my outlet to stop me over working. I definitely have a good social life! A lot of my work would be attending events so I have a lot of great friends in the blogging industry to meet up with. And outside of that, just the usual girly stuff like shopping and going out. I don't party that much any more because I work so much. I love animals as well so I try and go horse riding when I can. 

Want to see more of Joanne? Follow her on:

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And visit her website!

www.joannelarby.com

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

HP Chromebook Review

Welcome back ladies and gents. Well the title for this evening's post is very self explanatory so I'll get right to the point.

Last month I finally bought a much anticipated gift for myself. I have been looking at laptops for the past 6 months knowing that I would be getting one at the end of summer. Of course I went and looked at Mac first but there was just no way that I was okay with spending so much of my own money on something that I could get for a lot less and that would work equally as good. So I started doing some more research and found something that is called a Chromebook.

A Chromebook is a laptop that is entirely powered by Google Chrome. Considering that I'm a blogger, soon to be student and an internet addict, I was intrigued. So I went into PC World to have a look at it in person. First of all, the colour immediately caught my eye. I then looked at the graphic quality, storage, battery and all the other nooks and cranny's. I later decided that I was going to buy it.

I went in to ask all the questions I had about it and the man who was helping me was so genuinely happy to answer all of them. First if all, the HP Chromebook cannot download ITunes or Microsoft. So if you have an ipod or iphone, then maybe this isn't the laptop for you. And if you're reliable on Microsoft, then maybe that should be another factor to consider. But I have a Samsung Galaxy and I use Google Docs now. So this was perfect. The laptop also comes with a built in antivirus which is permanent and does not need to be renewed every year. 

I was completely sold and bought it for 319 euro. I've been using it for just over a week now and I fall in love with it more each day. It turns on and off so quickly because it doesn't have desktop programmes slowing it down. The chrome store allows you to personalise your pages, tabs and desktop to whatever suits your personality. AND IT'S BLUE!

For an everyday internet user I could not recommend this more. I can't believe it took me this long to get one!

Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Weight Watchers Update No.2

Well hello there! Welcome back to another update on my WW journey! I've now hit the 10 pound mark which means I'm only four pounds away from losing my first stone. I'm feeling really good and extremely motivated. I have to confess that I was a bit bold last weekend. I went to a work barbecue where the wine and food were flowing and then to the cinema the following evening. But by Sunday morning, I dove head first back into healthy eating again. That was one of the main things we were taught when Mum and I started. Life goes on and sometimes, we're going to want to live it. Just because we have a cheat day, doesn't mean it's all over. Like everything, you've just got to get back up on the horse. 

Also, I've started going to Zumba classes in the Galway Bay Hotel. Mum and I went for the first time on Monday and I actually had a blast. I looked like a complete fool but I didn't care because I wasn't the only one. I thoroughly enjoyed the hour and I'm definitely doing it twice a week once I get paid at the end of the month. My lovely Mummy also bought me a new pair of trainers! It's my birthday in two weeks so she was kind enough to give me an early gift. These ones are from Littlewoods and were 69 euro. I insisted on sticking with my converse shoes that I've had since I was 15 but Mum refused to let me Zumba with no cushioning on my soles. "New shoes for a new you" is what she finished the discussion with. Love her!

What's kept me going?
They say that once you hit the 10 pound mark, you begin to see physical changes. Well I can most definitely feel them. I'm slimmer around my waist and stomach for sure. I was never too concerned with my stomach because I carry most of my weight in my thighs and hips. But it's still really great to see. Knowing that it's actually working is the best motivation.

What new foods have I discovered?
I am officially obsessed with fruit. All I ever really ate were bananas and strawberries. But now that I finally gave melon, pineapple, grapes and all the other stuff a go, I can't go a day in work without a fruit salad.

Where do I struggle?
I still get regular cravings for pizza and pasta. Like a lot. I had a bit of pizza at the weekend which was AMAZING! That's fulfilled my needs for now but other than that, I've been good at saying no.

My meal of the week?
It is without a doubt a fruit salad. I don't know why but I have been finding them so satisfying lately. I nearly always have a small one with a ham sandwich for my lunch at work. Dunnes Stores do freshly made ones so I always get them from there.

Hopefully I'll be down a full stone when you read my next post. And thank you all so much for your support and kind words! At the end of the day, people need people.

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

New Bedroom: What I Bought

Well do I have a treat in store for you guys tonight. Well to be honest it's more of a treat for me and feeding my obsession for homeware.... At the moment, I am in the process of redecorating my room. Last month I looked in at my bedroom and knew I couldn't continue living in a lime green and hot pink environment decorated by my nine year old self. 

To begin, my bed. I opted for a single bed because I don't need a double one and it would also take up an unbearable amount of space in my room. I bought my new bed sheets and throw in Penney's and my cushions in B&Q. The throw, I am in love with. I popped into Penney's to kill some time while I was waiting for my Mum and couldn't believe that their linen and accessories were all the same colour scheme as what I was planning for my room. So I had to pick up the throw, the storage baskets and the parisian themed bed sheets. The throw was 20 euro and has a lace trim with adorable patchwork and detailing. The covers were 14 euro and have a gorgeous them printed on them. And finally the set of two storage baskets were, wait for it...... JUST 8 EURO! It really was a steal all together! It would have been rude not to.

Then the cushions happened. I popped into B&Q while I had a spare few minutes before work. Originally to see if they had any trays. But then I saw that they were having a sale on cushions, which is something I didn't even know they sold. I rummaged through the pile and found two gorgeous cushions with hints of lilac, purple and beige. And guess what? They were the same theme as my bed sheets. PERFECT! One has a load of french words written on them with adorable embroidery and the other has an embroidered Eiffel Tower with a similar design as the other one. Both were just 9 euro and they are fantastic quality (I should know. I've worked in the home section in Next so cushion knowledge is essential).

Lastly, I bought these wall stickers from next. I think they were around 37 euro. I just love the colours and I thought they would just add a little bit of something to my room. Now that they're up, I love them twice as much!

I'll probably go back and buy more of the storage baskets and maybe one more cushion. But for now, this is what I've gotten. Next month I'll finally be buying a Vanity table and a bed side locker so stay tuned to see them! I've also bought a few bits off Ebay which I'll probably include in my next "New Room" post along with a few pictures of the new coat of paint, decoration, etc.

Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Weight Watchers Update No.1

Good Day everyone! Well I'm going to get straight into it. As some of you know I've joined Weight Watchers and I am just over two weeks into it. So far I've managed to loose five pounds and I am super happy with that. I was surprised by how much I am actually allowed to eat and really all I have to do is control the portions and try to stick to three meals a day. Now that I'm just working and not having to juggle college and work, I find it a lot easier to have a daily routine. 

Exercise wise I've been going for walks with my mum after work either on the prom or in the woods next to our house. We're also going to give zumba a go starting next week which I'm actually quite looking forward to.

One of the biggest challenges with all of this has been other people. You know, eating out, going for drinks, etc. But all my friends have been very supportive and have done nothing but give me words of encouragement and praise.

What's kept me going? 
Definitely the Weight Watchers hot chocolate. I adore hot chocolate and having the 1 point recipe from WW is the perfect fix. I actually prefer it to the cadbury's version!

What new foods have I discovered? 
Spinach has been the most shocking discovery so far. I've tried salads in the past and just never took to them. But after having spinach in a wrap a couple of weeks ago, I'm hooked. I've also been making porridge bread which is very similar to soda bread. It is literally made up of just oats, natural yoghurt, baking soda and a pinch of salt. It's lovely with soup and really doesn't taste all that bad by itself.

Where do I struggle?
I miss pasta...... SO MUCH. I love Italian food and would eat pasta morning, noon and night if I could. I also miss having popcorn and minstrels. Yes I know it's kind of weird but it's my guilty pleasure. But so far, I've remained strong and haven't broken.

My Meal of the Week: Scrambled eggs made with skimmed milk, bacon medallions and a crumpet. Topped off with a banana, strawberry and kiwi smoothie with natural yoghurt and a glass of water.

Lastly, I'd like to address the lack of posting at the moment. I've hit a bit of a writers block at the moment. It also doesn't help that I have zero material for haul posts because I'm not buying any clothes. But I am redecorating at the moment and have bought some gorgeous things so I'll be putting that together soon.

Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Time for Change

Good afternoon everyone! I am currently up in Athlone having a nice relaxing weekend and thought I'd use my free time (at long last) to write this post. I've had an insane couple of weeks and now everything is starting to get back into swing.

If you are a regular reader or follow me on facebook, you'll already know that over the next year, I am taking a break from institutionalised education and opting to try and learn something by myself. I've applied for Event Management with PR in GMIT and hopefully, in a couple of weeks, I'll be receiving news that I've been offered a place. If I am so lucky, I'll defer it and attend in September of 2015. I really want to be able to look back on the following year and say, "oh yes, that was the year I.........". So to start, I joined Weight Watchers. Why? Because I wanted to do something for myself.  It's not because I'm over weight or have some dire health issue, I just want to be healthier. I want to be able to look back on photo's when I'm 50 years old and think "damn, I looked good". It also helps that my Mum is showing support by doing it with me.

I know that Weight Watchers works differently on everyone. Some people don't like it and others do. My Mum has lost over 6 Stone with Weight Watchers in the past. We both have the same tendencies and put on weight in the same areas so I thought that maybe Weight Watchers would suit me too. I love how the programme is almost like a little project (if you know me at all, you'll know that I like a challenging project). I also love how they give you a book lit of the foods you can and cannot eat, along with how to build your breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also include some amazing recipes. 

I'm excited to start this new chapter of my life. I don't want to look back on this year and realise that I achieved nothing. I've taken the first step, I've started. I also see this as a fabulous opportunity to build my bag and shoe collection seeing that I'll be refraining from buying clothes for a while!

If you would like me to do weekly/monthly updates about my 

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Stay Clear with Clinique

Are you all enjoying this muggy weather? Let us pray that we see some sun before this no rain spell ends! Tonight I'll be talking about the beauty that is Clinique.

I decided a couple of months ago that I was going to invest in my skin care as I am quite happy with the makeup I'm using at the moment. Over the years, I've used drug store products like Nivea, Simple and Clearasil. They were okay but never really kept my skin all that clear. I have a list of allergies so my skin flares up very easily and it's also become extremely sensitive. After doing lots of research, I decided to invest in the Clinique moisture surge moisturiser. It was pure luck that the day I went in to get it, a package had arrived which included the moisturizer, a chubby stick and eye ointment for the same price of the cream alone. It cost me €44 (the price of the moisturizer alone) but I got a few freebies with it thanks to the new deal they were doing. Well, IT IS A MIRACLE WORKER! I've nearly reached the end of the tub and the first thing I'll be doing when I get paid is buying another one.  

I also bought a box of mini products which included a cleansing gel, a toner and another moisturizer. That was just €30 and they're still half full after having used them every night for the last 3 months. You really do only need a little bit of the product.

What made the day even better is that I got these freebies. Clinique to a deal where if you buy two products, you get a couple of free ones. You really can't lose. I chose a scrub and a lipstick which is a gorgeous shade. Perfect for Autumn. 

Overall, I could not be happier with my skin right now. I'm not saying it fights against nature but it really does help. My skin is clear almost all the time now apart from that one week every month where all hell breaks lose on my face. I use the cleansing lotion and toner every night followed by the moisturizer and the in the morning, I apply the moisturizer before putting on my makeup.

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo