saharasplash Archives - Page 5 of 35

saharasplash3 March, 2019

Refresh and restyle at RUSH Farringdon

Have you ever just got up, looked in the mirror and thought, what is my hair doing? Or rather, what am I not doing to my hair? Although I am really good at maintaining my hair week to week and keeping it in good condition, I’ve not had anything done to it at a hairdressers since the last time I visited RUSH Shepherds Bush back in March 2018! So a whole year has passed far too quickly, and I was definitely thinking it was time for a refresh and restyle.

After watching several shows on Netflix trying to work out if I could pull certain hairstyles off, I finally made the decision to have a fringe cut. I used to have a side fringe about ten years ago, but this time I was older and wiser, therefore something a bit less teen and a lot more class was in order.

I made my way into London on a sunny Saturday morning and arrived at the brand new RUSH Farringdon salon just a few minutes walk from Farringdon underground. I was kindly invited by RUSH for my treatment, and I always look forward to working with the RUSH team every time we collaborate.

My stylist for the day was Romina, a Sydney stylist who had just relocated to London. I told her what I would like and she got really excited, knowing a big change was imminent. We took before and after pics against the coolest wall, and then got started!

I was confidently calm as the scissors took to my locks and it was over in about five seconds flat. My short fringe bounced unnaturally either side of my forehead, the roots clearly not wanting to settle on a new direction.

I thought it was amazing even before it was blow dried and styled.

I stepped out the salon and found a Byron Burger a few buildings down that looked practically empty. I chose a window seat so I could make use of the sunlight to take my first pic avec fringe! My sister interrupted the moment by calling me in a state of shock after seeing my Instagram story of my salon experience. She demanded to see pics instantly, to which I obliged and then she said she loved it- phew!

I’ve been blown away by all the positive and encouraging messages about my new look. I wake up every day happy with my hair and I want to thank RUSH Farringdon and Romina for helping me achieve it!

Saharasplash x

What do you think to the new do? When was the last time you had a refresh and restyle? If you’ve been on the fence about it, I urge you to take the leap and do it!

saharasplash25 February, 2019

Doing London Fashion Week my own way

London Fashion Week has ever so quickly come and gone again, and although I didn’t attend any shows this season, I did venture to London to do some catwalking of my own. I met with Surrey-based photographer Lucy Hooper to help me capture some shots wearing Femme Luxe Finery (gifted). We met at 12 o clock in West London and it was unfortunately pouring down!

The rain was not going to stop any time soon, so we decided against the usual South Kensington, white house backdrop and dove into a nearby cafe to get some inspiration with a nice cup of tea and cake.

I just love how wonderfully well these turned out- you can’t go wrong with a mustard cable knit and faux leather leggings on a dreary day. The cafe’s sultry interior made the outfit fit right in as I enjoyed a gluten free red velvet cupcake. As the rain wasn’t prepared to subside for us, we then took to the London Underground to capture some urban shots on the tube. Even though it was rather packed around central London on a Monday afternoon, we still managed to whip the camera out and create some magic moments…

Our next stop was Covent Garden, a place that is swarming during London Fashion Week with people from all over the globe- mostly wearing black vinyl trousers, stompy boots and trench coats. Although that’s not really my style, I couldn’t wait to get changed into outfit number two, a burnt orange jumpsuit! I decided to wear the jumpsuit with a cropped teddy jacket and satchel bag to compliment the warm tones. I love how all the pieces went together to create a stylish yet effortless look. As the weather was still a bit drizzly, we took cover under some of Covent Garden’s pillars to start our next lookbook. The lighting was just right on the cloudy day, just perfect for what we had in mind. We also found a lovely corner filled with plants that really made the high neck jumpsuit stand out from the crowd.

Pillar and plant poses accomplished, we made our way down to Freemason’s Hall, a prime location for budding fashion enthusiasts. Most of LFW’s Fashion Scout shows are held here so we tried our luck to see what was happening. But we found that nothing was happening outside when we arrived, as a show was taking place inside. Timing is everything during Fashion Week, so we made use of the empty, stone steps to create our own catwalk look.

I have never been able to get a good walking shot before, but Lucy managed to pull it off no problem, and it only took about three takes! I decided to save my final look until I got back home as the weather was not letting up. Make sure to keep an eye on my Instagram page for the last look coming soon.

Even though LFW passed me by this time, I still felt that same energy and excitement on that day in London, knowing the whole city was abuzz with models, paps and designers freaking out. We did it in such a relaxed way, I might book another solo photoshoot for fashion week in September! My final word of wisdom: Make the city your own catwalk every time you go exploring, wear each outfit like you mean it and hold your head up high with confidence.

Saharasplash x

Thanks to Femme Luxe Finery for collaborating on this post and to Lucy Hooper Photography

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saharasplash19 February, 2019

Caring for your tyres

This post is going to be a little bit different to my regular content, but something I touch on now and again as it’s so important. As you know from my socials, I travel a lot with my daughter Alice and every week my trusty car ventures from Essex to Suffolk. I have owned my Kia for over ten years now and I honestly can’t see me driving another vehicle. It’s the perfect runaround car for Alice and I, though as our family expands we will of course have to rethink the Picanto!

I wanted to share a few thoughts and tips with you all about taking care of you car, especially for those of you who travel often. Caring for your tyres is the first point of call. It can be something easily forgotten, but serious if left too long before checking. I know what it’s like to have a blown tyre on a motorway, and it was one of the scariest things that I definitely don’t want to repeat again. If you have a diary or calendar, make a little note on the first of every month to do a simple check using a 20p coin to test the tread.

If you’re not sure about tyre pressure, then most petrol stations will have a tyre pressure machine. It’s a job worth doing if you’re on your way to fill up before your next adventure! If you do find yourself in need of some new wheels, check out tyres for a great local price at Elite Direct Tyres Rainham, Essex Branch.

We have quite a few cars in our family, so we all make sure to keep each other’s cars in good condition, especially when it comes to wheels. I can’t say the same for the inside of my car- travelling with a baby means random wipes, tissues and lots of socks scattered about! But it’s on my list to do seeing as the weather is so nice this week in East Anglia.

Are you caring for your tyres? Let me know in the comments below and if you have any car stories of your own to share. Until next time, stay safe,

Saharasplash x

This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own

My Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is ready and waiting, even if the big day is over- go get some gift inspo now!

saharasplash16 January, 2019

We never go out of style

It’s so hard these days to determine what is fashion and what is style, and no, they are not the same thing. Fashion comes and goes as often as shop windows change their displays- what’s in one minute can be out the next. Style, however, is a much longer story. Style is something that you choose according to your personal preferences, and what suits your body shape/type/age. Of course we can’t all get away with a leather mini skirt- I think that day has sailed for me now! But that doesn’t mean I can’t wear something that makes me feel confident, sassy and at the end of the day, happy. I’ve called this post ‘we never go out of style’ and this sort of has a double meaning. One, I’m speaking about me, you, us- we never go out of style no matter what, it’s the decisions we make on a daily basis on what we wear that changes that. Two, I’m speaking about two prints that never go out of style, looking back through the past several decades- leopard and glitter. True, these used to be sewn a little differently into shoulder- padded jackets and halter neck crop tops, but you can still wear these two stylish prints that suit today’s world just fabulously.

The golden glitter jumpsuit

I am totally taking this golden glitter jumpsuit from Fredafunk with me into my 30’s. It’s such a striking jumpsuit that makes me want to dance every time I put it on. I actually wore a white jumpsuit to get married in, so maybe that’s where my love for jumpsuits started?! A golden glitter jumpsuit should be in every party goer’s wardrobe.

The leopard print dress

This print made its rise to stardom last season, and we are still seeing it everywhere so please don’t be put off from buying leopard print- as it will still be cool for many years to come! This floaty number from Fredafunk is not my usual style, but I knew it was a winner when I started walking and saw how amazing all the layers were to it. I wore a leopard print camisole underneath which sort of looks like a part of the outfit, but no. That’s style right there, being able to put your own spin on a dress that makes you feel more comfortable and confident in yourself.

What do you think to these two classic prints? Do you have any glitter or leopard in your wardrobe? Perhaps a glitter leopard print purse should be on your 2019 wishlist!

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading we never go out of style, my first post of 2019! There’s plenty more where that came from, but if you’re not caught up with my latest, head over to read ‘Farewell 2018, thanks for the memories’.

saharasplash20 December, 2018

A festive meet in the South East

I am always thrilled to be invited along to events as a blogger, but when it’s a Christmas one, even more so. This time I got into my little orange Kia and headed to Colchester for the last SEBC event of the year. The South East Blogger Club is a great network to be a part of, and I’ve been to quite a few events now. Lots of brands new and old, read on to find out more about what happens at a festive meet in the South East…

I must say a big thanks to my mum for looking after Alice on nights like these. Taking just a shoulder bag and my camera out with me is such a novelty, and I felt as light and free as a bird as I entered Boadicea.

I went downstairs to find a spread of tables and bustling conversations; I wasted no time as I introduced myself to the array of brands.

Big Bobble Hats were showcasing for the first time at a South East blog event. Alice and I are very much into bobble hats, so these handmade designs were right up my street.

Belicious Beauty are a relatively new business spanning areas of Kent and Essex. They work with freelance hair and beauty technicians and have created an app to match you up for a treatment. It’s really easy to use, I just know this will catch on in areas like London really well.

Orthosole were back to say hello to bloggers new and familiar (like me!) If you are ready for the party season, your handbag needs to be equipped with a pair of these orthopaedic insoles, customisable to your footwear
and feet.

I was also really pleased to see Shaken Udder again, and they have a brand new flavour which I just couldn’t get enough of- strawberries and clotted cream!

The next stall that caught my eye was a brand called Logan’s Plate. Run by Tijani, a Mum of two, she provides a meal delivery service for babies and toddlers spanning the Romford and Essex area. We have just begun trying their wonderful tastes and flavours, so stay tuned on socials to see more soon.

Lastly, I stopped by to see Luxurious Glitter. This glitter company uses an eco friendly glitter which looked amazing when I had some painted onto my cheekbones. We even spoke of a pregnancy collab for my next bump- could I start a new trend?! #Glitterbump

Perrywood Garden Centre were ready and waiting to send us home with these beautiful flowers, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night surrounded by what I love doing the most- being a blogger boss!

Thanks for reading A Festive Meet in the South East

Saharasplash x

My big fat Christmas gift guide is ready and waiting for you- are you prepared for Christmas yet?!

saharasplash11 December, 2018

A trip to Paradise Wildlife Park

It’s not every weekend you get to visit a tiger, a monkey and Santa all in one go. The Schaefer family went on a trip to Paradise Wildlife Park recently in Hertfordshire and what a day trip out we had! Alice had her golden ticket in her hand as we entered a magical room full of activities. No waiting in lines with little impatient faces, we decorated baubles, gingerbread men (well, we ate marshmallows) and wrote a letter to Santa before we got called up by Santa’s helpers for our visit.

Here is Alice’s first visit to see Santa, she was intrigued by the lights and by the man in red sitting next to the tree. She was quiet but such a good little girl, and seeing as she was on the nice list…

She got to choose her very own toy from Santa’s workshop!

After a spot of lunch in the jungle cafe, we headed out to see what we could find. The Paradise Wildlife Park is a lovely size to venture round, not too big but plenty of things to see. Alice particularly loved the penguins and the meerkats!