ITV's Surprise Surprise with Holly Willoughby

Did you know that for most TV shows you can get tickets to be in the studio audience FOR FREE? Well I never did until a bit of internet browsing about a month ago, followed by a cheeky booking until lo and behold, last Sunday my boyfriend and I found ourselves within touching distance of Holly Willoughby. Kind of a surreal experience but definitely one of the best days of my life!

I don't know how but I'd stumbled across a site called Lost in TV which advertised 'free tickets and casting opportunities for your favourite shows'. Admittedly at first I was a bit dubious but I've always been intrigued by the behind the scenes aspect of TV and when I told my boyfriend who hosted the show, he was definitely more than happy to come along! To apply, I simply had to select which date and the number of tickets and on the same day I received an email saying not only had I been successful but we had priority tickets meaning we would be among the first people admitted into the studio.

Aside from basic details like where to go and what time we had to be there by, we had relatively little information so hopefully this post will be helpful for anyone planning on going to a similar event. The priority tickets meant we had guaranteed entry if we arrived before 5:30 but otherwise it is very important to remember they over book these things to ensure they get a full audience and we saw many people in the Great British Bake Off queue get turned away. We checked out the area around 3 just so we would know where we going and were told by the security staff people would probably start queuing around 4. However, unable to contain our excitement, we returned to join the line around 3:30 and were about 30 people back. The information on our ticket had stated the dress code was smart and glamorous evening wear but there was a complete mixture from people in jeans and t-shirts  to blazers and skirts to summer dresses. The only important thing to remember is to not where anything with large brand names or logos on. I personally wore a cream floaty chiffon blouse tucked into a black skater skirt with black tights and comfy flats. Whilst I did get very warm in the sun during the day I definitely felt I was dressed appropriately when subjected to the extreme air conditioning in the studio. When the queue for British Bake Off was let in, our own line was divided into those with priority tickets and those with standard and we became only 15 people back. At around 5:15 we were let through the gates and given stickers with our seat number on, although interestingly they weren't given out in order; the couple just ahead of us received row F tickets whereas my boyfriend and I were on the front row! There were also different colour stickers being allocated, indicative of which block of seating you were in.

After almost 2 hour of queuing, although it really didn't feel that long, we were let in and completely chuffed when we found ourselves not only on the first row but by the aisle therefore in the middle. There was a fantastic comedian who warmed the audience up whilst technical adjustments were being made and just generally provided great entertainment throughout the evening despite not being actually on the show himself. He was hilarious and it would be worth paying money solely to see him. We were also treated to seeing celebrity guests and a rather well known musical act perform but of course that can't be revealed until the series airs at the end of September! The actually filming process wasn't tedious at all which was perhaps what I'd expected, but ran very smoothly perhaps taking 2 and a half hours but definitely seeming to go a lot faster. We were out by 9 so had plenty of time to still get the train home.

All in all it was an amazing experience and great for a relatively inexpensive day out (all day we only spent money on travel and food). It would be perfect as an unique gift for a special occasion or just as a bit of a treat to yourself. I'm still buzzing from it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone because of the variety of shows you can apply to see. I really can't wait to book for something else!

Have you ever been part of a studio audience?
Lara xo

London Haul

Nars, New Look, Zara, H&M, Superdrug . . . 

A week ago now a wrote this wishlist post having spent a day browsing London shops. I also mentioned I had a second trip planned and this time I did not come back empty handed! Having spent around 6 hours in Westfields I can safely say it is the largest shopping centre I have ever seen with a great variety of shops and I absolutely loved it. Here is what I picked up:

Nars Duo - Kuala Lumpa was the only thing on my original list I purchased as I try to save high-end purchases for special occasions, but with this I simply couldn't resist. It's actually my first Nars product though seeing how smoothly the eye shadows apply, I can definitely predict me being tempted into buying more in the future! I am conscious, however, of trying to keep its matte black packaging clean, as whilst it looks very sleek and sophisticated I fear if I'm in a rush my grubby foundation hands will quickly mark it. All the same I love the shade combination and can definitely see me using it a lot to add a little more colour into every day make up.

 I picked this bag up for a bargain £5 in New Look sale, but despite the low price tag, the leather look finish doesn't look at all plasticy as can often be the case with cheap handbags. The burgundy colour is perfect for me as it is subtle enough to go with lots outfits yet is more interesting than simply black. My favourite heels are also this same burgundy shade so pairing them together will be perfect. It is big enough to fit in my purse, phone, camera, glasses and a small bottle of water so is a very practical design whilst not encouraging over packing. The same bag but in black is still available on the New Look Website here for £9.99.

These 2 tops are from Zara and H&M respectively and both cost £9.99 (the Zara one was reduced to half price.) The first I think just looks so arty and creative and quite different from other tops. The orange collar compliments the design nicely and the hemline is also interesting with a slit near the bottom on either side then falling longer at the back than the front. For me it is a more flattering high-low cut. I love Disney so the Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald print on this H&M top made it a must for me. It is also rare to get Disney branded clothing at such a low price. The top is very over sized even though I bought a small so is ideal for just slouching around and being comfy or for when you want something a bit more baggy and airy in the summer heat.

I thought it was about time I tried some of the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints as they've been being talked about for a while. I made the most of Superdrug's 3 for 2 offer on selected nail items and bought the shades Lychee, Sugar Apple and Blueberry. I though the 2 pastels would be perfect for Summer and I find it's always useful to buy nude shades as I go through them quickly because of the number of coats they usually take to appear opaque. Hopefully Lychee won't be as sheer as some other nudes.

Overall, I think it was a pretty successful shopping trip and I can't wait to use/wear all my new purchases!
Lara xo

London Shopping | Wishlist

If I Were a Rich (Wo)Man . . . 

 

As a post birthday treat, I took a trip to London yesterday for a show, meal and a spot of shopping. Admittedly, most of it was a case of just looking, however with another trip to London planned for next week and an ever increasing wish list, the prospects for my bank card aren't looking too good. Living in a town with limited shopping facilities, I found myself drowning in the huge array of stores along Oxford Street and here are some highlights that may just be finding their way into my home.

1)  One store I particularly wanted to visit was Victoria's Secret having lusted over American bloggers' hauls for ages. I was specifically looking for sportswear (new gym clothes are always a motivation to get back to it) but for the prices I was very reluctant to buy anything despite wanting the adorable trademark pink shopping bag I'd seen everyone with. Whilst looking for alternatives, I found the H&M sportswear collection which isn't stocked at my local store and I must say I was pretty impressed. This pair of grey running shorts were a particular favourite.I especially liked that they are lined with a contrasting pink tighter inner short and for £14.99 are definitely a cheaper option.

2)  From looking online at shades, I've really felt a desperate need for a Nars duo but when I saw this 

at the counter I thought it was the perfect colour combination. It's called Kuala Lumper and reminds me of the hyped Estée Lauder raisins duo I was always gutted I never got my hands on. The lighter shade is a rose gold colour and would be ideal for a subtle lid option whilst the other is an aubergine-y purple  that would really bring out blue/green tones in eyes. Out of my wish list I think this is the item I really want the most.

3)  This Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in bronze for me is just the perfect summer multi-use item. From swatching the shades I think they would equally work well as individual eye shadows as well as using it to create an overall glow as intended. My only concern would be whether it would appear too bronze on my very pale skin.

4) I've never been a perfume fan, always being far too fussy that it was too sweet, too lingering, too floral, too masculine ... In fact I don't even own a single bottle, only small sample vials that I'll use if I feel in the right mood. Of course, I was first drawn to the packaging of this (admit it, we're all a sucker for the appearance of products sometimes) but I'm so glad this drew me into taking a sniff as it really does smell divine. Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs just had the most subtly 'pretty' scent which isn't too much or too little of anything. I had to spend the rest of the day resisting walking around with my wrist glued to my nose. This is definitely an unexpected item on my wish list, but one that if not bought, will almost certainly be making an appearance on my Christmas list (too soon? Maybe . . . ) 

5) Finally something that there's been a lot of hype about; the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner. When I first saw this released I thought nahhh, I don't need that, I do just fine with my drugstore pot of gel liner and little brush, however then the lady at the Benefit counter cast her magic spell and now I feel it creates such a perfect, precise and even line that it would make the whole eyeliner chore so much simpler. If you've tried this, please tell me, as I want to know whether it was just her training which made this look so easy or if it actually is!

I think wish lists are great; they help you remember everything you saw but give you the time to consider if you still want them later on. I personally keep a list in my phone whenever I see something which also lets me compare whether I really want a new item so much more than another product that may already be on there. 

With the plan being to go to Westfield's on Monday, hopefully I'll be ticking things of my wish list and not just adding to it!

Lara xo