Video: 20 tips for packing the perfect carry-on!

For the past five years, I have more or less spent my life living out of a hundred different suitcases. In the beginning, I made big mistakes - never planning, throwing everything into the case but the kitchen sink and never seeming to have exactly what I needed when I needed it most. Oh, the drama. Nowadays, I have the process of packing down to a fine art. I've visited exotic destinations with some of the most well travelled individuals on the earth and I've always taken note of little tips their willing to hand out along the way. And I've been thinking, for some time, that it might be a good idea to share these little tips and tricks. So when CollectPlus asked me if I'd put together a tutorial of sorts for their followers, I was all too happy to oblige, especially as CollectPlus has become a mainstay in my arsenal of packing prep tips. 

For those of you unfamiliar with CollectPlus, allow me to introduce you to the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to online shopping. We all know it's near impossible to get packages at home these days. I, for one, never seem to be home when the delivery man comes calling. CollectPlus have more or less solved that problem perfectly. They are a delivery service that works with over 300 online retailers, including places like ASOS, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and many more, and offer the opportunity for you to pickup your orders at over 5,800 locations around the UK, at your convenience. It's simple for buying, trying and returning (if need be). I've been using them since the day I started shopping ASOS and I've never looked back. Alright, I think you are sufficiently clued in. 

Check out my tips for packing the perfect holiday carry-on below and make sure you check out the CollectPlus Wanderlust Wardrobe for tips on what to pack for this summer's hottest locations. Whether you are travelling to the south of France, Miami, UAE or even on safari, CollectPlus have got tips on which items you need to pack!

Created in collaboration with CollectPlus

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Chanel Inspired Espadrilles for £12

I've been lusting after two tone espadrilles ala the infamous Chanel Espadrilles for a while now and one day on one of my usual jaunts around the ASOS site - I came across these beauts. Unfortunately they were out of stock in pretty much every size. Always the way isnt it? Fall hopelessly in love with something and they dangle it in front of your face.

After a lot of waiting and refreshing and genuinely contemplating if my trotters would fit into a size 4.  I for real made a new bookmark in my tabs so I could check it easily thats how much I wanted these shoes. THEY FINALLY CAME BACK.

I would recommend sizing up, I got a 6 even though I'm normally a 5 - They fit me perfectly so I presume they run a little small. I was skeptical about espadrilles as they normally hurt the soles of my feet a little as they are so flat. However I wore them pretty much everyday I was in America and no blisters or soreness at all! Not a single Compeed in sight which impressed me.

PS. Theres also 20% off on ASOS right now with the code YESPLEASE. Dont say I don't ever look out for you guys ;) Go forth and haul the shit out of it! Guess what my next video might be???

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Styling Caroline Flack for Speedo

A few weeks ago, I got asked to come on set with Caroline Flack and style the super celeb in some outfits based around the Speedo Sculpture swimsuit collection. The idea was to showcase ways in which the suits could translate into outfits when you step away from the pool or beach this season.

Now, I have to start by saying that I have a bit of history with Speedo, but it has very little to do with my fashion history. When I was younger, my sport of choice was competitive swimming. I more or less spent 50% of my waking life wandering around in a Speedo one piece. This was actually my official "wardrober," if you will. And I loved them. Of course they were the best for competitive swimming, but they also had a way about them that truly slimlined the body - which was needed to achieve faster times while swimming. I remember always thinking they should jump into the wide world of leisurely swimsuits (if that makes sense). So I feel it's sort of a wink from the universe that I would get a call to work with Speedo and Carolina Flack on a new initiative focusing on body confidence and a new look and feel for the brand. You can imagine that when the call came in, I didn't have to think twice before asking them what time they wanted me and where. I might have also cheekily asked if I could get a sneak peek at the suits in question - and this is where the real excitement began. 

The new collection is called Speedo Sculpture and it does just about everything it implies. This is a bathing suit line that is all about aiding in body confidence - as Caroline Flack talks about in the style video below. Speedo Sculpture has all-over body shaping, tummy control and bust support. Need I say more? I want the whole collection for my debut on the golden sands this summer. Bright colours, new flattering shapes and fabulous jungle inspired neon prints guarantee that this a one piece collection that is designed for all ages.

For years I thought that as women we get to an age where you are forced to wear a one piece - it isn't a decision you want to make. But I do believe that's been because the styles haven't been right, or at least right for me. Speedo Sculpture has me genuinely excited and a little less intimidated by the beach already. 

Now - for those of you looking to style your suit this summer, from lounger to lunch, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Dress to impress - I'm a firm believer in the power of the dress for the easiest way to go from poolside to luncheon. Throw on either a kaftan or a simple shift dress, tie your hair back in a ballerina bun and add earrings or a statement necklace (with some massive black glasses) and you'll find yourself the most glamourous woman at the bar asking for your tiny umbrella cocktail (we're on holiday right- has to have a tiny umbrella!).

2. Separates are your best friend - I do not enter any tropical destination without a great pair of shorts and an oversized white button shirt. Either worn separate, or together, this is striking combination of outfit solutions. Jean cutoffs are preferred, as they're cool, casual and oh so "island," but they are most definitely not everyone's cup of tea. Find a pair of shorts that matches perfectly with your Speedo Sculpture suit and the pairing will look like a match made in heaven (just check out Caroline wearing this ensemble above).

3. It's all about body confidence - At the end of the day you could be wearing absolutely everything, but if you aren't wearing a confident smile, it's all going to look rather disastrous. This is why, of course, getting yourself into an ensemble where you feel amazing is perhaps the most important ingredient in this style recipe. Start with the suit and find a cut and colour that is flattering to you. Here are just a few from the new Speedo Sculpture range:

4. Contrary to what your momma told you, stripes are a girl's best friend - This summer, whether you are wearing stripes on your top, your bottom, or from head to toe, this pattern of dress is a definite style lifter. As you'll see on Caroline, above, striped trousers are an instant match for bright colours. This suit is perfectly complimented by an easy fit trouser sporting some serious sailor stripes. This was most definitely my favorite look of the day.

Now, go forth and sun yourself in elegant ensembles! And visit Speedo Sculpture for some serious style contenders for summer fun!

Fashion Foie Gras worked in collaboration with Speedo.

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FFG in Monte Carlo: The Video

See, I'm getting better at this, people. I knew vlogging would take a little getting used to, but I'm well on my way into making this a part of my day to day life. Although, would we say taking a helicopter into Monte Carlo is really part of my everyday life? Only in my wildest dreams....ha!

Here's your first look at the latest video adventure featuring everything from fantastic views (including lots of food) to seriously ridiculous outtakes. Enjoy!

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Nail Goals that are easy AF

I straight up have the worst nails in the world. Despite all those lotions and potions all the will power in the world has not stopped be biting my nails. At the age of 26 I still nibble the absolute crap out of them and pick them whenever Im nervous. So false nails are my absolute go to and a must in my life to disguise my ugly little stubbers.

On a recent jaunt around Sueprdrug I picked up a couple of pairs of the Rosie Bea x Elegant Touch Nails because the pretty packaging and cute nail art drew me right in.

NGL, They are a bit longer than I'd normally wear and its been an experience adapting to the claw shape. I found them to be a lil awkward at first and typing was a pain in the butt. If you think I cant type normally the post I attempted to write when I was wearing these was just a mess. None the less they get a A+ for scratching though, v. satisfying. I wish they were slightly shorter but I could have just filed them if I wasnt so lazy.

If ya wanna see how I apply them then check out a little video I made of me putting them on, because... why not eh. I found the application super easy and I was able to do both my hands in less than two minutes, sizing took a little longer but I didn't have to file 'em down at all which is always a blessing because thats effort.

If youre into claw nails then I'd reccomend them, but Im not converted to the style. Short Square for lyffff over here! I wore them for about 4 days before I got bored of them and decided to take 'em off in favour of a shorter style. None the less for about 6 quid you cant really fault 'em. 

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I'm Going to LA & San Francisco!

Picture me, sitting in my bed last Thursday afternoon, twiddling my thumbs bored out of my mind. I should be editing a video but Im actually sitting there scrolling through Reddit and thinking about if I want to order a takeaway for the evening. Spoiler alert, of course I did. Thai, was really great.

Anyway a email drops in my inbox asking me if I wanted to go on a trip. Well duh of course I do need you ask twice. So Im off on a jaunt to America again to cure my post holiday blues with the peep’s at Virgin Atlantic.

They were cool enough to let me bring a friend along and after asking around a bit I naturally picked Zoe. Not that she wasn’t my first choice she was just busy on the dates originally but after some wiggling we made it work.

So yeah, we’re off on a 8 day jaunt around California - Specifically San Fransisco and LA which is possibly the best thing ever to happen to me in forever ever. Forever ever. We’re gonna be doing the drive between San Fran and LA too which means more American Road Rules. I actually managed to get the hang of it in the end, but it is pretty confusing at first. I definitely drove on the wrong side a few times. Oops.

I’ve not been to LA beyond the LAX airport so Im SO stoked. Zoe is a bit of a Cali vet these days so she’s gonna be a good companion. Gimme all dat green juice, acai bowls and iced green tea. We have some loose plans, I really want to Universal and Alcatraz.

But finally on to the good good news IM GOING TO BE VLOGGING. I haven’t vlogged properly since I moved house and to be honest I just kinda got over it after vlogging for a couple of months. However I think its kinda different when you do stuff with people who get social media, especially other bloggers/vloggers. They don’t bat an eyelid when you whip your camera out and start lamenting about the salad you just ate or care if you ask them to take a photo 1000 times just so your calves don’t look chunky af in them.

Seriously one of my best pals doesn’t have any social media. I honestly don’t know how he’s alive in the 21st century. Either that or he refuses to add me on social media as he’s some sort of secret online identity. Tempted to go super sleuth and investigate this. 

So you can follow along my adventures on my Snapchat (llymlrs) or my Instagram (llymlrs) or my Twitter (llymlrs… see a common theme here?) We’re also gonna be using the hashtag #hellroseworldtour if you wanna keep up on that too.I  likely wont post the vlogs till Im back, though so there's that to look forward to!

Anyway, Im leaving on Thursday and I absolutely cannot wait. I feel super blessed right now because Im in a bit of a funk and my desire to leave is really high. Although Im a bit worried as I’ve just got over a big bout of fatigue post Vegas. But to be fair, I ate really badly and drank while I was out there as well as generally just

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Green Blusher?

I thought I'd tap up a review to go alongside my Green Blusher video which I posted over on Youtube. Just because... well  I dunno really but I thought I would. I recorded my first impressions of the product but here is a bit more of a all round review.

So the Lipstick Queen Frog Prince is one of those old school Ph changing blushes that reacts to the oils and stuff on your face to create a "universally flattering" tone.

Remember those green Barry M lipsticks that used to dazzle your pals at a sleepover because you had no idea what wizardry was making it change colour on your lips???!! It's basically like that but in a blush format.

The blush has a really creamy gel like feel to it, much more slippery than your average cream blush. It doesn't dry down to a nice finish either and just feels dewy-ier than dew on the grass on a crisp spring morning. And not in a good way. More like, I'm a lil sweaty from going on a run dewy...

It's just a little TOO pink on the cheeks. Not a flattering pink, it almost looks like a semi uncomfortable rash. The unpredictability of the blushes makes it a huge fail for me, I wanna know that whats in the pan is going to be similar to the colour that graces my cheeks. I dont need a blush fronting as something else! A redeeming feature is it's very lightweight but luxe feeling lil' compact. It feels very nice in the hand.

I did buy this just to investigate for myself what it might be like as its one of the few beauty products I've seen in a long time thats really interested me. Definitely one of those HMMM CLICKBAIT type of products but v. interesting none the less.

So overall Green Blush is novelty product abd much like mood rings, its something I think should be firmly left in the 90's - However it would definitely shock your friends if you're that way inclined and they somehow missed out on the green lipstick ritual. I guess you gotta kiss a lot of frogs before finding the one true blush. None the less, Im not willing to take the risk and this green blush is definitely not the one.

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A return to vlogging

I'll start by saying this - I'm obviously rubbish at keeping up with the whole vlogging thing. I think there comes a point at which you reach "sharing saturation," and for me that was last week. Trying to snapchat, instagram, tweet, Facebook and blog all at one time is a full time job. Oh wait, this is my full time job. So nothing abnormal there, I suppose. Anywho, I've decided to take a step back from a few platforms and concentrate a bit more on video content. So back to vlogging I go. 

I had a word with a few vlogger friends who more or less sat me down and told me that my posh interpretations of hotels and cars to video was not what people wanted to see. People, apparently, want to see more of the person behind the camera, when it comes to video. So when you see a person that looks too old to be a vlogger, trying to vlog, well you know who I am. In all honestly, I am having fun with this and I love the idea of giving you guys a better idea of what my day to day life is like. I hope you have as much fun watching as I do making this all happen. Feedback is always appreciated! 

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Sephora Haul

SHOP THE VIDEO

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Video premiere : ZTM all stars - Your body

Zebes Train Music All Stars artists come together to drop a smashing hit "YOUR BODY" after dropping the audio few months back through popular demand they brought this electrifying video shot by Remote Pictures.
The song was produced by TU2 beats mixed and mastered by Da Kinx.

Enjoy!

VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDVhOl1gciM

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New video: Empathy - Kondo

Empathy is an afro pop/dance hall act from Eastern Nigeria. Checkout his brand new single titled 'Kondo', this was produced by the raved Young John & the video directed by Paul Gambit. Empathy is signed to STL records. Watch video after the cut...

DOWNLOAD AUDIO ON HULKSHARE - http://ift.tt/PybrwGbkj4h3telukg

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Alligator crawls up to South Carolina home and attempts to ring the doorbell

Gary Rogers, a South Carolina resident was out walking his dog in his neighborhood of Foxbank Plantation when he came across an alligator prowling the area and crawling across the front yard of homes. He decided to record a video of the unusual visitor on his phone as the large reptile headed to a front porch. 

Rogers told local media: 'He was walking around in front of a couple of houses down in the cul-de-sac area. So we went down.'
Rogers' video shows the gator climbing up to homeowner Jamie Bailey's front door and attempting to ring the doorbell.

'I didn't know alligators could actually climb. And this alligator looked like he was really trying to make an attempt to get over the fence and into this woman's pool in the backyard' Rogers said.

Bailey who wasn't at home at the time said while the alligator may not have gotten in, it did leave its mark on her door.
'You can see where he was scratching all around the door here. And then there. And then you can see the scratches on the knob itself,' Bailey said as she pointed to the marks.

Rogers who recorded the video said the alligator wasn't a troublesome guest.
'The gator was not aggressive at all. He was just kind of trying to find his way out,' he told the television station. 

'I mean he was caught between fences, in between a couple of houses. Had no place to go. Went around the air conditioner a couple of times.'

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Photos/Video: See what 3 policemen did to a disabled black man in Paris

Three Paris police officers on Monday, May 2, stopped and searched a disabled black man identified as Francois Bayga, who was waiting for his immigration status. One officer pushed him against the wall, while another pulled his prostetic legs off just to see if he wasn't "hiding anything"

They left him on the ground, his phone and transport card scattered around and his prostetic legs way beyond his reach.

Source: Post written in French by (Stop le Controle au Facies/Facebook) and translated by Writers of Colour.

 

Watch video below...

 

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50 Cent donates $100k to Autism group after mocking Autistic man

After the backlash he received from people and the apology he sent to the 19 year old Autism man, Andrew Farrell, who he mocked on Instagram, 50 Cent has donated $100,000 to Autism Speaks.
According to TMZ 50 Cent referred to the video he posted of Farrell, saying..

"I want to turn this misunderstanding into an understanding. There are people that are ignored, mistreated and neglected with disabilities that need our support."

"I am calling on my fellow musicians, actors, entertainers and all others who may not have fully considered this cause to join together to help in any way they can."

Farrell's family had asked 50 Cent to publicly apologize to their son and donate $10k to the autism advocacy group, after they saw the humiliating video of their son which 50 Cent posted online, mocking his face and calling him a drug user.

50 apologized to Farrell privately and publicly through Page Six and has now donated to the group.

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Huh? Head of Egypt's Information Service blames Tom and Jerry for the rise of ISIS

It is said that a bad workman blames his tools but how about one who blames cartoon characters?
The head of Egypt's Information Service, Ambassador Salah Abdel Sadek has placed the blame for the rise of ISIS squarely at the paws of a well-known cat and mouse.

Speaking at Cairo University, he said that the characters encourage extremism and teach children that you can blow people up.

He opined that the cartoon as well as video games and 'violent' movies helped to spark violence and extremism across the Arab world.

Speaking to the academic audience, he said that Tom and Jerry contributed to the notion that violence was a 'natural' part of life.

According to local media, he said: '[The cartoon] portrays the violence in a funny manner and sends the message that, yes, I can hit him…and I can blow him up with explosives. It becomes set in [the viewers’] mind that this is natural.'

He added that it has become common place for young men to spend hours playing violent video games and that the gamer will be 'happy and content'.

Egyptian fans of the cartoon need not fear though, despite the ambassador's remarks, government has not yet taken steps  to censor Tom and Jerry or video games but these are worrying signs.
They may well enjoy the carnage while it lasts.

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