beauty

How To Put On Lashes: For Beginners

10/08/201810/08/2018 Its Kelle's Space5 Comments

I’ve been meaning to create this post for ages because whenever I’m out and about, at least one person will ask me how I apply my lashes. If anyone told me last year that I’d know how to apply lashes independently, I would have laughed in their face!

It is actually quite easy to apply lashes but it will take a few attempts before you get it 100% right so don’t give up! In this post, I’m going to share some lash application tips with you. I’m not an expert, these are simply some things that have worked for me, that’s all.

Lash bands are everything – I find it easier to apply lashes that have thick lash bands. When the lash band is thick, I feel like I’m able to have a firmer hold on the lash. I do struggle with lashes that have thin bands. So for first timers, I do recommend buying lashes with a thick band. Kiss Cosmetics sell some lovely ones. I’m not affiliated with the brand in any way, I just think their lashes are awesome. If you missed my review, you can check it out here.

Mirrors – In order to apply lashes, you need a mirror. Even the pros can’t apply them without one. Personally, I prefer to use the mirror in my room to help me. I can’t hold a compact mirror with one hand and apply a lash with the other. My poor coordination skills won’t allow me to do that. You may find this works better for you as well. Stand close to a large mirror in your bedroom or bathroom, tilt your head up slightly and then place the lash just above your lash line.

Getting your lashes to stay put – This is the hardest thing to do. I’ve seen so many comments from beauty enthusiasts who have given up because of this. If you have tried to apply the lashes before, make sure you remove any glue residue. Also, place the lash where you want it to go (without glue) before you actually put it on (with glue). This will help you because you’ll know exactly where you want it to be. Lastly, I try to hold the lash at either end (separately) for about 10 seconds. After that, I don’t touch them, I just wait for them to dry (approx 3-4 mins). It’s important to let your lashes dry so try not to touch them as they are drying.

Style does matter – I would definitely recommend researching different styles before you buy lashes. Also, do take your face shape into consideration. There are styles that have been made specifically for a certain face shape. In addition to this, you can always look for reviews on lashes that you may be interested in. Sometimes reading or listening to the views of others can help you make a choice.

Patience is a virtue – As I said in a earlier point, you’ve got to be patient. If it’s your first time wearing lashes, don’t try and apply them when you’re in a hurry because you will probably get it wrong. Take your time, use a good amount of glue (not too much) and ensure you can see what you are doing properly and I’m sure you’ll be applying lashes in no time!

My favourite lashes are from Oh Your Lash – I’m wearing style 901 Silk Lashes. If you do see anything you like on the Oh Your Lash website, then use the code ‘KELLE15’ for 15% off your purchase.

As always, I love to hear from you all and I do hope you have found these tips useful.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to answer them.

Kel xo

The Trouble With Dating In 2018

08/08/201809/08/2018 Its Kelle's Space3 Comments

In this post, Josh, a relationship blogger, will be talking about what he believes are the challenges of dating in 2018. Although It’s Kelle’s Space is a blog aimed at women, I think it’s refreshing to have a man’s perspective on the topic of love and relationships. I hope you all enjoy reading this post as much as I did.

Unrealistic Expectations

One of the biggest dating challenges in this society is unrealistic expectations. I think that a lot of people want to experience the love they see in the movies and on social media and expect it to happen immediately. Some people are almost oblivious to the fact that true love is a process, not an entitlement. You cannot find or maintain great relationships, they are built over time. Unrealistic expectations make finding true love challenging because people are looking for perfection and not suitability or potential.

Unlimited Options

Dating apps becoming more and more popular, so there’s no denying that people on the dating scene are spoilt for choice. The option to date as many people as you want without having to commit has an instant appeal. All you need to do is swipe right or click ‘like’. The fact that dating has become so trivial is definitely to blame for people feeling entitled, in my opinion. Nobody seems to actually think about what they want first, before they put themselves out there.

The Wrong Focus

Too much emphasis has been placed on looks or perception, and with the rise of social media, this is only set to get worse. We live in a society that is obsessed with looks. We are constantly told how to maintain our looks and also how to improve things we are not happy about. The world is teaching us that as long as you look great on the outside, you will be fine, but whatever happened to making sure we are beautiful on the inside too? Physical attraction will always fade away so it’s important to seek substance so you can connect with someone beyond a physical level.

Final thoughts

Finding the relationship of your dreams is possible. What you want does exist! Patience and timing are everything. Also, remember that it’s just as important for you to mirror the qualities/traits you would like in a significant other. Have something to bring to the table. We all go through different seasons in life and this is why it’s important to know what you want. You may be ready to settle but you may get a completely different vibe from the person you are dating.

You can’t hold on to anyone who doesn’t want to be held. Don’t compromise on your self worth and respect just because you want someone to lay next to at night. Actions do speak louder than words, so pay attention to what you see. The eyes don’t deceive. Commit to the person who is on the same level as you and wants the things you want in life and love. Find someone that accepts you the way you are and is willing to build something solid with you. This kind of relationship is truly worth the wait.

Waiting is never easy, whether you are single or dating, so use this period in your life to focus on being the best person you can be so when the time does come for you to settle, you are ready.

I hope you have enjoyed this post.

You can follow Josh on Twitter.

Josh is also ½ of the Rants and Talks podcast

If you are on Twitter, you can join in the conversation every Sunday at 8pm.

Kel xo

lifestyle

Tips For Travelling Solo

06/08/201805/08/2018 Its Kelle's Space12 Comments

Solo travel is on the rise. More people are now opting to travel alone and women are actually more likely to travel alone than men. Last week, I took my first solo trip to France. As nervous as I was, I pushed all my doubts to one side and ended having an amazing trip.

My main reason for wanting to travel solo was because I felt like it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve always travelled with friends and I do tend to rely on them a little so I knew it was time to put my desire for travel to the test and step out alone. If you missed my post about my solo trip to Paris, you can check it out here.

Travelling alone isn’t for the faint hearted but if you, like me, enjoy your own company then it should be a pleasant experience. I’m going to share some tips that I think you may all find helpful:

Be confident

Confidence is everything, especially when you step out on your own. You don’t want to give off an obvious tourist vibe as it may attract some unwanted attention. I was quite lucky to have familiarised myself with France’s travel system quickly so even when I did lose my way a little, I was back on track in no time.

Familiarise yourself with routes/surroundings

Look for things that will help you remember where you are, especially if your navigation skills aren’t great (like mine). Remember that monument or take note of how long it took you to walk down that hilly road. It’s the little things like this that will hopefully stop you from getting lost.

Plan ahead

Try to create an itenary a few days before you travel. Think about what you want to do, where you would like to go and how long it will take you to get from one place to another.

Be aware

When I was in Paris, I went to The Louvre. As I left the museum, a man began to follow me. He stopped me and insisted on buying me food and then proceeded to follow me as I walked around. I felt so uncomfortable and was able to run into a nearby shop and stay there for a while. The sales assistant did tell me that men regularly approach women in the area surrounding the museum. Thankfully, this individual stopped following me and I was able to get on with my day.

Prioritise

Once you have landed in your destination, try to sort out your travel for the duration of your stay first. It sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how many people go on holiday and don’t do this.

Start your day early

When travelling alone, try not to be out too late. Wherever you go, try to be back at your hotel or where you are staying before it gets dark.

Take lots of pictures

Don’t forget to capture memories. I love to take lots of pictures whenever I’m away. It’s always nice to have something to refer to when you are reminiscing.

Get insurance

Of course this applies for when you are travelling with someone but in the excitement of planning, it can be very easy to forget insurance.

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. Do feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you’d like to see more travel content on the blog.

Kel xo

lifestyle

Travel Tales – Paris

01/08/201811/08/2018 Its Kelle's Space5 Comments

Last week, I went on my first solo trip to Paris. So many things (positive and negative) went through my mind the night before and the morning of my first ever solo adventure. In this post, I’m going to be sharing my experiences with you all. I do also want to share some tips with you as a first time solo traveller, which I will do in a later post.

I had been planning to make another trip to France (I’ve been twice already) for a few months and early last month, I just thought to myself ‘What the hell, stop procrastinating and book that trip!’. So I booked a hotel first and then I decided to use the Eurostar Snap service to book my tickets (£118 return is pretty impressive!) so if you plan on taking Eurostar anytime soon, you might want to check that out.

On the train, I was so nervous. I had never travelled alone before but when I arrived at Gare Du Nord and went to the information desk, asking how I could get to my hotel, I suddenly felt this surge of confidence in me and I knew that I would be just fine. I bought a 3 day travel pass and made my way to my hotel. I stayed in Saint Cloud which is a beautiful commune about 30 – 40 minutes away from all the city’s main attractions. As I was a little far from Paris, I knew I had to shake my tiredness off immediately and go and explore the beautiful city.

I visited a variety of attractions during my stay including Champs-Elysees (yes, my bank account is still crying), Arc De Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame.

I also ate at some pretty amazing places. I just love eating in other countries – even though I don’t experiment with food. Travelling alone was so empowering because you are in charge of your own experiences – you aren’t making decisions with anyone so you feel a lot more independent than if you were travelling with friends.

One place I really enjoyed visiting was The Louvre. I bought my tickets in advance because my cousin told me it does get busy during the summer months. I was impressed by all the beautiful artwork. I found that once I looked at one exhibition, I wanted to see the others straight away. For me, as an art and museum lover, I was in heaven. The Ancient Egypt collection was my personal favourite. I do wish I had gotten the chance to Mona Lisa and also got a chance to go on the Beyonce and Jay-Z inspired tour.

Overall, I really enjoyed my first solo trip. It was great to see places I’d never seen before and just enjoy my own company. I think that everyone should travel solo at least once in their lifetime.

Have you ever travelled alone? What was your experience like? or are you thinking about taking your first solo trip? I love to hear from you all so please feel free to leave a comment.

Kel xo

bodycare · lifestyle

Kiss My Parcel Hospital Care Package

19/07/201811/08/2018 Its Kelle's SpaceLeave a comment

The Kiss My Parcel Hospital-Healing Care Package is an ideal gift for a loved one who is facing a long stay in hospital for treatment or recovery. This carefully crafted gift parcel is designed to ensure that those dealing with a spell in hospital can make the most of their time, and can help them to feel well supported and cared about.

The box comes crammed with gifts that can be found nestled between layers of shredded recycled paper, making each new discover hidden within a pleasant surprise for your loved one. The box is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of your recipient and the gift can help make their stay in hospital a lot more bearable.

We really liked the fact that there is a nice mixture of very useful gifts that can not only treat and pamper the patient, but also gives them plenty of things to do to pass the time and prevent them from becoming bored with having too much idle time on their hands. We especially liked the inclusion of the Colour Me Mindful Adult Colouring Book and gel pens, as well as the book ‘1,339 QI Facts to Make Your Jaw Drop’ by John Lloyd, that will really make them laugh out loud – much better than staring at the TV screen all day!

A really thoughtful touch was finding a Macks black-out quick patient recovery contorted eye mask within the box. Sometimes a hospital stay can involve being on a busy ward that never gets very dark. This eye mask can help your loved one get the rest they need to recover and get back on their feet once again.

Here is what you will find hidden within the hospital-healing care parcel:

· Colour Me Mindful Adult Colouring Book

· Gel Pens

· Teapigs Chamomile Tea Temples

· The Raw Chocolate Company Chocolate Ginger

· The Raw Chocolate Company Vanoffe Chocolate Bar

· Skull Candy In Ear Earphones

· Take A Break’s Mini Puzzle Mix Collection

· Simpkins Tinned Mixed Fruit Travel Sweets

· Macks Quick Patient Recover Sleep Mask (with free Ear Plugs)

· 1,339 QI Facts To Make Your Jaw Drop Book By John Lloyd

· 101 Things To Do Instead Of Playing On Your Phone Book By Ilka Heinemann

· Thumbs Up Lazy Bracket Clip Universal Phone Holder

· Kiss My Parcel Pen.

You can purchase the Hospital-Healing Care Package by clicking here.

lifestyle

Box Fit With INTENCITY At Fusion Lifestyle

16/07/201811/08/2018 Its Kelle's Space2 Comments

I’ve always wanted to do a Box Fit class because I’ve heard really good things about what boxing can do for the body. So when Fusion Lifestyle invited me to try out their Box Fit class as part of their brand new fitness experience, INTENCITY. I just couldn’t say no.

INTENCITY has been launched for those who would like to take their fitness to the next level. The initiative comprises of 30 brand new classes where all attendees are expected to push themselves while exceeding their fitness expectations. While working out intensively, you will be able to track your own results, which is very motivating.

On arrival, I was greeted by a member of staff and I was directed to the basement, which is where the class took place. The studio resembles the kind of fitness studios where celebs and influencers show off their latest workout routines online. The trainer doing the class welcomed me and gave me a minute or two to watch what was happening, which I really appreciated.

Once I was happy that I’d be able to do the exercises, I joined in. At first, I did struggle with power levels. In order to get the most out of boxing, you really do need to think of something that unsettles or upsets you (it’s true). After a few reps, I completely got the hang of things and I really enjoyed myself. In addition to working out with a partner, I was also given some alone time with the punching bags. This helped me improve my coordination. As I type this post, my arms are killing me and I know they are going to hurt even more tomorrow, so that’s proof that I had a very effective workout.

To celebrate this exciting new launch, I’m going to be giving It’s Kelle’s Space readers the opportunity to book a free INTENCITY session of their choice.

All you need to do is click this link here.

Have you ever done a boxing class? What was your experience like? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below as I love to hear from you.

Kel xo

lifestyle

Celebrating Inspirational Women In Film

13/07/201812/07/2018 Its Kelle's Space2 Comments

To celebrate the launch of the Oled TV from Panasonic, I am going to be telling you all about women in film that inspire me. Role models don’t always have to be real. I think we have all been enamoured with a character from a movie or TV show, feeling like we could totally relate to them and what was happening to them in a particular way.

Here are some women in film who are an inspiration to me:

Matilda

Matilda will always inspire me. She was everything that I wanted to be when I was a little girl. Those powers, her intelligence and her ability to read every single book in the library…Matilda was #Goals. I remember being so obsessed with the movie (because I was a huge Roald Dahl fan as a child) that I would watch it every single weekend (I begged my Mum to buy me the video cassette) and even to this day, I can remember the lines from some of the most iconic scenes in the movie (particularly when Matilda uses her powers to send Ms Trunchbull packing towards the end). Matilda was bright, brave and most importantly, she believed in her own potential. We can all afford to be a little more like her in my opinion.

Storm

Now, I don’t know if it’s because she was portrayed by the ever so beautiful Halle Berry, but I am completely taken by Storm. Whenever I watch a X-Men movie, I am captivated by her strength, her confidence and her bravery. The fact that she can control and manipulate the weather is also a huge plus (we need the Storm effect in London for sure). I also have immense appreciation for the fact that Storm (real name Ororo Munroe) actually made her debut in the X-Men comics in 1975. This was a time where racism was at its peak in America, so just imagine young black American girls (and black girls all over the world of course) seeing someone that looks exactly like them on T.V. Representation matters.

Fran Fine

Now, I know that Fran Fine isn’t a character from a movie but she is, in my opinion, one of the most iconic female characters in a comedy series. Played by Fran Drescher in hit sitcom The Nanny, Fran Fine had it all. She was classy, beautiful, confident and she owned that strong New York accent like there was no tomorrow. In addition to being absolutely hilarious, Fran taught us all that we should always fight for what we believe in. Although many may not agree with her wait for Mr Sheffield, she always believed that they were meant to be together. I also admire her unquestionable devotion and commitment to Brighton, Maggie and Grace as their nanny. Yes, she did have a few mishaps but she was always able to save the day.

I hope you have all enjoyed this short but sweet post. Are there any women in film (or even T.V) that inspire you? I love to hear from you so please feel free to drop a comment below.

The Oled TV from Panasonic is out now.

Kel xo

lifestyle

Vinoos Wine Gums Review

10/07/201810/07/2018 Its Kelle's SpaceLeave a comment

I’m back with another product review. Today, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the range of REAL wine gums from a Dutch brand called Vinoos, which are sold on the Beyond Living website. Who said sweets were only for children? The Real Wine Gums provide a whole new experience of that first sip, but without drinking. So if you are a wine lover, this review is definitely for you.

The lovely team at Beyond Living sent me three different wine gums: Flavours of Riesling (which was my personal favourite), Flavours of Rose Wine and Flavours of Merlot/Chardonnay (which was in one box). Before I start, I’d just like to mention that these wine gums have 0% alcohol and are best enjoyed when you are socialising/drinking.

Flavours of Riesling has a glorious taste. It captures the notes of dried chamomile, green apple, honey, mint and rose water. They are perfect if you want to indulge or have a craving for something sweet. Each sweet has a beautifully intricate design, which bares a slight resemblance to a bunch of grapes. If you want the taste of the floral Riesling wine but without the alcohol then you will enjoy this. There are no artificial flavours so not having to worry about any additives is a huge plus. The medium sized mint box make these sweets a marvellous gift for a loved one.

I prefer white wine over red so I was a bit sceptical of the Flavours of Rose Wine sweets. They tasted amazing although, it did take me little longer to chew them as they weren’t as soft as the Riesling sweets. With gums, they do tend to have different textures so this wasn’t a cause for concern. These sweets come in a beautiful pink miniature sized box. The packaging is simple, yet elegant.

Flavours of Merlot/Chardonnay, like the Rose wine sweets, also come in a mini box. The packaging is elegant and definitely reflects the luxury of the brand. It was refreshing to be able to taste two different wine gums at once. They are perfect if you are trying your best to eat clean but need a bit of a pick me up during the day.

Overall, I really like the wine gums. I like that they have been specifically made for people who want to live healthier lives without being consistently dependent on alcohol. They are perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Considering the fact that they should be enjoyed responsibly, they are worth the money because you’ll only treat yourself to a bit of luxury once in a while.

Vinoos Real Wine Gums – Riesling are priced at £7.50

Vinoos Real Wine Gums – Mini Snoopers are priced at £2.00 (for two in a box)

As always, I love to hear from you so let me know what you think about these sweets by leaving a comment below.

You can also join in on the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #RealWineGums

Kel xo

lifestyle · relationships

Open Marriages: Do or Don’t?

08/07/201807/07/2018 Its Kelle's Space8 Comments

Once again, the discussion surrounding open marriages has been reignited. Singer Teyana Taylor recently caused controversy when she revealed that she has had threesomes with her basketball player husband, Iman Shumpert. The relevation was made on a song from her new album, K.T.S.E, titled ‘3Way’. As a avid user of Twitter, I couldn’t help but read the tweets in response to this revelation. While many users seemed to disagree with what Taylor defines as a ‘no limits’ marriage, some people embraced the idea of having an open marriage as a whole.

This post is a collaboration with fellow blogger and v-logger Wini Boansi. We both have different views on the subject of an open marriage.

I DISAGREE with the idea of an open marriage and I will tell you why…

Marriage is a sacred union involving two people, and when God created marriage, that’s what exactly He intended it to be. Two people come together, celebrate their love and promise to honour each other until death parts them. That’s what marriage is. Marriage is challenging enough with two people in it, so can you imagine the impending disaster that would inevitably come from adding a third person into the mix? In her explosive 1995 interview with Panaroma, Princess Diana, when asked about the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles, said ‘ Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded’. There’s no denying that monogamy is the foundation of a successful marriage. Once one person has been unfaithful, the whole relationship is immediately in jeopardy. While some couples may be able to pull off having an open marriage, there’s no denying it is a high risk proposition.

Love and commitment should be the foundation of any relationship, whether it’s a partnership or a marriage. A lack of trust is like a broken mirror, it can be fixed but you can still see the cracks. Despite the difficulties of marriage, it has stood the test of time. There are many wonderful examples of couples who have made it work, so why is marriage being redefined? In my opinion, an open marriage is a free pass to cheat. It is a selfish decision which is usually enforced by one party, as they relish the opportunity to do who and what they please. Due to external influences such as social media, our moral climate is shifting, but please, let’s not act like marriage is whatever we want to make it.

Wini Boansi AGREES with the idea of an open marriage and she explains why…

When people live their lives differently to ours, everyone goes into attack mode. Sexual liberation has almost become a phenomenon in our society. Women are definitely able to live their lives and do as they please with their bodies, however, when a woman comes out to say that her and her husband have an open marriage and they are happy, all of a sudden our support for women’s rights to make their own decisions go out of the window. The comedian Mo’Nique was criticised when she revealed she was in an open marriage.

I can understand why some people detest the idea of an open marriage, however restricting the liberation of others is closed minded in a sense. It really isn’t our business how couples chose to spice up their marriages. Marriage is all about love, respect, understanding and building a life with the partner of your choice. If that couple fulfils all of the mentioned traits and they have a mutual agreement that allows them to have sexual relations with others, what is the problem?

Clearly their marriage and sexual choices were discussed prior to marriage, and both parties are comfortable with this set up. If this wasn’t the case, then I could understand where the uproar is coming from. In other words, if you were not keen on the idea of an open marriage, then you simply wouldn’t marry someone that wanted one, right?

Some people pick and chose which openly married couple they want to be outraged about. Age does not matter, when it comes to being in an open relationship. We all have different sexual desires that need catering to. The most important thing is that openly married couples practice safe and consensual sex. Open marriages were a thing in the past and we should understand that everyone’s idea of what a marriage should be like will be different. What’s to say that openly married couples aren’t 100% happy with their situation? An open marriage celebrates sexual liberation while still allowing a loving couple to be united. If this does become the new norm in marriage then who are we to judge?

Thanks for reading this post. As always, I love to hear from the readers of It’s Kelle’s Space. What are your views on open marriage? Would you have an open marriage? Or do you think the whole idea is a no no?

I asked my Twitter followers what they thought in a poll and this is the result so far:

Kel xo