Domanique's Diary: I'm Back? Where have I been? What Now?

💗Domanique's Diary Est: 2018💗

I used to actively blog about all things fashion and beauty; gaining 1000's of views for each post. For those of you who might remember, my blog originally started in 2009 under the name LIVE LAUGH LOVE FASHION. It all started when I became inspired after watching an episode of Gok Wan's tv show 'Fashion Fix' which in turn made ME want to talk about fashion and beauty.

During my blogging career, I had the privilege of working with a variety of well known brands such as:

George @ Asda

Spartoo

QVC

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Arbonne

ASOS

Brat and Suzie

A Little Birdie Jewellery

Myfavouritevouchercodes.co.uk

Ellos

Rare

USB Makers

Refuse Online

Very.co.uk

Stella & Dot

Chester Zoo

I was given the opportunity to review products and attend events, and for one company I even became a brand ambassador, posting monthly about different items and receiving products which are still in my wardrobe until today. Something I am very proud to say is part of my history as what we now call a 'Social Media Influencer'

Would I call myself a social media influencer? Personally no, because it's not my full time job - it's a hobby I have enjoyed for over ten years giving me a variety of experiences and opportunities.

However once I entered the wonderful world of pageantry, I didn't have the time to update my post each week/month like I previously did because my focus became community work and my YouTube channel. I decided at the end of 2018 to concentrate entirely on pageantry after my European win.

YOUNG EUROPEAN MS INTERNATIONAL 2018

Then I went on to win the international title in Texas, which meant another year of community work and all things pageantry and my goodness did I enjoy every moment.

YOUNG MS INTERNATIONAL 2019

During these years, I also become more active on YouTube which suited me and my creativity much better. Because as I've matured so have my ideas, vision and therefore my content. I don't see me doing much fashion/beauty moving forward; however that doesn't mean I don't enjoy fashion anymore, it just isn't a priority right now.

Because I focus on a variety of things in my life, my brand was reborn into;

Domanique's Diary in 2018 - and that's where it will stay!

Moving forward I will be highly active on YouTube and might even go back to updating my instagram more than usual too. As I grow more as a person I will be featuring more home lifestyle and wedding videos to my channel as well as all the other content I post.

So please make sure you are subscribed there - www.youtube.com/domaniquesdiary

And connect with my on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook - @domaniquesdiary

Thank you for reading this long winded post, I truly appreciate it.

Doma-Nikki...x

Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com 

Subscribe to my channel www.youtube.com/domaniquesdiary

Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter @domaniquesdiary

Brum Bloggers X Oasis Bullring 'Wild and Wonderful' Collection

Hey cupcakes!

I was lucky enough to be invited to a fabulous event hosted by Brum Bloggers and Oasis Bullring to view the new collection inspired by one of the Natural History Museum displays.

The collaboration is called Wild & Wonderful and it does exactly what it says on the tin. The pieces in the collection are a variety of dresses, trousers, skirts, tops and accessories so something for everybody.

The main focus of the designs are the cute pastel floral designs, Minibeast prints and sometimes a mixture of both.

Now being local to Birmingham I jumped at the chance of viewing this collection and also seeing what else Oasis has in store. A little backstory, I used to shop in Oasis all the time until the Wolverhampton branch closed down. Major sigh! My favourite pair of jeans used to be Oasis jeans.... now this was very much when I was two stone lighter mind you... where are those jeans now actually?

When I looked around this bag really caught my eye, it seemed so perfect for my current job role as an Animal Educator and I felt as though it was calling me to purchase it. Do you think I bought it? I'll reveal down below!

We were given the opportunity to try on any and everything in store and try and mixed the new collection with it's own items or in store.

Here is what I choose to style and wear, tell me your favourite....

 Finally we were lucky enough to have lush food provided by Bills Restaurant, Smashbox offered a free makeover and provided us with free lipstick and to top that all off we got 20% off in store and access to a complimentary VIP styling.

What do you think of the collection?

And my new bug bag.... yup I bought the bag covered in Minibeasts and I can't wait to use it for work. If you want to see more about this event you can search #bbxoasisbullring or Brum Bloggers website!

Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings

Unpredictable Spring Fashion

Hi Lovelies!

Does anyone else feel like Spring weather is really irritable when it comes to fashion? Like am I wearing knitwear or am I wearing light clothing?!!

Luckily for my day job I have a uniform - t-shirt/jeans/ankle boots - so thats consistent. But I find on the evenings/weekends I literally don't know what to wear because one day it's raining and I've got my heating on full blast in the car and the next day it's the AC turn. I just can't win!

Well, recently I wore an outfit that was a mixture of both warm and summer wear and I just want to quickly share it with you...

Jumper - River Island

Pleated Skirt - Primark

Sandals - Primark

How do you dress for the unpredictable Spring weather?



Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings

Photoshoot: Directed by a 9 Year Old

Hi Lovelies!

Happy Belated Easter!!

I had a fabulous outfit on Easter Sunday that I wanted to share with you guys on the Gram however I obviously needed someone to take the photos. Luckily for me my cousin, Natasha offered to do just that and then her son, Archie wanted to get involved too.

So Archie pretty much directed this whole shoot from where to look and what to do with my bag. You will notice there are slight changes to the outfit too but all items and where you can get them will be listed for you.

 Now, no more chatting here are the results....

Coat - River Island

Dress - Ichi

Shoes - Topshop

Bag - Steve Madden

Shoes - CelebrityShoes4U

Belt - Dolce and Gabbana

I even got Archie to take a couple of photos which he loved! We almost had an accident of the camera being dropped but we were very quick haha!

I think both Archie and Natasha did a fabulous job and I might have to pay them next time haha! What did you think?

Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings

EyeWake Gel

Hey Lovelies!

I recently received this new eye gel from the team over at EyeWake to review and I wanted to share with you my thoughts with you.

I'm always happy to receive items to review, especially from brands I'd never heard of so when I was presented with this opportunity I definitely wanted to be one of the first people to experience the product. I read up a little bit on this collagen gel before I received it, and as you can see it arrive during our last dramatic snow fall.

I opted to test this product out as part of my evening routine, rather then in the morning. This is a personal preference of mine as I believe a lot of skincare products work best and have a better chance of 'working their magic' overnight on my skin.  It is also because there is no make up covering the gel and I myself want to see the affects of what I am using.

The product arrived very quickly, even during the delayed post with the snow, and I was happy to receive a a full size bottle as you never know if you will gain a tester size product for reviews.

The packaging is pretty simple and it has a great pump which gives around a pea sized amount. I've always been told in a lot of instances with skincare that a little goes a long way, and it is true with  EyeWake.

I found more then enough product is given with each pump and was surprised at how refreshing and cool the actual gel is at application. I noticed over a few days of use that my eyes looked brighter and feel awake!!

I don't know if this improves dark circles as I have yet to witness this improvement on my skin but I will say it immediately reduces puffy eyes.  I have suffered with extreme eye puffiness recently and I reached for my EyeWake to sort the problem and it really works!

Not only does it work, but it's cruelty free which is always great to know and the business donate 5% of profit to Women's Aid Charity!!

Have you tried EyeWake?

Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.comConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings
*Sponsored Post

Body Confidence

Hey Y'all!

Over the last year I've put some weight on... straight to the point no messing around with this post!

But it's very true I have and although it's not drastic amounts, it is noticeable for me. It's at least one stone and my clothes are tighter and therefore I am having to purchase bigger clothes. But I have to say I'm kind of past the whole 'oh my goodness, I really need to loose weight phase'.

I've accepted that I'm on the curvy side and for any photoshoots I would be classed as Plus size because I am Size 12, this doesn't bother me in the slightest however ten years ago it really would have.

But now I'm so past caring, why? Because ten years ago I was all about impressing other people. I cared more about what I looked like to them, part of this was in my early twenties I was in an emotionally abusive relationship.

My partner of the time would constantly make me aware if I put on the slightest but of weight on my stomach or thigh area. That I really needed to work out with him and watch what I was eating. However I'm sure if the weight went straight to my chest is would have been classed as a win?!!! Strange how people pick what they find attractive on you and how we find their thoughts more important then our own isn't it?

I was hard on myself in my early twenties just to please him and others and at the time I thought I was pleasing myself.

Now I am in now way claiming that people shouldn't work out or stay fit and healthy, that is not the point on this post. I don't have time right now to work out and have no real desire to do so either.

This is my body today - I have stretch marks, cellulite and a belly podge - but I love every inch of my body! Any 'improvements' by working out in my eyes are just a bonus....

I think I know how to dress well for my figure of today, I think that's a great way of showing body confidence. Not feeling like you can't wear certain things because of your weight, and if something is a bit tight fitting for me I will rock it, adapt it to compliment my own figure.

I could go into this much deeper, and maybe I will one day.

Tell me about your body confidence.

Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings

When life gives you lemons...

Hey Guys!

I added some new items our home decor recently and it's not your usually colour - I decided to go YELLOW!

Our bedroom was given a fresh lick of Magnolia paint last summer which means it's super easy for me to change the colour vibe. I realised I liked the idea of grey and white with hints or other shades such as dusty pink and now.. yellow!

And the great thing about it all is that adding items to the decor doesn't have to be expensive. I buy a lot of items from Primark and Supermarkets and the items are great quality. Like these item's I picked up from Primark...

I wanted some faux flower arrangements and commissioned two flower pots from my best friend over at RosPetalz I have another pot just like this but with pink flowers instead.

I think it's amazing when the odd colour here and there can make a room like different. I'll be sure to show you new colour themes when the time comes.

Anyone else change their room like this?



Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings

Take care of your skin

Hey Y'all!

I was thinking the other day about my skincare routine and other peoples routine's and initially I thought theirs seems much more elaborate then mine. But then I had a look at my own and realised that actually, mines pretty much elaborate itself.

I know I've mentioned Arbonne a million times before but this literally is the only brand I use for my skincare. I might have great genes (not meaning to brag) but Arbonne has definitely contributed to how well my skin is doing.

I often get asked how do I look younger then I am, and I just tell people all over the above. I talk to them about Arbonne and pretty much point them in the direction of my Mom who sells it. I've converted avid CHRISTIAN DIOR users to Arbonne so I'm telling y'all, it really is fabulous.

Every day I use a mixture of the above products - this is my full skincare routine from shower to just before primer... my primer is Arbonne too - how did you know?

But if I haven't got time I'll definitely wash my face with the RE9 Facial cleanser and then use the RE9 Restorative day cream.....

Before I go to bed I always use my Eye make up remover, facial cleanser and the toner...

I also think treating your skin is a must, so give yourself a nice relaxing bath every now and then.

If I ever break out in spots, guaranteed it's because I'm stressed or not washing my makeup brushes often enough - hands up who is else is lazy in this department?

So that's my skincare routine - Do you have a holy grail skin care brand?

Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings

Wouldn't it be nice to have a personal photographer?

Hi Guys!

So January is almost over, but not before a couple of celebrations! The month of January can be gloomy for some, but for me and my fella it's the month we celebrate his birthday and our four year Anniversary - on the same day.

Now when I decided I was going to book a meal at Bella Italia to celebrate, I knew the sort of outfit I would be wearing. What I did not know was that it would be a moment of awkwardness when the fella didn't want to photograph me.

Now he is usually my 'personal photographer' but I guess he just wasn't in the mood yesterday - which means my images kinda suffered (sorry guys). He did take some images.... But I did my best to show you guys what I wore so I hope you like it...

Cropped jumper - New Look

Cropped trousers - H&M

Heels - River Island

Watch - Reveuse Online

Use my code 'domanique10' to get 10% off your order

And finally the man himself, taking a selfie is so difficult using a DSLR with no viewfinder but I think this came out good?

Any fellow bloggers willing to get together to take photos of each other based in or around Wolverhampton? Get in touch with me because I'm ready to step my photography game up but I need help!


Let me know what you thought about my outfit too!


Doma-Nikki...x
Don't forget to visit my website www.domaniquesings.com
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @domaniquesings