My Festival Skin Routine + GIVEAWAY

As you guys know I'm very into my festivals so thought it would be fun to film my festival skincare routine as I haven't seen many around, and I suffer with oily/blemish prone skin so wanted to share my tips in case any of you have the same.  Hope you enjoy the video, and don't forget to enter the giveaway after the jump!

GRAPHIC NATURE // SHOE GIVEAWAY

A Makeover with Pipdig + GIVEAWAY

I've had my little corner of the internet running for 4 years now, and I'm always striving to improve my content and mix things up a little.  Since starting up, I've had the same blog design, and I couldn't help thinking that it's holding my blog back; sure the crystals were pretty cool back in 2011, but I wanted a fresh start with a cleaner feel.  I can code myself and I created my last layout from different templates, but when you're trying to run a blog it's so difficult to dedicate time to something that isn't 'urgent', which is why it's taken me over a year to implement this new layout (oops!).

Thanks to Pipdig, I managed to finally start on a fresh face for my blog.  Phil somehow managed to translate a scruffy drawing and some vague descriptions into a gorgeous, finalised template within days, and I loved it straight away!  I always got an immediate response, and any tweaks I wanted were done straight away - Phil seriously knows his stuff!

As you can see, I've gone for a very clean look, with minimal colours, to let each post speak for itself, and I've decluttered any ugly widgets.  The banner I actually made myself; I kept the crystals as a nod to the old theme, and tried to hint at my personality through it (for example, one of the things peeking out from behind is part of a Suicune!).  I also have a super snazzy mobile layout, which I keep having to look at, so pleased with it!

All in all, I think you'll be able to tell that I'm over the moon with my new design - let me know what you guys think in the comments!  If you're looking for a revamp, you can buy pre-made templates from just £29, for both Blogger and Wordpress and they're super easy to install yourself, or you can have a professional do it within 24 hours!  Phil also does custom & semi-custom designs if you're looking for something specific - just check out the website!

Goodbye old layout!

If you're a fan of Pipdig then you're in luck, as I've teamed up with them to give you guys a chance to win a free template!  Just enter using the widget below - good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
AMY X

CHEER UP // SLAM DUNK GIVEAWAY

  

SUNGLASSES // PRIMARK
DRESS* // CHEER UP
BOOTS* // SHOETIQUE
BAG // VINTAGE

PHOTOS // POLLY

Another outfit from my trip to Amsterdam today - really simple as I wanted to be comfortable and summery; thought I'd let the dress speak for itself!  We were in a rush so I didn't get to photograph what I wore over it (you'll see in the lookbook though!) and I apologise for the ridiculous hole in my tights - this was the first day we rented bikes, and I found out the hard way that they do not co-operate well!

Anyway, onto the giveaway!  I've teamed up with Cheer Up Clothing to give away 1 pair of Slam Dunk South tickets and a ton of Cheer Up goodies - so if you want a chance to win, follow the steps below!

- Giveaway is for one pair of Slam Dunk tickets and a Cheer Up bundle
- Winner chooses which festival they attend (North, South or Midlands)
- Lasts for 5 days (ends 23/05/15 12am)
- Open to UK readers, please only enter if you are able to make it to the festival
- Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
AMY X

MYSTICAL HANDS // SPY LOVE BUY GIVEAWAY

 

NECKLACES* // ANNA LOU OF LONDON, EUPHORIA CREATIONS

JACKET* // LIPSY

TEE* // OLIVE & FRANK

BELT // VINTAGE (SIMILAR)

SHORTS* // SHEINSIDE

BOOTS* // SPY LOVE BUY

BABY BACKPACK* // GRAFEA

BAG CHARM // ANYA HINDMARCH

RINGS // BLOODY MARY METAL*, LUMAFINA, IDLE HANDS*
WATCH* // DANIEL WELLINGTON (15% OFF WITH CODE 'AVALENTINE')
PHONE CASE* // WALLFLOWER DESIGN CO.

PHOTOS // POLLY THOMSON STOREY

As I loved the last two sets of rooftop photos, Polly and I ventured to the 6th floor of a skanky Camberley car park again, oh the glamorous life of a blogger.  A casual outfit but like my last ootd, the kind of thing I wear on a day-to-day basis - shorts and a printed tee was basically my college uniform haha.  The print on this Olive & Frank tee is so awesome and I love raglan style tops, and my new SheInside shorts fit great; just the right amount of shredding and they cover my bum - huzzah!  Lastly, how could I go without mentioning my gorgey new baby backpack?  It's looking a bit sad in these photos as I got caught in the rain, but it could not be more perfectly sized - plus it goes with everything, and I think it looks cute with my little Anya coin purse I got for Christmas last year.

I was gutted when I missed out on the H&M biker boots last year, so I was over the moon when I spotted these on Spy Love Buy, and at a better price as well!  Better yet, the lovely people at SLB are giving away a pair to one of you guys, so if you want a chance to win, follow the steps below!

- Giveaway is for one pair of Game Boots in your chosen size

- Lasts for 1 week (ends 29/11/14)

- Open to readers worldwide

- Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

AMY X

Ray Ban Giveaway with The Sunglasses Shop

  

Ray Ban Aviator - blue & matte gold* // The Sunglasses Shop
[original outfit post here]

It seems like forever since I've posted a giveaway, and I love giving back to you guys, so I'm finally back, as the lovely people over at The Sunglasses Shop want to treat one lucky reader to a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses!  I went for the blue & matte gold mirrored style - can't go wrong with a pair of aviators.  Which style would you go for if you won?  Let me know in the comments!

All you need to do is follow the rules below and enter using the Rafflecopter widget!

- Entrants MUST be a follower of Amy Valentine via Bloglovin' or GFC.  All other entries are optional.
- Must have parental permission to enter if under 18.
- Prize is one pair of Ray Ban sunglasses in the aviator style, under £122.
- Contest will run for 1 week (ends 06/10/14)
- Giveaway is picked randomly via Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck everyone!
AMY X

Astrid & Miyu Secret Box Giveaway

 

SECRET BOX* // ASTRID & MIYU

Recently I've been reaching for my dainty little jewellery over chunky pieces so these gorgeous little Astrid & Miyu pieces couldn't have come into my life at a better time.  The three pieces above were included in a secret box, personalised especially for me - and I love every piece!

The secret box service is just £39 quarterly, which is great value considering these three pieces would usually add up to £87, and when you sign up you answer a questionnaire, so each box is tailor made especially for you.  I think it's such a lovely concept and the perfect money saving gift.

Luckily for you guys, I actually have another secret box up for grabs.  I haven't opened it so don't have a clue what's inside, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below and you could be the lucky winner to find out!

If you simply cannot wait, make sure you pop over to the Secret Boxes page to grab your own personalised box - be snappy though as the last date to order the June box is the 11th!

Please note:
- Unfortunately this giveaway is open to UK followers only
- Giveaway will last for one week
- If under 18, you must have parental permission to enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AMY X

CLUELESS // NEW LOOK GIVEAWAY

      

EARRINGS* // HUNTER GATHERER
CHOKER* // CRYSTAL HEAVEN
JACKET* // NEW LOOK

TWOSIE* // LOVE TOO TRUE
BAG* // MOTEL ROCKS

I feel like Cher Horowitz in this tartan twosie, so of course I had to go all out nineties inspired, so whipped out the holographic choker & bag and plaited my hair.  I tried the double buns but I ended up looking like a weird alien, and not in the cool alternative way.  I also customised this jacket completely by hand (you can tell by the terrible sewing!) at the New Look event - and one of you lucky readers could win this very piece courtesy of New Look just by reading on!

- I am giving away one customised New Look denim jacket

- Giveaway will last for one week (ends 15/03/14)
- Entrants must be following my blog to enter

- Open internationally!
- If under 18, you must have parental permission to enter
- Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
AMY X

PopChips Giveaway!

Over a year ago now, I attended a party where they were serving this new brand of crisp, of which I ended up taking home many packets of because they were so delicious!  Now they're sold in a range of high street stores and are quite frequently a part of my Boots meal deal - introducing PopChips!

Okay enough of the cheesy intro.  I was contacted and asked whether I'd like to review some PopChips on my blog and of course I said yes - free delicious snacks what more could you ask for?!  Anyway, they made it into my february favourites video so I think you can gather I quite enjoyed them.  As I feebly explained in the video, PopChips are not fried or baked, but popped like popcorn, and the best thing is that one packet is under 100 calories so they're not going to ruin your diet!  I've got to say I didn't think much of the sour cream & onion or salt & pepper, but the sea salt & vinegar and barbeque flavours definitely made up for it!  Mmm typing this is making me hungry..

Anyway I'm not here to ramble on about my crispy experience - I'm here to give you free crisps!  I am giving one lucky winner the opportunity to win one months supply of PopChips as well as the 'Master Your Metabolism' book by Jillian Michaels, perfect for all of you that are on a 'new year' diet or for those that just love crisps (which is the category I fall under!).  Just read on for the Ts & Cs!

- I'm giving away one months supply of PopChips and the 'Master Your Metabolism' book by Jillian Michaels
- Giveaway will last for one week (ends 08/03/14)
- Entrants MUST be following my blog in order to enter
- Open to UK residents only
- If under 18, you must have parental permission to enter
- Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AMY X

CHECK SMOCK // DOLCIS SHOES GIVEAWAY

    

Sunglasses* // ZeroUV
Necklace* // Dixi
Cardigan // Primark
Dress* // ARK
Shoes* // Dolcis
Rings // Rachel Sudlow, market, market, Henryka, Zara Taylor, vintage

I'm no stranger to a smock dress.  I think they're a very love/hate thing because of their sheer shapelessness, which, I think, is what makes them so wearable.  I love the print of this one and the dip hem is a lovely detail, plus it goes perfectly with my new favourite cardigan I picked up at Primark (so snuggly!).  I thought I'd go super co-ordinated with my footwear so went with my burgundy ankle boots from Dolcis, which I actually have two pairs of, so if you want your own pair just read on!

I accidentally got sent the wrong size in these pretty boots so I thought I'd give them away to you guys!  It won't be as flexible as most giveaways as they are a size UK 6 but hopefully they'll go to a home where they can actually be worn and appreciated!  To enter just read the rules below.

- Giveaway is for one pair of Dolcis burgundy chelsea boots in size UK 6
- Please do not enter if you are not a size UK 6
- Entrants MUST be following my blog in order to enter
- Open to UK residents only
- If under 18, you must have parental permission to enter
- Giveaway ends 12
- Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
love amy x

FINDERS KEEPERS GIVEAWAY

Sunglasses* // ZeroUV
Necklace* // Cinderela B
Tee* // Finders Keepers via Self Service
Clutch* // Finders Keepers via Self Service
Shorts* // RoseGal
Heels* // Iron Fist
Lips // Mac Boyfriend Stealer

So I am here today not only with an outfit post, but a giveaway - yay!  One of you lucky people have the chance to win your own tee and clutch the same as I'm wearing in this post courtest of Self Service Showroom.  I can't actually find links for either online so it's pretty exclusive - just read the terms listed and enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
Ps. Yes I tried experimenting with my lights, let me know how you like the new style!

- Giveaway open to UK residents only (sorry!)
- Lasts for one week (ends 08/02/14)
- Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
love amy x

Cinderela B Bracelet Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Before Christmas I had the opportunity to attend a little Cinderela B jewellery making workshop. While I was there I made two pieces of jewellery, one for myself and one to give away to you guys so here I am!  I wanted to post this in December but I couldn't find the time so think of this as a late Christmas present!

I have a vlog of the day which I'll hopefully be able to post soon which shows the making of the bracelet - all the metal is real silver plated and the beads are Jasmine (I think!) and it was designed and made completely by me so it's totally unique!  Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget above & good luck!
(Giveaway open internationally!)
love amy x