MagpieSparkles

Sunday Summary #4

2012-02-12T19:48:00.000Z

It's been a relatively quiet week due to the snow. I barely did any shopping this week as I couldn't bear to venture far on my work lunch. Me and the boy had a pizza hut trip planned but ended up ordering it for delivery with my family so we kept warm and dry. The night we planned to go the temperature was meant to be minus 6! Couldn't resist a MAC order but only allowed myself one item, I'm very impressed with how restrained I can be sometimes. Very excited for Valentine's Day, got a romantic night in planned. Also excited for Easter already, the selection of chocolate is going to make me so fat. Already had several Malteaster bunnies and a few Creme eggs, nom. On a mission to find the Kit Kats Chunkys Champions. Really want to try the white chocolate one, and I saw them a few weeks ago and never got any and now can't find any anywhere! Had another great weekend, had a run of them lately. Only got a week and a day left of work before I have a week off. Can't wait to just chill out, spend lots of time with my boy and not have to get up early.

Another blouse! MAC lipstick in Pretty Please, will blog about this soon as it was too dark to capture today. Also have some other lip products to talk about. Getting excited about the 2012 Olympics and collecting the coins, although I don't want all of them :-s. RED HAIR AGAIN! :) Jewellery holder from Claire's Accessories, my standing one has too much weight to see what I have and turn so hoping this solves some of the problem. 3 for 2 on jewellery at Claire's, the middle necklace I got for my Mum, although I now want one haha. My baby girl Dixie on my bed. Barry M Bright Purple & Gold Crackle nails. Pizza hut delivery. My boy Ronnie stealing not only my seat, but my blanket too. The view from my bus stop on Monday morning.

Hope you've all been enjoying the snow and keeping safe and warm. Although it snowed last night, rain this morning helped clear a lot of the pavements. It's not been a lot of fun trying to walk on compacted ice and snow, so the patches left I can work my way around.

The year is going so fast, can't believe its the middle of February already!

Em x

Sunday Summary #3

2012-02-05T20:02:00.000Z

Had a very quiet week as I could feel a cold coming and managed to delay it coming out until Friday. It only lasted the day also, I dread colds as I get really ill from them and can't go into work or do anything for that matter. Spent every evening in bed watching tv, actually really impressed with the BBC. Monday was "Protecting Our Children" all about the work of social workers. I love documentaries and this one is a three parter I think. It wasn't nice to see the neglect of the child they featured but with hard work and determination the child got removed from the parents. The mother also gave birth to another child who got taken into care straight away and at the end they interviewed her and she said she'd decided to give them up for adoption. Whilst it was the right decision for the children it was still quite hard to know she would never see her children again.

On Tuesday it was "Prisoners Wives" with a really impressive performance from Emma Rigby. Thursday night was "Inside Men" with Ashley Walters, making it a must see for me. Also stars Kierston Wareing who I love. She's such a convincing actress and I loved her in Fish Tank. Still to watch the Martina Cole adaptations for Runaway and The Take but I'll get there. Top Boy which she also starred in is out soon so looking forward to getting that in my DVD collection.

I should watch more tv and film because if it can hold my attention long enough I really enjoy it!

Not only do I have a blouse obsession but I have a shopping addiction. Not too sure about the first blouse, Mum said its too "grannified" haha. Been lusting after this chain blouse for weeks, finally managed to convince Mum to let me spend. We get stuck in a complication of me wanting to spend, her telling me not to, so then I don't and some items I will just keep wanting everytime I see it so she lets me. Trying so hard to spend less on clothing but as you can see it isn't going so well! Loved the bird print blouse, soon as I saw it I had to get one. Pretty colours in my trusty favourite blouse. Making up for not getting a fake McQueen scarf in Camden last year with a Primark version but liked the navy and red more than the black and white, cute socks, boat ring and butterfly charm. Pretty summer tops from Primark with the Peter Pan collar I adore. This week's nails, see my Purple Rain post for info. Sainsburys recipe cards for my recipe folder. A new wardrobe rail!!! The best chocolate ever! If you ever fell in love with Snowflakes these taste exactly the same! I hope they are around for a while. Also wanting to get my hands on the new Kit Kat chunkys, can imagine the white chocolate one will win my vote.

The snow finally arrived today! Woke up to the thickest blanket of snow! Did go out to play for a short while, intended to build a snowman but the boy declared the snow too "crumbley" and proceeded to hurl snowballs around haha.

Hope you've all had good weeks and are enjoying the snow while keeping warm.

Em x

Sunday Summary #2

2012-01-29T21:41:00.001Z

Been a quiet week really. Not done much shopping but been so tired. Had a productive day off and tidied my room and made another shoe shelf in my wardrobe. My wardrobe rail buckled again today, third time this year. Really must get a new one. Its probably the weight of the clothes as each hanger has at least 3 items on, but its only my dresses and blouses hanging :-/

Got a day in London next month which I am too excited for. Not too sure what I'll get up to but looks like Madame Tussauds, London Eye and shopping :)

New make up drawers as going to use my cupcake ones for stationery. Its got so cold lately my panda hats and cat hat are saving me. Its amazing how much warmer you feel with a hat on. Mum bought me a cream blouse (I own every colour of these!) even though she moans "another one!" when I bring home another, had to get the navy one too. Opposite colours of tops I own, love the red jumper, so cute! Herbal essences conditioners. More statement studs <3. Making cards for my friend and Mum wanted some invitations made. New make up :) First subway ever! (Now had my second also). Went for chicken salad, nom. First ever Harvester on date night :) so full felt so sick on the way home haha.

Hope you've all had good weeks. Cannot believe its the end of January already! It usually drags like mad! Got a week off in a fortnight, can't wait! Just used an epilator for the first time ever, quite an experience but definitely going to blog about it.

Em x

Hot Right Now

2012-01-23T12:30:00.000Z

I love the DJ Fresh track "Hot Right Now", I saw him live on his Fresh Live tour last year and it was amazing!!! If you ever get the chance to see him live I highly recommend going especially as it can take a lot to impress me! I would say the track is more of a summer one, and if it had been released in summer it could be like Gold Dust, but I expect it'll still be around by summer.

models own feeling blue and gold finger

This weeks nails, as always had loads of compliments.

Em x

Sunday Summary #1

2012-01-22T20:27:00.000Z

Really hoping to post every Sunday with a round up of my purchases, travels and food of the past week. I have an obsession with numbers so keeping them numbered too.

Just some bits I've bought this week. Finally got the Cath Kidston stars bag I've lusted after since last summer. Primark haul, in two minds about the shoes, I love the hot pink colour but they look ridiculously high on even though they're easy to walk in because of the platform. Also finally found a pair of leather look leggings, been after some for so long! These hoodies are from Asda and dupes for American Apparel and at £8 an absolute bargain. Only paid £2.50 for the Boots Carousel set. I love all the union jack stuff appearing in shops for the Olympics and couldn't resist these, I think these are amazing.

Hope you've all had good weeks

Em x

And Angels Sang...

2012-01-14T22:30:00.000Z

Finally got my BlackBerry back!!!

Happy days. When I picked up the voicemail I nearly burst with excitement. It came back pretty quick considering I sent it on Christmas Eve, got a call Christmas Day to say it was in repairs, they must have worked over Christmas and New Year. Just as they told me it wasn't my one repaired but a new one as BlackBerry don't repair they replace. Took me a while to get used to it again. Felt so big in my hand but I do love my qwerty board.

I've made a facebook note of things I want to achieve in 2012 and one is not to drop my BlackBerry haha. My last one had indents along one side where I dropped it on a stoned pavement. I had a big scrape out of the back although I'd crystallised it. I think what broke it is I was ill after Christmas and went to Asda with my Mum for medicine and dropped it in the carpark, since then it played up. My littlest brother explained when you drop them it can jolt the microchip or the structure which will affect the circuit board.

I can change my phone in May if I stay with Orange and although I've thought about iPhone, I definitely think my heart lies with BlackBerry. I like to be different and I love everything about them. Plus there is some lovely ones available haha.

I should get back on Twitter soon, missed it!
Em x

No Light No Light

2012-01-14T14:15:00.001Z

Had so many compliments on my nails and love sharing what I do on them. Definitely nice to break away from darks for a bit. Dying to get some Beetlejuice on again though.

barry m: 307 pale yellow, 304 mint green, 279 bright pink, 308 berry ice cream, 306 blueberry ice cream

models own: juicy jules

The yellow and green are sheer colours so take a few coats. The purple takes a few too but the blue and pink were fine after one but I did two coats anyway.

Topped with Juicy Jules they glitter like crazy. The photos don't do justice but if you've seen Juicy Jules in person you'll know the exact power of the glitter :)

Florence and the machine no light no light inspired me for this blog title.

Em x

Lego House

2012-01-13T22:12:00.000Z

Been awol again, just not had the time to even consider blogging let alone do it. Really thought everything would calm down in the new year as we adjusted to a new routine and structure in life but just been so busy.
Went to see the girl with the dragon tattoo at the cinema. Amazing. I'd seen endless raves about Rooney Mara and can totally see why. Very rare for me to really enjoy a film so was quite surprised I did as it isn't my usual cup of tea. But then I don't watch many films so I couldn't even say what my sort of film is!

Its made me quite curious to read the books. If it really is two years until the next film I so want to know what happens. I'm still to read the Twilight saga so if I can do them I'll try the Millennium trilogy. Actually missed seeing Breaking Dawn at the cinema as my Cineworld stopped screening it Boxing Day and I'd planned to go a few days later. Hopefully it won't be long until the dvd release.

I haven't bought any make-up recently, sad times. Bought plenty of clothes and my wardrobe rail buckled again. Definitely need to buy a new one as mine is so pulled down with the weight I'm hoping a new one will be stronger. But I have finally got a second wardrobe so when I decide what goes where I'm hoping to charity some old clothes.

Really hoping my friend Mike will decorate his room this year. I love nothing more than doing a room from scratch and would love for him to do it. I'm very tempted to re-decorate my room but I love the colour scheme too much so probably going to do some stencils instead.

Made a start on my Easter presents already. I was shopping in Tescos and spotted these

I've never seen them before but they were too cute to miss.

I've lied. I did buy make-up this month! I forgot I got this one lunch time, Mike tried to stop me as I asked him not to let me. But I did need mascara and the eyeshadow quad came free. What would you do?

models own jade stone and barry m gold crackle

Blog post title inspired by the Ed Sheeran track but the P Money remix.

Hope you're all well. Off for Chinese tomorrow night.
Life is good :)
Em x

An Accessorize Girl

2012-01-02T12:30:00.002Z

I didn't go into the sales after Christmas can you believe. I love nothing more than shopping and nothing more than reduced items but I wanted my time off work spent at home with my family. I knew if my Mum went in though I would do so I kept reasoning with her we'd only spend money, on items we didn't want or need simply because they were reduced. Plus I bought so much in the weeks before it was unlikely I would find much. I did a quick run around in town on Thursday as I did a half day at work and then was getting flowers and balloons for my Mum's birthday but didn't really find anything clothes wise. I tried!

On Christmas Eve however I did put an order through for Accessorize. I finally have Facebook, a big moment, as I have resisted for so many years. My friend Mike set it up much to my friends and brothers delight haha, so while I was adding people I was seeing where had their sales on.

Before I knew it I had a £45 basket on the Accessorize website. My order arrived Friday while I was out so it was something nice to arrive home to.

Heart print tights £5, wish upon a star charm £2, butterfly purse £7.50

Monumental moment getting a new purse! I am super fussy about them, I see so many nice ones but I need lots of card slots, a zipped coin section, and insides for notes, receipts, vouchers and a mini notebook which has lists of make up and nail polishes. I knew if I didn't like this purse I could return it to store but I have fallen in love with it, the inside is just what I need/like and its got butterflies on it.

925 love ring £10, shooting star ring £2.50, union jack heart enamel ring £6, pink delilah ring £2, freddie frog ring £4, poison arrow double finger ring £8

I love my rings so its never a surprise when I buy a lot in one go. Not all of them were in the sale but I thought I might as well order as I see because I only have two tiny Accessorize stores in my town and they never seem to get what I see on the website in store.

owl ring £6.49, london bag £5.40, panda gloves £3.60

These items were bought in one of my local stores. I love shopper bags as they come in so handy and I loved this London themed one. I've been after the owl ring for absolutely ages but at £12.99 I've never been able to do it. I'd queued to pay for ages and just as there was only one person in front of me I realised I hadn't looked in the ring tray, so risked it and it was worth it! It was the last one and my size, happy days. The panda gloves weren't in the sale but were reduced as faulty because their buttons are missing. Usually £12 it seems a crazy markdown when I can buy two buttons for less than 50p and sew them on in a few minutes!

love!

These are all George at Asda. The first and third top were full price items but at £10 and £8 not a problem. Should have got smaller sizes as all of these are too big so will need to exchange but was so excited to find a monochrome scalloped top! Can't resist polka dots or butterflies.

no7 62 night silver and models own juicy jules

These are my nails for over New Year. Love them :) still as obsessed as ever with juicy jules!

out of focus, but see the sparkle!

Hope you have found bargains in the sales!

Em x

2011 Favourites

2012-01-02T09:30:00.006Z

Some favourites of the past year...

Body Shop shower gel & VO5 shampoo/conditioner

Body Shop Shower Gel - I'd never really noticed how nice these were until recently. I've always had the mini ones for travelling and bought lots of full sizes ones because I had a money off voucher. I've always thought the Body Shop products smell amazing but the shower gels are insane. The smell lingers and its so good! Almost intoxicating. I'm now fully stocked up with an entire shelf of them in my bathroom.
VO5 Shampoos & Conditioners - I've always loved the smell of VO5 products, especially the styling products. When I dyed my hair red in January 2011 I really needed a good shampoo and conditioner to hold the colour and nourish my hair. It was VO5 that was the best for my hair, the colour stayed so so long and your hair smells amazing for the whole day.

back: MAC Fix+, Batiste Dry Shampoo, L'oreal Chelnett, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector "BB" Cream, Avon Color Trend Chill Out Face Illuminator

front: Models Own Juicy Jules polish, Vaseline Rosy Lips, VO5 Miracle Concentrate, Avon Magix Face Perfector, Natural Collection Blush in Pink Cloud, Max Factor Smooth Effect foundation, MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

MAC Fix+ - I absolutely love this product. Very annoyed they've made the bottle much much smaller for not much less money, but I only use this when I want my make-up to look flawless or stay perfect for an event.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Attempting to grow my hair means I can't wash it as much as I would like to, so this is a god send. I usually wear my hair up when I haven't washed it so I like this on the roots and it makes it a little thicker and more textured as I don't like my ponytail or bun to be sleek. I have such a supply of this as much as I want to try alternative dry shampoos I should use all the batiste I have.

L'Oreal Chelnett - Can't believe this can is still going, talk about value for money! I use it everyday and quite a bit too so for that alone it's a favourite of 2011.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - I wear this as a base to my foundation and loved it as soon as I first used it. I love the fruity smell Garnier products have and this really works for my skin. It gives a healthy dewy look and is light.

Avon Color Trend Illuminator - although this is a product from a few years back if you can get a tube I recommend it. It gives the most amazing glow and is slightly shimmery but not too much. Its my favourite highlighter for a night out.

Models Own - I only bought from Models Own this year after a stand arrived in my Boots. I love how fast the polish dries and the amount of colours they have really does rival Barry M. Juicy Jules is my favourite and I love wearing it, I get so many compliments and love how much it catches the light and sparkles.

Vaseline Rosy Lips - I got this in a big Vaseline tin for Christmas last year but only first used it a few weeks ago. It's love. It smells amazing (must be the almond oil in it) and leaves a pretty pink tint.

VO5 Miracle Concentrate - This had been raved about so much by bloggers and youtubers I had to give it a go. It leaves hair like silk and I love the smell. This is a must if you have dyed or used heat on your hair.

Avon Magix - I bought this when it first launched and I don't think I will ever even contemplate a different primer. This smells amazing, like chocolate and although its a gel as it goes on your skin it becomes more of a powder. Makes your skin feels so so soft and gets rid of pores.

Natural Collection blush - I've raved about this before because its a dupe of the Rimmel one I've used for years except this is half the price. I'd say this actually even wears and stays better than the Rimmel too.

Max Factor foundation - I love Max Factor foundation for some reason. Could be that I worked on a counter once so I'm a little biased, but this is one of the nicest ones they've ever released. Creamy and perfect for my skin colour I love wearing this and although I'd say its light it gives a good coverage too.

MAC Paint Pot - When I first bought a paint pot back in 2010 I used it once and then it sat unloved and unused for months until the summer when I was experimenting. I then realised why everyone loves them so much. I have always struggled to stop creasing on my eyelids but this stays, all day. Que Emily sold.

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Collection 2000 Glam Crystals, Avon Glazewear lipgloss, Avon Satin Satisfaction, Soap & Glory Supercat liner, Avon Super Shock eyeliner

Maybelline Gel Liner - Gel liners had never really appealed to me and I noticed this one and curiosity got the better of me. This gives a really dramatic, black look which I love. It stays put and is really nice and easy to apply.
Collection 2000 Glam Crystals - I own this in every colour available and love it. Gives the most amazing look to eyes and I always get complimented on them. Very quick and easy if you've not got much time too.
Avon Glazewear - I've loved these lipglosses for years now and they release so many different colours. They smell amazing, the tube lasts for ages and doesn't leak/go sticky. They always have a good amount of glitter in which I love, these are my staple for work.
Avon Satin Satisfaction - Newly released but I've stocked up already. This might not be everyones cup of tea because its very thick. Its a lipgloss which is more like a lipstick. It lasts for ages, even through food, drink and talking. Pleased Pink is my favourite colour, a hot pink.
Soap & Glory Supercat - I love this for mornings when I don't have much time especially work mornings. I used to spend ages with liquid liner as it can be messy, going on lashes and needing tidying up with a cotton bud, but with this I can draw the line and it needs no work plus means my mascara goes on much better. Much easier to do my flick with too, probably because there isn't much product on the pen tip.
Avon Super Shock gel eyeliner - Ever since I first used this I have been in awe of how good it is. This is the best ever product to stay on my waterline all day, kohl always came off after an hour or so and fell down. I've bought no end of these so have a good supply for some time.

Collection 2000 Lasting Colour 6 Bubblegum, Barry M 129 Palest Lavender, 17 Mirror Shine Peace, Avon Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction lipstick in Lilac Shimmer, MAC Milan Mode

2011 was definitely the year I got into lipstick. These are my favourite brands and I picked a favourite shade from each (for MAC and Avon it was very hard!).

What were your favourites of 2011? I'm really excited to see what I find in 2012 and add to my collection :)
Em x

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:51:00.000Z

So 2012 is here. Time has whizzed past and can't believe Christmas and New Year has been and gone. Didn't do much, usually go to a party but wanted to stay in this year with my Mum. Plus had to collect my youngest brother from his party, but he got a lift back in the end. Was the first time I saw the fireworks in London though, they looked amazing! May look into being there next year :)

I treated myself in recent weeks :)

Of course I couldn't resist getting one! A huge Soap & Glory gift set for £25 instead of £60 with approximately £68 worth of goodies?! Yes please. Made even better by using my Boots points. However I soon begrudged this purchase being my first as I was in town on my own, doing my last bit of Christmas shopping. Trying to carry this, a cage umbrella, a roll wrap in no bag (I said no to one, thinking it was easier to carry it) and three shopper bags of stuff. Trying to pay for stuff while holding everything was a nightmare, I even dropped something I was getting money out to buy and a little lady picked it up for me saying "dear you look like you can barely carry what you have let alone pick this up" haha.

back: abombinaball bath bomb, cinders bath bomb, snow fairy shower gel, celebrate lip tint, miranda soap, snowcake soap, phoenix rising bath bomb

middle: candy cane soap, lil lush pud bath bomb, candy mountain bubble bar, gingerbread house bubble bar, satsumo santa bath bomb

front: the melting snowman bath melt

I ordered Lush online and added some goodies to the basket for me, obviously. I was very restrained as you can see. However in my attempt not to spend much I only ordered a Celebrate lip tint. My Snow Fairy lip tint from when they last released them is still going and much loved but I forgot to get another. Luckily my friend Amy saved the day as she'd got me one for Christmas, which actually made me scream on Christmas morning.

I've wanted a pristine set of Harry Potter books for a while but it wasn't high on my list. I soon discovered there was several boxsets available and decided on this one with the new design covers as all my copies are the original ones, slightly well loved and my deathly hallows is in hardback. I'm now hoping to pick up the page to screen book //link//

Mum got me these lights for my room. I love bird stuff and last Christmas Eve she put diamond lights on my bed, on my twitter pictures if you look back.

Just the dove lights on

dove and diamond lights on

so pretty!

Hope you all had a great New Year and started 2012 on a good note

Em x

Crafty Christmas Doll

2011-12-27T13:24:00.000Z

I decided back in the summer I was going to make my Christmas cards this year, although not all of them. When it finally came round to needing to get busy I was so preoccupied with other stuff I wasn't going to make any. In the end I had a spare hour one Sunday and made a handful of family and close friends cards.

You will need:

pencil
ruler
rubber (i always use a putty (whsmith) leaves no marks, doesn't rub the paper/card off and removes all traces
glitter and gel pens
letters (whsmith)
cards and envelopes (whsmith)

I used these packs of decals from whsmith, they were only £1.99 each, do two cards and are 3 for 2, bargain! If anything it probably works out cheaper to make your own cards then to buy and people appreciate your time and effort so much more.

Finished! I used a silver glitter pen to make little dots all over which kind of looks like snow falling.

These were such a hit with my friends and family, they don't show how pretty and glittery they are in the pictures.

I also eventually made time to make my Christmas sweet/chocolate bags. I make them every year and they look so cute!

I made Ellyn's name tag first using silver letters but realised I had other names much longer so hand wrote the rest.

My selection of sweets and chocolate.

The piles for the bags.

Some of the finished bags :)

Em x

We Used To Be Friends...

2011-12-22T21:58:00.001Z

It has been too long since my last post. Missed the blogisphere so much but been so busy with family and Christmas barely had time for anything. Actually cannot believe it is now two days until Christmas. My lounge and dining room has been a state for two weeks as I slowly wrapped presents each evening and worked out what I still needed to buy.

My Sunday mornings have been made by finding a channel showing episodes of The O.C. I haven't seen it recent Sundays but I have seen all of the episodes so many times, and have all the boxsets. It's the inspiration of this post title as the song makes me think of Seth Cohen/Adam Brody.

Experienced my first ever hangover. I have been the luckiest human alive never to have had one before and I have drunk so much in my time, in younger years to the point of passing out (I would not advise this, it's scary plus very dangerous). It was works Christmas party, I felt great on the night as you do, stayed after everyone left with Michael & Alex, drinking more and having the funniest most random chat ever which will stay between us three. Got about 5 hours sleep and felt so rough the next day, sick more than anything. Had McDonalds for lunch with Michael and made me feel better but back at work then felt even worse. The sick feeling stayed for three days afterwards. No wonder people are always complaining about hangovers, they are awful!

Hasn't put me off drinking though, haha.

Had a brilliant month with friends and family, although still got some personal stuff going on, it's slowly getting easier. Hoping with some time off over Christmas and a New Year approaching I can get back into blogging and twitter.

I said I hadn't photographed the last Beetlejuice colour, but I found it on a different memory card when searching for photos for my best friends Christmas gift.

Models Own Beetlejuice Collection Aqua Violet

This is such a pretty colour, although it needed about 3 or 4 coats.

Models Own Silver Fox over No7 Minty Fresh

Models Own Black Magic with Barry M Gold Crackle

Barry M Navy with Models Own Juicy Jules

Above are my current nails. I've come to the conclusion Juicy Jules is almost holographic, so for anyone lusting after the GOSH this could be a very close product. It's ridiculously sparkley and beautiful.

That's all for now. So tired and got a busy day ahead tomorrow, with Christmas errands to run and taking my best friends presents to her. Got a lovely man to see in the evening too :)

Hope you are all well and almost ready for Christmas

Em x

Sunday Catch Up

2011-12-04T17:36:00.001Z

Just a quick round up of some purchases I've made this week. Had a very strange but good week. Some personal stuff happening, but things are looking up now. I truly believe everything you go through makes you stronger.

Silly me, in the mess of the last week or so I didn't photograph the final Models Own Beetlejuice colour. I probably won't wear it again until next year. I've got lots of parties and nights coming up from this week and I like to really go all out on my nails for such occasions haha.

I've already started wearing completely glitter nails...

models own bluebelle and emerald city glitter polishes

Mixed it up a little. Loving not having all my nails the same colour, also why I won't wear any Beetlejuice again this year. Feel so boring. But I feel boring with just one different nail colour, so I always do my thumb nail too. Got so many compliments on my nails. Did them opposite ways on my hands but took so so many coats. Glitter takes a while to build up but I've already had one nail chip badly, and losing the colour of the glitter after two days. Usually steer clear of glitters for this reason but I haven't got a top coat on.

I needed an exchange at Boots and knew exactly what I was going to treat myself to...

Wasn't very happy with the service I got. I know the kids on the tills may be christmas temps and I'm more than happy to wait for a permanent member or senior staff. But the person I got was so difficult about it and then made me wait ages to "check with someone". I had bought the item only a month previous, it wasn't opened and wasn't cosmetics/food. Why bother giving her a position to authorise an exchange if she still can't do it. Makes me so mad! I got a refund in new look off christmas staff because I could tell she wasn't sure what she needed to do. Right rant over!

I bought a conical wand! I have had such envy of hair styled with one. Lusted after one possibly all year just never got around to actually purchasing one. Mainly due to my no heat hair during the summer. Still haven't used straighteners or curling tongs since may but with Christmas and party season upon us, it seemed the perfect time to invest.

My Mum went to London on Monday. I sent her with a list of items from MAC and Forever 21 in the hope she may track something down. She text me when she was getting the train home at 9 to say she had something from my list. Cue major excitement and impatience. When she finally got home, I had waited up and I saw the MAC bag that I love so much. I decided I wanted this lipstick after my order but most of the Glitter and Ice collection had sold out.

MAC Glitter and Ice Collection, Whirls and Twirls lipstick

Boots had another spend £50 and get £12 of points events on Thursday. I practically lived on Boots meal deals for my lunch last week which is terrible, usually a home lunch girl as I'm fussy. So with my lunch on Thursday I got one of my brothers birthday presents (Joop is on offer for £25.99 instead of £39) and then spent £40 on make up :) there was so much I wanted and this was a very restricted spend.

l-r maybelline gel eyeliner, soap & glory sexy mother pucker, soap & glory supercat pen liner, 17 mirror shine in purple haze, 3x natural collection pink cloud blush

front soap & glory smoulder kohl, 17 lip liner fawn

Getting fed up of liquid liner, its so messy and takes ages to get right so got two new forms of eyeliner to try. Already used the supercat liner and LOVE it. Will talk more of that another time. Always wanted to try the sexy mother pucker as what girl wouldn't want bigger lips?! Am so in love with the 17 mirror shine lipsticks and wanted a purpley vampy lip colour. The natural collection blush has replaced my usual Rimmel one. Half the price and exactly the same colour. I need to venture into the world of lip liners but I'm so all over the place with my lipsticks it would take so much time to get lip liners to match all of them, and surely you can't get exactly the same shade. So taken a gamble and got a pale shade hoping that it works. More than anything I need one to stop red lipstick feathering as I'm swaying towards red/purple lips.

I went late night shopping on Thursday after work with my little brothers and the oldest youngest (it does make sense!) girlfriend. We were about to leave H&M when my eyes fell upon a table of Disney jumpers. I literally screamed out loud and rushed over. There wasn't many sizes left and although mine is a little too big for me, I quite like it like that. Hoping to get the Minnie Mouse version too. Loved the Bambi tee too, although I can't watch Bambi, too sad!

Got home Thursday to my Graze delivery! Was such a good box, had my favourites in: cashews and honeycomb chocolate flapjack. Plus a cardboard snowman to make and gift vouchers for friends.

Stocked up on my new favourite shower gel. They last quite a while and smell amazing.

Can't believe it's the fourth of December today! Keep forgetting to open my advent calendar, got a thorntons one :)

Not feeling particularly festive just yet, but once the house is decorated and I get serious with my Christmas shopping I should be like a little kid i.e. bouncing off the walls.

Hope you're all keeping warm as it gets colder and feeling festive.

Emily x

Sunday Peace

2011-11-20T15:53:00.000Z

Just had to show you the necklace I bought yesterday. I saw it a few weeks back and just had to have it. I still love everything with Peace signs on it.

peace necklace £4.50 claire's accesories

my most lusted after/searched for/life completed black blouse

Finally, finally, finally found the black blouse I have been searching for forever! Good old Primark in the end. I actually have this blouse in all the other colours I've been able to find in the past six months (red, electric blue, navy blue, purple, ivory). These are just amazing to wear. I have searched high and low for a black blouse and although there are lots out there, I'm really fussy. Quite tempted to buy a second as I bet this will get loads of wear!

pretty sunday

It's the 20th November today and look at the weather! Clear blue skies and sunshine. This time last year I was snowed under permanently for weeks. Usually snow only lasts a day or two and then goes slushy and horrible. Last year it stayed frozen and perfect for weeks. It has got cold in recent days which I can't say I'm enjoying. I love wrapping up but can never layer up enough not to feel the cold. Had a great night out last night. Got id'd for my JD & coke haha. Really doesn't bother me at all. Quite flattered at 23 to still get it! Didn't enjoy walking halfway across my town to get the bus home. I had my snood, gloves and panda hat on and was still frozen within 10 minutes. And after all my food and laughter I had such belly pains! Plus it was so foggy last night, winter is definitely settling in for the long haul.

one of my kittens, Ronnie, enjoying our patio

posing in the archway

Would have included my girl kitten, Dixie, but she was off having an adventure in someone else's garden.

Hope you're all tucked up on your Sunday, taking it easy. Couldn't find anything to watch in bed this morning. Been forcing myself to stay in bed on my days off for a little while after I wake up. Been feeling really stressed at work lately and trying to not rush around on my days off. Was about to put a dvd on when I stumbled upon a channel showing episodes of The OC. Seriously that was and still is the only tv show I have ever watched every single episode of, numerous times, and own all of the boxsets. I was the biggest fan (helped by the beautiful Ben McKenzie and Adam Brody).

Any other OC fans out there, give me a shout!

Love Em x

A MAC Treat

2011-11-18T20:53:00.000Z

I ordered from MAC last Friday and it only turned up yesterday. Haven't ordered in a while so couldn't remember if they usually take so long?! I haven't bought much MAC this year, just lipsticks and the prep and prime lip, from Debenhams online and in London. I've let the collections pass me by and the ones I did look at never impressed me enough to part with any money. Probably helps that I haven't a MAC stockist for miles. The two closest to me are in counties above and below mine.

I visited the MAC website to look at the paint pot shades. I've recently fallen in love with my Bare Study paint pot. I rarely wear eyeshadow as it creases quickly and my lashes curl better if I apply my mascara immediately after using my curlers. When I use eyeshadow I curl my lashes before anything else and then mascara last. Plus I'm not getting up at the crack of dawn five days a week to do eyeshadow for work so like something quick for my eyes. I manage to apply Bare Study after all my mascara and liquid liner.

The Glitter and Ice collection caught my eye and once I started googling swatches of the paint pots I just had to buy one. I settled on Let's Skate but then wanted Morning Frost too. In the end I just bought both as I was looking at Rubensesque but not sure if it's too coppery for me as I don't suit it on my eyes.

The packaging is silver and so bright and eye catching! These paint pots also have a white lid which is different to the usual packaging. I still can't get enough of the sound of paint pots as you open and close the lid haha, the simple things.

l-r MAC Morning Frost & Let's Skate

They both look so pretty and Let's Skate has a golden shimmer to it but the camera hasn't picked it up. I didn't want to ruin their perfect state by swatching on my hand. I want to feature them on my eyes for you at some point.
I also had to purchase a lipstick. I absolutely love MAC lipsticks. The vanilla smell, the formula, the packaging, the look and feel on my lips. They keep going up in price and much as I'd love more colours I can't justify it. I'm sticking to buying colours I have to own and haven't found a cheaper alternative to.

Mac Pervette

I first fell in love with this in Selfridges when I was in London. I was swatching on my hand and stumbled upon this. I queued for ages only to be told they had no stock of it :( so off I went around London in the next few days on the search for one. I didn't get one but it remained on my list to buy as soon as I could. Its a glaze the same as Hue which I'm unsure if I want/need. The bullet has to be one of the prettiest I've ever seen, the magpie in me adores the multi colour shimmers running through it...LOVE.

love the free samples Mac send too :)

I also caved and purchased the MUA Heaven and Earth palette. The hype over the Urban Decay Naked palette really made me think I was missing out on something amazing. I don't have an Urban Decay stockist anywhere near me so while I was in London I tracked one down. As soon as I laid eyes on the palette I was so disappointed. The shades were quite ashy and wouldn't suit me. I've seen other girls say the same so don't feel like I'm crazy! I then read a blog post somewhere saying if Naked wasn't for you Heaven and Earth would be. For £4 I decided to give it a go. Superdrug are finally offering free delivery for once so it seemed the perfect excuse. Not too sure when I'll wear it as I've said above I'm not really an eyeshadow girl but maybe that'll all change?!

MUA Heaven and Earth palette

I love wearing gold on my eyes especially gold glitter, it really suits my green eyes and dark hair and I get so many compliments. Heaven and Earth looks more gold toned and sparkly than Naked so I'm hoping they look good :)

Love Em x

Take Care

2011-11-18T16:26:00.000Z

Post title inspired by Drake's second album. I am completely in awe. He is so talented and his voice is out of this world. I love the way all the songs link seamlessly into each other. Have to admit I'm not Rihanna's biggest fan but love her "We Found Love" track. Again the same with Nicki Minaj however I love the "Make Me Proud" track on Take Care. Haven't listened to anything else all week and don't plan to change that :)

Onto my next Models Own Beetlejuice polish Purple Blue.

It's multi-dimensional with pink, blue and purple appearing. I am convinced it has a finer Disco Mix glitter in it, looks like it to me. Even though I have one more Beetlejuice to wear I think this is my favourite. I saw something about Models Own releasing another collection at the end of this month. I will leave my Mum the details this time!

This week has been about raising money for Children In Need. I love our charity bake sales at work. Had coca cola chocolate cupcakes yesterday although I couldn't taste the cola! I was planning to post a picture with my ears on but have gone sans make up and top knot today. Didn't get my tattoo today after all. Had the most awful headache Wednesday which was still epping away Thursday and as it'll be my first didn't want to push myself (imagine I faint or something haha).
Hope you've all had a good week, can't believe we are closing in on December. This year has flashed by. Going out tomorrow after work for a meal and drinks. Actually so excited, feel like I really need a good meal, cocktails and social time. As usual was planning on wearing heels but yesterday had a really strong pain in the ball of my foot, almost like I've pulled a muscle beneath it. Hoping it goes away, not noticed it today but been at home so haven't been walking much.
Love Em x

I Got The Remedy...

2011-11-15T21:09:00.001Z

Although this post title is inspired by Professor Green's track Remedy, he has been cast aside for Drake. Almost had an absolute diva moment in HMV yesterday when I couldn't see Take Care anywhere, eventually spotted it lurking on the bottom shelf of the cd drop. I used to order all of my cds online but made a decision last spring to buy everything I could in person. I love the feel of shopping physically and with the high street struggling so much I would hate for it to disappear. Just doing my bit to help the economy :)

I think I may be becoming a little obsessed with health supplements. I have been trying to grow my hair for years but never get there or lose patience. My hair is fine and when it starts to get long it gets really dry and brittle on the ends. I had long hair during high school but when I left after Year 11 I got it styled by a hairdresser and it was a much shorter, layered style. I really regret it now as I can't seem to get it back to before. I decided to take a multi vitamin to see if it helped my hair growth. I originally wanted a supplement I read about from Holland & Barrett. However when I couldn't find it in the store and asked the girl she told me it was a weight loss product (looking me up and down disapprovingly). I don't want or need to lose weight so decided to leave it. During the summer I get really tired. I previously put it down to hayfever medicine but they're non drowsy nowadays and last summer I ended up at the doctors it had got so bad. I would feel drained constantly and would struggle to stay awake especially at certain times of the day. He was puzzled and put me through quite a few tests to determine the cause but they all came back negative. I don't eat any red meat or have much protein so my diet was probably lacking iron. I invested in some iron tablets and I would say they have helped.

Then I read about a tablet for "hair skin and nails" so this morning I got off the bus a stop early and as I wasn't starting work til 9 popped to Wilkinsons. I wanted to see their prices and if they were too much I'd go to Sainsburys. I was also after some zinc and folic acid as I've seen good things about them. Wilkinsons had a 3 for 2 offer and they had all three items I was after!
I wouldn't say my diet is lacking in the slightest but I think the first two supplements I took made a difference so I don't see why making sure I'm getting my full whack of everything I want in my system could be bad. I also want to keep my immune system as well as possible. I've suffered pretty bad with being ill in the last year due to stress and upset.

l-r iron, skin, hair & nails, multi-vitamins, zinc, folic acid

I feel a little crazy getting my five pots out and lining all the tablets up! The hair skin and nails tablet is positively huge. I hate swallowing tablets anyway but it has to be the biggest thing I've ever had to swallow, and I've had some big medicine in my time! I'm also washing my hair every other day which must be helping too. My hair feels thicker and looks better for it. It is so hard sometimes to resist the urge to wash it but mostly I appreciate an extra half hour in bed before work.

made some buns for our cake sale at work for pudsey :) they had jam in the middle, they went down a treat

I'll have to report back in a few months and see if my hair suddenly grows like Rapunzel ;)
Hope you are all well
Em x
p.s. is it just me that loves to say 'multi-vitamin' in an american accent? "mul-tie vite-a-min" :)
p.p.s. i didn't only take 6 buns into work haha, i took several tubs, this tub was on the top so was the photographed one

Pinky Brown

2011-11-12T23:10:00.000Z

Had such a hard time trying to photograph the colour on my nails for this post. Literally near impossible! It seemed better the further away the camera was...which kind of defeats the object! I'm onto my second Beetle Juice polish, Pinky Brown. I originally wasn't interested in this colour because I don't like brown. Or green. I'm working on the green, but I don't think brown will ever enter my wardrobe let alone my nails. I can wear this because of the pink shimmer. It's a really striking colour and definitely an ideal shade for a party outfit.

models own pinky brown

My memory card arrived for my new camera. I ordered a 4GB as I have a 1GB and 2GB but I want a card purely for my blog photos to make it quicker to import them. It takes so long if my blog photos are at the end of a card full of photos. Took some random posey photos tonight...I'm toying with the idea of growing my side swept fringe out. I keep getting so far and then chicken out and get it cut back in. Boys tell me my fringe is my appeal, girls say change it up.

As Joey Essex would say...what YOU saying?!
Also toying with getting a tattoo on Friday. It'll be my first and my friend is coming with me as she has holiday from work. I have wanted to get it done for absolutely ages but time always runs away and it's so hard to find someone to come with me (I'm too wimpy to go alone for my first time). So I'm thinking it could be ages until someone else will be available and I should just bite the bullet and do it. Plus Friday will be one year since I lost someone extremely special to me. In a way it'll be marking the day for him but also getting something done that'll be with me forever. I did have a design planned for him which isn't what I'll be getting done on Friday...decisions! I can be so indecisive sometimes it drives me mad!

However I'm not indecisive when it comes to buying. I needed to post a parcel to the lovely Jodie on Thursday and I had a refund so decided to go into town after the post office. I had been after a black blouse for a while and on Monday drove my friend Amy mad with how fussy I am with clothes! She kept pointing out black blouses and there was always a reason it wasn't suitable haha. I found one that would do the job in Primark on Wednesday but I needed the next size up, le sigh, not enough room for the boobage. Ended up buying the purple version too. I have this thing where when I like something a lot, I buy it in all the colours I can.
I decided I needed to stay out of town to avoid spending more money. But I've placed several online orders in the past two days...I'll blog the exciting ones when they arrive :)
So sad my week off is almost over. Finally seen the Coca Cola Christmas advert. You know its Christmas when you've seen/heard it. Can't wait to watch all my Christmas films and get into the Festive spirit.
Hope you've all had a good week.
Em x

Hello

2011-11-09T17:31:00.003Z

So I managed to get the Models Own Beetle Juice collection after some confusion. I originally thought the boxset would come back into stock but after reading some of the Models Own tweets it seemed once they were gone they were gone. The website had sold out of Pinky Brown but I knew ASOS was selling a trio with it in. I then had some more confusion as ASOS didn't list the colours and the blue in the trio looked the same as the two blue ones on the Models Own site.

Following?

It's making my head hurt just remembering. So I ordered the ASOS trio and then ordered the rest on Models Own with the exception of Pinky Brown and Golden Green. I then ordered some other colours and ended up £2 off free post. I HATE paying post if I can help it. So many websites offer free postage on any amount that I really begrudge it on other sites. Plus the Royal Mail are hardly of a good standard either. So I ended up spending another £5 just so I got free post. Bit of a false economy but I reason I got something for that money. Now that we're into November and winter is taking hold it is so hard to get pictures that are true to real life. I'm going to work through the Beetle Juice collection so you'll see the colours on my nails in the next few weeks.

ASOS Trio l-r Golden Green, Emerald Black, Pinky Brown

l-r Aqua Violet, Purple Blue, Emerald Black

a closer look l-r Pinky Brown, Emerald Black, Aqua Violet, Purple Blue

It ended up it was Emerald Black in the ASOS trio so I've doubled up on that colour, but I'll ebay it with the Golden Green as it really isn't a colour I wear (it's green, enough said). When I first opened the box I was most taken with Pinky Brown, which is unusual as I cannot stand brown! In the picture it shows the pink sparkle really well. Aqua Violet looks like it'll be really sheer and take numerous layers and Purple Blue I'm almost positive has Disco Mix in it! Cue excitement from Disco Mix's biggest fan!

l-r deep purple, feeling blue, scarlet sparkle, silver fox

deep purple close up as it looks black in the above picture :-s

I've got this week off work. I'm in desperate need of some sleep and rest. I feel so much older than 23 sometimes. It's been a mad year and the last few months especially so. I couldn't wait to not have my alarm going off between 6/6.30am this week but it hasn't quite worked out that way. I had a dentist appointment at 9.30am Monday so was up at 7.30am. It was made better by my teeth being perfect :) they offered me a free cleaning session, included in my appointment cost. I couldn't take any of the appointments for Monday as I was meeting my friend for lunch and shopping so took a Tuesday afternoon appointment. It was quite an experience...a thorough water jet clean followed by a polish. Can't see much of a difference if I'm honest but I feel good for it. I had a lovely lunch with my friend Amy on Monday. We have been in a bit of a rut in terms of eating at the same place endlessly so after some bad service last time we decided to go elsewhere. Ended up in Frankie & Benny's which was really nice! Opted for the lunch menu and managed to just about squeeze three courses in! I don't think I've ever managed that before! More of a main and dessert kind of girl. Did so much nattering and catching up we had barely any shopping time! Tuesday I was up just after 8am to help my Mum do a supermarket shop aka buy clothes and lots of munch for me! Couldn't resist the Disney Princess wrap for £1. Even though I have endless rolls of Disney paper in the loft this one is updated with Rapunzel and Tiana :) also got some glitter musical notes and some acorns. Love Christmas puddings so these earrings were a must. I have a slight thing for jelly beans.

Check out my new baby!

It was time I upgraded my camera. My old one is perfect but I've wanted this blue one for ages. The reason I got my old one is a funny story looking back but at the time it was awful. I went to Disney in December 2008 with my Mum and she was taking a photo of me in Belle's Christmas Market when she dropped my camera. For the record my Mum is the most careful person ever. She's so careful with all of her own and other people's possessions. If I toss my Blackberry onto my bed she'll tell me to be more careful haha! It was instilled in me and my brothers to always have our camera straps around our wrist incase we dropped it (a good idea also for when one is drunk or in heels or laughing till it hurts, I've had some close misses!). So imagine my shock at that moment when it hit the frozen ground. It was heart breaking as it was near the start of the holiday but Mum still had her DSLR. I remember her being so upset about it. It was a genuine accident, almost freak as the one time she hadn't put the strap on her wrist! It hit the ground weird too as it hit on the zoom lens and knocked it at an angle so it wouldn't go back in.

I haven't set this new one up yet. I'm waiting for some memory cards to be delivered as I'm selling my old one to my best friend. She's needed a new digital camera for ages and as she has a bubba I don't want her to miss out on photos any longer. I text her the other night in total excitement as I'd found the box and everything is still sealed as I obviously used my dropped cameras charger etc. We spent last Friday having a right girlie day. We laugh so much together and like best friends say/think the same thing. I've got a collection of her bubba at the park which are so adorable. She'll be two in February, the time has gone SO fast! Literally feels not so long ago she told me she was pregnant, I can still recall the bubble of excitement that got me inside.

I then had training at work this morning. It was so hard to get up at 6.30am knowing that really I should still be staying in bed. Kind of glad I did it when I could go home afterwards as it was a lot of information to take on board and I had a quick nap when I got home. So now I have four days remaining of holiday and I'm hoping to sleep in till my body wakes me and just be lazy as the next two months will be manic. Definitely into party season already and I want to get lots of sleep in preparation for the early starts and late party nights. I can usually survive on about four hours sleep but after a week or so I'll crash. Also desperate to avoid being ill this year as last Christmas I was in bed from Christmas Eve until the 28th. I have never felt so ill in all my life! Still not sure what I had but it was horrible and I hope never to experience it again.

Plus I would love to enjoy Christmas properly this year. Its my favourite time of year and I love everything, and I was gutted to miss it all last year.

previous nails - no7 minty fresh 320 and models own juicy jules

current nails - models own emerald black

tonight's sunset

Hope you're keeping warm, the temperature has dropped significantly the last few days. Starting to feel almost panicked about my Christmas shopping, probably because previous years I'd have everything sorted by now. Except this year I've barely made a start! And no matter how many times I rack my brains, look online, wander around shops I can't find anything remotely good enough! Although I've just decided on some Avon goodies for some of the ladies I work with I've still got my long list of friends and family! I'll keep you updated...

Em x

At Your Inconvenience

2011-11-01T19:57:00.001Z

Usually my blog post titles are song titles but on this occasion I have to use an album title. Professor Green's second album was released yesterday and I have been dying to hear it. I remember the very first time I heard I Need You Tonight, and literally leapt out of bed to learn more about him. I just knew he was going to be successful. It's such a nice feeling to watch an artist you believe in become big.

I'm still in the "i love every track on the album equally" stage but with time it'll change to liking certain tracks more than others, and playing them on repeat.

My nails today look like this:

I used the green 17 Magnetized nail polish I bought last week. I love the colour, which is unlike me as I usually don't like green at all!

The Models Own Beetlejuice polishes went on sale at 10am this morning. I originally asked my Mum to buy them but then never left her the details, and at work today toyed with the idea of calling her. I decided they couldn't possibly sell out and I'd buy them when I got home from work. Some of the individual polishes are sold out but I want the boxset, which is sold out ...waaaah! Fingers crossed they get more.

Happy 1st of November! Hope you all enjoyed Halloween
Em x

No Tricks..Just Treats!!

2011-10-28T20:22:00.001+01:00

So I have kind of started my Christmas shopping already. I had said I'd hold off until at least the start of November. Usually by now I'm sorted and I just have the last few bits to get and wrap it all up pretty. I decided this year I would wait until the shops are filled with goodies before I even thought about what I was buying everyone. Plus I reckon with shops finding it difficult there'll be some great offers on.
This week Boots had a brilliant deal for their advantage card holders: spend £50 and get £12 of points! I save my points throughout the year and then buy make-up in the New Year. Christmas is my favourite time of year so by January & February I'm on a come down.
I have only bought one Christmas present though: my Dad's! He loves the FCUK aftershaves so the set was perfect, now all I need to do is find some more bits for him.

frontcover eye popping, fcuk three calls to make, skin art glitter tattoos

My Dad's set was in the 3 for 2 and really it would be rude not to. Plus I needed to spend £50. Took me ages to choose but settled for these two.

frontcover eye popping

I love Frontcover sets and this really caught my eye. The cheek powders look really shimmery but if they are they'll make good highlighters. The selection of eye shadows look so pretty!

skin art glitter tattoos

The skin art set I'd never noticed before but the magpie in me was telling me I needed it! No idea when I'll use it but you never know. Plus I'm going through a phase of temporary tattoos in an attempt to discover places I'd want them for real. I had a henna one done on my wrist in Covent Garden when I was in London, but not sure I could have a real one there for various reasons.

l-r V05 Miracle Concentrate, Rimmel Lasting Finish Disco Ball, Barry M Nail Effects Crackle in Gold Glitter, 17 Magnetized Nail Polish in Green, Collection 2000 Lasting Colour in Sweet Tart

Just a few more polishes for my collection! Seen endless raves about the miracle concentrate and has been on my list for ages. I used it for the first time today and kicking myself for not buying it sooner...hello softer, shinier, sleeker red hair! I love the Collection 2000 lipsticks. I originally bought one after seeing it on Kate. They are amazing value for how long they last and how pigmented they are.

these nougat bars are insanely good, a friend on a diet introduced me to them

For some reason there seems to be several films I want to see at the cinema: Tintin, The Help, In Time and Demons Never Die. Breaking Dawn is out soon too which I'm excited for! Channel 4 has a drama starting on the 31st October called Top Boy, the adverts sucked me in from the moment I saw them. It's on four nights in a row and I am actually considering staying in all four to see them. I know if I miss one I won't have time to catch up before the next and before I know it I'll have 3 hours worth of tv to watch and no time to watch it!

Halloween is only two days away now, so excited! I bought an inflatable pumpkin this year, not too sure where he'll be sitting though. My youngest brother is the skilled master at pumpkin carving so its left to him every year, I'll post a picture of his creation :) and its the start of November in 3 days...!!! It seems to have warmed up a little in the last week. I had to pop to the post office today so at 3'o'clock finally decided I had to get out of my pjs and go. I threw on some leggings and a t shirt because the mac I was wearing comes down mid thigh, and by the time I got back I was quite hot.

What are you all doing for Halloween?

Em x

p.s. beyond excited for the release of Models Own Beetlejuice polishes on Tuesday, I think I may have a slight obsession with nail polish!

p.p.s. i'm not on a diet and probably never will be, if you're wondering about the nougat bars, if it's sweet i'll like it ;)

Purple Rain

2011-10-26T09:30:00.000+01:00

I love plenty of things with the name Purple Rain;

The song by Prince (that is done on X Factor every year I'm certain!)
The pitcher
And now the Barry M nail crackle.

I was buying my lunch in Boots Thursday morning and had to do my usual circuit of the make up stands. It was the first time seeing Purple Rain in person and I had to have it!

As usual had so many comments on my nails! I used Models Own Snow White for the base colour. It wasn't the easiest polish to work with as it applies sheer but with a second coat it was thick enough.

I'm now lusting after the gold Barry M crackle and need to replace my black one as its gone really thick and is difficult to work with. I have previously added a little nail polish remover to thick polishes to thin them down but I'm concerned it might stop the crackle effect so just going to get a new one. I've got a list as long as my arm of stuff I need to buy in Boots but there's a points event this Thursday so I'm waiting til then :)

Em x

Read All About It...

2011-10-25T22:07:00.000+01:00

Blog title inspired by Pro Green's new song. I really love this song even though I can't really relate to it. An ex boyfriend had a rough time with his dad and when he told me it all one day I cried. I remember him holding me asking why I was crying when it had happened to him not me. It just broke my heart to hear what he'd gone through and I don't understand how some parents can cause their child so much hurt. I was really impressed The X Factor had Pro Green and Emeli Sande perform this track on Sunday. I never usually like any of the artists they have sing on the results show but I could barely contain my excitement this week. It was such a big moment. Emeli Sande has been around several years and popped up on numerous albums so I'm happy she's being noticed as a solo artist now.

I've had the best few days! I worked a six day week which was made all the better by spending Saturday night tucked up in the cosiest country inn (link). I found a good deal on laterooms. Officially my go-to website for hotels and has been for the last year. I really don't know how I found places before the boy told me about the site.

To say I was excited to go is an understatement! I couldn't wait to get away and relax. We made very good time on our journey and got there earlier than anticipated. The owner Chris couldn't have been friendlier and after showing us our room we hit the bar ;) jack daniels, coke and french fries?! That's the way to my heart! The chips were possibly the best I have ever eaten and that's saying something!! The boy got a little tipsy on a pint as he hasn't drunk for three months. Gave us a good giggle! We missed the start of X Factor but went up to the room in time to catch Misha. Wasn't overly impressed with her version of Purple Rain but still love the girl. Hit the sack just after eleven and had the nicest sleep. Woke to the prettiest day, of an unusual 19 degrees! Long Melford is the longest village in England and full of antique shops and tea rooms. I must be getting old because I really appreciate the countryside. It breaks my heart that one day countryside might not exist. Its so pretty and English! Took an accidental detour through Essex because the sat nav missed the turning and spent the day with friends.

sunday sunset of a perfect day :)

please excuse the fact this picture was taken on day four when my nails had been through hell at work

I caved and bought the Gossip Girl Nails Inc Blair Collection from ASOS. It does leave a most intriguing effect and almost felt Halloween?! It's quite hard to photograph, but basically you get two polishes. One is teal and the second is a clear polish with iridescent flakes called an "overglaze". In real life the flakes change colour, so one angle they look green, another blue, and midway half blue and half green.

Highlight of my week at work had to be an interviewee turning up in a suit. It really disappoints me when people don't turn up in smart clothes. Yeah they may be in the most fashionable outfit ever that took ages to put together and cost a lot, but you can't beat smartness for making an impression. I still remember my interview five years ago I was the only person in black trousers and a shirt. I felt an idiot at the time but it made me stand out. Anyway I was so in awe of the interviewee in a suit I said to my late forties male manager "did you see him??! He looked WELL smart!" to which my manager replied "I thought you were going to say he was well fit!". I found it hilarious, it was such a young thing to say! But he has two daughters my age so he is probably used to such comments!

Although I am tired and feel like I need to sleep for an entire day I am beyond happy. And it isn't just the thorntons chocolates I've just eaten ;) the shops are filling with Christmas goodies and I can't wait to get started on my shopping. I'm planning lots of nights out, parties, nights away and meals with my loved ones. My best friend has been working abroad since March and should be coming home next week. I am bursting to see her, it has been far too long! I've missed her something chronic but I know she's had the best time, plus she went to pay off her overdraft from uni. Can't argue with her trying to get out of the outrageous debt she's in and she worked four jobs!!

I'll have to blog the little bits I've been picking up on my lunches in the last week or so. So much nice stuff!

Hope you're all enjoying October and the last few days before the clocks go back and the nights draw in. Hoping we get an extra hours sleep with the time change!

Em x

Shake It Out

2011-10-19T11:00:00.007+01:00

Check out these sparklers! Barry M Cyan blue with Models Own Gold Finger glitter = so sparkley! I scheduled this post as I have no other time! And I don't want to post several posts all at the same time. Anybody remember Bernard's watch on citv back in the day? I could do with that watch ;)

Post title inspired by Florence & The Machine, too excited for the 31st October and the release of her next album. Professor Green's is also out the same day, as a fan of both I'll be purchasing both. It'll be interesting to see who gets the most sales. Drake's album was due to be released next Monday but has been pushed back to the 14th November :( I hate waiting and I hate waiting even more when there's a delay!

Em x

Models Own #2

2011-10-18T21:46:00.001+01:00

I placed my second Models Own order earlier this month to continue growing my collection. The box my nail polish collection is in currently is full but I have a matching box that is now home to my Models Own collection that's growing pretty quickly.

l-r black magic, snow white, top turquoise

Seeing Dalmatian nails appear everywhere I purchased the Models Own nail art pen in my previous order, posted about here. However I didn't realise I didn't own a white! I was shocked at myself and made a mental note to get one. I then discovered I didn't own a black! Shock horror, two of the most basic colours. I love dark nails and have every shade from navy to deep plum to dark red. Plus black will look good beneath glitter and nail effects. The white has a shimmer to it which is really pretty and better than a block white. I'd seen the top turquoise on blogs a lot and loved the mermaid shade.

l-r emerald city, gold finger, disco mix

Just like a magpie I cannot resist anything that sparkles, glitters, shimmers or twinkles. Although glitters take a lot of work to remove I love wearing them and its worth it. Disco mix was my most lusted after Models Own polish so seeing it back in stock meant it was straight into my basket.

Models Own small angled brush

I've been looking for a small angled brush for ages and just can't find one on the high street. I wasn't prepared to pay a crazy amount for one as I wear liquid eyeliner but I just wanted this brush in my collection in case.

These were my nails last week. I used Barry M's Raspberry and 17's Gold Crackle. When I first bought the crackle I actually really disliked it, and upon lending it to a friend almost told her to keep it. I painted my nails with the raspberry and it felt boring...so I jazzed it up with the crackle. I've now fallen in love with the gold crackle. I think the reason I originally disliked it was because it covers a lot of the polish beneath it. You need to wear a bright or a dark colour.

I haven't blogged as much as I would have liked this month but I've been absolutely crazy busy. It makes me wonder where people who blog several times a week find the time?! When I haven't been at work I've been asleep or off on an adventure. I've had the best time in the last few weeks but feeling really tired now. Got a six day week at work but tomorrow will be day three = halfway. Had a brilliant night out last night but am slightly paying for it today. My right foot is aching in the arch, probably from my heels and my left calf is really tender. I'm almost positive when I've been drinking I get cramp in the night. In my sleep I must stretch but then I wake in absolute agony. I must pull the muscle because the next day it hurts so much. I can't be entirely sure it is alcohol related but I might start making a note of when I get it. However even if it is alcohol I probably won't stop drinking because of it.

I'm so excited for Christmas. It's my favourite time of year and although the weathers been all over the show, this week the temperature has dropped very quickly. I've been wearing a panda hat, gloves and scarf to and from work haha. I was in Norwich on saturday for a gig and had an hour before the shops closed so did a quick run around Primark, Topshop and Topman. I found a coat in my local Primark a few weeks ago and wanted it SO much. With coats I always buy a size bigger so I can layer up in winter because I get so cold, sadly the 12 was a bit tight across my bust and the 14 just looked ridiculous on me so I left it. I then saw Zoe with the coat and I just knew I would regret it forever if I didn't own one. Lucky for me Norwich had a 12, and yes it could be looser on the bust but I am in love. It's almost cape like on me but once I layer up I shouldn't feel the cold too much. I had to wear it that night though as I wouldn't dream of taking a paper bag into a standing gig! I only had a light mac on which rolled up small and my new coat kept me warmer than my mac would have when we were waiting in the freezing train station at 11pm. Also found the ultimate post gig snack: capri sun & a yorkie :)

Hope you're all keeping warm and having a great October!

Halloween soon :)

Em x

Magnetic Girl

2011-10-07T16:58:00.001+01:00

I didn't really know anything about 17 launching their Magnetized Nail Polish until I found the stand in my Boots on its launch day. I'd seen them tweeting about it but to be honest it went straight over my head!

Because I hadn't seen or heard much about the product I was a little skeptical if it would work. As usual the promo pictures looked amazing but we all know about post production "touch ups". There are four colours to choose from: blue, lilac, teal and gun metal. They are all pretty metallic shades but blue stood out the most, and if it didn't work I thought I'd at least have a pretty metallic.

The first time I tried this I just couldn't get it to work! A week later when I changed my nail polish I gave it another go. The first nail I still didn't get right but after that it started working! I was holding the magnet as close to my nail as possible, about a millimetre gap between, and this seemed to get the effect properly.

It is such an odd effect to see happen. I have got no idea how it works, but sometimes I could feel the magnet force against my nail, pretty odd I must say. It's almost like the polish parts into waves of lighter and darker blue.

the magnetized effect

The lid with the magnet is detachable from the brush which is handy. The lid also has a curved raised ridge which makes it easier to hold the magnet above the nail because it sits on the cuticle.

excuse the dot of nail polish on the magnet...held it just a little too close!

I love the effect the magnet makes. It gives real depth to the nail and reminds me of ripples in water. I love it so much I now want the other three colours!!

Em x

p.s. super pleased with the title of this post, mainly because I LOVE magnetic man!!

Grade 8

2011-10-04T21:14:00.000+01:00

This blog title is inspired by one of the tracks on Ed Sheeran's album +

Being a local boy I'm very proud of his achievements, he really deserves it and he is an amazing artist!

As usual I have had so many compliments on my nails! I don't know why but I always seem to get comments on my nails, probably because I always have some sort of pattern, design, colour order or something interesting. The oddest times I get complimented are at work by men, men I don't know and people in the bus queue! Considering I always have my iPod on I'm surprised they try to speak to me!

With the sunshine beaming down I wanted a summery colour with some sparkle. I used Barry M 304 Mint Green with Models Own Juicy Jules on top, finished with a Barry M clear top coat.

I had to include this last picture. In the last few weeks we've had some of the prettiest sunsets I've ever seen and have taken endless photos!

The weather is going to an autumnal 16 degrees in a few days and I'm looking forward to getting some wear out of my macs before it gets too cold and I need a wool coat!

Em x

September Favourites

2011-10-04T21:02:00.002+01:00

This post has gone up later than I wanted it to but seeing as we've had 30 degree weather I didn't want to miss it! I've really enjoyed the sudden heat and sunshine.

Ed Sheeran +, Wretch 32 Black & White, Emalkay Eclipse, Game The R.E.D. Album, MOS Anthems Electric 80s

Music - Ed signed albums in my local store so got my + signed. I love Wretch’s voice and his album did not disappoint. Particularly love the middle part with features from Delilah, Ed Sheeran, Daley & Etta Bond. Emalkay has been around for a while but love this album, dubstep at its finest. There’s something about Game’s voice and I really like this album. I love how many other artists he’s got on here: Lloyd, Mario, Rick Ross, Big Boi, Young Jeezy, Chris Brown & Drake. Ministry of Sound are epic in my opinion. I may only have been born 1988 so not experienced the 80s but I grew up on music and have a particular love for the 80s. I need to get the next volume of this in my collection.

Films - I was pretty poorly during September and watching a film was the perfect way to make myself rest. I usually never have time to watch films and still have all the dvds I got last Christmas in cellophane! I watched Princess and The Frog, which I LOVED! Has really made me wish I bought from the MAC Venomous Villains collection though! I’m really hoping they do another Disney collection as I adore Disney. I’m still giggling over the Inbetweeners Movie which I actually saw in August. I want the book for Christmas as it looks hilarious! Saw Avatar for the first time too, I cannot believe its taken me so long! Its an absolutely beautiful film. The boy always teases me because he has to explain what’s happening. He asked after about half an hour if I was following, and I told him what I thought would happen and I was kind of right!! Also squeezed in New Moon, St Trinians, Fish Tank, Look Who’s Talking (so 80s I love it!) Look Who’s Talking Too & Anuvahood.

Books- I haven’t read any books or even magazines for over a year and really miss it. I still buy Company but only flick through for the fashion and make-up and then it goes onto my coffee table. I’ve still got a Company & Cosmopolitan from last December in cellophane! How bad is that! I’ve never seen Sex & The City properly, or either of the films. It isn’t something that has ever really appealed to me. Curiosity got the better of me when Candace Bushnell released the Carrie Diaries. It intrigued me so much that I decided to read it. It took a little while for me to get into it, which could just be me not having read for so long but once I got into it I couldn’t stop reading!! I’ve had to stop a few chapters before the end as I can’t bear to finish it when I don’t have the next instalment; Summer in the City.

I’ve also been enjoying the books by Sophie Kinsella writing under the name of Madeleine Wickham. I’ve now read Sleeping Arrangements, The Wedding Girl and am just starting The Gatecrasher. They are pretty hard to put down as you get sucked in. I’ve promised my friend I will give the Twilight novels another try as she’s re-reading them with Breaking Dawn about to come out in cinemas. Twilight is still bookmarked somewhere in the middle which she promises me if I read on it’ll get exciting! I’m sure the reason I’m struggling is because I saw Twilight, New Moon & Eclipse before I tried the books which kind of spoiled what was happening.

Beauty – Boots No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser - With all the raving about Liz Earle I came across another product which seemed similar. I got the No7 hot cloth cleanser with a £5 off voucher so only paid £4. I cannot express how in love with this I am! It smells so nice and leaves my skin feeling so lovely.

Boots Natural Collection Make-Up - I’ve never bought from this range before but I saw the beauty community raving about them and with a price tag under £2 I gave some items a whirl. The blusher is a dupe of a Rimmel one I’ve used forever (Santa Rose) but half the price! The lipstick has that horrible cheap lipstick smell but I’m willing to forgo that for the colour and how soft it feels on my lips.

Garnier BB cream - If you haven’t heard of BB creams I’d be amazed. Mainly because the Garnier advert is on so many times and I hardly watch TV! I wanted to wait for the MAC BB cream but when I saw the Garnier on price promotion I couldn’t leave it. I really love this product. It smells like all Garnier products (fruity, in my opinion) and is quite sheer. I know that isn’t how a BB cream should be but I only wear light foundations so this is perfect for me.

Avon Naturals Sugar Plum & Vanilla Room & Linen Spray - This has the sweetest candy smell. It reminds me almost of Lush Snow Fairy. I can’t stop smelling it and planning to stock up in my next order.

TV – I’m amazed at how much TV I have been watching lately! It’s so unlike me but I’m really enjoying it!

The Only Way Is Essex – I’ve watched this from when it first started and really do love it. Before this started I used to tell people I was from Essex…and they believed me! It’s the accent apparently because I sure as hell don’t look as glamorous as the girls on this show. Although some of it is set up I don’t mind, its just like The Hills to me which I also loved! The rival to TOWIE is Made In Chelsea. I could never get into this and tried again with the launch of the second series but still not getting it. Probably isn’t helping that I don’t know any of their names or anything of what happened in the previous series.

The Bachelor – I missed the first show but have watched since because Twitter made me curious…now I can’t stop watching!! I was pretty indifferent to Gavin but I must admit I have warmed to him especially after the drama of Morgan & Carrie Ann! I really like Layla and hope she wins because she’s so sweet!

The X Factor – although there was the biggest uproar over the judges panel change up I still watched the first audition show and instantly fell in love with the new judges. I’m actually very glad Simon, Cheryl and Danni aren’t on anymore. I already adore Tulisa and Kelly, and Gary I’ve never paid much attention to before however I find him so good looking which really surprised me! The new panel make the previous look so stiff and uncomfortable. The new panel come across genuine and likeable. I have loved the way Tulisa and Kelly were towards each other during the audition process. They seem to really care about each other and have a close friendship. No matter how much it was denied Dannii and Cheryl did get on, it seems hard to believe when you’re shown Kelly & Tulisa together. Plus they all seem to give constructive comments which the previous never did because they were too busy sniping at each other. I am beyond excited for the live shows. I saw a rumour on twitter the big twist is Cheryl is coming back with a reject from each category. I am really hoping this isn’t true as I like the panel so much as it is and I never thought I wouldn’t want Cheryl on the X Factor but there you go!

Shop – Claires Accessories – I’ve rediscovered Claires after a distracting trip I blogged about previous here. I could have bought so much more on my visit but decided to try to be restrained. I barely knew where to look when choosing necklaces. They have so many I like! I settled on these three

I used to buy so many nail stickers from Claires and thought it only right I buy some more! I loved the peace earrings, they look so 60s with the flowers. I bought the little studs for my second hole as I only wear small sparkly ones in there and these fit the bill perfectly.

I turned 23 on the 20^th September. I loved being 22 as its such a cute number (I’ve got a thing for numbers!) but I couldn’t stop the clock and stay 22 forever. I went out the previous night for Chinese and cocktails with my lovely friend Amy. We’re just had a new place open up in town. Such a nice pretty place and I loved just having a chilled out chat. On my birthday I was still poorly but Mum brought me lunch in bed and then I went for a walk in the park in the afternoon with the boy. Meant I was hungry for Chinese tea again! I ended up having 3 Chinese’s in my week off which is completely unlike me as I usually have Chinese once a month if that! Not complaining though! However I can justify it as me and the boy went on so many long walks all over especially in the country. One day we were stood on the highest hill near his house and we could see so far it was an amazing view and I felt so at peace with everything.

I feel like I’ve matured so much while I was 22 especially in 2011 I had a lot of challenges thrown at me in all aspects of my life. I feel very happy and comfortable in myself which I’ve always read comes with age and it definitely seems true!

Hope you all had a good September too!

Em x

Tag: My Life In Make-Up

2011-09-26T22:09:00.001+01:00

As soon as I saw the lovely Jodie had written this post I just had to do it too. I love hearing other peoples stories of how they got into make-up and thought I would share mine :)

1. How old were you when you started wearing make-up?
I'd say the summer before I turned 13 so I was 12. I moved a lot as a child and I started a new high school with just a few weeks of Year 7 to go and it was the influence of the girls I became friends with.

2. How did you get into make-up?
I started doing Avon when I was 14. I still get ribbed to this day that I never earnt a penny because I spent all of my commission and more on make up! I acquired so much from being an Avon rep. I fell in love with make-up. And my room was overflowing with everything from room & linen spray to shower gel to mascaras. Being an Avon rep really gave me the freedom and confidence to experiment with no end of products because I had unlimited access to everything imaginable.

3. What are some of your favourite brands?
Avon (forever loyal), MAC, Chanel, Max Factor, Collection 2000 & 17.

4. What does make-up mean to you?
Make-up is an expression. I love the way it can tell you so much about a person.

5. If you could only wear four products on your face what would they be?
Mascara, blusher, eyeliner & lipgloss/lipstick.

6. What is your favourite thing about make-up?
How good it makes me feel and how happy I feel buying it.

7. What do you think about drug store make-up vs high end make-up?
Having bought across all price ranges I'd say different products work for different people. A high price tag doesn't always mean an amazing product. I'm not fussed what make-up I use as long as it looks good, but I appreciate high end make-up a lot more than drug store probably because of the price difference.

8. What is one tip of advice you can give to a beginner?
Experiment, experiment, experiment! This will be the only way you discover what works for you and what looks best on you. Just because a certain look suits one person it may not suit you. By experimenting with different looks, products and tools you'll soon find your comfort zone and the best look for you.

9. What is one make-up trend you never understood?
There has been so many!! I'll stick to lips...darker liner than the lipstick, concealer lips and frosty lipstick.

10. What do you think about the beauty community on YouTube & Blogger?
I think its amazing. I love seeing the creativity and talent of others. I love the way its like one big family and help, compliment and support each other.

Em x

Peace

2011-09-16T08:30:00.054+01:00

Words cannot express how long I have lusted after a peace necklace!

As usual the perfectionist in me knew exactly what I wanted I just had to find it. I love long necklaces but sometimes they aren't the right length. I like mine to sit on the middle of my stomach. I find it really irritating when a necklace sits over my bust (too short) or my belly button (too long).

On my lunch break I was trying desperately to avoid visiting the Chanel counter as there is lots of make up I'm lusting after and I can't trust myself I won't buy it all at once! In a last ditch attempt to waste the last few minutes of my hour I popped into Claire's Accessories. As a girl I was forever buying little trinkets in there with my pocket money. Now that I earn my own money and can spend anywhere I choose I rarely visit the shop.

I was very surprised to see they had endless hanging bars of jewellery that was current and original. I found several necklaces I need to go back for: a panda, a gum ball machine, tiny jars with items such as fairy dust inside. I've always swayed towards unusual, unique jewellery although I have some very expensive pieces, for everyday I tend to wear costume jewellery.

I was about to walk out when my eyes fell upon this necklace. I couldn't believe I may have found what I'd been looking for and in the last place I'd thought to look!

It was even the perfect length!

And at £4 an absolute steal!

I'm so pleased and I can't wait to wear it. I've loved the peace symbol since I was tiny and when I saw this becoming popular I couldn't wait to get my own piece to wear.

Em x

If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another.

Winston Churchill

Models Own

2011-09-15T19:35:00.000+01:00

Now that I pretty much own every Barry M nail paint, I wanted to start on another brands collection. Models Own only arrived in my Boots store earlier this year and I decided that would be my next brand to collect. I would be very surprised if you hadn’t seen or heard but Models Own wanted to hit 50,000 Facebook likes to give their customers a 50% saving on their website.

Pretty exciting right?!

It didn’t take long and I was super excited to get my hands on some goodies at half price! Unfortunately the day the sale went up my life got turned upside down and it was the very last thing I was worrying about. If you follow me on twitter you probably noticed how very quiet I was!

I’d even made a list of the items I wanted as especially for the nail polishes it takes so long to look all through the colours. I managed to place a quick order just before the sale ended. I only had a spare five minutes so stuck to nail polishes. As I expected many of the colours on my list were out of stock but I was surprised at some they still had! Just as I was about to checkout I remembered to order a nail pen too!

I half forgot about my order as I still had a lot going on but when I did remember it made me excited as it was something to look forward to, what girl doesn’t get impatient for online orders especially make up related ones to arrive!?

I LOVE the way the orders come packaged. I was so impressed. I’ve never ordered on Models Own before and was expecting a jiffy bag! It made me think higher end brands should make more of an effort with their orders. Although all that matters is the product is in pristine condition I think presentation is essential. There are certain websites I no longer order from because whatever I order always comes damaged!!!

l-r peacock green, juicy jules, bluebelle

Peacock Green – I love a darker shade on my nails as I love the contrast particularly because I am very fair skinned. This is a two toned shade that is exactly what it says on the tin > a green but with a blue-ness to it, exactly like a peacock feather. The only green I own is a mint green so this will be a nice change for me.

Juicy Jules – I went to lunch with my lovely friend Amy and she tested this on one of my nails in Boots. I then spent the remainder of our shopping trip admiring my Juicy Juled nail and lusting after this!

Bluebelle – This is actually one of my Mum’s nicknames for me! I’ve got a love for glitter especially on my nails and although I own the blue Barry M glitter it’s a different shade of blue. Out of all the glitter I wanted this one and disco mix the most, but disco mix, as I expected had long sold out.

l-r beth's blue, lili's pink, blue med, black nail art pen

Beth’s Blue – I have been after this colour longer than I can even remember! It was featured in Company once and I just had to have it. I couldn’t find it anywhere until I spotted in in a River Island. Like the idiot I am I always forgot to pick it up when I shopped there and before I knew it they’d changed their colours and I’d missed out! I then found one in London, and opened it to find it had no brush?? I was beyond happy to see this still in stock online. It is the prettiest purple blue, a little like parma violets. I can’t wait to wear this!

Lili’s Pink – A shimmery pink. Not sure how I feel about this yet as I usually only wear a solid colour or glitter nails. Its very pretty though so I’m sure it’ll be a hit!

Blue Med – I expected this to be a solid blue or a glittery blue but its actually a pearlescent shade. Again I’m not sure about it because I don’t usually wear this sort of shade. I actually steer clear of pearlescent shades mainly because of the white pearl shade that was so popular in the early Noughties but I now think looks horrid! However this being a blue it shouldn’t be such a traumatic wear for me ;)

Black Nail Art Pen – I’m sure these were bigger when they first launched?! Anyway does what it says on the tin – art. I used to have a silver art pen from Sabrina the Teenage Witch magazine, haha. And I’ve still kept it because I loved it so much when I was little! This is the grown up version, and should stop me using liquid liner to do leopard print nails!

And as if ordering online wasn’t enough I took advantage of the Models Own offer in Boots. Buy any two products and get Lilac Dream free. After much debating I opted for two nail polishes.

l-r gold rush, lilac dream, golden peach

Gold Rush – I don’t own a gold nail polish mainly because I think they look cheap. I have a silver but never use it. This is shimmery with tiny glitter bits and so pretty! I can imagine this looking amazing during a night out against a dark outfit.

Lilac Dream - Pastel lilac = love! I have this in Barry M but it takes 3 coats so can be a long process. I'm hoping this is more solid.

Golden Peach – Not sure what drew me to this bottle as there were lots of others I wanted but it was a particularly hot day (out of the ordinary lately) and I must have been feeling summery. The names perfect as it’s a peach with golden shimmer and such a summer shade.

I then went a little nail polish obsessive and bought a Barry M top coat and Barry M Cyan Blue. I ended up being served by the guy who often serves me. He must inwardly groan when he sees me. He probably thinks all of my money goes into Boots tills. It doesn’t but he serves me 80% of the time haha! Probably didn’t help my case buying 5 polishes in one transaction!

Pearly Whites

2011-09-14T20:12:00.001+01:00

I'm tucked up in bed feeling sorry for myself. This afternoon at work I just knew I had a cold coming. Thought I've had one coming for the last few weeks and was surprised it never came out but it seems the cold has won the battle. Feel absolutely rotten tonight so decided a night in bed with the laptop was in order. Dosed myself up on max strength cold relief, got a dairy milk, a magnum (even though I can never eat all of them) and a strawberry milkshake with lots of vanilla ice cream as can feel a sore throat coming :(

Hopefully I can get it out of my system by the end of the weekend as its my birthday next tuesday! I'll be 23...can't believe it! Seriously only feels like a few months ago it was my 21st! It really is true time goes faster the older you get...!

Being a perfectionist has its downfalls sometimes! I don't drink tea, coffee or red wine, drink coke occasionally and I don't smoke. My teeth have always been average white I'd say but I've always wanted pure white teeth. I embarked on a mission to find a home kit to whiten my teeth as the strips aren’t available in the UK. I did some research, read reviews and checked what kits I could get in my town. I was very limited and decided on a kit from Boots. I happened to be in Superdrug (since they introduced their beauty card I’ve become somewhat of a regular!) and while queuing to pay for my items I spotted Superdrug’s own kit. Usually I don’t tend to buy own brands but it caught my eye as it was £8.99 for a 14 day treatment. The kit I intended to buy in Boots was £8.16 but I had no idea how long the treatment was for.

It was the only one on the shelf but I left it. The next day I went to Boots and discovered the kit they had was for 7 days. After many minutes spent crouched on the floor (their whitening products are on the bottom shelf!) I decided to try the Superdrug and if it didn’t work I’d get the Boots one. I have two Superdrugs in my town, one little and one large. There were some Sleek products I was after and I wasn’t sure if the bigger Superdrug had them as the little one didn’t, also the kit was in the little one. But I assumed being a larger store they would stock everything the little one did and more.

How wrong I was!

Also note the Superdrugs are opposite ends of my high street! So off I went to the bigger one, not only didn’t they have the kit but they don’t stock Sleek! Double annoyance!

So back I went along the entire high street hoping it wouldn’t be in vain. It must have been my lucky day because it was still there!

I couldn’t wait to try it. I’d never used a whitening kit before so was entering into the unknown. I’ve used whitening toothpastes for years but never got the whiter than snow teeth I want. And let’s face it, professional whitening is pretty expensive!

The first few days were fine. You use the kit morning and night, basically when you’d brush your teeth. It can be a tricky time whilst you have the mouth tray in as you can't speak!

The kit is very easy to use but there are more steps than I expected. You need to brush your teeth as normal. The first step is to fill the mouth tray with the whitening gel. Next you rub a liquid accelerator onto your teeth, which will react with the gel in the tray. Pop in the tray and you can go about your business. The box instructs not to leave the tray in for longer than 10 minutes but sometimes I did because I got distracted. I could always tell if it had been longer than 10 minutes as I could feel the gel irritating my gums, which the box also advises against the gel going on your gums. Pretty impossible I think. There’s no way to stop the gel pushing up onto your gums.

I’d advise removing the tray over your sink. It can be a little messy. You gently use your toothbrush with water to remove the gel and then clean your teeth with the whitening toothpaste.

After about five days my teeth really started to ache. I actually stopped using the kit for two days because I got paranoid my teeth were going to drop out!

My teeth are very important to me. I’m very particular about caring for them and as a smiley person they’re pretty essential to my smile ;)

The aching died down and I re-started the treatment. By this time my teeth were definitely whiter. I was so happy with the results and stopped the treatment a couple of days before the 14^th day. I have enough of the products left to do another session I expect but I bought a new colgate whitening toothpaste which I want to try out. I didn’t want to use a whitening toothpaste while I was putting my teeth through the whitening process. It seemed too much so I started with aquafresh but when my teeth started to ache I switched to a sensitive toothpaste.

Although I was so happy with the results of the kit the teeth ache was pretty horrendous (note I say teeth not tooth!). It made it painful to eat and three weeks after I finished the treatment my teeth are still more sensitive than before the kit. I have one tooth in particular which hurts whenever I eat.

I still want to try the Boots kit, just to compare the results and see how my teeth go.

For now I’ll stick to my whitening toothpastes J

Em x

Pinch, Punch, First Of The Month

2011-09-01T19:02:00.000+01:00

So we’re into September and this year feels like its speeding by!

I love this final third of the year. Its all my favourite things:

September: my birthday J and its getting colder

How pretty is this cake?! Definitely the sort of cake I like on my birthday!

October: shops are getting their Christmas stock in, I’m writing all my Christmas lists and beginning my Christmas shopping, Halloween

Look at those nails!!

November: bonfire night, Christmas card writing, wrapping up & keeping cosy, even more Christmas shopping!

December: putting Christmas decorations up, wrapping Christmas presents & very excited for Christmas to come! New year

My only complaint about it getting closer to the end of the year is it getting colder. Much as I love the cooler weather and wrapping up in all my winter accessories I really can’t stand the cold. Last winter I found it so so cold, I’m pretty certain it was one of the coldest winters ever. It snowed so much in November and it wasn’t just a few days it went on for weeks. Usually the snow melts or turns to slush but it stayed as snow for ages. I love snow but even that was too much for me.

I'm already planning for Christmas. I usually have about ten hundred lists but am resisting the urge to start writing them already! I'm trying to focus on shopping for my autumn/winter wardrobe :)

Em x

Living For The Moment

2011-08-12T16:52:00.000+01:00

In recent months I've been surprising myself. I'm pretty wimpy at the best of times. Within 7 days of each other I witnessed three road traffic collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. All three times I went into shock. I hate blood and needles, so you can imagine how it went last summer when I had my first ever blood test. In February I was taken to a motorbike dealer to look at bikes. Although they are impressive they look so big and powerful. My friend wanted me to sit on the back of a bike with him to get a feel for it. It took him ages to coax me on, and it was just an alien feeling. I felt so high up, so vulnerable and struggled to get back off, blame my short legs!

Along came July and he'd got a bike.

And I was expected to go on it.

The day rolled around. He was collecting me from work, and I spent the day split between excited and scared. I made him promise he wouldn't go fast! I was strapped into the helmet and got onto the back of the bike. As he took off my hands were so tight around him, I couldn't actually believe I'd been so scared to just sit on a bike a few months previous and now I was on the road!!!

By the end of my first ride I was so giddy with the adrenaline rushing around my body. I was so happy I'd just done it. After that I couldn't wait to get back on. My friend had a complaint his ribs hurt as I'd held on so tight the first time but actually I was an easy rider. It felt only natural to lean into the corners with him and I quickly relaxed about holding on. He'd always told me I'd love it.

I've been on the bike countless times now and would say, like he told me, I do love it. What a turn around for the books! You get such a rush from riding and its made me really want to gain my own bikers license to ride. I got my drivers license nearly four years ago now and found it pretty easy. On my first lesson my instructor was surprised it was my first time driving! I sailed my theory test and passed my practical first time. I had the most senior examiner at my test centre so I wasn't hopeful. After the test he started with
"I'm sorry to tell you..." I'm sitting behind the wheel, feeling deflated as I was pretty sure I'd failed. I'd been hesitant at my first big busy roundabout. I'd gone too fast over some speed bumps (he'd asked me a question so distracted me). I got stuck behind a tractor and when the lanes split I took a risk on a roundabout when I couldn't see (the tractor was in the way).
"...that you won't need to take your test again" I was so convinced I'd failed it took a few moments for it to hit me what he had actually said!

I ride with my visor right down as I hate wind! I still go to itch my nose or move my hair and shake my head every time my fingers hit the visor. I must look such an idiot if anyone sees me! And I didn't realise how observant you have to be of everything when you ride. Its a completely different ball game to driving. The risks of a driver not seeing you, pulling out, cutting you up etc are magnified greatly. We've taken a very fast bike out for a test drive too. Our top speed was 110mph, even though it was capable of much higher speeds.

Next on my list is my tattoo. I've wanted one for as long as I can remember but was never brave enough! I wasn't sure what I wanted or where. I've finally worked it all out I just need to crack on with getting them done so long as my first isn't horrendous. It was very important to me that I didn't get one that I would regret as its a lot of hassle to get removed. I will let you know how I get on!

I've been left absolutely horrified at the events in England this past week. I never, ever thought I would see any of it here. It was like a nightmare watching the live feeds. London is one of my favourite cities and it broke my heart to see it like that. I have taken for granted how safe I feel living here and I didn't realise that until I felt scared. There are people that live every single day in fear.

Life will go the way it's meant to and I believe fate will always lead me the right way. I always get told I'm such a positive and happy person but I don't see the point in being any other way. My favourite thing is to smile at someone. It is so rare for someone not to smile back :) I found some images on weheartit and wanted to share.

You only get one life, so live it x

And my favourite place: the beach :)

Fruit & Butterflies

2011-08-04T19:16:00.000+01:00

I originally saw the lemon dress from primark while flicking through a magazine at work. It said it was going to be released 9th May. Since when did primark clothes have release dates?! Anyway, I checked my local store continually throughout May but never saw the lemon dress. I so wanted one! About mid june I found this

I loved the contrast of the black against the oranges and lemons. At just £9 too. I've worn this out and got so many compliments, it is so striking! Whilst in London I made the trip to Oxford Street's primark. That store really is one of a kind! Anyway I knew what I was looking for and I found it!!!

There was only a couple on the rail and the second I started looking for my size another girl started nudging me out of the way to get one! Always the way in primark, you see something you have to own and as soon as your hand falls on it another person starts pulling at it too. Drives me mad! I ended up in a battle with a woman in my store the other day as I was flicking through hangers on the right and she was flicking on the left! Honestly why are people so impatient, we weren't anywhere near the same size so I don't know why she couldn't wait for me to finish! Back to the lemon dress...unfortunately I couldn't get my size I had to get the next size up but I can adjust it. I wanted it so bad! I found my size abandoned further round the shop but it had a massive rip in it.

This is another of my fruity dresses. Amazingly its from george at asda! So pretty!

I finally found this butterfly top in a new look in london. I was browsing the sale section and soon as I spotted this I was looking at the sizes. Although its a bigger size than I wanted because its floaty it won't be noticeable. This is the black version of the butterfly top I blogged about in a previous post. I like this version more as the butterflies stand out more on the top. So happy I finally got one! :)

NOTD: Go

2011-08-04T17:28:00.000+01:00

This blog post name is inspired by a track I can't stop listening to this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YelL9baa6YA

Onto the nails! I keep seeing girls with the ring finger manicure, where they do something different on just their ring finger. Although I like it, it's a little boring for me. For the past few months I've been doing my nails in all manner of various designs, colour themes and rainbow variations. I really wanted to wear the ring manicure but decided the colour I'd have on my ring finger I'd also put on my thumb.

np290 - spring green np279 - bright pink

My Saviour

2011-08-04T17:19:00.000+01:00

This post is about something I literally cannot live without especially after it proved my saviour whilst away from home.

Two summers ago I was seeing a boy who always got bitten. I’d never known anybody to get bitten so much, and his were everywhere particularly on his face. It drove him crazy, and then I started getting bitten! He told me the worst thing I could do was itch them, but try not itching them! Most of the time I don’t realise I’ve been bitten until I itch it! I tracked down an old tube of germolene under my kitchen sink and carried it everywhere. It eased the itchiness of the bite and soon became my go to product for everything from paper cuts (so painful!) to dry skin. Soon I’d used all of the old tube and immediately bought another.

In early July I noticed that my lips felt dry, tight and uncomfortable. It seemed unusual as I regularly use lip balm. I hate the feeling of dry lips, and have been told on several occasions I have a lip balm addiction. On closer inspection my top lip in particular looked tight and not as plump as usual. I carried on using my lip balms and hoped it would go away soon. I went out for lunch and took a different lip balm with me: cherry lip smackers. I’d used lip smackers as a young teen, and when primark started selling them I soon accumulated several. I told my friend at lunch about my lips because after we’d eaten they felt so uncomfortable. I used Vaseline to soothe them and thought no more of it. Later on she left me to catch an irregular bus and I’d seen something in new looks sale. It’s a pain they don’t refund sale items now so I didn’t want to buy it unless I knew it fit and suited me. So I went back and afterwards made use of the mirror to check my make up. I used the cherry lipsmacker as my lips felt dry. As soon as I applied it a burning sensation spread over my lips. It was so unbearable I looked at them in the mirror and they were bright red and looked swollen. I wiped off as much as I could and used Vaseline.

For the following week they remained tight and uncomfortable so I switched to the green aloe vera Vaseline (I’m a blue tin girl) thinking the aloe vera would be extra moisturising. I was going to London a week after the new look cherry lip smacker incident and was anxious about my lips. I packed every variety of lip balm I own and a few lipsticks. Of course I packed my germolene. I knew I’d probably cut myself or gain an injury somewhere in the days I was there plus it weighed nothing!

My first day in London was Thursday and I reapplied green Vaseline every so often even if I didn’t need to as I didn’t want my lips to dry out. By half two my lips were burning again. I asked how they looked and was told they were blistering. I almost burst into tears at this moment. The thought of my lips blistering was intolerable not to mention painful and unsightly. Getting my mirror out I was horrified at the state of my lips even under all the green Vaseline I could see just how bad they had got. We were in a tourist shop on Oxford Street and even though I knew there was a Boots I didn’t know where exactly and how long it might take to get there. I remembered my germolene and decided to risk using that on my lips. Removing the Vaseline I rubbed some on and hoped for the best.

Shopping helped to distract me and I knew the local anaesthetic would numb the pain in my lips. It’s pretty weird having germolene on your lips. It goes on as a white cream but dries clear and lasts for hours. I only reapplied a few times a day, and it lasted through food and drink and the night. Before long my lips had calmed down and the blisters disappeared. When I got back from the hotel Thursday evening I removed all of the lipsticks and lip balms from my bag except my blue nivea stick. I use it at work and even though I knew I probably wouldn’t use it I didn’t want to be without any form of lip balm.

I used germolene on my lips the entire time I was in London. I tweeted how sexy I looked going out wearing it one night to make myself smile. The week after I came back from London my tongue was really tender and sore. I couldn’t eat anything strongly flavoured and my tongue felt as if I’d burnt it really bad. It’s almost like it spread from my lips to my tongue. I’ve since come to the conclusion it could be one of two things:

The piriton syrup sticks to my lips so I lick them. Last year they changed the packaging but I didn’t notice until this year when I used the last of last summers bottle and got this one out. However I just assumed they’d revamped the packaging. Companies do it every so often and I didn’t even think the ingredients could have changed. Even though I had used lip smackers when I was younger again it could be different ingredients these days. These are the only two products I can think it could be unless there was something wrong with my lips which seem unlikely. I have not used either product until this week. I have used the medicine once, on Tuesday and I made sure none of it touched my lips. I accidentally used the cola lip smackers Friday night as I was in bed on the phone and my lips were dry. On Saturday my lips were uncomfortable so it seems it is the lip smackers that don’t agree with my lips.

Let me know if you have experienced anything like this. I really can not praise the magic of germolene enough. If I hadn’t had that I would have bought more antihistamine medicine which probably would have aggravated the problem further! I don’t think I will ever not have a tube in my bag now!

London Town

2011-07-11T21:08:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited to be off to London in two days time. I haven't been for a while and have saved a big wedge to spend :) having a nightmare deciding what to pack as I am travelling very light. I used to be absolutely awful when I went away on holiday I would take so much more than I would ever need! I've managed to perfect packing lightly in the last few years, especially with nights away for gigs and staying at friends/boyfriends. Often I go straight from work and it's a nightmare trying to carry my work stuff and an overnight bag, and trying to negotiate public transport.

Not only do I need to pack light for London to ease getting around with my trolley suitcase but I need space for my purchases! Ideally I wanted to have packed last week when I was on holiday from work but without the weather forecast for London I had no idea what to pack as I am only taking one outfit per day with something for the night. Looks like I'll be packing last minute on wednesday night as we leave first thing thursday.

I'm hoping to visit the following places:

MAC - Can you believe I do not have a stockist in my county!!! It drives me absolutely crazy as you can't always judge a colour by the online picture! I have a list (that is currently missing...) and really hope I find what I'm after. I've also been foolish as I resisted the urge to buy anything from the recent collections mainly as I knew I'd be in London soon after. I didn't even look. Turns out I love Ever Hip from the Fashionflower collection. I don't hold out much hope I will find one as its sold out everywhere, no surprise as its gorgeous!

Lush - Again I do not have one in my county!!! Apparently rates are too high. Luckily my friends or family will always get me something if they are near a store and I buy bags full when I find myself in one :) I've had a voucher since Christmas, very happy I'll finally get to use it.

M&M World - I'm not too sure what to expect from here but I'm hoping for some pink peanut M&Ms :)

Camden Market - Very excited to go here. Need I say more.

Oxford St - Love this street! I read somewhere its thought to be the busiest street in Europe! That's some feat! Thursday night is late night shopping too :D not looking forward to a visit to Primark but feel I have to do it as my Primark is always months behind other Primarks in the country :-s can't wait for selfridges :) and there is a four floor Boots! Can't wait to see what I find!

Regent St - Hamleys, wish I'd gone here more as a child but then probably would have wanted everything. Toys r us was big enough when I was little. Ferrari and Lush. That's all I can remember.

Covent Garden - Lots to find here, and like a tourist no doubt I'll stop to watch some street entertainment.

I love the London Eye all lit up at night, last time we could see it from our hotel :) I've also been told there is a beach hut exhibition which I'm excited about. I love beach huts, my parents got me a canvas with them on last year for my birthday. It's all pastels which fits in my room as its sky blue and violet (with hot pink duvet covers, can't resist pink)

My head is so filled with work, London, packing, and all the prep before I leave I feel like I can't think. I will no doubt blog about my adventures :) x

Sale Appeal

2011-07-11T18:16:00.000+01:00

So it's that time of year where everywhere has sales on. I always find sales a bit hit and miss. Either you find loads of stuff you want or very little. I've been cutting back my spending of late and I'm going to London on thursday for a long weekend, of mostly shopping :)

I really wanted to have a look around and see what I could find but I chose only to visit my favourite shops. Here is some of what I found:

New Look: I originally wanted this top with the butterfly print (below) but the day I saw it I decided not to spend money!

I went back just a few days later and it had disappeared. The sales assistant didn't even seem to know what top I was on about. I saw so many girls in my town wearing this I couldn't believe she didn't know it! Anyway when I saw the blossom design was in the sale it was too pretty to leave. £13 down from £21.99

New Look: I have a penchant for rings, or anything sparkly. Both of these fit the bill :) I prefer medium on my fingers as I prefer my rings looser rather than tighter. I love the turquoise flower, and the rose bunch has sparkly gems in between.

River Island: I didn't buy much as my store was packed and messy and I didn't have the patience to look properly. The green with hearts is a snood, enough said. The pink is a silky scarf with gold chains. Both £5 from £12.99. The hairbow I couldn't resist, I have so many but this was £1.

Accessorize: They didn't have as much as I expected. I usually spend so much in there, sale or no sale. I got some keyrings and a boat necklace with a storm cloud and lightning bolt.

Accessorize: Pretty obsessed with anything with London or the Union Jack on. The bag was £10 from £16, not half price but good enough. I love these little shoppers for when my handbag is on my elbow. The navy purse is a London scene, very similar to the shopper and a beach postcard purse as I LOVE the beach and all things beachy.

Asda: Not somewhere I usually buy jewellery from but when I went food shopping I couldn't resist. The owls were full price at £1.50 but everything else was half price, so cheap! Love the butterfly cascade earrings, I always want something bigger in my ears for nights out when I'm wearing something that I can't wear a necklace with. The apple necklace is very similar to an accessorize one I wanted I didn't buy as it was just red. The asda one has green paint on the stalk so I preferred it.

I'm really pleased with my finds and also how little I spent. I popped into Office after work today: big mistake. I may have to make a trip back tomorrow! I only didn't spend as I have been leaving my purse at home, haha.

I bought several pieces of clothing from New Look, all of which need to be returned but you can only get an exchange on sale items :-/ we'll see how that goes. I usually try on in the changing room especially sale items but I was in a rush and I knew if I did return anything it wouldn't be much.

Let me know your bargains :) x

AW11 Primark Preview

2011-07-08T22:11:00.001+01:00

Primark haven't always got the best press whether it's design infringement or how/where/who makes their products. If you take a trip to their website they have a whole section devoted to their ethical trading. Like others who may have seen the BBC Panorama I was extremely shocked to see that children were making the products. I was put off shopping there as I couldn't believe in this day and age it was still happening. I had been under the impression it had been clamped down on and eradicated. It has finally emerged after an investigation that the footage was fabricated and faked. I felt bad for Primark that they had been portrayed in such a way that wasn't true. It seems they really do look after the workers who make their products.

Reading through the ethical trading on their website has reassured me and my local store has an entire window with awards for ethical trading and the like. I've noticed prices have gone up slightly lately but I hope this is down to better wages for the manufacturers. Primark is still the cheapest place on the high street and they've really upped their game in keeping up with trends. I'm used to seeing items in topshop, walking down the street and seeing the exact same dress in h&m for £30 less. But now primark and topshop sell exactly the same top. I cannot find a picture anywhere and I don't own one. They are £1o in topshop and £8 in primark. They both do lots of colours, it has a little pocket on the left breast, they have a folded back short sleeve and are loose in the body with quite a wide neckline. Hopefully you will know the tops I'm on about!

When I first saw these items I thought wow it's not what I expect from primark. To me they seem more topshop likely. I first saw these items about 8 hours ago and I cannot stop thinking about them!

£17 This dress is gorgeous! Reminds me of the peter pan dress by topshop. I will be making special trips to my store to see if I can make this an addition to my wardrobe.

Anybody who knows me will know that electric blue is one of my absolute favourites colours! I've already got a patent electric blue pair but I still NEED this pair! At £12 they are a steal and I am hoping I manage to get a pair.

£12 I'm drawn to this cardi for some reason. I love the clash of mustard and navy, I'm a sucker for navy anyway. Can't beat a sweet cardigan to make an outfit when you need a little something to keep you warm.

Kingfisher blue! £17 (can you see a love for blue yet?) Love this colour. Love the way the sleeves are looser on the arms and tighter on the wrist. I own some cardigans like this and I adore the way they look.

£10! £10! I want this blouse so so so much! I love stars and navy so really I couldn't not own this! This will look so cute with skinny jeans (I virtually live in skinnies) really hope I will get one.

£15 for this beaut! Again I'm really drawn to the mustard colour. Love the collar, love the sleeves, love the tie, love it all basically.

I have such a love for snoods. It started off two christmas' ago when I just couldn't find one anywhere. My friend Amy informed me h&m had one...but her boyfriend kept going on about it was hideous and I shouldn't even go and look at it let alone buy it. Anyway he was so insistent I didn't go...there I am on christmas day opening my present from Amy which was THE snood! It turned out I couldn't go and look at it because I'd buy it when it had already been got for me :) there is a photo of my happy beaming face sans make up face with the snood wrapped around my head as my dad and brothers wanted to know what it was. I don't wear my snoods over my head, I just wrap twice around my neck. Although I hate brown (I own one brown item, which I never wear) so unless primark do this in a different colour I probably won't buy. For £6 though I don't know! I have several snoods now and I will never go back to scarfs because a snood is the warmest thing ever :)

So that's my favourite picks and I'm hoping to get my hands on all of them although I'll be happy with a couple. Let me know what you are after :) x

No Heat Hair

2011-07-08T15:21:00.000+01:00

In early may I really wanted to dye my hair as my previous colour had gone out. My mum said maybe I should wait and work on getting rid of the dryness in my hair. It was mainly the ends and was probably due to me straightening my hair every single day. I decided to stop blow drying my hair and straightening it and dig out some products to help the dryness.

It wasn’t difficult at all to cut out blow drying my hair. With the warmer weather my hair could easily dry naturally while I did my make up rather than stay in the towel before blasting it dry twenty minutes later. I did cheat a couple of times in late may as my hair hadn’t dried enough for me to leave for work. I’m also attempting to grow my hair so as it gets thicker and longer its taking slightly longer to dry but I’ve found if I ruffle it every so often it speeds along the drying.

I have definitely missed straightening my hair. I love doing it and love how much nicer it looks straight. My hair is pretty straight anyway and friends still thought I’d straightened it when I hadn’t! In the summer I love using sea salt spray products and surf hair products so I wouldn’t usually straighten my hair in the summer anyway. I gave myself a platform to fall as I purchased new straighteners the same week I quit heat on my hair. I haven’t even tested them out yet!

In mid june I saw youtube videos and blog posts talking about “4 week no heat” and I realised others had been doing the same thing as me. I’ve now not used heat on my hair for two whole months! My hair definitely looks and feels healthier for it and seems to have grown a considerable amount too. I actually had a male friend tell me off for straightening my hair one day (he was lounging about as I got ready to go out) as I’d been moaning to him that I wanted longer hair and he said it was killing my hair to straighten it and it wouldn’t grow. So men really do make sense, sometimes!

There isn’t a more perfect time than now to avoid heat on your hair. The warm weather means your hair can dry naturally and if you’re going for curls, waves or bed head hair there are products out there that can do this for you with just your fingers! I’m going to extend my no heat hair for as long as I possibly can. I’m off to London next week and although I initially checked if the hotel room has a hair dryer (it does) I want to avoid using it, except if I need some help drying mac fix +! Probably not a good idea but I can't stand the feeling of my face being wet!

Barry M New Nail Effects Colours

2011-03-18T13:25:00.002Z

I saw Barry M tweet about the new nail effects they had released. I was beyond excited as I love the crackle effect of the black magic they released last year. However with spring coming I wasn't keen to use black magic over summer colours unless I wanted dramatic nails.

Barry M have solved my woes by releasing the nail effects in white, blue and pink!

I am now on a mission to get all 3 colours as soon as possible as black magic was pretty elusive for several weeks after its release. Although you can buy online I am hoping to pick them up in the current boots nail paint multi buy.

Once I have my mitts on them I will post pictures :) hopefully it will be easy on here, ha!

Too Long...

2011-03-05T21:57:00.001Z

When I started my blog all those months back I so wanted to keep it regular. I lost heart and patience when I struggled to work out how to use it and do what I wanted and....gave up! Now I've decided to give it another go and really try to do it properly!

Here's hoping....x

I Have A Blog...Finally!!

2010-05-27T16:03:00.001+01:00

So I finally took the plunge and got a blog!

Keep with me as I learn what I'm doing :)

Expect all things girlie like fashion, make up, hair & shopping :) plus a bit of music thrown in too :)

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing it x