NOTD

Models Own - Champagne

Ok, ok I admit it....I've become a nail varnish hussy!  Not even 3 whole days with my beloved Miss Sweety and I'm on to the next!  I blame in part Daisy Kate of Fashion Stereotype for flaunting her Models Own haul and making me want!  I missed out on the 50% discount so have to settle for 2 for £8 in Boots.  £16 later and I'm pleased as punch with my four gorgeous new shades and shall eagerly be sharing them with you soon.

And whilst I'm mentioning lovely colours, I recently received a lovely thread collection for my Dogeared-inspired bracelets (not the best picture I know, I will be reshooting soon!) in lots of gorgeous colours...click here for a proper look and get ordering!  Special promotion, 4 for £5 of custom, handmade dainty bracelets!

Did any of you take advantage of the Models Own discount?  Which colours would you recommend?

T x

Reasons to Smile

So the bank holidy is nearly over - did you all enjoy it? 

Coupled with the fact it's Monday (admittedly not the best day of the week) I thought we could all do with a little sentiment to perk us up.

Here's my first Reason to Smile....

Autumn

Yup, it's nearly here.  The season of knitwear, tights and comfy boots is almost upon us.  And to me, that means one thing....winter is around the corner.  Ok ok, I know I'm a bit premature to be looking forward to Christmas but I just can't help it!

Which is your favourite season?  Are you all looking forward to putting away your skimpy summer clothes (did they even get much use with all this rain?) and digging out some cosy cardigans?

Watch out for next Monday's Reason to Smile!

T x

Book Review: Wolf Hall

Hello!

After collecting interviews for my In the Spotlight: Get to know your bloggers feature, it seems that the best bit of advice for new bloggers is to blog about things that you love.  I love, love, LOVE to read (so much so that Mr B calls me BW [Book Worm] rather than my actual name) and thought that perhaps it would be an interesting regular post to include on here.

The book I've just finished is Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.

Following the success of historical fiction such as Gregory's 'The Other Boleyn Girl', Mantel "brings the opulent, brutal world of the Tudors to bloody, glittering life."  Quite a tagline right?  It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell (the guy who ultimately managed to get Henry VIII his divorce from Katherine of Aragon) from son of an abusive blacksmith to his role as Earl of Essex.  David Starkey has described Cromwell as "Alastair Campbell with an axe" and it seems that Mantel's aim was to make us reassess that description.

Right, so now onto the book itself.  It's difficult to read.  I anticipate that these historical books will be a bit heavy-going but this was beyond that.  One very strange thing is that Mantel rarely mentions Cromwell by name - it's always "he".  Which, as you can imagine, gets very confusing in scenes containing multiple male characters.  Luckily I'd read about this in a book review before I purchased Wolf Hall so I knew what to expect, but I can imagine that having not know that piece of information beforehand it would have been a complete mind-twister!

I have to admit that when I said "the book I've just finished..." I was bending the truth slightly.  Ok a lot.  Because I haven't finished Wolf Hall and even to me, that is just unacceptable.  No matter how bad the book is I refuse to put it down in the hope that it'll get better, or even just so that I don't disappoint myself.  Silly, I know, but there you have it!  I had to give up on this book 50 pages from the end.  As you can see from the picture it's a mammoth read of 650 pages....650!!!  And I'm sure I would have been still reading this book in a month if I'd chosen to finish it.  You see girls, it's very dry (a bit like this review I'm thinking....perhaps not the best book to start this feature off with?!).  After about 300 pages I realised that Cromwell isn't as bad as history would have us believe.  I started to wonder why we hadn't heard more of his personal life, where he took in people to his household and educated them, where he adopts his sister's children following her death from the plague.  My eyes have been opened to another side of him now.....I don't need another 350 pages about it!!  And the worst part?  This book isn't even the whole story.  Oh no, there's a sequel.  In fact, this book only goes up to the night of the death of Thomas More.  There's much more to find out in the next book.

But will I be reading it?  I doubt it.  I really commited myself to this book, and as a person who doesn't give up, I was gutted when I had to admit defeat.

Overall, the best summary of Thomas Cromwell is found on page 465:

"When the cardinal [Woolsey] came to a closed door he would flatter it - oh beautiful yielding door!  Then he would try tricking it open.  And you are just the same.... But in the last resort, you just kick it in"

This book succeeds in re-educating us in the life of Cromwell, but this didn't have to be dragged out for 650 pages + another book.  If you love The Tudors on BBC2 (with the yummy Henry Cavill as the Duke of Suffolk) and you're made of stronger stuff than me, then perhaps you'll enjoy this book.  Give it a go if my review hasn't completely put you off....but I'd suggest getting it from a library rather than going out to buy the book.  Spend your money on make up instead!

Has anyone read this book already?  What did you think?  And what's the verdict ladies?  Would you like to see another book review?  I promise the book I'm reading now is more interesting!

T x

NOTD

GOSH 595 - Miss Sweety

You'll have to excuse the state of my nails, I was so excited to try this new colour out I don't think I successfully removed all traces of the Barry M mint green I had on previously.  And don't look too close, or you'll spot the remnants of the Nailene nail glue that I still haven't managed to get off!

A nice nude with slight peachy/orange tones to it.  £5 for 8ml - I'm pleased with that!  What do you think?  Which is your favourite polish for the much coveted "Mannequin Hands" look?

My second post of the day, make sure you look below or click here to have a read about my trip to Brighton!

T x

Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Brighton, MAC and more!

Hey ladies,

What a perfectly lazy Sunday afternoon, sat plumped up against pillows with my beloved blogs at my fingertips and that classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks on the tv!  I need to take this opportunity to say wow 50 followers....I'm amazed that you all want to have a nosy into what I'm up to and want to say thank you very much for your support.  Thank you!

Phew it feels like ages since I've done a proper post....y'know, the one where I ramble on and on and bore you all to tears?  Yup, that's the one!  Well here I am again with another for you - enjoy!

So on Thursday I headed to Brighton with my bestie who was eager to spend spend spend in American Apparel...can't say I shared the sentiment.  (a) I'm not a dancer type to be running around in a leotard (not pretty, trust me) (b) Is it me or did everything seem a bit overpriced?  I know Toppers whacks their prices up but I feel like their clothes do have a certain quality to them; the fabrics always feel soft and they don't lose their shape.  Not saying that AA will lose their shape, but the colours overall left me uninspired and anything I did like was a whopping £50+!  £60 for a cardigan from a high street store?!  I'll pass thanks.  And instead, I'll spend my money on....
MAC! Ahh my old friend Make-up Art Cosmetics, how you make me smile.  After seeing the lipstick spread with Jessica Lowndes in this month's In Style magazine (which comes with free Body Shop bronze or rose cheek and lip tint btw), I decided that I had to have a new deep, vampy lippie.  According to MAC's director of make-up artistry, Terry Barber, in In Style: "I think make-up artists are bored with the smoky eye and are playing with dark lip shades instead".  Cue my trip to MAC with both my bestie and the shop assistant trailing behind as I searched for the perfect shade.  Cyber, Hang-Up and Media were at the top of my list, and Media made it into my shopping bag.  What do you think?  I felt unassisted in my quest for my inner vamp.  The shop assistant was lovely, but kept directing me to glosses for a "sheerer colour".  Am I rocking this trend on my own?  Or perhaps it isn't a trend after all?!  Would you go for dark lips?

 As you can see, a pot of primer also fell into my bag as well - oops!  It's my first primer and I honestly don't know what I was doing without it!  I chose Bare Study, a nude colour with gold sheen (top in swatch).  Very nice and you need such a small amount, I'm sure this pot will last for a long time.  I've swatched Media for you as well (the shade below), it's a lovely deep plum colour without being too purple.

Finally I've saved up enough Advantage Card points in Boots to get a decent freebie.  I had my eye on Boi-oing by Benefit but changed my mind after watching YMBB's youtube and hearing her review Origin's GinZing for eyes.  With the tagline "To brighten and depuff" how could I say no?  15ml for £20 but so far I've been dabbing my finger in the excess cream on the inside of lid to put on my eyes and you need a tiny tiny amount every morning (although I do it at night as well sometimes), so again I can see this lasting for quite a while.  Even though I didn't purchase it with cold hard cash, if I had I'd be very happy that it was money well spent.

Amongst All Saint, Aubin & Wills, various vintage stores down the lanes, we also headed to H&M.  I'm not a big fan of H&M at home....I just don't find Reading or Guildford all that well stocked and it's rare I find anything I like.  I'm a big fan of H&M in Brighton as I always find treasures to make me smile and this time didn't disappoint.  I picked up this gorgeous butterscotch faux leather jacket for just £9.99.  Yes!  £9.99! It's this season's shade, cropped and so so soft.  A bargain!  I also spotted this lovely nude top.  You can't really see in the picture but it's got a silky body to it with texture at the bottom and sleeves and a drapey neckline.  Bad description but nice top!  And it goes so well with the jacket.  Teamed with my nude shoes that I'm yet to wear and my outfit for a friend's birthday next week, my outfit's good to go!

So there we have it.  The rain came out just as we were leaving.  I took it as a sign that I was destined to spend money, as even the weather was on my side!  After a £9 carpark fee and massive traffic jam on the M25 we made it home.  Tired, arms laden with bags and purses much much lighter.  A very successful day methinks!

Where is your favourite place to go shopping?  I've just watched the famous "Port-o-bell-o Road, Port-o-bell-o Road" scene in Bedknobs & Broomsticks.  Ah the magic of Disney, which is your favourite film?

T x

Blog Facelift

...What do you think?

In the Spotlight: Tattoologist

Welcome girlies to the first of my new regular feature posts...."In the Spotlight: Get to know your bloggers".  Every fortnight or so I'll be interviewing a different blogger.  These will include my favourite bloggers, the 'Big Bloggers' as well as new, up and coming bloggers who look to have promising futures ahead of them.

This fortnight's feature blogger is ....NA Ridyard of Tattoologist.

It was a cold Saturday afternoon when I discovered the inspiring Tattoologist blog.  Jam packed with photographs, this blog is a visual display of tattoo glory.  An encyclopaedia of tattoos perhaps.  From small and dainty tattoos to out and out works of art, this blog is bound to have a tattoo to suit all tastes.  Go and have a look.  I dare you to come away without feeling the inking itch.  But not only is she a fantastic blogger, N.A Ridyard is a sweet and attentative one too.  Regularly answering followers' questions via formspring, she also readily helps by posting photos of tattoos requested by readers.  Perhaps a beauty blog isn't the place you'd expect to see an interview with an all-out tattoo enthusiast, but we are all aware how closely tattoos and fashion are linked in today's society.  So without further ado, I introduce you to the lovely N.A Ridyard.

1.  Let's start relatively easy...sum yourself up in 5 words.

Constantly thinking up new ideas.

2.  What's your blog all about?

My blog is where tattoos, photography and fashion meet.  It only reflects a small part of what tattoos are all about, but it's the part that interests me the most.  The tattoos I post are mainly small and simple.

3.  What (or who) inspired you to start blogging?

The lack of good tattoo magazines in WH Smith.  As well as my own research for my own tattoos back then.  I remember finding all these great tattoos, but there wasn't one site where you could find them all collectively.

4.  What do you do for a living?  What do you hope to be doing ultimately?

I'm a student right now, when I graduate I will hopefully be doing something that I enjoy for a living, something where I can create.

5.  Have you got any tattoos?

Yup, it's in white though.

6.  Any plans for more?

As of now, nope.

7.  Can you tell us a little-known fact about the art of tattooing?

It hurts, haha.  Tattooing has been around for hundreds of years, and everyone has a different interpretation on tattooing.

8.  Where's your favourite place to see a tattoo?

Favourite place would probably be the wrist area, and the ribs.  Both can be covered up, as well as shown.

9.  Who is your ultimate tattoo icon?

Angelina Jolie would definitely be my tattoo icon.  Each one is perfectly placed, and her tattoos are gorgeous on their own, but also work well together.

10.  Do you prefer black and white tattoos or colour?  Or both equally?

I prefer black & white tattoos, having said that, I'm not saying they're better than colour tattoos.  It all depends on what the tattoo is etc.

11.  Pharrell Williams has recently had his tattoos removed from his forearms.  Do you think getting a tattoo is something that people are rushing in to these days?  Is there any advice you could give people considering a tattoo?

There have always been people who rush into tattoos, and some that spend hours researching.  There are plenty of people who don't regret their rushed tattoos, and there are people who regret the tattoos they spend hours researching on.  So it all depends on the design and the person.

My advice to people who are going to get a tattoo is to make sure they will like that design forever, and that it will be relevant forever.

12.  Which style of tattooing is your favourite?  E.g. old school, Japanese style...

I prefer simple black and white tattoos.  Especially words, I love word tattoos.

13.  Which blogs do you like to read?

I love to read the typical popular blogs, style scrapbook, after drk, Carolines mode, happy because and fashion toast.  I've also recently come across Park & Cube, which I love.

I also like reading up and coming blogs; Cindiddy (http://www.cindiddy.com/) and Scissor Sisters (http://www.scissor-sisters-scissor-sisters.blogspot.com/)

14.  What can we look forward to on Tattoologist?

Hopefully you will see a Tattoologist book in the future!

15.  Any tips for upcoming bloggers on how to make their blogs a success?

Tips would be to blog and blog and blog.  Don't give up, it takes time.  And to blog about things that excite you, make you happy and things that you want to share with everyone.

I'd like to say a big thank you to N.A Ridyard for being my first interviewee.  Hopefully this blog was enjoyable to read and perhaps introduced you to a blog you previously hadn't read.  I really recommend you have a nosy at Tattoologist, if only for the beautiful photography.

What do you think of tattoos...yay or nay?  Do you have any?  I love to hear tattoo tales, so please share below!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next installment of In the Spotlight!

T x

House of Harlow *Love*

All images taken from asos

How fabulous are these pieces?  My love for Richie has been cemented.  I love the rings, but Santander won't love me if I give in to temptation.  Perhaps just one....?

What do you think girls?  I need encouragement - should I go for it?!

Love Magazine

Image taken from thisislavie.com

I want want want this magazine!  From what I can gather it's not the easiest thing to get hold of though...Does anyone have any idea where I can get it from?  Or how much it costs?!

Help!

xx

Panicked post over.

Weekend antics

Hey girls,

So with la famille away on a holiday to Cornwall it's left to me and Mr B to be grown ups and look after the cats and Freddy the extremely loud hammie.  Mum didn't trust me with the dog, so she's headed off on holiday too at a dog hotel. 

It's been a fairly busy weekend, beginning with an early start yesterday to wave everybody off and take the dog to her "home from home" (as the leaflet put it).  As we were already out and about and so close to nearby Fleet we headed into town to try and find a birthday present for Dad.  Whilst we were there it was the perfect time to pop into Boots and spend my stored-up £5 vouchers.  Cue angry looking faces at the tills when a queue appears which hadn't been there when I decided to make the sales assistant put through £20 worth of vouchers.  It also gave me a chance to pick up the much recommended No.17 lipstick in Beehive.  A lovely neutral shade which gives more of a pinky sheen to my lips rather than an actual colour such as Mac's Snob or Speed Dial.  In fact it's quite similar to Creme d'Nude, perhaps better in some ways as it doesn't give off as much of a shiny glare.  Downside though, it's a funny shape which I find tricky to apply.  And it's got a funny taste/feel to it.  Reminds me of those cheap lippies you used to get as a child.  Alongside those fabulous peel-off nail varnishes.  Maybe it's just me though, I'm sure many of you have used Beehive.  What do you think?

I've become a bit addicted to Boots as I'm desperately trying to raise £1.50 more of Advantage Cards points so I can get Benefit's Boi-ing for free.  So whilst there I picked up some Lee Stafford products which had been recommended on other blogs.

Matt Fat Mustard and Hair Growth Treatment.  The Treatment is "for hair that never grows past a certain length" and has glowing reviews on Boots.com.  I'm yet to try it but along with my sea kelp tablets I'm hoping to have long luscious locks in a flash!  With regards to the Matt Fat, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when I saw how tiny it actually is (60ml for £6.99) but the product itself makes up for this.  You squeeze out a small amount, tip your head upside down and (without looking in the mirror) apply it from root to tip.  You're allowed to look in the mirror when you tip your head back up the right way and then just tweak your hair into place.  My hair's down to just below my shoulder blades, so I'm not sure if it's just too long for this because I didn't really see much more than a mess when I followed these instructions.  I do however love this product for giving my hair a boost and an almost beachy look.  To achieve this I just squeeze a bit of the creamy product into my hands, rub it in and then scrunch my hair to get some texture.  You only need a small amount so I'm sure this will last me a while, and as it's so small it's a perfect size to pop in your handbag for styling on the go.

My Body Shop goodies arrived on Friday!  I got my first ever angled brush and a lip scuff in order to get a free eyeliner.  It's an eyeliner which is dual ended with one end for smudging.  It's really easy to use, you get good colour payoff and the smudger softens the lines beautifully.  Well worth buying two make up products to get this free.

This is my first lip scuff but seemed a good idea to smooth my lips in preparation for all the lipsticks I've been buying lately!  It's got a minty tingle to it and gently exfoliates your lips.  Well, I say gently, it's actually quite a scratchy sensation, but I like to apply a bit of lip butter on top to moisturise afterwards.

I spotted another bargain online last night.  Are you fans of Tigi?  If you are you should head over to CheapSmells where they're all half price.  You can pick up a Tween pack for £12.48, with some being sold for only £9.98!  And with 95p postage, how can you go wrong?!  The Bed Head, Bed Head Men Catwalk, Love Peace & The Planet, S-Factor and Rockaholic ranges are all included so it's well worth a look.

I'm off for a bath to use my Hair Treatment before making my speciality - Philadelphia stuffed chicken wrapped in Parma Ham....the excitement of having to fend for myself!  But before I go I just wanted to share some of my creations with you.

I started making bracelets when I was a poor student desperate for a Disney Couture wraparound leather bracelet.  This was the first range I made

Not the prettiest colour in pictures I know, but good for the military trend!  Made from micro-fibre suede (more practical than normal suede, these can even go through the washing machine!) they come in a range of colours with silver or gold charms.

This is my take on the Dogeared three wishes bracelets, without the hefty price tag as theirs effectively wear off!  Again, in a range of colours with silver or gold or metallic black beads, and the silver and gold come in stardust effect as well.

Mr B was my photographer for this shot, and I'm not entirely sure how I ended up with a disproportionately large hand?  Anyway, this is what I came up with yesterday.  I think this may be leather with gold cheerio style loops.  I also picked up a khaki colour which I'm looking forward to making a bracelet with and a navy which I used to make my sister one.

What do you think ladies?  I love making bracelets but obviously can't wear them all myself, so I'm thinking of selling them on here.  £5 for the suede ones, £1.50 for Dogeared-inspired (this may change a bit depending on bead choice) and £3.50 for leather.  For an extra 50p you can have them with a gift box.  I'm not so hot on postage, so I'm thinking 50p for the Dogeared bracelet, £1 for the others.  Any thoughts?  Are these something you'd be interested in?

How has everyone's weekend been?  Did any of you go to V Festival? 

T x

E is for...

Eyebrows

Image taken from koreanbeacon.com

We all know that eyebrows provide the ultimate frame for your face and I wanted to collect all the tips I've read recently and give you all a really in-depth guide to create the perfect eyebrows.  Unfortunately I have done a lot of blog-lurking over the past month and cannot remember where I found a fabulous blog about this.  All I can remember was it's on the blog of a lady who is a professional make up artist, she has curly auburn hair and also had a page on her blog detailing her hairstyle history.  If anyone comes across this lady's blog please let me know because it gave amazing tips!

So I've had a trawl through the internet to gather some tips for you and this is what I've come up with.

Image taken from theprissykitty.wordpress.com

Holding a pencil straight up against your nose to your eyebrow you'll be able to see where the brow should start (Point A).  Similarly, if you place the end of the pencil on the tip of your nose then lay it diagonally towards your eyebrow, with it touching the outer corner of your eye (Point C), you'll see where your eyebrow should finish.  To determine where the arch should be, put the pencil on the tip of your nose and cross it diagonally through your pupil.  This is Point B on the diagram and will be the highest part of your arch.  An easier, quicker method is to comb all of your eyebrow hairs upwards and you should be able to see your natural arch and just tweeze away any stray hairs.

Now this is where it gets tricky.  The blog I read but have sadly lost gave loads of hints and tips on how to avoid eyebrow faux pas, such as the dreaded tadpole look.  All I can say is, this season bigger is better with brows.  But remember, bigger doesn't have to be unruly.  Eyebrows are strong to make a statement, but they're also tamed and gorgeous.  Think Megan Fox.  She has the most gorgeous eyebrows and they are undoubtedly one (or rather, two) of her most striking features.

Image taken from prohaircut.com

When it comes to this look, an eyebrow pencil is your new best friend.  Use it to add shape and definition to eyebrows by filling in any gaps with light, feathery strokes.  I don't think I need to tell you not to draw a solid line....the Pat Butcher look will not be making an appearance this season.  Nor any other I'd imagine.  It's also recommended that you take an eyebrow comb, brush upwards to lift the hairs and trim any stragglers with cuticle scissors.  I have to admit that I don't do this.  I don't have excessively long eyebrows and I find that using eyebrow gel or clear mascara is a good way to keep eyebrows in place for the day.

Whatever you do ladies, work with the shape you've got.  Some of you will be blessed with gorgeously shaped natural brows which need minimal upkeep.  Some girls (myself included) have absolutely no arch so have to try and fake it with brow pencil and highlighter.  Some have what can only be described as slugs sitting crudely above our peepers.  In this case all I can say is don't overpluck!!

Image taken from thedirty.com

Need I say more?  This girl has a lovely face, but why didn't her friends whisk her down to a salon to get those sorted ASAP?!  And another thing I noticed is that overplucked eyebrows have a tendancy to make the wearer's face look hostile.  There were a whole host of bad brows to peruse online, but I was too scared to post them here incase their aggressive looking owners decided to track me down and take revenge.

So there we go.  A multitude of tips.  But remember I am still on my quest to create my own perfect eyebrow so I am certainly not the expert on this matter!  Perhaps the best advice I could give you is to every few plucks, take a step back and have a look at what you've done.  Nothing worse than realising too late you've taken too much away.  Or perhaps avoid all that hassle yourself and book yourself  into a salon and get them shaped professionally.

Surprisingly this entry was chosen by Mr B.  I was at a complete loss of what to choose...have you any other suggestions for E?

T xx

D is for...

Dazzle Dust

Image taken from barrym.com

I was going to take and use my own picture for this post, but my Dazzle Dusts are a bit - well, dusty!  Doesn't make for a good photo shoot so thought I'd borrow a pic from the makers themselves....Barry M.

There are over 60 shades to collect (I've currently got my eye on dd39-Tan) and are a reasonable £4.50 each.  According to the Barry M website they can be used on both eyes and cheeks, although I'm yet to apply mine to cheeks.  Mainly because I don't think that dazzling black warpaint-style cheeks are a look that's set to catch on any time soon....

My black pot is my favourite and I like to use it to add a bit of depth when I do smokey eyes.  These pots are so pigmented and a little really does go a long way.  They're great to create a high-impact look with lots of shine.

If you're looking for new ways to use your Dusts, the lovely Panacea81 who you're probably all familiar with on youtube has lots of tutorials which use them.  If you want to have a look click here then search for "Barry M".

Do you have any Dazzle Dusts?  Which colours?  What would you choose for 'D'?

T xx

Quiz time!

Ok, so I was having a trawl through one of my new favourite blogs, the lovely Sofia's Journal, when I spotted her post with a link to this quiz.  I don't know about you, but I'm such a fan of quizzes....any little way to waste some time....although I rarely pay attention to their results.  After all, they're just made up rubbish to fit the quiz right?  Like Sofia though, I was shocked with how accurate my results were.  They provided that moment when something clicks inside you and you learn something new about yourself - know what I mean?  So I thought I'd share my results with you all, as a way for you to "get to know your blogger" if you like - aren't I helpful?!

Your view on yourself:

Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self.  Your friends love you because you are a good listener.  They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic.  When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your true love.

Your readiness to commit yourself to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person.  And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you meet that person.

The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively.  The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms.  But how serious are you about finding someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education:

Education is very important in life.  You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:

You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular.  You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.

How you view succes:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed.  Don't give up when you haven't even started!  Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble.  You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself.  Independence is important to you.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice.  People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues.  Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Give it a go and let me know the answers you get.  Were they accurate for you?

T x

A little bit of everything

Hey all,

It's been a busy few days for me and it's been tricky to find time to do proper blog entries...so lots to catch up on!

As I mention before, I had a lovely lunch date with an old friend from work followed by a spot of shopping.  She needed to pick up various bits and pieces for V Festival and I couldn't help but get sucked in on the spending spree!  Having said that, the only thing I can remember purchasing was this blazer....

Every year when blazer season comes around again I'm always on the lookout for a blazer which just "works" for me.  I'm an odd shape; with a narrow waist, tiny shoulders, big boobs and big hips, so the blazer trend never seems to look right  on me.  This blazer seems to work though and was on sale for £8 in Primark.  I had my eye on it before when it was full price but always talked myself out of it so when I spotted it on the sale rail I thought I had to give it a go.  The love affair with my leather hoody is still going strong though so I'm yet to don my blazer for an outing!

On Friday I popped out again with another friend for lunch (don't you just love time off work?) and bought some of those lovely chunky wooden letters.  Apologies for the lack of picture, but I'm hoping you all know what I mean....white wooden letters?  A friend bought me one in my initial and since I've been on the hunt for items when I move out I thought it'd be a nice touch for me and Mr B to have one each.  He wasn't quite as enthusiastic as me, but oh well!  I also picked up a nice italic wall plaque which says "Dream" in the same style.  I'm planning to have a shabby chic boudoir/dressing room/library when we move and it'll look perfect in there.

As I mentioned in my last post, yesterday me, Mum and my younger sister headed down to Southampton to hit the shops there.  It was all really in aid of the Hollister store for my sister, and I have to admit I spent most of the journey winding her up about it.  The clothes she's bought from there are ok, but nothing fashion-forward and I find them all really overpriced.  That said, when we got there I backtracked slightly and ending up exiting the store with a Hollister paper bag adorning my arm....

I'm not really a joggers sort of girl but these are so soft, fit really nicely and weren't all that expensive.  I've also told myself these will be an investment, as on attending the gym on Monday I realised that all of my gym trousers are from my "fat" days and so don't actually stay up when I attempt to exercise.  And I don't know if you can see from the picture, but these were entitled "Awesome Butt Sweatpants".....what girl can say no to that?!  Especially when I am getting increasingly fed up with the amount of comments I get telling me to pull my jeans up as for some reason they just won't stay on around my bottom!

Have any of you been to Hollister before?  It was my first time and it was a bizarre experience.  When Mum said it was pitch black in there I thought she was just exaggerating and expected a shop that wasn't as brightly lit as we all expect.  No.  This is actually a shop in the dark with only one or two dimly lit wall-lights to help you see the mainly extortionate prices.  Perhaps that's how they make their money....

So with my sister spending a ridiculous amount on a shirt which frankly has nothing distinctive about it, we headed to H&M where I made it my mission to show her what she could have bought for the same amount of money.

The shirts don't look spectacular in this pic but they're a nice fit and will be good to throw on for work.  They can also be accessorized to give an outfit that military flair which is sticking around for AW this year.  The vest top looks huge but is actually a size 8 in that smocky style, hence the addition of a belt.  The body of the vest is a thin knitted material but it has lovely sheer panels down each side which add a nice bit of detailing.  I figured the belt would also help me avoid the "pull your trousers up" comments that I've been hearing so much of lately.
 
We were then 'Ladies Wot Lunch' in Nandos and I feel compelled to share this with you because of the bizarre attitude of the management there.  All of the vinegar bottles were lined up without lids, when I asked if there were any with lids I was informed that there weren't...."because people keep nicking them".  Ladies, are you with me in thinking this is the last thing I expected to be told?  You're Nandos - buy some more lids!  Or take the vinegar off the shelf?!

(Are you still with me on this huuuuuge post?  This is what happens when I don't blog properly for 6 days!)

After lunch we decided to do some general accessories shopping and I picked up these gems below.

It's the ring from Primark which I'm sure you've seen on many a blog, along with some white and gold aviators reduced from £16.99 to £4.80 in Accessorize.  The eye lash curlers are by Ruby & Millie and were only £3.50 with the Boots £5 voucher offer which is running at the moment. 

And finally, how could we leave Southampton without hitting Ikea?  As well as picking up lots of inspiration for when I move out, I also spotted these:

They're the perfect size for organizing and storing my make up, and were only £2.99 for two.  I also thought with the white theme they'll go quite nicely in the aforementioned boudoir!  Although Mr B did come home and ask me why I put all of my make up in "little bins".  Hmph....boys!

So that's me done ladies, although I did sneak online and order more goodies from The Body Shop when I got home yesterday.  Buy 2 make up items and get an £8 eyeliner free, plus 25% off was an offer I couldn't miss!

What do you think of my purchases?  Have any of you been shopping lately?  What bargains did you snap up?

T x

Exciting stuff!

Yay!

So, after a great day of shopping down in Southampton with the Mother and Sister, then a pizza night with the girlies I logged onto blogger to find out an amazing piece of news....

The lovely Laura on scousebeautyaddict.blogspot.com has given me my first ever blog award!  She's a great blogger and offered me lots of advice when I first decided to give blogging a whirl and for that I'm very grateful :)  I hope this award means I'm doing something right with my blog and has given me a confidence boost to keep going and sharing all my beauty/fashion finds with the world of blogs.

So to share the love I've picked a few blogs that I enjoy reading.  There are the "Big Bloggers" who I could award to....these are the lovely ladies with 1000+ followers who do great posts each time and who inspired me to give this all a go myself...

      ---x--- Giddy @ http://giddyprincess.blogspot.com/
      ---x--- Milly @ http://pearlsandpoodles.blogspot.com/
      ---x--- Annabella @ http://annaxbella.blogspot.com/
      ---x--- Holly @ http://www.ymbeautyblog.com/

And then there are two fairly recent newbies like me who I think this award will mean so much to and who I'd love to share my moment of happiness with.  I'm so pleased to be able to award this to the girls who offer me so much support with posts etc and who have great blogs that I enjoy reading.  Drum roll please....

      ---x--- Monica @ http://monicarambles.blogspot.com/ (my fellow Blogling!)
      ---x--- Becki @ http://beckiangel44.blogspot.com/

So there we go, my first ever award....complete with a gushy acceptance speech!  Look out for a post soon about my recent clothes haul from many a shopping trip!

T xx

C is for...

Cat's Eyes

Image taken from toptenz.net

No other look screams sophisticated and seductive as much as the winged cat's eye.  This is a classic look which has stood the test of time, still as gorgeous on the stars of today as it was on the old school Hollywood glamourpusses that have reached an iconic level.  Sophia Loren (above) was the ultimate exotic beauty.  Brigitte Bardot rocked a sex kitten look which nobody can emulate.  Whilst Audrey Hepburn worked her winged eyeliner into a look that was oh so chic. 

And celebrities are still using this classic look on the red carpet today.  But the star who has taken this style and truly made it her own has got to be the one and only Anglina Jolie.

Image taken from dollmyface.com

Isn't this an amazing picture?  Her eyes are so striking and she looks gorgeous.  Here are some tips to help you achieve this look:

• 
  
  Start by priming your eye using concealer and foundation.  I don't always like to use eye shadow when doing this look, but if you want to apply a neutral shadow to the eye
• 
  
  I like to use liquid eyeliner with the flexible brush tip, but of course you could use gel eyeliner too
• 
  
  Keep the liner as close to the lashes as possible, getting thicker as you reach the outer corner.  Once you reach the edge of your eye, flick your wrist and extend the line towards your temple....don't go too far unless you want the Winehouse look!  If necessary, go back and thicken the line up as well
• 
  
  Make sure your eyes are symmetrical!  For some reason my left eye always goes wrong and doesn't match the right :(
• 
  
  Bobbi Brown's book states never to line your eyes only halfway in.  I agree with this in principle, but looking at some pictures of Angelina it seems she breaks this rule and still looks fabulous!  In fact I often end up getting eyeliner in my eye if I go all the way in, so I often line up to the point where my lashes start to get thinner towards the inner corner of my eye....those lashes that it's tricky to get mascara on if you know what I mean.  I line that far and then use a pencil liner to line the upper, inner rim of my eyelid to give it some continuity

Hope this post has given you some tips, just remember that I'm not an expert!  I've tried to give you advice which is my own rather than just copying from some beauty site.

What do you think?  Is this a look you like to wear yourself?  I had trouble thinking of something for 'C', have you got any different ideas?

x

Does my bum look big in this?

Hey ladies,

Isn't it great when you get in contact with a friend you haven't seen for ages?  And when the conversation flows so freely it leaves you with a warm feeling inside and a vow that you won't leave it so long next time?  On Thursday I met up with an old work pal who I haven't seen for 18 months and we had a great time; putting the world to rights, gossiping, followed by my all-time favourite....shopping.

Image taken from Nando's

First stop was everyone's favourite - Nando's.  It was here that when the conversation turned from work, to boys, to friends, to diets, that it raised some interesting questions about body image.  Or more specifically, mine.

A couple of years ago I was a lot heavier.  Through hard work and "lifestyle changes" (as the books would put it) I've lost 74lbs.  I am extremely proud of this achievement, but as blogger Alice Linley-Munro says in this month's Glamour magazine: "I just wish someone had told me that the physical act of getting slimmer is only half the battle."  I can't say I'm faced with all of the problems Alice has, but I can empathize with this statement.  At my heaviest I was wearing a size 16-18 and at the time it didn't bother me one bit.  Trouble now is that I have no idea what size I am.  I mean, I can measure myself and use sizing charts to find out, but I have problems believing that I am the size it says I am and still buy clothes in bigger sizes.

So I used our old friend Google to find out what was going on.  According to Thomas F. Cash, PhD, I am suffering from Phantom Fat, a condition quite common in women who have lost weight but have not adjusted their body image to reflect their new look.  More worryingly, Cash suggests that some women create a self-fulfilling prophecy by believing that they are carrying this phantom fat.

Image taken from MSNBC

Don't get me wrong, I am aware of the changes in my body.  I can now feel my ribs.  I have a collarbone again.  I've dropped two shoe sizes and more annoyingly I frequently hit my hipbones on worktops because I don't always remember that there is no longer padding there to cushion the blow.  My trouble is that I just imagine I always looked this way, just 74lbs heavier.  Or perhaps it's to do with my previous experience of myself at my (previous) lowest weight.  This would have been when I was 16 years old and a size 12.  I now weigh less than that but I just can't quite believe it.  I look at pictures of myself back then and imagine that I'll never be that size again, despite the fact that people tell me I'm smaller.  If I was a size 12 and (in my eyes) smaller then, how can the sizing charts can be right when they tell me I'm now an 8-10?

So what do you think ladies?  This post isn't fishing for compliments...after all you haven't seen me to be able to give any.  It's about body image.  We all compare ourselves to other girls and question whether we measure up in the size stakes.  Or at least I do.  But how accurate how your comparisons?  Recently my lovely mum (who very rarely says anything remotely complimentary) informed my that I look "positively frail" when compared to somebody at work who I, hand on heart, think I am the same size as.

Or perhaps you think it's all a load of rubbish.  Labelling problems that didn't need a label.  As Jeremy Clarkson put it on QI - "Why do we have to name everything?"  I'm in two minds.  I know this is a psychological issue (if we would even call it an "issue"), but by giving it a name are we placing too much emphasis on something which maybe just needs time for us to change?  I have to admit, my thoughts on the existence of the condition called "Phantom Fat" changed when I read another online article which suggested that to change negative body image all I need to do is, among other things, start walking around in the dark, lie down with a book on my tummy and try to move it with my (non-existent) muscles to my chest or even just walk around backwards.  These suggestions led to serious doubts in my head.

So a slight change of pace in today's post ladies and I do apologise for it's length.  However I'd love you know what you think.  Have any of you lost weight and find it hard to adjust to the new you?  Are you still plagued with the idea that you're the size you were when you started your diet?  Or do you think that this is all a load of rubbish?!

Thanks for reading

xx

B is for...

...well, two things really:

#1. Blusher

Please excuse the fuzzy shot, but here is my favourite new make up product as mentioned below....Mac blush in Melba.  I've never bought blusher before but this blends seamlessly into my skin and looks amazing.

#2.  Bronzer

Yes this is a cheap Collection 2000 bronzer but it does the job for me!  It's Mozaic Glow so you swirl the brush to get a mix of all the shades to give you a lovely natural glow.  Unfortunately mine has reached the shattered dust shade so it's tricky to regulate how much bronzer you apply, however this is still a bargain buy and led to me receiving the compliment that I was looking "disgustingly tanned" (I took this to mean it was a jealousy-inducing tan rather than just looking grubby!).

How about you?  What would you have as your "B is for...."?

xx

Gratitude

Just wanted to say hello to my new followers and a big thank you to you all for your support.

Image taken from mindchimes.net

You all make me smile, so here's a little picture that I hope will brighten your days.  One request?  Your comments give me the biggest smile, so keep them coming please girlies!

Enjoy your day, another post to follow later.

xx

Advice please fellow shoppers!

Sooooo I've decided that the next thing I want  need to make my life complete is a pair of flared jeans, in the style of the fabulous Nicole Richie in the bottom picture on my post below.

I think they're called skinny flare?  Or kick flare?  Or both?!

Anyway, I have issues with my knees which are not in proportion to my calves and thighs, so I'm looking for a pair which truly are skinny the whole way down (until they flare obviously) otherwise I lose all shape in the leg.

Any suggestions on where to find such an item?!  I've found a pair that are alright on asos, but I begrudge buying them as if I had ordered them alongside my scarf on Monday I could have saved myself 20% with a code which is now inactive.  Grrrrrr.  Does anyone know of any active codes?  The jeans aren't much to buy, but I like to save where I can so I can afford more pretty things!

Help me ladies, this is my new obsession and I can't rest until I've found my perfect pair of jeans!!

A is for....

Aveeno

Around Christmas last year I got run down and suffered from blepharitis around my eyes.  Not as disgusting as it sounds, it's similar to a bad case of eczema around the eyes. The worst thing of all was that I could no longer wear make up.  It was hideous....one of my lowest points was at work where I suffered the following conversation with a 7 year old child....

Child: "What's wrong with your eyes?  Why do they look different?"

Me: "They're poorly, I haven't got any make up on"

Child: "Oh, I just thought you'd had a late night...."

Cue nervous laughter as it hit home how hideous I must have looked!  Trouble is, there's no known cause for the condition and doctors are reluctant to prescribe any steroid creams to clear it up because the eyelids are so delicate.  I tried a whole host of creams then came across Aveeno.  Ladies it was a God send.  "Clinically proven to go beyond 24 hour moisturisation and replenish the skin's natural barrier function" you can get it fragrance-free and in lotion and cream formulas.   If E45 hurts your skin then give this miracle cure a whirl.

What do you think?  Have any of you tried Aveeno yet?

Over the next couple of weeks I'm planning to do a Beauty A-Z....what do you think?  Is this something you'd like to see?  If you've any contributions I'd love to hear them!

xx

"Do you love it?"

Image taken from Marie Claire

Image taken from http://www.myspacestuff.com/

Image taken from Just Jared

Why why why can't I ever achieve that fantastic Richie laidback look? No matter how many sea salt sprays I apply, I just can't encourage my hair to get a crease - let alone a wave!  Any hints or tips on how to emulate the Nicole Richie hippy-hair vibe?

She's come such a long way from those early days of The Simple Life, where she was always the star of the show in my eyes.  The pampered princess with a wicked sense of humour!  Looking at her now she is 100% fabulous, whether she's walking the red carpet in a gorgeous maxi dress, or dressing down in a fab pair of jeans....she's a style icon with a look that is all her own.  Well, perhaps Rachel Zoe had something to do with it but no one makes me want to copy like Nicole does!

See the Disney Couture bracelet on her wrist in the second pic?  Amongst others I've made my own versions of these, I'm thinking of advertising them for sale via this blog so keep your peepers peeled!

What do you girlies think?  Are you a fan of Nicole?  Who's your hair envy of the moment?

Make me beautiful!

Morning ladies!

As mentioned before, here is my latest collection of all things cosmetic....

Where to begin?!  Tanning products?  Yes, good idea!  I picked up the L'Oreal NutriSummer for a bargain £3.49 in Tescos.  I recently used their Sublime Bronze tan and was looking for a moisturiser to hopefully lock in the colour for a bit longer.  Rather than use my Dove cream I thought maybe I should stick with brands and try L'Oreal moisturiser with L'Oreal tan....I'm yet to try as I haven't used fake tan for a little while, but I'll be sure to post the results when I do!  The Nivea Sunkissed Skin is my absolute favourite.  It doesn't leave you sticky for hours and hours like Dove does and is a lotion rather than a cream, meaning it doesn't feel thick on my skin.  But the reason it's my favourite gradual tanning product is the gorgeous light glow it gives my skin (I have tendancies to lean towards the Tangerine Dream shade on the tanning colour chart, but this gives me just the right golden shade and I don't feel the need to slap layers and layers on to achieve a deeper colour) AND the outrageously low price I picked this up for.  Get ready girls.....£1.99!  for 400ml!!  Only trouble is, I bought it from a Savers store which doesn't have a website you can order and I've been told by a friend that they no longer stock it in my local store.  Not happy.  Especially since I can't find it anywhere else!  If you spot it out on your beauty haul travels, please do let me know!

I sound like a bit of a bargain hunter, but I got the Bed Head duo for only £15 at my local hairdressing shop using my sister's trade card....and who doesn't love Bed Head?!  You'll probably recognise that this is the Superstar tween pack, which I'm sure many of you will have already tried.  I love the funky packaging of the Bed Head products and this smells absolutely gorgeous.  I use it with the Superstar Blowdry Lotion and Superstar Queen For A Day to give me outrageously bouffant locks :)

I decided to buy the Nailene So Natural nails in Short Length, Square Shape after reading many complimentary reviews on other blogs.  I have to say, I don't think I'm a follower.  They're a great length and don't hinder my blog entries but it's day 4 of wearing them and a total of 4 nails have popped off.  One when I picked up the bath mat, one when squeezing a sponge, one when putting a hairband in my sister's hair and one last night while adjusting my jeans.  I include this tedious list of whens to illustrate the fact that they fell off pretty easily, no strenuous activity wrenched them from my nails.  But perhaps I didn't apply them correctly.  On the plus side, when they did come off my nails weren't completely ravaged underneath and the leftover glue was easy to buff away.

Now onto my favourite thing.....make up!  There's a 3 for 2 deal running in Tesco across their cosmetics, and I also noticed that Boots were offering 3 for 2 on Rimmel and Maybelline.  Needing a new mascara, I picked up L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagene mascara in black.  After trying L'Oreal's Volume Million Lashes and Rimmel's 1-2-3 Looks Mascara, I have returned to the Collagene.  I found that these other two had applicators which were too small and left my lashes sticking straight out with absolutely no volume....Extra-Volume Collagene has a chunky brush and gives me fab, full lashes.  Along with the mascara I also bought a Maybelline quad in 05 Glamour Browns and Bourjois Smoky Eyes in 06 Violet Romantic.  The picture alongside the Bourjois compact showed a model with amazing, vibrant purple smokies so I thought I'd give it a go...

As you can see, nothing amazing here.  The guide on the back said to use the darker shade to "sculpt" and the medium shade to "blend and stretch", which when looking at the diagram amounts to dark on the lid, medium in the crease.  I'm familiar with the rule of keeping the dark shade close to the lashline and blending the colour out as you go, but applying a dark shade all over my eyelid was a new one to me.  Perhaps that's why I feel like this look didn't really work.  The applicator provided gave good coverage but the white shade doesn't really show up and they were tricky to blend without removing all of the colour.  Has anyone else tried this product?  What did you think of it?

The Maybelline quad gives a pretty standard natural look.  Was easy to apply but didn't give me a totally new look that I couldn't have achieved with products I already own.  It did however include a handy diagram with details of where to put each shade that was easier to understand than the Bourjois version.  The Bourjois single eyeshadow you see in the picture was donated to my make up fund by mum and is shade 05 Brun.  I haven't tried this yet, but I can provide swatches of any of the mentioned eyeshadows if you would like :)

Finally, as I am aware of how much I have rambled on, is my lippie and blush.  Jo's blog convinced me to give MAC's Melba blush a try and I haven't been disappointed.  Although, when does MAC ever disappoint?  It gives my cheeks a lovely goldeny flush that lasts all day.  My lipstick is from The Body Shop in shade 66.  I think I wanted shade 68 to be honest, but it was only when I got home I realised this wasn't it!

It's an easy to wear coral shade with a nice creamy consistancy which feels nourishing when on my lips.  It's my first Body Shop lippie and my only bugbear is the slightly pearlescent effect it has.  I prefer my lipsticks either as a block colour or with a glossy effect.  To combat this however I've been applying a thin layer of Miss Sporty (yes, cheapo I know!) Ultra Shine Gloss in 005 VIP Look.  Overall this is a good value product which will curb my coral cravings until I can get my hands on MAC Jazzed which is currently out of stock on their website..grrrrr.

If you made it to the end of this mammoth post....well done!  Hope you enjoyed, feedback on my first ever beauty haul would be much appreciated.

Take care

xx