Being angelic

To celebrate my time as an Aussie Angel, I was invited to a Spring Summer soiree hosted by the lovely ladies at Uncover Aussie.  So yesterday I boarded my train, headed into London and had a truly fabulous time at Sunbeam Studios.

It was a fantastic day of bubble machines, hairstyling, good food, candyfloss making, photo shoots and champagne tasting.

Jen getting her hair done.  I had mine done in a beachy wave style by the lovely Perry who shared lots of tips for haircare and how to achieve that matte texturised look.

My candy floss fail alongside Maria's triumph (and that beautiful dress).

Lily, Lil and Katy all looking fabulous!

I spent most of the day with Phoebe and Carla, and had such a giggle too.  Getting tipsy in the afternoon was a new experience.....but I liked it!  Thank you to Emma and Holly for making such an effort and putting on a fabulous event.  As always, they were so kind, helpful and welcoming - I can't wait for the next meet up!

The girls I chatted to will have met my sister; she's new to blogging and has just set up Confessions of a Beauty Student.  It's a work in progress, but go show her some love!

Being wild

  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I always love a good bit of animal print.  Leopard, zebra, cow....whatever.  Ok, so maybe I overexaggerated with the cow part, but lately I just can't get enough of snake print.  Anything suitably chiffon, floaty and snakey ticks all the boxes for me.

Being spoilt

 Last week I celebrated my birthday.  Everyone was so generous, and alongside other things he got me (including that River Island skirt), Ed bought me this House of Harlow necklace.  As you know, I love all things Richie, and the latest addition to my HoH collection is perfect.  I got a lovely new watch from Mum and used the money Dad gave me to finally get my hands on the Naked Palette (FYI lots of these in stock in House of Fraser in Norwich!).  We were lucky with the weather too, and managed to host a BBQ at the weekend.  Although I have realised I can't stand being hostess; social butterfly-ing is not my forte and I just can't cope with splitting myself between everyone to make sure I share my attention with them all!

Tomorrow I'm off to get my tattoo.  Extremely nervous; with each of my others I've very nearly passed out at the end because my body just can't handle the adrenaline.  I guess I'll have to explain when I get there tomorrow, and I'm sure they're used to it, but I just can't help feeling that they'll think I'm being a complete girl about it!  It'll be worth it in the end, but any tips you can give me for controlling the adrenaline will be greatly appreciated! 

Very excited for the Aussie Angels meet up next week.  I feel I haven't thrown myself into my challenge as much as I could, but I think the Lighter Self could also mean mentally.  I've been trying to stand up for myself more, take what others say on the chin, not put up with crap from people just because they're a "friend" and spend time with those who truly are worth spending time with.  So while I haven't dropped any lbs, I've definitely taken a load of stress off my mind.  How has everyone else got on with their challenges?  And who will be attending next weekend?!

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Being inspired

Lara Bingle's tattoo is perfection.  I woke up this morning with a desperate urge to get another one, and something along these lines is what I'm going to go for.  I've had the quote in mind for quite some time now, just need to actually go and get it done.  Next weekend methinks.

Have any of you guys got tattoos?

Edit: a few scary posts about image copyright (namely this and this) have made me rethink how I incorporate images into my blog.  When I posted this earlier, I did for a second think about not including the photo but went ahead anyway.  Being the worrier I am, reading horror stories about people's experiences of unwittingly infringing copyright laws has led to me convincing myself that this is in some way a sign, and that it's only a matter of time before I get whacked with a great big bill for using someone else's photos.  Note, I don't do it all the time....only when I don't have a photo that will suffice, but from now on I don't think I'll even be doing that.  Sure, it'll make posts like this a lot less interesting but you can always click the linked words I'll include that will take you where I got my inspiration from.  What are your thoughts on this tricky topic?  Will you be changing your blogging ways?

Mary-Kate

Image taken from Vogue

It's such a cliche, but I really do love her style.  And seeing as I'm yet to master those beachy waves (any suggestions below will be greatly appreciated), I decided to show you my MK-inspired eyes.

Products used: 

• MAC Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer in NW20
• MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot as a base
• MAC eyeshadow in Expensive Pink across the lid
• MAC eyeshadow in Cranberry on outer v and smoked all around the eye (underneath as well)
• Barry M Dazzle Dust in Black along upper lashline on the outer third of the eye
• MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara
• Miss Sporty Black Kohl Eyeliner on upper and lower waterlines

Pink or red eye make up is notoriously tricky to pull off, but I love the grungey twist on the classic smokey eye.  IRL the pink is much more vibrant than in these pics, but it's still a wearable everyday look.  Don't be too heavy-handed with the Cranberry though, or you'll end up rocking a scarily authentic druggy chic look.