Tabitha Sheridan

Currently Adorning

2012-01-27T10:07:00.000Z

I purchased this jumper from Dorothy Perkins whilst they had 25% student discount, its the most gorgeous fusion of beige/taupe and mauve.

Worn with my DP Fur Collar, MAC Sea Sheer Lipstick and Urban Outfitters Cross Earrings.

A Little Chanel a day...

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000Z

I definitely have a 'type' when it comes to nail colour.

Neutral, Dark, Murky surmises it, Rouge Noir by Chanel is the varnish I always turn to when I don't know which to choose.

A high shine blackened red, it goes with anything, in real life it appears much darker than in the photographs, but it is beautiful.

Like The Cool Kids...

2012-01-23T09:38:00.000Z

Heidi Klum Vest - Camden Market

Cross Earrings - Urban Outfitters

Cross Necklace - Topshop

Continuing my love for anything gold with cross detail, I bought these delightful items in London last week.

The vest has been something I've sought for quite a while, glad to finally own it. A bit cliché, but that never hurt anyone... ;)

The perfect make-up bag for a beauty blogger...

2012-01-22T18:24:00.000Z

Clinton's Cards - around £5

Parfum Pour Les Cheveux

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000Z

Many women, I'm sure, will admit to spritzing their hair with their favourite perfume, under the illusion that a gust will catch it and all those around will be left wondering who smells so amazing!

Whilst that is a very romantic notion, using your perfume on your hair will dry it out and could even damage it, so Chanel, ever the girls best friend, created a perfume mist especially for the hair.

This isn't a new product, infact I discovered it quite by accident, but it is perfect, Coco Mademoiselle is my all time favourite perfume, and it's a light, handbag friendly size. A real essential... Well, kind of!

Already Famous

2012-01-18T13:00:00.000Z

The perfect cool mix of gold and silver.

Also....

My favourite nail tool, a glass nail file, I'm on my second, since my first met an unfortunate end, but they're wonderful.... It's like a hot knife through butter.

Fly High

2012-01-16T20:07:00.000Z

A few years ago I used to have a large swallow necklace, and I absolutely adored it, so much so that I was devastated when it snapped, Ok, devastated is a little intense, but I love this replacement much, much more.

Gogo Philip via ASOS.

Eye Candy

2012-01-15T12:37:00.000Z

Currently reading, and spritzing.

I've heard this book is wonderfully compelling, I'll let you know what I think when I finish it.

Prada Candy perfume was a Christmas gift from Yaisa, I urge you to go sample it, it's very different to anything I already have, but it's charmingly young and feminine. I'd describe it as a sweet cocktail of caramel and musk.

Messy Updo

2012-01-11T23:52:00.000Z

John Frieda have recently started making tutorials on YouTube, as my hair is one of my favourite ways to experiment with my look, when offered the chance to be sent a box of products to recreate the 'messy updo' style I was very excited and couldn't wait to get stuck in.

I much prefer wearing my hair down, but lately have taken to putting it in a high bun or pony tail, and this tutorial looked like a fun way to mix up my routine.

Firstly you begin by washing the hair, then running through the mousse. The shampoo is great, I've purchased and used this myself in the past, same with the hairspray, but the product I never would have bought is the curl mousse, but it puts the TRESemme 24 hour body mousse to shame. The curl definer mousse gave me great volume and texture, and will definitely become a staple of mine.

The look was easy to create, and is almost a loose, messy version of a bee-hive.

The tutorial can be found here.

Pucker up

2012-01-08T19:44:00.000Z

Terribly fickle as I am, I have now found yet another lip balm, I'd say that this truly is my favourite, but I'll only find another in a few months, but for now it's my favourite by far.

Maybelline Baby Lips Balm in Pink Punch.

This is the US version, about £5 on eBay.

Current Favourite Thing

2012-01-07T13:45:00.000Z

Cross Necklace- Topshop

Best Body Creams for Winter

2011-12-17T13:00:00.000Z

Following the theme of my previous post, these are my 2 most favourite body creams/butters for the winter.

They are both fantastic products and sink in quickly. There are a few differences between them, however.

Soap and Glory's Righteous Butter is a very well known cream, and very much loved, it's clear why.

It smells amazing, and definitely bears more than a passing resemblance to Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume (which I love!) the best thing about it though is how thick and rich it is, I often get dry elbows, and this eliminates them immediately.

The second is Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped body cream. In comparison, this is much less thick, but it too smells great, and perfect for this time of year, it's a warm ginger scent, almost a little cinnamon-y.

I really enjoy using this, but I do find it leaves more of a layer on the skin than the Righteous Butter and for that reason, I'd have to say I prefer the Righteous Butter, though they really are both great products, and I've tried some badly scented, oily lotions!

The Righteous Butter retails at Boots for £10.21 for 300ml

The Origins Ginger Souffle is available at a number of retailers for £22 for 200ml

My Top 3 Favourite Lip Balms for Winter

2011-12-14T17:36:00.000Z

During the colder Winter months, your lips need as much moisturisation and protection as possible. These are my top 3 favourite products to do just that.

In no particular order... firstly we have the new Limited Edition Creme Brulee Vaseline. These are available in Selfridges and Sainsburys, maybe other supermarkets also, though I'm not sure!

As we are all aware, Vaseline doesn't moisturise the lips, but it forms a protective layer to keep out the cold and wind, which is vital to keeping them in tip top condition. This variety also smells pretty good!

I paid £1.99 at Sainsburys, but it is £2.99 at Selfridges.

Secondly is the 'MOR' Lip Delight Lip Balm, mine is in the passion fruit variety, but they do plenty of different ones, including orange and apple.

This balm moisturises the lips and sinks in pretty quickly, this too smells amazing, important if you ask me considering your lips are right under your nose! It's completely non sticky, a definite bonus.

Mine is in the old-style tin, but the new one is available at Space NK for £11.50

Finally is the Yankee Candle flavoured Lip Balm in Pomegranate, the great thing about this one is that it is tinted and it also contains SPF 15, great for bright winter days, as you actually still need to use an SPF in winter!

The only negative about this, and this may be a personal preference, but I find it smells and tastes slightly waxy, which isn't a huge issue, but I'd prefer it if it didn't!

I bought this from a yankee candle store for around $5, but I have seen it online for around £4, you just need to shop around a little!

I hope someone found this useful, and if you've tried any of these, let me know what you think!

I hope you're all enjoying the festivities!

MAC Festive Frost Face Kit

2011-11-26T12:00:00.000Z

Whilst Christmas shopping, I found myself (as usual) in the MAC store, and couldn't resist this years Christmas face kit, and so Craig bought it for me as an early Christmas gift.

At £42.50 it is excellent value for money, as if you were to buy it all separately, it would easily excess £100+.

I opted for the 'wintercool' kit, having first chosen the warm and returned it.

Included in the kit are 3 Mini brushes, with delightfully glittery handles.

A Lipglass, a lipstick in hot gossip, a gorgeous snowglobe palette with 4 shadows in phloof, brun, quarry and dance in the dark, also included is a blush in mocha.

This is such a fantastic set for any female in your life, and I would urge you to check it out should you get the chance!

John Freida Precision Foam

2011-11-25T00:02:00.001Z

I was recently sent one of the new shades in the John Freida Precision Foam range to try, the colour I chose was 'Medium Ash Brown, 5A', I accidentally deleted the picture of the box, but it's just the same as the rest of the range!

It promises an even, multi tonal, salon quality result, which I do think it gave me, however, I did find the colour came out much darker on my hair than the guide displayed, but after a good few shampoo's I'm sure it'll lighten up!

So, what we're all really interested in... the results!

Above is my hair before, a medium to dark brown with a warm undertone and some old highlights peeking through.

And After... a nice uniform cool brown with lots of shine.

One thing i really do like about this dye is the size of the conditioner, it really is very generous and works wonderfully!

Overall I am impressed, I always find brown dyes turn out darker than the guide colour, and this is definitely something to be aware of, but not deterred by, perhaps just leave on for a little less time, I did 20 of the recommended 30 minutes for maximum cover.

Autumn/Winter 2011 Beauty Looks

2011-09-27T04:35:00.000+01:00

Following on from my post on a/w wardrobe essentials, these are, in my opinion, the two main looks for this season and some products to help you achieve them.

Look 1: Icy Defined Eyes, Porcelain Skin, Natural Lip and Groomed Brows.

The products I chose to create this look are a lip conditioner by Chanel, Estee Lauder double wear, Lancome Doll eyes mascara, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral, Bobbi Brown eyebrow styler and Dior Artisty Palette in Navy.

Out of the two, this is the more appropriate look for day wear, and is very striking indeed.

As seen at Chanel.

Look 2: Porcelain Skin, Defined Brows, Wine Stained Lips, Flushed Cheek, Spidery Lashes and Dark Vampy Nails.

To create this look I have chosen Chanel Lipstick in Rivoli, Estee Lauder Double wear, YSL Faux Cils, Bobbi Brown Eyebrow Styler, Lancome Blush in Mocha and Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorn.

This is my favourite look, but definitely the more difficult to wear, to make it more wearable, I would pat on the lipstick with my finger so as not to be too dark, yet still clearly wine stained.

As seen at Preen.

The two looks have alot in common, in that they both feature porcelain skin which is not particularly dewy, with groomed, defined brows, therefore the two looks are very easily interchangeable which means having to invest in less products to create them, which is always a good thing!

Let me know which, if either, look you'll be favouring this autumn/winter.

Smoky Brown Eye that will last all day.

2011-09-24T04:11:00.000+01:00

This is a look i've been wearing alot lately, after picking up a tip from the Estee Lauder youtube channel,

I really love it because it is so quick and easy and lasts all day long.

You will need a Concealer, liquid works best, an eye-liner in any colour you like, but I chose brown, a dark eye shadow, mine is NARS Mekong, a pencil brush, a fluffy blending brush, a mascara and eyelash curlers.

Beginning with a bare eye, Blend a generous amount of eye-liner with your concealer on the back of your hand, This creates a base which is what makes this last all day.

Apply this to each eye, I used a concealer type brush, but fingers work just as well!

Using your pencil brush, apply the dark eye shadow along the lash line and up into the crease.

Blend well using the fluffy brush, repeat these steps until desired depth is achieved.

Curl lashes and apply mascara.

I love this for it's simplicity, and trust me when I tell you this does not move throughout the day at all!

I hope this was helpful, let me know if you give it a go!

(Please excuse my lack of foundation and untidy brows!)

5 Autumn/Winter Wardrobe Essentials.

2011-09-21T03:11:00.001+01:00

With September always comes the cold, wet weather in England, but in some ways it can be a blessing as it is a chance to bring out all the warm snuggly a/w clothing you were too hot to wear in the summer months.

Above is my a/w inspiration palette if you like, a mesh of all the gorgeous tones and textures I want to drape myself in this season.

Think chunky knits, Rich buttery leather, Soft cashmere in beige, brown, tan, grey, burgundy, navy, greige and of course, black.

I've compiled a list of some of the basics I think are a necessity in a/w wardrobes.

1. Knitwear, in particular, Jumpers, Sweaters and Cardigans.

There is nothing nicer than cuddling up in your favourite thick jumper with a cup of hot chocolate and lashings of whipped cream, engrossed in a book with the rain pouring outside.

These are some of my favourite colours and styles, and the thing I love about them is they're so quick and easy to throw on with a long top with some leggings or jeans.

2. Scarves.

A continuation of the above category, I love thick, warm, chunky scarves to keep out the cold. Usually in relatively neutral tones for me so as not to be limited in what to pair them with. Although scarves can be so cheap that you can buy many in different colours, lengths, textures and styles. This is a good way to inject some bright colour into your autumn winter wardrobe. A jewel-tone emerald or red perhaps.

Extra long and doubled is my preference.

3. Leather Boots.

Preferably worn with thick cashmere socks, although as a student, any warm ones will do nicely!

I love ones that come just up past the ankle, and either black, a rich brown, perhaps even a deep grey.

4. Coats.

Pea coats, Trench Coats, Swing coats, Leather Jackets...
Belted, Unbelted, Open, Buttoned, Zipped...

I don't care, so long as it's warm and looks good with most of my other clothing, I'm a strong believer that before buying anything, you must first consider how well it will fit into your wardrobe with your other clothing, and this is particularly important as far as a coat is concerned, it needs to go with almost everything.

It is therefore important to choose one in a neutral or monochrome colour.

My choices include Brown, Black, Beige and Grey.

5. Accessories.

Gloves, Arm warmers, Umbrellas, Socks are all must haves for autumn and winter, with the unpredictable weather, these are things that can be easily carried in a handbag for any such eventuality.

Again I love these in colours which work with everything as a good pair of leather gloves do not come cheap, and it is impractical to have to change your umbrella daily to match your outfit.

So those are the items that my a/w would feel odd without, I'd love to know your a/w essentials!

All items are from Net-a-porter, Victoria's Secret and Target believe it or not!

Missoni For Target

2011-09-13T16:47:00.001+01:00

It would be difficult to not have heard about this collaboration lately, and for me it has really lived up to my expectations. There is so much more I want to check out, but was in a hurry.

I went to my target at about 10 this morning, and alot of the collection had already sold out, so I'm not hopeful there'll be much left, but anyway, I thought I'd share what I chose!

Under all the bits in the photo above you can just about make out a lovely snuggly cardigan, it's going to be perfect for the colder months, it's so thick and very well made, and I love the fact that it has pockets! Perfect.

You can also see the scarf I chose, in beige with a metallic thread running through it.

I got these gorgeous heels, I thought they'd look perfect with black tights in autumn/winter if I ever need to smarten up for something, they're just beautiful, I was also going to get the flats you may have seen, but the colour's in them weren't for me and wouldn't have fit well into my clothing, but they are gorgeous!

I also got the pack of 3 journals and make-up/pencil case, again, gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!

And finally I bought a mug and tumbler in the classic Missoni zig-zag chevron print.

I really liked the bed linen and the small suitcase, but I controlled myself, and all in all I really love what i got!

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

2011-09-11T23:22:00.000+01:00

So I thought i'd do a little post so you didn't think i'd just given up blogging! As it's been so hectic lately, most of my shopping has been on-line and alot of it hasn't arrived yet, but one thing i absolutely adore, and have even stocked up on is this face mask.

I am a little late on the bandwagon, but when I saw it in Walgreens, I just knew I had to have it.

It's a thick green slimy clay type mask, which dries on your face to a light green flaky texture. As it's drying it does tingle a bit, but when you wash it off your face feels so tight and smooth and clean, I just love it, and it really does shrink pores and just make you look flawless, i have normal-combination skin, more on the oily than dry side, but for the most part pretty normal, and am prone to the occasional hormonal blemish, and changing areas really affects my skin badly too, like when i go from Nottingham to Craig's in the north-west, I'll break out, when I go from Fla to the UK, I break out, and then it'll calm down, but I've found that, for me, this alleviates that hugely.

If you're in the UK you can buy it on amazon and ebay, and i would really suggest you give it a go!

In the US it's available at walgreens for under $5

I also wanted to share a couple of necklaces i bought in the crystal store. My birthday is february 16th, and my birthstone is an amethyst, which is the first one i bought, the second is a clear quartz crystal, this particular variety of which is called a 'tabby' crystal, bit weird, huh?!

Either way i just think they're really beautiful, and hopefully they'll be lucky for me.

I hope you're all well.

July Favourites.

2011-08-01T21:11:00.008+01:00

Just a few things I've been really enjoying using lately and a couple of bargains i just had to share.

I'm sure you've all heard of the new benefit fragrance 'Ring my Bella'. I had, but only got the chance to smell it the other day, and I bought it there and then!

It's gorgeous, I'm not very good at describing scents, so all I can say is it is well worth a trip to boots to give a go!

Next up is the V05 miracle concentrate oil for hair. The first time I used this I couldn't get over how soft it made my hair, I've been raving about it at every opportunity.

You simply rub a couple drops between your hands and apply to hair, I've found it works best applied on wet hair and left to dry.

I've become a little nail-obsessed this year! And this month has been no exception, there's been no specific colour theme, though the china glaze one was discounted to £1 in Sally's!

How cute is this little necklace, £2 from primark!

Nars eyeshadow in Mekong.

So pigmented, and much less harsh than black in a smokey eye.

£7 from TK Maxx!

Nina Ricci Blush in '02 Rose Strass'

I used to have some Nina Ricci cosmetics back in the 1990's, but to be honest i wasn't aware her cosmetics were still in production!

But Craig and i discovered a place called 'Boundary Mills' accidentally which sells discounted clothes, homeware, cosmetics, perfume and more, like TK Maxx but better.

This blush was £11.99 reduced to £2.50!

This gorgeous bronze nail varnish was also £2.50, originally around the £9 mark, reminds me alot of the Dior one that did the rounds at Christmastime!

I hope you're all well and have enjoyed reading about my bargains!

What's in my make-up bag

2011-07-21T23:34:00.011+01:00

After my 'What's in my bag post' whilst moving my things into a different make up bag I thought this would be a nice follow-up.

Make-up Bag - MAC Fabulous Felines / Notebook / Pen -Marc Jacobs / Pop-up hairbrush - Denman / Penultimate Eye Liner - MAC / Penultimate Brow Marker - MAC / Lipstick in 'Darling' - Chanel / Vintage Pill Box / Barbara Daly Cream Blush / YSL Pressed Powder / Jo Malone Cologne in English Pear and Freesia.

What's in my bag.

2011-07-17T11:58:00.004+01:00

I love these posts, and videos and I realised that I have never done one myself, So here is my 'What's in my bag' post.

I'm currently using my Mulberry Alexa, oversized in 'oak' as for me, it's the perfect summer bag, I love how much it holds and how i can carry it either in the crook of my arm or draped on my shoulder.

So moving on to the interesting part, what's inside...

Pink 2011 Diary - Paperchase / Pen - Cross / Broken - Karin Slaughter / Remedies case - Anya Hindmarch / Leopard case (Holds my iPod) - Biba / Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Hair Perfume / Dark Start Lotion (for the sunbed) / Large Wallet - Chloe / Small Wallet - Mulberry / Heart Mirror - Marc Jacobs / Keys and 'I'm Taken' Keyring- Vintage / Sunglasses - Prada /Camera Case - Cath Kidston / Aviators - Ray Bans / Glasses - Burberry / Ventolin - By Prescription.

Book Review: The Story Sisters

2011-07-11T18:59:00.004+01:00

Usually the kind of books i read, by the likes of Karin Slaughter, Karen Rose and Tess Gerritsen Et Al are not ones i would write about as they are my guilty pleasure but to me not the typical young woman's fiction of choice, into that category would come the likes of Jodi Picoult and Audrey Niffenegger, both of whom i also enjoy.

However i have just finished this book and desperately wanted to share my opinions on it.

The Book in question is 'The Story Sisters' by Alice Hoffman.

Very Briefly, this is a tale of three sisters, Claire, Meg and Elv, and their mother Annie. Without giving anything away, when they were younger Claire and Meg had an unfortunate run in with a paedophile which they have kept to them selves, and this book details the events as they grow into teenagers and young women, and how the event has affected them and their relationships.

The three sisters create a fantasy fairy tale type world of witches, and faeries with its own language. When aware of the event that took place the reader begins to understand that this is a form of escapism, particularly for Elv.

This is a beautiful story and has it all, relationships, family, love, loss, grief and more. I could not put it down and my copy is now seriously bent and damaged, hence the google image. If you find you have a spare moment over the summer, this is definately one i recommend, if rating out of 10 it would definately receive an 8/10 from me, losing 2 points as i felt the ending was a little rushed and lacked a full conclusion, but then again that is often the case with great books as it leaves you wondering what happened next for your characters.

Toothy Tabs

2011-07-07T23:17:00.003+01:00

I hadn't heard of these until i went to make a cheeky lush order, available in 6 varieties, these are little circles of pressed solid toothpaste.

Unusual to get used to but i think they're great!

You place one between your front teeth and crunch it into a powdery, lumpy consistency, wet your toothbrush and get scrubbing.

It foams up like normal toothpaste and then you simply spit and rinse as usual.

I chose the 'sparkle' variety which is a fusion of vanilla, lemon, grapefruit and black pepper and acts as a palate cleanser.

The lemon peel contributes to the name and makes your teeth sparkle, I would really recommend giving these a go even just to experience them once!

£2.50 for 40 tabs.

Sudocrem in a tube and NOTD

2011-07-06T23:36:00.005+01:00

I don't think there are many people out there who haven't used sudocrem at some point, whether for breakouts, cuts, grazes, sunburn, nappy rash, most people have encountered this product. I for one always have a tub of it for helping soothe and heal any spots, but the thing about the tub is it can be bloody messy! And also, a little goes such a long way that it was often just too much, so sudocrem have introduced this new 30g tube, perfect for keeping in your make up bag for any mishaps on the go.

When I first read about this, I wondered if perhaps the original sudocrem formula would be altered as it is very thick and I wondered how well this would work in a tube, but I can verify it is the original thick white cream we all know and love. This new size retails for around the £2 mark and i highly suggest you give it a go, its much, much more convenient and hygienic!

I had a little play around with my nails earlier (please excuse the broken middle nail!) and this was my rushed attempt at some nail art! I really quite like it, and it was so simple with a mac liquid eye liner.

The colour is from the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean collection and is 'steady as she rose'. I do like this shade, though i wish it was more pink and less lilac.

Pampering Products

2011-06-23T14:40:00.002+01:00

Now that i have a few months free in which i won't have to buy food, toilet roll, washing up liquid and all the other wonderful things that one takes for granted whilst living under your parents roof, i'm free to spoil myself a little!

So i've been buying some nice bits both to use now and when i move into the new flat.
I thought i'd share some of the bits i'm most enjoying.

A year or two ago i went through a major soap and glory phase, and then i suppose as a result of overkill my lovefor the brand somewhat diminished, i guess i just grew tired of it. But after a lengthy interval i've recently started using their products once again and here is a small selection of what i'm loving, in particular the breakfast scrub which smells beautiful, like a rich maple syrup!
I've been eyeing up the new daisy for a while now, though on account of my already large collection of perfume, i had been trying to use up what i had, i'm now at a point where i pretty much (bar a few) only have scents that i absolutely adore, this being one of them and after hearing me talk about it, Craig surprised me with the above. It's beautiful, to me it smells quite peachy though it is not described as having any peach notes!

It is a much fruitier version of the original and contains notes of wild rose, violet, cedarwood, apple blossom, raspberry, grapefruit, pear, plum and musk. Doesent it just sound like the scent of a warm summer evening?
I was recently sent these to try out and so far so good!
The jergens lotion is wonderful as an after sun, and would be great kept in the fridge, i haven't yet tried the John Freida shampoo but the root spray is lovely!
And last but not least, i managed to find this china glaze polish in 'V' at the back of Sally's for the princely sum of... 86p! Bargain. It looks a little iffy in the bottle but once applied it's a gorgeous fusion of a light terracotta and a rich peach. Gorgeous!

I'm really loving bright nails at the moment, even if summer is as yet totally unapparant!

I hope you're all well!

Exams are finally over!

2011-06-20T23:55:00.004+01:00

I feel like i've not blogged in so long... in reality it's been a few weeks.

So this is my little update!

In the past few weeks i...

- finished my first year of uni

- moved out of halls, moving into a flat with Yaisa in august/september, which i'm really looking forward to!

- highlighted (courtesy of Yaisa ;)) and had my hair cut

So i'm currently at Craig's, within the next few weeks my dad and brother will be leaving the UK permanently, i'll be going with them to apply for my reentry permit which allows me to live and be educated outside of the US for 2 years which will allow me to finish my degree, but then i'll be coming back to the UK for the beginning of my second year of uni, busy busy busy!

Anyway, onto the pictures!

The hair before...

And After!

I like it very very much, at first i worried it was too brassy but i put an ash blonde shade on top and now i've grown to really like it!

So yeah! I hope you are all well and enjoying the lovely summer weather.... (or lack there of!)

Pirates of the Carribbean OPI

2011-06-05T15:56:00.004+01:00

It's been hard to miss hearing or reading about this collection lately, a mix of cloudy, murky pastels to coincide with the release of the latest installment of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. Whilst the movie may not be all that, this collection of shades is that upheaval the nail varnish 'scene' has been craving (in my opinion, bar Chanel's must have shades).

For OPI, one year the 'it' colour was 'done out in deco', 'jade is the new black' another, perhaps 'stranger tides' is what we've been waiting for? I read an article recently which put forward that the 'it' bag has had it's day, and the new must have accessory is nail varnish, cheaper, easily changed, perhaps i'm beginning to agree, to an extent as my alexa still has my heart. ;)

When i ordered these, i thought i would first slap on 'stranger tides' or perhaps 'skull and glossbones', but much to my surprise, the colour which drew me in was 'sparrow me the drama', a beautiful blue toned pink, almost like 'lucky lucky lavender', it is the perfect bubblegum pink shade, perfect for summer.

My least favourite of the four i've tried is the purple shade, 'planks alot' i believe, i just think it's easily duplicated, but is still nice.

As you can see, 'sparrow me the drama' is beautiful, this is particularly strange for me lately as i've developed a fondness for neutral, murky colours... maybe it's something in the water.

I hope you're all well! I'd also like to try 'mermaid's tears' as it looks gorgeous, but we'll see.

My Spring/Summer Lipstick

2011-04-25T14:05:00.008+01:00

I decided to finally purchase one of the number 17 mirror shine lipsticks, though unlike many bloggers, i did not choose the favourite 'beehive' shade, instead i opted for a wonderfully bright red, 'hollywood'.

You can wear it very sheer or build it up for a more intense look.

For under £5, if you like a bright lip i really don't think you'll find better.

Please excuse my tired appearance, this is also an explanation of my absence, as I've been busy meeting deadlines and revising!

Though i have used the eyelure 'up to 4 weeks' individual lashes which i adore and may review soon!

I've also used a semi permanent gloss on my hair from l'oreal casting in 'light brown'. As it's taken me so long to get my hair back into a good condition after i dyed, bleached and abused it when i was 14, 15, 16 i don't like to use anything permanent on it, but love varying it slightly with semi permanent tones!

Origins Brighter by Nature Peel.

2011-03-11T20:51:00.005Z

AVAILABLE HERE

Being a lover of origins as you are all aware,

On a recent trip to purchase the ginger souffle body cream, these wonderful little pads caught my eye.

Claiming to peel away the dead layer of skin to reveal smooth, brighter new skin, how could i resist? I'm a sucker for anything which claims noticeable results.

At £29 for 40 pads, these may seem a little steep but i use 1-2 pads a week and at this rate they should last me for around 5/6 months, which would be equal to about £5 a month, which is the price of a Starbucks trip, so all in all, not that bad at all!

As i mentioned above you do get 40 pads which is absolutely loads!

Let's begin with the how-to.

Origins recommends using 2 pads, though they're so wet i find 1 is plenty.

You remove a pad from the tub and, on clean make up free skin, work the pad all over your face in circular motions, i generally press a little harder for extra exfoliation on my trouble areas.

They have a slightly medicinal scent but i quite like it as it seems more as if they'll actually work.

They don't feel harsh on your skin, more like using a strong toner but with better results.

They contain Goji berry, blueberry, cranberry, pomegranate, grape seed, fruit acids from coconuts and salicyclic acid.

After use my skin feels a little 'stripped', they claim not to cause redness but i do find they leave me a little pinker than usual though it dies down quickly.

I've been using these for about 3-4 months now and i can tell you my honest opinion is very positive, and i see no downsides to this product, which may appear quite steep until you break it down.

If you get a chance this is definitely a product to try, and is now an essential part of my skincare routine and i feel my skin is currently the best its been in quite a long time!

I hope you're all well, if you have any similar products please tell me, i love these kind of 'peels' etc!

Limited edition No.7 Lipstick in Grace.

2011-03-02T09:39:00.000Z

Having heard plenty of buzz about this collection, i was eager to get a look at it when in boots recently.

I also noticed that the more popular colour, on blogs at least, tended to be the 'brigitte' shade of lipstick, a bubblegum pink, to me reminiscent of the MAC viva glam gaga. As lovely as those shades are, they do nothing for me, and so i opted for 'grace' a warm rosy pink-peach, my ideal spring/summer shade.

At £10 a tube, it is by no means cheap for a drugstore product, though you can now get a £5 off voucher with any purchase in boots, meaning you pay half price.

It applies smoothly and i would even go so far as to liken it to the application of my rouge coco lipsticks, in that its smooth but not creamy, and it wears reasonably well.

Whilst i do enjoy the cardboard tube, i don't know if it justifies the price tag, though it is fun.

I would describe it as what nars orgasm in lipstick form should be, but a little more sheer for spring!

Available here.

In some lights it appears more pink...
And in others it seems more peachy.

Viva Glam Gaga 2.

2011-03-01T23:50:00.003Z

I only read about this today, and for a change lately with MAC collections, i am genuinely excited to run out and get mine!

As nice as the original viva glam gaga is, it just wasn't a flattering colour for me, but this reincarnation of it is just divine!

(Just to mention, i'm only talking about the lipstick as i'm not fond of glosses in general!)

It is described as a 'light warm beige' and is an amplified finish.

It's priced around the £13 or $14 mark

Every swatch i've seen of it has been different and it seems to depend on what is used as a base, but it seems to be a lovely peachy shade and im so looking forward to trying it!

Also you can't fault the fact that all profits go to the aids fund. All for a good cause!

Chanel Black Pearl and Pearl Drop

2011-02-26T13:00:00.000Z

I'm sure you've all heard of the covetable new chanel 'le vernis' nail varnishes.

Chanel always seem to produce the 'it' nail colour of the season, jade, particulere, paradoxal, and now black pearl. Equally as gorgeous in my opinion is it's more angelic counterpart, pearl drop.

To begin, black pearl.

A deep gunmetal shot through with a teal iridescence, there are also veins of silver shimmer.

I've never been one for black or very deep nail colours, but this is much less harsh and more wearable than the traditional black.

The first coat, i find is slightly thin and translucent, the second brings out the depth, and the third creates a wonderfully murky finish.

With Flash

Without Flash

Up Close

Next up is Pearl Drop, a milky, creamy white pearl with yellowy golden tones, this really is the perfect pearl shade.

I think it would be beautiful on the toes in summer with a tan, and though i like it now i really do think bronzed skin would give it the best backdrop.

For a 'polished' look i would use just one coat, but for maximum effect 3 looks the best.

With Flash

Without Flash

Up Close (excuse the messy application, it was perfect then i caught it and didnt have the time nor the inclination to reapply!)

There is also a beautiful peach shade, so i ask you, which would you choose?

MAC look in a box : Rocker Chick

2011-02-24T14:40:00.004Z

On my recent trip through duty free, i happened across the MAC counter, feeling flush with birthday funds i treated myself to one of the new 'look in a box' sets.

There are 3 to choose from, girl next door, a very stylish girl and rocker chick.

And let me tell you, i cannot wait for my next trip around june to pick up the other 2!

I like rocker chick as it includes everything for a full look except 'skin' so foundation/blush/bronzer and eyebrows.

In the set there is electra, a silver, black tied, a dusty black with silver glitter, smolder eye kohl, dazzle lash mascara, hue lipstick and oyster girl lipglass.

Excuse my ripped house-top, i asked Craig to take a photo for me and i couldn't resist playing around.

But as you can tell, and as you would expect from MAC, they're lovely products, which i'm very surprised at as i really didn't expect hue to suit me but i really like it! Also i'm not one for lip gloss but i quite like oyster girl.

At only £28 (ish) i really don't think you could get better value for money at MAC, so if you happen to be travelling this year, you must must invest in one of these sets!

Gotta include a couple of extra posey shots for good measure!

It was my birthday! (picture heavy)

2011-02-23T15:11:00.007Z

So if you follow me on twitter, or even have read my last couple of blogs, there is no way you could have missed that my birthday was on the 16th.

My dad lives out in the states permanently now as we have all earnt our greencard's, my brother is finishing his a levels and then going in July and i'm going after my degree. So anyway, my dads last scheduled trip to the UK isn't until march so he asked me to travel out to see him for my birthday, just for a week, but we made sure it was packed!

So i jumped on the plane on valentines, on my birthday, we had a wonderful shopping trip to the mall (predictably!), and we were talking about a movie (3000 miles to Graceland) and i was like... 'Daddy.... you know, i'd love to go to Memphis...' so long story short, the next day we did the 750 mile drive to Memphis, Tennessee via Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, on the Friday we did Graceland, sun studios and Elvis' birthplace in tupelo, Mississippi, then left tupelo at 5pm and arrived back in Fla at 7am on saturday morning!

Then sunday we had the NASCAR daytona 500, which was awesome too.

Oh HELL yes!

Ok, so lots of bits, including a new little ipod nano because i loathe having to carry round my old iphone for music.

The 'tabitha' dress from monsoon

How cute are these pj bottoms? You can see my new jeans under there too.

And some more ugg boots!

Didnt used to be a fan but my black ones came in pretty handy in the snow, so hey, why not, i do much prefer the chesnut, and soo snuggly!

Ok, so Tennessee!
Priscilla was tiny!

Sun Studios

Beale Street

The birth place.

My face and arms ended up rather sunburnt from Daytona!

Overall i had a wonderful birthday experience which i am very grateful for :)

I'm now enjoying sleeping off my jet lag and spending time with Craig!

I hope you're all well.

February.

2011-02-03T00:55:00.002Z

February seems like such a dismal month, i think. The weathers grey and dreary, Christmas has been and gone, and summer seems oh so far away....

But.

February 16th is my birthday!!

I'm 20 this year, so i'll be waving a fond farewell to my teen years!

I'm flying out to spend it with my dad on the 14th, now the only decision left is...

chocolate or vanilla cake? haha!

Anyway, as january is over why not have a little rundown of things i've adored lately.

To treat myself today i've also had a haircut and my nails shellaced, i'll let you know how i find it.

I love this jumper from h&m, i like quite plain, subtle pieces and you cannot go wrong with a classic black sweater, the detail around the neck adds interest without being too in your face, a good purchase i think!

I LOVE these primarni booties, they're so cosy!

Valentines chocolates, i'm so glad all the v'day and easter supplies are out, two words;

mini.

eggs.

I also read this book, as a result of which i've made a few changes and i feel so much better for it, i've given up red meat,

(trying) to give up soda,

switched to brown bread/pasta/rice,

made a conscious effort to try more meat free options,

and i've cut the majority of dairy out of my diet,

i do still eat cheese though but very little at a time, i switched to 'vitalife' sunflower spread, sweetened soy milk, soy puddings, 'free from' ice cream.

I highly recommend this book, i am and always will be a meat lover, and i didnt think i would take much notice of the book, but it really has made a difference to me.

I've decided that every month i'm going to set myself 3 targets/goals;

For february these are...

1. Work myself harder at swimming, i've found i have a tendency to do a length or two then stop and have a chat with Yaisa, then do another two, then stop!

2. Read at least 2 books, i used to read so much and i just havent had the time nor the inclination lately, preferring instead to play on world of goo, sims or virtual families!

3. Get into a good sleeping pattern, i'm currently writing this at 20 past 1 am, i'm going to aim to be in bed by 11.30 every night... lets see how that one goes...

I hope you are all well!

Mac Strobe Cream vs Topshop Skin Glow

2011-01-21T16:58:00.002Z

The reason i decided to do this little comparison is because i know that strobe cream is quite expensive for what it is, but it is a nice little product and i'm sure that many people would like the effect for a little less money!

First of all, what are either of these good for?!

Well, they are both a medium-thickness cream, though mac's offering is a little thicker than the topshop equivalent. They both look lovely under or over foundation, but if i'm using either of these i usually skip on any foundation, just use a little concealer.

They're light reflecting creams, liquid highlighters really though strobe cream (hereafter s.c) claims to awaken, brighten (no shit sherlock, its an illuminator!) and de stress, it also claims to be loaded with vitamins. In all honesty i apply these after my moisturiser anyway so its not as if that is a major selling point! And i haven't noticed any difference in skin hydration or any sort of long term glow from these vitamins.

(strobe cream on left, skin glow on right)

While they both apply smoothly, the s.c does have a slightly richer, more velvety texture, the s.g is a little more watery when blended in.

At £20.50 for the Strobe cream it isn't cheap as i said earlier, but you do get 50ml which lasts for ages, and it has a 24 month 'life' so you will get your money out of it, unless you use it excessively then it may well work out at less than £1 per month.

The topshop Skin glow is less than half the price of s.c at £10 but you only get 30ml, almost half the mac, so i suppose you really are getting what you pay for!

Worth noting is that s.g has a pump, while s.c requires squeezing, and its quite a thick tube meaning it isnt always easy to squeeze the right amount out!

(strobe cream on left, skin glow on right)

As you can see, the strobe cream has a more light, golden sheen, while the skin glow is certainly close to my skin tone (NW 20), they both have pink elements, though i feel s.g has a deeper, warmer pink, making it more suited to warmer skin tones, they do also have a 'dark' version for ladies with deeper skin tones. I definately think for more yellow or cool skin tones s.c would be more suitable, but it's worth giving the s.g a go!

Overall, if you have a little money burning a hole in your pocket, strobe cream is a nice product which will last you, if you want a similar effect for less, skin glow is also nice but more watery, which some people i'm sure would prefer, having said that strobe cream is also available as a lotion.

Hope this was helpful, let me know if you've tried either of these!

Just a quick one

2011-01-13T21:52:00.002Z

Hey guys, i hope you're all well?

Just wanted to once again say sorry for my absence as of late, seems i do more apologising for not blogging than i do actual blogging, I've just been super busy, but hopefully everything will slow down a little now, i even have exciting news, our flat for next year is all sorted so i can just relax! It's so nice to start looking for bits for next year like bed sheets, bedroom furniture etc

I've tried the boots 5 day detox recently, and while i think it was good the after effects weren't so great, i might post a little review of that! I've also started swimming with Yaisa which i'm really enjoying!

I hope you're all well, will hopefully have some kitchen wares from csn stores to share with you all soon too.

Tabitha x

January Staples

2011-01-06T14:23:00.005Z

This is a collection of some of the bits i adore at the moment, as i find it really interesting to look back at how much ones taste changes.

So without any ado;

I've been really enjoying this eye palette from guerlain in bronze, though i definitely think its more olive.

The state of this shows you how much i love it! It's by benefit, and it's the 'brow zings' in medium

3 & 4.

Some of you may have heard of the Lush colour supplements? I bought mine about 3 months ago, i love the fact that it's mostly natural and doesent feel too heavy on my skin.

And of course, my favourite lash blast, this one's in black-brown but i currently have 3 on the go and a couple unopened in a drawer. The best mascara, in my opinion...

YSL face powder in rose beige i believe, i love this because unlike alot of pressed powders, i find this actually provides a good amount of coverage, and plus i love the design!

OPI Nail varnish in 'Vodka and Caviar', i bought this a fair few months ago, and at the time felt it was too bright for me, but recently ive fallen back in love with it, definitely a classic.

I actually bought this by accident, when describing a product i'd forgotten the name of to the sales clerk, i ended up with this, initially i was annoyed, but i used it for the first time a couple weeks back and it really is beautiul.

8 & 9.

Last but by no means least beauty wise is the origins youthtopia eye cream and a perfect world moisturiser, i've changed my skincare regime recently as i've began getting a breakout of sorts on my jaw, so i decided to try some origins products, i also bought a face wash and a charcoal mask, and i must say i love them all, i still have the rash/breakout but its much better and much less noticeable.

10.

And for number 10, it's nothing beauty related, but lord knows i'm addicted!!

Sims 3, where have you been all my life?!

Anyway, i hope you are all well and that you've got lots of sale bargains!

Tabitha x

Happy New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T13:08:00.000Z

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and are looking forward to the new year!

I've been terribly busy, but it's all finally calming down, and i'm looking forward to waving goodbye to 2010! It's not been the best year for me in some ways, but it's been very kind to me in others.

But i'm looking forward to new beginnings!

I've cracked open my beautiful new diary and drafted my resolutions, nothing out of the ordinary, drink more water, go to bed and thus wake up a little earlier, manage my money better, etc etc!

Anyway, i just thought i'd do a little post on 'new year nails' featuring a product i mentioned a while back, the rococo 24ct gold leaf topcoat! Worn on top of Butter london 'all hail the queen'

Happy new year to you all!

Tabitha.

Rapidlash serum- updated 6 weeks

2010-11-10T12:21:00.003Z

So a few posts back was my 4 week rapidlash serum review, i've continued to use it, albeit not religiously, i remember perhaps every other day, and these are the 6 weeks results, again i am thrilled with this product. I think you can definately see a difference, the 4 week picture is at a different angle, if you imagine it straight on, you can determine that the lashes went just past my eyelid crease, whereas now, they are quite a bit longer than that.

As always, covergirl lash blast volume mascara.

Roll on the 8 week mark!

I love Zara

2010-11-09T22:49:00.004Z

Before this year, i'd never stepped foot in a zara as i thought it was a bit snooty, the only one i'd passed was in birmingham, and anyone who's been will know that it is possibly the worst one ever!

Towards the end of the summer, Craig and i went to the trafford center almost everyday for dinner and a light spot of shopping, we've pretty much eaten in every restaurant there!

Anyway, the zara in the trafford center is much much nicer than birmingham and i fell a little in love... One one visit i saw a black leather bag, very similar in shape to the alexander wang rocco, i liked it very much but Craig thought it was ugly and i reconsidered, a few weeks later, the bag was still on my mind, and up popped a post from Laura (lollipop26) with the bag in, which only fuelled my desire for it, i then saw an article about some wag with her friend, and her friend was carrying this bag, that was it, i knew it was meant to be if it kept popping up!

So off i went in a number of different zara's but to no avail, so... i bit the bullet and ordered online.

The box arrived within about 3-4 days which isn't too bad, nothing can beat net-a-porter's packaging, but zara gave it a good shot, a plain brown box with the 'zara' in medium black font in the center of the box, inside, wrapped in tissue was my beautiful bag!!

The one i originally saw in store was much more shiny and 'crackled' than mine and not as attractive, in my opinion.

To give you an idea of size...

It's oh so soft, not balenciaga soft, but i wouldn't expect that for £99 anyway!

i got it a few weeks ago and i've used it alot, sadly its a struggle to get a4 folders in so not everyday.

So yes, this has confirmed it... I love Zara!

Glamour and Nails Inc

2010-11-04T23:40:00.004Z

Glamour magazine are once again giving away a nails inc polish, the magazine is £2, and the nail varnish is usually £11 so i don't think thats a bad deal at all!

There are four to choose from,

Warwick avenue, a baby pink

Hampstead heath, a burgundy, mulberry colour

Saville Row, a muddy brown

Jermyn Street a light taupe

I love nails inc, i love their 3 week manicure which i recently tried out, though when i went to have it re-done, i ended up walking out at the fact that they charge £20 for a soak-off! Acetone is about £3 for a huge bottle, and if i'm paying the £50 to have the nails re-done, surely i deserve some kind of money off the soak off?? Also, the nails inc i go to is in a house of fraser, who have a year round student discount, yet this does not apply to nails inc... hmm...

sort yourselves out nails inc!

My autumn colour du jour.

2010-11-04T19:31:00.002Z

As you may have noticed when i post clothing hauls, i have a penchant for black, so it may come as somewhat of a surprise to learn that this season i'm loving a warmer hue.

Burgundy.

Oh i love it so! The first thing i bought in this tone was the batwing sweater (top left) from vince at net-a-porter, and the Anya Hindmarch 'remedies' make-up bag, and i've gradually accumulated quite the burgundy collection, So i thought i'd put together a little collage of some pieces i'm loving, and really want to buy!

This colour is so warm, it suits the colder months perfectly, i do find it suits pinker skintones better than yellow based skins, which might suit a mustard, or chocolate colour better.

There are many variants of burgundy, the more orange/red based (top right), to the more plum based (the heels), to the deeper wine tones.

I find it works equally well with gold jewellery as it does with silver, though gold blends well, silver appears more striking. (Until recently i would only wear gold, silver was a dirty word to me!) I also love that unlike navy, burgundy works perfectly with black, so it has blended into my wardrobe seamlessly.

What is your favourite colour at the moment?

If you want to know where anything is from just let me know! :) x

Happy Halloween and Sunday Summary

2010-10-31T19:47:00.011Z

My gosh, this year has flown by! In 2 months and one day this year will be over!

I havent posted this week, so i thought i'd do a 'sunday summary' type post...

What have i done this week?

-Apart from uni, i've collected my car from Craigs, i missed driving too much!

-I've done alot of cooking, todays leek and potato gratin was particularly yummy.

-I've dyed my hair, it's not permanent, just a 28 wash one, as you know i've been trying to grow my hair and keeping it in tip top condition means no ammonia, having said this i did add a couple of blonde bits recently out of boredom, but i've just put a colour called 'iced chocolate' on, it was so dark at first but now its a nice rich brown, but thank goodness its not permanent!

Sooo dark!

-I've painted my nails numerous times, after removing the 3 weeks gel manicure my nails were nice and long but damaged but now theyre cut down and filed to my perfect length, this week theyve been particulere, ruby pumps and now essie angora cardi.

And last but not least i've purchased a few new necklaces which i love, 2 from hrhcollection's etsy store, and one from Lorraine Stanick, thecurrentcustom.com

Lisa Taubes 42" gold fill.

I love this, it really is very elegant, feels weightier than you would expect too!

The ultra sleek (silver)

Gorgeous, especially for a/w i think, It's so much heavier than i expected though! But it adds an edge to even the most plain outfit.

And The Elin (gold and gunmetal)

I loooooove this! its gorgeous, theres nothing else to say other than it's lovely!

Obviously it's costume jewellery, the gold section is very light while the gunmetal is heavier, gorgeous!

So overall a pretty decent week, im loving all the amber, golden leaves all crunchy everywhere, i like autumn, i just don't like being outdoors in autumn! haha it's so cold!

Did everyone remember to put their clocks back?

I hope you're all well, what have you been loving this week?

Rapidlash serum

2010-10-21T14:55:00.000+01:00

I purchased the rapid lash serum a couple months ago, i've been using it (almost) religiously for the past 4 weeks, 8 weeks is recommended so i thought this was a good mid point...

Before, my lashes were quite short, sparse and in bad condition from rough mascara removal.

And now?.. Well they're about 50% longer, theres more of them and they seem healthier, so far so good!

Please excuse the extreme close up!

They're much more 'fluttery' i can't wait until the 8 week mark!

Rapidlash is £39.99 at boots, which i thought was alot for what it is, but it really is worth it, and think of the points! ;)

Rococo

2010-10-20T23:44:00.003+01:00

I've mentioned this brand before but i recieved another of their varnishes in the post today with my spacenk order, and words cannot describe how much i love it.

It's called 'stone cold karma' and is a gorgeous mix of a mink/taupe with a pink of a pinky lilac with a cool grey tinge.

This is 1 coat... ONE! Oh the craziness!

I've been waiting for my local space nk to get the gold leaf polish in stock and they just called me so ill go pick that up tomorrow too, just wait till you see it, it's beautiful!

Ohh J'adore this brand, and look at the box the polish comes in!

Hope you are all well! x

Been a busy bee! In and Out!

2010-10-17T19:01:00.007+01:00

I hope you are all well, sorry if i've been a little quiet, i am here just a bit busy.

I thought a nice little in and out post would be fun, so here goes...

In.

- Cupcakes! As i posted about earlier this week i've bought some supplies and started baking! I'm on my fifth batch and they're all coming out perfectly. My first were Vanilla with lilac icing, then i did banana and chocolate icing, then nutella cupcakes, then for my dad's birthday vanilla with turquoise icing, and today vanilla with pink icing, and some with chocolate, what an essay!

-Clear skin and growing hair! I've been religiously taking supplements to make my hair grow, which it is, thank god, and it seems so shiny lately, but my skin seems to have cleared up too, i've changed my skincare regime recently, i'm now using a mixture of liz earle, eve lom and lancome, and so far so good! I only have on eye make up in the pic.

-University, i'm really enjoying my course, people seem to think law is boring but i really love it! I love my little room, i get on with most of my flat mates and i adore the city, so all is good!

-Tattoo's, i had another recently ( a few months ago ), and although i don't love the during, i love the after, i think as long as they mean something to you and you and your artist come up with something beautiful then why not!

-Online shopping, Living in halls, there's always someone on reception to sign for deliveries... :D Let's just say i have ALOT of parcels arriving this week! ;)

Out.

-The wind! I am so over it right now! haha.

-Taxi's. Bloody extortionate ba&$%rds!

Anyway that's it from me, i hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

Cupcakes

2010-10-13T18:30:00.005+01:00

Just thought i'd share with you what i've been up to today!

I decided to go buy a range of baking things and i came up with these babies, trust me, they taste divine!!

They're vanilla, recipe from the hummingbird bakery book, with vanilla buttercream icing. Some have sugar roses, some have sprinkles and some have coconut! mmm!

Would you rather?

2010-10-09T14:14:00.002+01:00

So i was tagged by the very sweet pearls and politics to do this, so here goes!

WOULD YOU RATHER..??

..never use mascara again or bronzer again?

I'd definitely leave bronzer in the past! I rarely use it anyway to be honest, and if i do it's with a very light hand, whereas mascara totally transforms your eyes, and gives them definition that can't be achieved in any other way!

..only be able to buy high end make-up or drugstore make-up again?

High end wins by a mile, the only drugstore product which id be bothered by not being able to use is lashblast.

..go out with chipped nail varnish or unshaven legs?

Unshaven legs, at this time of year i would'nt go out bare legged anyway! Chipped nail varnish just looks a bit like you couldnt be bothered.

..go out with messy hair or no make-up?

Messy hair can be very sexy, a'la Alexa Chung, the Olsens et al. I always muss mine up a little anyway!

..have it be winter forever or summer forever?

I love winter and layering up, but if it was forever, the vitamin D deficiency would just fuck me up! So i'd have to say summer forever, hey, at least i wouldnt have to pay for spray tans!

..have permanent two inch roots or permanently unplucked brows?

Unplucked brows, im quite lucky in the sense that my brows are naturally a decent shape, whereas the roots... ombre hair won't be in forever!!

..give up all MAC or all Illamasqua products?

I'd give up illamasqua, there aren't really any star products from them for me, whereas i love mac, also mac collections would keep it from getting boring!

I hope someone enjoyed that!

I'm not tagging anyone because i'm in a bit of a rush, so if you read this, you should do it too!!

Venomous Villains

2010-10-07T16:18:00.008+01:00

I'm sure you're getting a bit fed up of all the vv posts, but i thought i'd add my 2 cents worth :)

So... what did i get?

First up, the lipsticks.. i got...

Heartless, a gorgeous cherry red

Innocence, beware, which i did'nt think i'd love, but oh i do!

And toxic tale... which is so bright, but Goooooorgeous!

Next up, i chose bit of an apple blush, which i really do love, its like toxic tale in blush form, as you can see it gives a lovely flush!

I asked for the penultimate liner, but ended up with the greasepaint stick, ill see how it is but i might give it to a friend as its not really my kind of thing, but i also got de-vil eyeshadow, which i think is gorgeous, its like a coppery pinkish goldish pot of loveliness!

On the top we have toxic tale, innocence beware, heartless, de-vil, the grease-paint-stick thing (ugh!), and bite of an apple.

Last but not least, i got one vv nail lacquer and 2 of the new a/w ones...

Scuse the messy application, but i've just had a nails inc 3 week french manicure and i didnt want to leave these on too long.

Concubine, a gorgeous sparkly red, Earthly harmony, alot like under my trenchcoat from opi sephora, and from vv, formidable which i think is the star of the vv polishes.

Phew, that was a long post, well done if you made it to the end!

I'd love to hear what you got from VV! There was a queue outside MAC when i got there which i was'nt expecting, but as i got there for opening time i was fine!

The weather's getting colder...

2010-10-03T19:44:00.004+01:00

...And that means new season make up changes!

Which for me is warmer, brighter colours, flushed cheeks, less pastel nails and most importantly protection... No! not that kind ;) against the wind and rain!

The By Terry baume de rose, it really is lovely, its very soothing on the lips and not sticky i find, and looks very kissable indeed!

When in space nk purchasing this, a display of nail varnish caught my eye, i had never heard of rococo and bought full metal jacket with some trepidation, but any worries were ill founded, this is so gorgeous, its a pink/brown based sparkly polish, it's beautiful, ive since bought 'jaded'.

I nipped into mac, and bought 2 of the new longwear lipsticksin perpetual flame and unlimited, plus the fabulous felines makeup bag, i thought its gorgeous for this time of year, all warm and fuzzy! haha. i also got ladyblush, which gives a gorgeous flush.

And finally we have lovelorn and going dutch lipsticks, peaches blush, 2 autumnal shu eyeshadows and the new jo malone pear and freesia (which is BEAUTIFUL!)

Mmm Mulberry!

2010-10-03T19:27:00.004+01:00

Hey guys, I hope you are all well,

I've been a bit of a busy bee this week!

But there were one or two sneaky purchases!

Firstly, I discovered two wonderful stores here selling my beautiful mulberry, in one of them, a

little leather goods store i found this beautiful bayswater keyring, discounted from £79 to £40, simply because it was in the 'summer colour', unfortunately the lovely little purse and necklace were not reduced, but thats fine with me, they're so sumptuous!

The purse is about half the size of my main one, and so i figured its perfect for one or two cards, some money perhaps and whatever else i might need

Finally, the 'loopy leopard' necklace, mulberrys a/w 10 mascot, how cute is he?!

As you can tell, mulberry is one of my favourite designers, I'm interested to know who are yours?

Some of my other favourites include

Louis Vuitton

Chanel

Balenciaga, although after somewhat of a fiasco involving the city bag Craig bought me, i do have a rather bitter taste in my mouth about them!

and many many more.

I hope you're all well.

Moved into uni!

2010-09-25T21:04:00.004+01:00

Just my luck to get a cold!!

Loving it so far, the clubbing/drinking thing isnt for me so i've not been doing that, just explored a bit to be honest, i got lost on the way into the city today, its only about 25 min walk from my halls but i got lost!! Craig's come down to stay with me for a bit to keep me company... believe it or not i'm actually quite shy! So it's good to have support. He's off work at the moment as he has to have an operation on his hand (eek) he broke it a couple of months ago (he's into mixed martial arts and cage fighting, worries me!) At least i know he can look after me ;)

Hope you're all ok, just thought I'd update you on everything!

I dont have any pics to add so i thought id throw in some oldies i found on my lappy!

Shoes glorious shoes!

2010-09-22T09:06:00.000+01:00

New Look has stepped up it's game!!

These gorgeous wedges were £24.99 each, how cheap?! Similar ones in dune begin at around £80

They do fit a little tight though, but i'm wearing them in, they make me crazily tall, i thought i was about 5'8 5'9 but i got measured and i'm 5'11, with a 4 inch heel i'm around 6'3, The same as Craig!

Haircare

2010-09-21T08:44:00.004+01:00

My question is, is it worth spending that bit extra on hair care, is a loreal elvive £5 hair mask as good as a £25 kerastase (by loreal) hair mask?

In my opinion, you pay for what you get, with a few exceptions. I am constantly buying new haircare products and rarely repurchase the same ones, bar a few exceptions.

When you're strapped for cash, the Loreal elvive shampoo's are fabulous, in particular for me the pink and green bottle. I also love lee stafford 'for hair that never grows past a certain length'

I've just bought the bed head superstar shampoo and conditioner, and the fact that they're sulphate free has got me thinking, i have noticed that when i only use sulphate/paraben free shampoo and conditioners, my hair is softer, healthier and seems to grow faster.

I really do think hair is worth investing in, if you'd be happy to spend hundreds on make up, why not hair, if anything it is more of an extension of who you are than make up, because make up washes off...

My current hair routine goes a little like this... Shampoo hair, (liz earle at the moment) wash out, lee stafford growth treatment, 5 mins, wash out, condition, either lush american cream (trying to use it up, not worth the money) or an intensive mask, leave, wash out, occasionally i use some kind of volumising spray but mostly i just brush it into shape and leave it to dry naturally.

What are your favourite haircare products tips and tricks?

Sew Psyched

2010-09-13T13:53:00.000+01:00

Most of you will have heard about the les khakis des chanel collection, sadly it is only available in london, so to me this is a pretty good dupe for khaki vert, though im just guessing!

It's called sew psyched and it's by essie. I bought mine on ebay for about £5 delivered.

Elizabeth Arden red door anniversary

2010-09-12T12:45:00.000+01:00

There have been a number of products released in this 'collection', though i feel the most iconic is the red door anniversary lipstick.

It is a classic red with gold flecks and is a sheer modern interpretation of a classic red.

The sheer tone is flattering on most skin tones, and the golden flecks brighten and warm the overall finish.

This is a stand out piece and is not easily dupeable, it is one you NEED in your collection!

rrp- around £20 i think.

Jo Malone

2010-09-12T00:09:00.003+01:00

Having never tried this brand before, i toddled over to their stand in selfridges in the trafford center, previously id read on the brand's website about all the different scents and was already aware that the nectarine blossom and honey was for me.

So i bought the shower gel, body lotion and cologne.

I truly cant explain to you how beautiful this scent is, it's fresh, it's young, and it's very me. Like summer days spent with nature, that sweet, warm scent. It's just perfect, it reminds me a little of apples, not supermarket apples but home grown fresh little apples.

The customer service is amazing, everything was wrapped, boxed and ribboned, and i even received an invite for a hand and arm massage with the new scent, pear and freesia, hmm.. do i sense another addiction?!

Prada

2010-09-11T16:42:00.000+01:00

I love end of season sales!

Alternative use for MAC superslick liners...

2010-09-11T16:04:00.000+01:00

Chanel inattendu with tips done with the gold liner and topped off with seche vite.

Winter Skin

2010-09-10T22:07:00.003+01:00

I think it's safe to say the autumn weather has begun! Which means dry skin, bye bye tan and hello dark days. I think it's important to make sure that you keep your skin in good condition, but also looking healthy, so i thought i'd try some new skin care.

Lancome skin care, benefit brow bits to keep them defined, and a lancome highlighting powder, to keep pale skin dewy.

I also got my first bit from Bobbi Brown, the bronzing shimmer brick, and i love it, it applies beautifully.

What are your a/w skin tips? x

New Cosmetics

2010-09-10T08:41:00.000+01:00

I read that there is no better reason to go shopping than to update to all the new season colours.... did i really need an excuse??

Lush colour supplement base colour, i like the fact it is natural

Chanel nail vernis in inattendu

Dior lip glow (amazing)

Mac strobe cream, for a winter glow

Chanel rouge coco lipstick in orchidee, this is my second as i gave my first one to my nan.

New Mac superslick liquid eyeliners in Pure Show, Desires and Devices, On the Hunt and Marked for glamour. Love these, also have an alternative use of them to show you later.

New tub of lee stafford hair growth treatment, love it but last time i stopped using it as it began to work, boots are ALWAYS sold out it seems!

Sally Hansen airbrush legs in medium, heard it was nice for a glow all over, 1/3 off in boots

Flower for my hair, i love up do's with a big flower

Liz Earle foot lotion, i got the scrub too but it's in the bathroom

Liz Earle Mask, this is fantastic.

Zara perfume, actually really nice!

Is there anything else you recommend i need for a/w? leave a comment below!!

Jewellery

2010-09-09T08:13:00.000+01:00

I love using jewellery to accessorise, it makes as much as if not more of a statement than your clothes. A plain black dress with a long gold pendant, some diamond studs and a nice rolex will look beautifully luxurious whilst the same black dress with layered chains, piles of bangles and rings will look extremely grungey.

My style

I tend to go for the more classic pieces these days, and i have a soft spot for gold. Simple gold chains with pendants, if i'm not wearing yellow gold it'll be white gold as i don't like silver on myself. My most recent addition to the collection is this swarovski necklace, i've never been keen on swarovski as it is all costume jewellery and i like being able to shower/bathe in my jewellery.

I'm also waiting for the infamous sideways cross necklace to arrive, it looks beautiful!

Making a statement

With things such as earrings, i find it is important to maintain balance amongst your jewellery, so big statement earrings with big statement necklace and big statement watch are a no no for me, generally abide by Coco Chanel's rule of removing a piece or two before leaving the house, and for me, one statement is plenty!

Favourite pieces and styles

-Pretty much any long gold chain with a plain pendant. I like amethyst, citrine, topaz and emerald. Peach morganite is also beautiful

-With rings, i always wear my engagement ring obviously, so i have to be careful not to clash. My ring is a simple gold band with a raised cushion cut diamond with a white gold heart under the diamond. My personal taste in engagement rings is i much prefer the simple timeless styles, i believe it was Audrey Hepburn who once said a flashy engagement ring is the epitome of bad taste! So if i wear another ring it must always be on my right hand and is either on my ring finger or pinky, at the moment i'm wearing a little white gold snake ring my grandmother gave me to bring me luck when i was in a rough patch.

-I believe watches are worth investing in, and i have a few that i rotate. I have a rolex oyster perpetual (was my mums), a marc jacobs gold watch, a michael kors tortoiseshell watch and my guess watch that i wear regularly. I like simple, classic watch styles in masculine designs.

-Earrings can clash with your neckwear if you are not careful to avoid this and as such i like to co-ordinate before hand. If i'm wearing a necklace i usually stick to diamond studs, if im not wearing a necklace, or if i am but its very subtle, then something larger, such as the classic vivienne westwood orbs can look beautiful, I am a fan of the chanel double c earrings but with so many fakes, i dont think it is worth investing in.

Creme De La Mer

2010-09-08T13:07:00.000+01:00

Review, as asked for by Gaby :)

There are a few questions surrounding this product as it is one of those that most people have heard of, yet few own, i put this down to many not fully understanding what it is for.

Creme de la mer is a rich moisturising cream consisiting of a 'miracle broth' formulation. The creator suffered serious burns when a bomb exploded in his face, and created this to help heal the scars. It contains sea kelp amongst other things which is renowned for its properties.

I've been using this cream for almost a month and i have nothing but good to report.

As a moisturiser: If i'm using this as a facial moisturiser, i use it after a strong cleanser, scrub or mask when my skin feels particularly parched. You need the tiniest amount, which needs to be warmed in the palm before being applied to 'activate' the miracle broth.

The cream applies smoothly and feels slightly greasy for 5 minutes or so, but it then sinks in leaving the skin soft and smooth.

As it is such a rich cream i was concerned i would break out, but this has not been the case.

As a scar cream: Craig has a large scar on his arm ( a little smaller than a 5p piece ) from where a hot water bottle leaked, he used the cream twice and the scar is less red, it has smoothed out and is much less noticeable.

I had 2 scratches from playing with our kitten, i used the cream once, the next day the scratches had almost vanished.

Also, i have 2 scars on my face, one from a dog bite, one from cracking my head open when i was young. Both of these have noticeably diminished.

Overall: I am so impressed, and will definitely repurchase. It is not cheap (the smallest jar is around £95) but to me it is worth it... I also wonder if it would help with things such as stretch marks... hmm!

Ipad

2010-09-07T22:56:00.000+01:00

I was sceptical at first, but it really does make life much easier, if you're considering, DO IT!!

I loveee the photo album, much much better than iphones!

If a dog is a man's best friend..

2010-09-07T16:55:00.000+01:00

Can shoes and jewels be mine?....

Tory Burch and Vivienne Westwood *sighhhh* a match made in consumer heaven.

I'd lusted over the classic v.w orb earrings for months, selfridges often sold out of the plain version, and i refused the coloured, now i have both.

The earrings are beautiful, so much so that you dont need a necklace or any other jewellery for that matter, they stand out for themselves.. and the price point is very reasonable for what you get, i would happily have paid double.

Oh i love thee. Soft buttery leather, gold detail, these are my dream flats, i may get a back up, watch this space. All i can say is, go try a pair on. If you want classic, beautiful shoes but don't require heels, these fit the bill to perfection.

What girl doesn't love her make up?

2010-09-06T16:30:00.000+01:00

Ok, ok.. so i know i said i wasn't mad about the naked palette, well, i began looking at it in detail online, and the 'only shadows you'll need' tipped me over the edge.

I know you'll have heard it all before but.. YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE. It is perfection in eyeshadow form.

My favourite combination is sin, naked and smog. So gorgeous with smudgey black kohl. Perfectly framed with corner lashes, normal ones of which are too thin for me, so i buy strip lashes and chop them up. Shu are my favourite.

The chanel counter also recieved a visit!

The pressed powder is beautifully silky, the blush in 'reflex is a beautiful warm pink with a peach vein, although it isnt particularly concentrated. The felt tip style eyeliner is wonderful, if you struggle with liquid liner, i cannot recommend this more.

The new lipstick in chintz smoothes on creamily, though none are as creamy as the ysl, i dont know the name of this, but its a lovely peach colour from their new pearl lipsticks.

I'm currently trialling a shu uemura uv under make up base which smoothes my skin so much i just wear this with a little powder on top.

Eyelashes curlers also by shu.

I've bought so many books recently, yet i never seem to have the time to read. Oh well.

I bought the liz earle cleanser to try out.. havent used it yet, but i will let you know how i find it.

Chanel chance eau tendre has been a favourite of mine for such a long time, picked up a bottle and clarins' recent offering. Both beautiful, timeless scents.

But what may have caught your eye is the infamous 'creme de la mer', i know before i bought my first question would have been 'is it worth the money?' as well all know this is by no means cheap, but it is, it heals cuts, scars, grazes, my pores are smaller, my skin tighter and it glows. MIRACLE CREAM!.

I hope you are all well. If you have any questions about any of the products please feel free!

Meet Alexa

2010-09-05T12:58:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the family Alexa... (oversized)

Chanel polishes

2010-09-04T08:06:00.004+01:00

Until recently, i hadn't tried any chanel 'le vernis', preferring opi et al. But recently when picking up another couple of my beloved coco rouge lipsticks, my eye caught the nail varnish stand...

I chose the classic lotus rouge, a gorgeous, dark red with a hint of rust, I have also since bought 'dragon' which is a much brighter, more orange red.

Jade rose, a beautiful soft pink with a hint of peach.

Paradoxal, this seasons 'it' colour, i know many people were disappointed by this colour, expecting it to be more multi toned, but i love it, it's quite similar on me to metro chic.

And finally the coveted Particulere, The original greige.

Chanel polishes are beautifully packaged, i also love the smaller lid for application. If i take these along to a mani pedi, i find they will last about a week, if i apply myself, they do seem to chip rather quickly, but that may be attributed to how thickly i paint it on.

Whilst on the subject of hands, i also bought something else to adorn my wrist.

I like the one by michael kors in this style but i already have it in tortoiseshell so i thought id delve into a new brand.

Fresh start and new beginnings.

2010-08-29T12:14:00.002+01:00

Hey everyone, i hope you're all well.

As i'm sure you've noticed, my posts recently have been few and far between, and those i have done have been rushed or negative. As a result i feel i owe an explanation.

This all began in around april i'd say when exam fever set in, continued throughout may and june, and in july, result fever began, august, results rolled around, i flew back to england especially and there was a technical error so i didnt get any details until a week later than everyone else, my firm choice uni emailed me to say they had outstanding results from me and needed confirmation and lets just say i spent alot of time on the m6 between the west mids and craig's home in the north!

Well everything is now resolved, my firm choice was Nottingham, my insurance was Birmingham and im so grateful that i met the conditions for both, so on September 24th i'll be moving into halls in Nottingham to study LLB Law, with criminology, i'm so excited and i finally feel relaxed and myself again! I chose to study in the UK over the US as i feel an english degree will set me apart, also when our green cards came through i had already began my preparations and i didnt want to alter my plans that drastically.

I plan to make this a fresh start in every aspect, life, where i live, how i treat myself, my education.

Thankyou all for bearing with me, one thing i've found is when im worried, i shop, so i have so much to share with you all!

Tabitha. x

Been busy... but not too busy to shop

2010-08-11T20:00:00.003+01:00

It's getting to be a habit, all this apologising, but once again, i'm sorry for my absence!

I'm back in the states at the moment, and have just been rather busy, but i thought id stop by and share some of my favourite things lately!

I'm loving block colour skirts, the teal one is gorgeous! I really also like the look of fitted tee's with yoga pants for lounging about in, the above are from victoria's secret and fit like a glove. i'm also really into tan leather, belts, shoes, bayswater ;) these wedges go with so many outfits and just add an edge.

I've not been feeling make up as much recently, brows, mascara and some lipbalm do me fine! MY favourite mascara is the covergirl lashblast, it really is the best. In summer i find its important to keeps lips silky smooth so i bought one of the eos lipbalms, it is fantastic, and quite the novelty!

My obligatory payday trip to sephora didnt result in much.. i like the naked palette, but since its permanent i figured it could wait so i picked up 3 s-opi polishes in metro chic, how cute is that and under my trench coat, all gorgeous colours, i had how cute is that, the coral colour on my last mani pedi, it's the perfect summer colour!

More than cosmetics i'm into the whole better you thing right now, so im looking after what ive got, part of that is applying argan oil to my hair, along with taking supplements to encourage it to grow long and healthy, and its working!! Let me know if you want a post on supplements i take!

Sexy lingerie is also great for making you feel fabulous, and craig doesent mind it either ;) even the most boring outfit can make you feel a million dollars with some gorgeous undies!

I've invested in lots of bangles for layering into fall/winter, a bit of jingle never hurt anyone...

Ok ok, im a little old for them, but come on, what girl doesent love a bit of barbie?! The lbd barbies are so gorgeous!! But as its end of season, the lrd (little red dress) versions are appearing in stores now... bollocks!

Either way, i hope you're all well, and ill make sure to do another post soon.

Thankyou all for waiting.

Tabitha. x

Summer everyday make up

2010-07-20T17:04:00.005+01:00

Guess who's back... back again... Hope you missed me!

Hey guys! I hope you are all well. Again, i can only apologise for my long absence. For lack of a better term, I've had alot of shit going on in my family life. But with alot of love and support from Craig, i'm in at least a better polace in my life than a month or so ago. Still not perfect, but hey ho, nothing is!

So i thought my return to blogger would be a make up look. This is basically my everyday summer look. As alot of you know i am a green card holder in the US and live between here and the UK with the long term goal of moving permanently, so to summarise i'm back in florida for the next few months, and then ill be deciding overall where to study.

As we all know, the temperatures in Florida are relatively high, and therefore make up must be adjusted to match, so this look is perfect for any warm holiday destination.

I began by moisturising and using my cellnique sebum gel, which is fantastic on my nose and chin area.

I then prepped my skin with Clinique city block spf 25. Something like this is perfect for warmer climates as it not only has spf, but it also has a slight tint so there is less need for a light foundation or tinted moisturiser.

I then used 'leather' from the kat von d ludwig palette with the 263 brush to fill in my brows. I find in hot weather that a simple powder is enough, pencil can be a bit harsh and/or sticky, whilst gels can just feel uncomfortable.

Next up, a very light helping of concealer blended well helps to hide any imperfections but still leaves you with a natural, glowy look.

A cream blush gives the most natural dewy finish in the sun and i find Stila convertible colour in peony to be the best for me

For the eyes, i favour a light, shimmery defined look with minimum hassle, so i use a wash of retrospeck over the lid and tempting in the outer v, slightly into the crease and just under the eye.
retrospeck, 239
tempting, 219( i think)

I then used fluidline in 'blacktrack' with a 209 brush to line the eye, just to give some extra depth and create the illusion of thicker lashes.

My favourite.. mascara! a few generous coats. i'm trying to use up maybelline lash stiletto voluptuous right now.. its ok, but nothing fantastic.

The overall look is a dewy, natural summer look. Blend a bit of carbon into the crease, and it's perfect for warm evening dinners, or margaritas at the tiki bar!

(i'm half malaysian and you can't often tell, but don't you think my eyes look so oriental in these pics!!)

Upcoming review

2010-06-07T15:58:00.003+01:00

Hey guys, hope you're all well.

I'm in the midst of exam season, so i'm sorry for slacking! It'll all be over on june 25th though! And then i'll be back in the states until september/october.

A while back i did a review with an american company, CSN about my deer pillow. Well the lovely Ashley has contacted me again and i will soon be reviewing a leather travel case embossed with my initials. This company is such a pleasure to work with, though they don't ship to the UK, so this is one for all the girls back in the states including me obviously :) But it really is a great company, they do everything from manicure sets to cushions to toilet roll holders to sofas!

Annnyway, i'll be back on top form soon, sorry again, i know ive been notable only by my absence.

Bring on june 25th!

xxx

Accumulative purchases and a quick hello!

2010-05-23T20:27:00.003+01:00

Hey everyone, i hope you're all well?

I've been busy as ever, i really am sorry for the lack of posts, i cant wait for the summer break, i promise ill blog much much more!

So my nan's house is pretty much done, as much as possible anyway. Ive just been taking her out alot to buy new things, kettle, hoover etc.

But i have had one or two days where i got to do a spot of shopping, wanna see?

I only bought a new purse a few months ago, but i fell in love, tell me it isnt gorgeous! It's a Chloe tan leather wallet.
I got some uggs for wearing around the house or if im just nipping out and am not overly bothered about what i wear. Theyre quite nice, theyre comfy and cosy but they do stain my feet, and im not impressed with schuh's delivery! i had to go collect them from kidderminster, it took us bloody ages!
Cute cardi from m&s though its a bit big
I got these two skirts from vero moda, one in a taupe colour and one in black, theyre laaavely. very soft and comfy, only thing is theyre a tad short, but hey ho!

Oh come on, you would! a huuuuuge marie! i love her.
I jumped on the diet coke bandwagon, though i got the cherry version! London and milan, and a little wedgewood bowl i found at my nans that she said i could have because it matches my tattoo :)
From to the beach i got the highlight powder, lovely as a blush, the highlight drops, an eyeliner and lazy day lipstick. i love it all. ive also bought the 209, and im trying a mac foundation and concealer, so far so good!!

Aaand finally, i bought the egyptian magic everyone has been raving about, i love it, it is a bit of a miracle cream!! i much prefer it to e.a 8 hour cream.

And based on 'beauty and the blog's recommendation i bought the samy fat hair thickening creme, for me, it is amazing! i love it!

Hope everyones well and enjoying the sunshine! xx

Update and recent purchases

2010-05-03T19:24:00.009+01:00

Hey guysss!!

Did you miss me? i missed you lot! Nan's house is almost done, at least enough so that she can come back home. And to reward myself, ive been shopping!! Today is also Craig's birthday, and friday will be our 3 year anniversary so i thought we deserved a bit of a treat.

Craig and i also have some big news but im going to wait until the 'thing' returns from re-sizing ;) to tell you.

Anyway, onto the goods!! (These are gifts or are bought with a cheque i was given for doing some work.)

I'd been wanting a mulberry bayswater for agesss!! i love it, i got it in the tan distressed leather. It's the perfect size.

The vivienne westwood anglomania for melissa shoes, i wanted to get some ugg boots to wear as slippers but everywhere i tried said no deliveries until september, so i got these, gorgeous!!
This gorgeous Michael Kors watch, i wanted a watch different to the one i wear everyday so i can switch it up a bit.
Vero moda cardi and topshop vest.
Another vero moda cardi and river island top
Faith sale shoes!
Alexander McQueen skull scarf modelled by Craig
The Louis Vuitton leopard graffitti scarf

The kurt geiger pumps i got for christmas but in black!
And a Nars palette called something i cant remember.
I also got Craig and My Dad Louis Vuitton Ties. Spread the love!

I realise this is alot and i know im lucky but i do spread it around, ive recently given two good friends monetary gifts for their help with my nans, and im also planning a blog giveaway so hold tight!!

Hope you're all well!! xx

Sorry for being so poop!

2010-04-19T23:30:00.003+01:00

Just a quick one to let you know ill be back soon and whats going on.

Basically, i was at Craig's all last week, we drove back sunday morning, get home, and my nan's neighbours ringing to tell me my nan's house has been broken into (she's at her sister's at the moment in bexhill) so we race down to her house, which isn't exactly close to mine and the padlock had been broken off, the backdoor kicked in and the whole house has been trashed, upstairs bedroom doors have been kicked in half.

My nan collects things so the house is full, like worse than what you see on 'how clean is your house?' but it was all in piles and theyve just knocked it all over, so basically you cant see the floor and as you're walking through the house your head is touching the ceiling.

Craig and i were there for 6 hours on sunday and we've cleared a patch the size of a bath mat. Not cool.

So i've told her to stay at Anne and Jim's and Craig, Vanessa and myself are going to go on saturday, my dad's getting us two skips, it wont be enough but it should be enough for the hallway and we're just going to thrash through and get it sorted, then just Me and Craig will be doing it sunday too. We called the police on sunday and they wouldn't even go in it's that full, they said itd take months to clear, so we're just going to do our best this weekend... Seriously though, what kind of people do that to an old lady??

Don't worry if you didnt read all that, its more for myself to be honest, to set out plans!!

So yeah, i've not abandoned you guys, but this has to be my priority.

Hope you're all ok, wish me luck!!

Boring day!

2010-04-09T15:40:00.005+01:00

So i've been doodling :) can you tell who it is yet? haha.

I went digging in the garage yesterday and found some old art stuff from when i left school..

Theyre pretty shitty, but i was like 15/16. ha. i like the one in the middle though! I'm gonna name her... sally... :)

Turn that frown upside down!

2010-04-08T10:27:00.002+01:00

For easter, instead of getting loadsss of chocolate, my dad (who isn't actually talking to me at the moment, long story involving his slag 'girlfriend' although 'nastyoldbitchfriend' would be more appropriate ;) ) gave me a couple of eggs and a rock and roll cd collection for my car, knowing where my heart lies...

On most of the cds are classics that ive heard thousands of times and love dearly, but then i came across one i havent heard in a very long time, which made me smile! Especially the talky bit.

Have a nice day!

Weekend Shopping

2010-04-06T00:07:00.005+01:00

Nothing beats a bit of retail therapy, does it?

To mark the beginning of Spring, (any excuse!) Craig and i did a spot of shopping in Preston.

My favourite thing has to the the chanel 'rouge coco' lipstick in 05 Mademoiselle, honestly guys, it's amazing!!

I received my 'F&F couture' biscuit, thanks guys!

Also, the fragrance shop has roc lift and fix moisturiser reduced from £30 to £9.99!
Tesco 27p face wipes, some fun stickers and some korres shower gel and body butter, mmm!
How gorgeous is this celia birtwell mirror? £6 at boots!

Tesco barbara daly nail varnish in 'tea rose' some mini kings and queens shower gels
finally, my second favourite, i'd been after some black wedges for sooooo long, £10 at tesco!! i love them!

What colour do i need next? ;)

Happy easter weekend everyone :) xxx

In's and Out's

2010-03-25T18:48:00.002Z

March is coming to an end, can you believe how time flies??

So here are my march 2010 In's and out's

In.

- This is the month i passed my driving test, wahey!

- April showers... hey, it beats snow! Spring is on it's way!

- Baths, i've got back into the habit of a good soak in the tub. mmm so comforting.

- Summery scents, i'm loving the fresher summery perfumes available at the moment.

- Nail varnish, i've made myself a paypal account simply so i can buy some opi off ebay!

- I've joined tailsweep and i have some Cellnique products on the way to review, there'll also be free samples given away to 50 of you, so look out for that!

Out.

- I got my first ever cold sore this month, and now i have another one! f*#2$ sake

- I just feel a bit under pressure at the moment so clothes and make up, the things i enjoy are a bit on the backburner :( need some retail therapyyyyyyy

- Leggings, argh! why must they rip!

Hope you're all ok! xo

Passion for fashion giveaway, go enter!

2010-03-22T20:21:00.003Z

http://passionforfashion1983.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway.html

The gorgeous em's having a giveaway! Go follow her!

Bag swap!

2010-03-20T22:08:00.006Z

As some of you may have noticed, this month, i've been very good with my spending issue. May i just take a moment to say, this was not out of choice! i still have the urge to shop! But while my dad was away i spent alot on food shopping for the house! So, to satisfy my cravings, shall we say, a friend from college who had been lusting over my brown longchamp le pliage asked if she could have it when i 'was done', it was at this point that i looked at her bag, and thought.. mmmm... so i proposed a swap!

The bag in question is a gorgeous little bowler from topshop, eerily similar to Sienna Miller's favourite prada bag... naughty topshop! Though as Amy's bag was a fair bit less than mine she gave me some pretty topshop jewellery too! :D

I think swaps are a fabulous idea, particularly if you're a bit skint! Remember, one mans trash is another mans treasure!

Three lovely necklaces.. but wait, what's that in the corner? Is that.. a cat's paw? Well, the second i took the pic she reached out and grabbed it!! haha!

I love it, have you guys ever swapped with your friends? Do you do it often, will you? Let me know!!

Oh and before i forget, remember i mentioned a deer pillow a while back? well they delivered it to the fla house, but my dad bought it back, is'nt it cute??

Please excuse the cats! It's raining outside and i took pity!...

DISCLAIMER: i am not a cat lady!

L is for the way you look.. at me.

2010-03-10T17:38:00.005Z

For a long time now I've been craving a 'love' necklace. I love the simple design, the simple word, which gives maximum 'cuteness'.

£5 from Dorothy Perkins!

Boob shot a'la Lorraine Stanick! to show off another thing i LOVE, bad-um...

These gorgeous black vests from H&M, £3.99, perfect for layering!

A final thing i've discovered and loooove, ok ok i'll stop with the bad puns! Is Marc Jacobs' 'Daisy' It has become one of if not my actual favourite. It's so light and feminine but with an underlying sexiness. It's beautiful, if i could, i'd buy you all a bottle just so you could see what i mean!

On another note, how beautiful was last night's sunset??

Foundation Du Jour

2010-03-10T17:19:00.004Z

I've never been one for foundation, i find it a little heavy and suffocating, so to speak, so in the past i've either blended thoroughly with moisturiser, or even better just used a tinted moisturiser!

I recently had a severe allergic reaction to a certain garnier moisturiser, and so all i used on my poor dry, bumpy skin was cetaphil cleanser, then after a little while astral moisturiser, being the first one i'd ever used, i knew i'd be good, but i'm finding it a little heavy for me again, and now even my fail safe clinique brings out the bumps!

So now i'm wondering if its all hormone related as i've recently come off the pill (damn you cerazette!) due to the horrific mood swings.

Anyway, now that my skin is back to normal (kinda) i decided to choose a good foundation for those off-days.

I spent a good 20 minutes in superdrug (poor Craig!) deliberating between the loreal matte morphose and the bourjois healthy mix. Following my gut instinct and lots of questions to Craig, 'Which side of my face looks smoother??' I chose the bourjois, and it was definately the right decision!

It is a creamy liquid, it's hard to describe the consistency because it isn't thin per say, but it doesen't have that heavy feeling of other liquid foundations i've tried.

It has a fresh, light fruity scent, perhaps due to the apricot, melon, apple and ginger they say it contains.

It feels extremely light on the skin, so much so that you will forget you're wearing it!

It retails for £9.99 but is on promotion at the moment for £7.99!

I don't think it needs to be set with powder, though i do just to be sure

Overall, this gets a 9/10, missing out on the extra point because i would like a tiny bit more coverage, it covers redness and everything and even spots but on those areas it seems to wear off quite quickly! (scuse the foundation on lips and the pink bit, i've got such a cold, and for some reason i always bite my lip when im ill or nervous!)

'Eye Accessories'

2010-03-08T20:55:00.001Z

Beth and her scary contacts!!

I passed my driving test!

2010-03-03T13:30:00.005Z

So today was my driving test, i didnt want to mention it as im quite superstitious, but i passed first time with 3 minors! Wahey! I'm thrilled!
Only drawback is, i can't drive until my dad gets back from the states because my car's in a separate wing of the garage blocked in by his cars. Greeeeat!
I'm so happy! It's a HUGE weight off my shoulders :D

I've been learning for over a year, because living between the uk and us i would have huge 4 month gaps between lessons, but i got here in the end. ~My florida drivers test is in july, wish me luck!~

Todays bits and bobs

2010-02-17T20:31:00.008Z

Do you know what i realised?

I've been blogging for a year now! My bloggiversary!

So you all know ive been quiet lately because ive been sorting things out, exams, essays, uni applications, driving test (which they postponed again), new bed, getting rid of old stuff etc etc

But things are settling down now, which is gooood.

I went with my nan to town today, i got a lovely jade necklace from the antiques market, and she had cut out some £5 body shop vouchers from the paper for me, so i only paid £5 for...

-Cucumber water, im looking forward to putting this in a squirty bottle to leave in the fridge, perfect for a freshen up!

-Fuzzy peach bath and shower gel. mmm peach! nuff said.

-Japanese cherry blossom spray, i plan to use this as a room fragrance

Also, the michael kors for estee lauder lippy i got for my birthday, one of my favourite blog girls, Ondine asked me to swatch it, so here it is on;

mm attractive! my attempt at a fish face failed... but yeah, i love it, im moving on from nudes, theres only so long you can enjoy the zombie look! im preferring pinky tones atm. Its a teeny bit brighter in real life, but its gorgeously creamy and really lasts, though if you cant get it, Mac speed dial is the perfect dupe! (scuse the spots, i had a horrific reaction to some garnier products.)

In my birthday post, i only showed you my gifts from my dad, my Craig got me this lovely coat, i needed a new coat desperately, its so warm! and goes with everything! I chose a couple sizes up so i could wear it over numerous layers of jumpers and cardi's! its perfect! He also took me out for dinner the other night and got me some pretty earrings :D

And last but not least, i told you id show you when my new bed arrived, and here it is! I love it, so cosy! A bit messy i know, sorry!

I cant wait to get some flower fairy lights to wrap around the headboard! Just have to find my new dressing table now!!

Anyyway, i hope youre all ok.

Thankyou to each and everyone of you for sticking with me this long!

MWAAAAAH! xx

Happy Birrrthday to mee!

2010-02-17T16:25:00.008Z

Yesterday i turned 19! My goodness, 20 next year!

My daddy took me shopping in birmingham and we had a light lunch in the moet chandon bar, mmm chocolate fondant!, then on the evening we went for a meal, i had a lovely day.

Wanna see my gifts?

I got a Louis Vuitton speedy 40 which id been lusting after for quite a while!

I got the 40 because its a great size for me, travelling alot i can use it as a carry on, i can fit my laptop in it and a4 folders, its perfect! I had my initials embossed on it in gold and the wonderful shop assistant gave me a bottle of moet and chandon imperial brut too!

Next on my list was this lovelyyy marc by marc jacobs watch, although i have to wait for an extra link before i can wear it, 7-10 days! bah! but yes, i loveee it!
And then i got lots of little bits and bobs, some cath kidston, some michael kors for estee lauder, the beige varnish is gorgeous!

and last but not least!! some satiny ballet pumps from accessorize!

Beauty Judge ( WIN a hamper! )

2010-02-10T19:59:00.003Z

Hey guys, ive been really busy, sorry!
But just to let you know, yesterday i got an email about being a nominee for the 'Everyday woman award!' waheyy
If you wanna vote, my voting id is EWA1073 on beautyjudge.com
There'll be a voters prize of a £100 hamper!
Hope you're all ok! xx

chopped my hair off again!

2010-02-02T17:29:00.004Z

I had about 3 inches off with lots of layers and a sweepy fringe. I had it done by stacey at umberto giannini in stourbridge, shes amazing!

And bought stuff i shouldnt have again :)

so much for the shopping ban!

Ring from.. select! one of the stylists was asking me about it, she was so shocked when i told her where it was from, she said she thought it was swarovski. i dont know if thats a compliment or not though, swarovski isnt overly expensive! oh well.. i also gave in and got the acrylics back on! wahey.

Horse belt from dorothy perkins, rip off of the angel jackson and topshop one
Waterfall cardi, i love this

And some studded ballet flats!

Oh dearie me!

my bed is FINALLY ready for collection too! but theyre only open 10-4 and they rang at 16.02. BOLLOCKS. :D

hope youre all ok

Final sale bargain

2010-02-01T12:43:00.003Z

i'm so sorry i've not posted lately, i was poorly, then i had exams, then i got rid of everything in my room but due to dreams being the crappiest store in the world i still have no new bed, so i am STILL sleeping in the spare room.

My driving test got cancelled today due to the snow, im gutted! Oh well. fingers crossed for the next time.

And plus i cant go shopping because then there'll be nothing left to choose on my birthday (16th feb) waheyy!

Anyway, last wednesday i picked up this 'paprika' top in new look.

£25 reduced to £8!! :D

Gorgeous Pillows

2010-01-25T18:51:00.004Z

I was recently contacted by the lovely Ashley from CSN stores, who said i could choose a product from their websites to review, I'm currently re-doing my room, so i chose this gorgeous fawn pillow, but more about that once it arrives, it'll be about a month as it's being sent to my US mailbox, What do you think? I feel all snow white!

Also, ill be giving away a £25 topshop voucher soon, so look out for that one!
Hope you're all ok, can't wait till friday, payday!!

My naughty Lush order!

2010-01-12T18:50:00.003Z

Arrived.. I made an order of £36 because if you spend 30 you get £10 worth of free goodies, so..what did i get?

-BIG shampoo
-Ring of roses butter cream

-Dreamtime bath melt

-Each peach massage bar

-Glitterbug massage bar

-Sakura bath ballistic

-French kiss bubble bar

And free was...

-Honey bee ballistic

-Think pink ballistic
-Supernova ballistic

-Waving not drowning ballistic
-Porridge soap
-The white star soap
-The pink star soap that smells of snow fairy!

Added up, the free bits came to over £20!!

so far i've used french kiss, which made loads of bubbles, and the water went a gorgeous lilac, but im not keen on the scent. I used ring of roses, which would be much better as a body butter i think! smells amazing, and BIG shampoo which i was most excited about, It gave me very clean, light hair, but not the amazing volume i hoped for!

I also got this gorgeous tunic top/dress from the dorothy perkins sale to wear with black leggings, its really comfy and cosy! its long enough to be a dress, but in this weather its leggings all the way!

Sorry for being a bit absent, im in the middle of exams, plus i've decided to re-do my room which means its a shit tip and im sleeping in the spare room until my new bed arrives, Damn you Dreams, 2-4 weeks my ass!!!!

Hope you're all ok xx

I shopped. Again.

2010-01-07T21:59:00.006Z

I truly cannot stay away from the shops, i try and i try, but i fail!

A house of fraser not too far from me is closing down, BOOOO but this means major sales, WHEYYYYYYYYYYY!

Whats that i hear you say? 'oh no she didnt!'? oh. yes. i. did

New pursee! I've been needing one for a while, and i had my eye on some yummy marc jacobs offering, however this will suffice for a while, it was £55 i paid £16.50, It's a gorgeous taupe leather, so soft and so spacious.
Not from H.O.F, River island socks and earrings!

This fiorelli bag, only 20% off im afraid, £50 i paid £40
A tube scarf from dorothy perkins, £12 to £10

Earrings knocked down to £1.50!

Models own polish from River island, scuse the sloppy job, i just quickly slapped it on to show you.

Two skirts, river island and dotty p

I dont know if you can read that, but this gorgeous eyeshadow duo was reduced to £5.37! It was originally twenty something, then fifteen, then a fiver, how good?!

Top from £25 to £11, This is gorgeous, its a bat wing long top, look great with leggings or a skirt and is surprisingly warm!

Being the lovely sweet girlfriend that i am, i also picked up craig the burberry london for men, which had a total of...... £2 off. hmm.

So what do you reckon? good deals or what?!

My question to my lovely followers is...

What would you pair the snakeskin effect skirt from river island with?
Hope you're all having fun in the snow! xx

Happy 101 Tag! :)

2010-01-06T15:56:00.012Z

Thankyou to the gorgeous Em at passion for fashion for tagging me with the Happy 101 Award.

To accept the award you need to post 10 things that make you happy and do at least one of them today. Remember to link to the person who tagged you and pass on to 10 others.
Here are my 10 things!.... in no order

1-Reading, preferably with a cup of tea in hand, possibly in the bath. Its not even funny the amount of books i have lurking.

2-Jewellery, i loveee jewellery, i only ever wear gold jewellery, silver just doesent work with my skintone and makes me look (and feel) washed out, though exceptions may be made for white gold or platinum.. ;)
3-Drawing and art in general. It relaxes me so much and i just enjoy it. 4-Photos. I adore photos, they can remind you of forgotten memories, i just love looking through old photos, that one moment, captured for as long as the photo is around. amazing.
5-Family and Friends, by this i mainly mean my dad and my boyfriend, they're the two people who are always there whom i can always depend on. And whom i love the most. I shan't include a pic as theyre both in the one above!

6-Clothes and shopping, oh my gosh, that should probably be number 1! I have an addiction.

7-Perfume, i Love perfume. I got my first real perfume for my 13th birthday and it was Calvin Klein Contradiction, i kept the empty bottle for years! Closely followed by a Nina Ricci one my dad bought me in tenerife purely because i wanted the free bag! haha.

8-Travelling, sometimes it feels like i never stop, I travel up to Craig's all the time, to my florida home, to see my nan (she lives alone and we have a day out every week), but i do love it, it gives me time to just relax and get lost in a book. Typically flattering railcard pic there! NOT

9-The internet! I truly enjoy blogging and watching everyone's videos on youtube. Thankyou Lappy!

10-And Pampering! i love spoiling myself, whether its getting my nails done, a haircut, a new dress, anything, i love that indulgent feeling. Speaking of which, i reckon its about time i got a haircut.. hmm!/ My cats, i couldnt leave it at just 10! i loooove my cats.

This is Peaches. The fat lazy one.

This is Spice. I wanted to call her sporty or baby but my mum wouldnt let me because she told me that one day i would not love the spice girls. We settled on spice. To be honest, the only 'spice' that she is most like is aggressive spice.

And Bagheera, the slightly weird energetic little shit.

So there you go! I tag... anyone who wants to do this, i know that's a cop out, but so many people seem to have done it that ive lost track of who has and who hasnt!

I'm lusting after...

2010-01-06T08:01:00.000Z

Only minor issue is... They all add up to around the 250 mark.
Bollocks!

Snow!

2010-01-05T22:28:00.003Z

On the way home! Wishing for my cuppa!

This is at the back of college after we got sent home, just after this it started coming down thick and heavy again!!

New year, New beginnings

2010-01-05T22:06:00.003Z

First of all, Happy new year to you all!

I hope you all had wonderful new year celebrations, We brought it in at home with some fireworks and the usual traditions.

So, the usual question of resolutions arises!

To be honest with you, my main hope for 2010 is to be healthier and happier.
To me this means being healthier not just in my food choices, drinking lots of water, but also being healthier in my attitude. By this i mean approaching work in a different way, sorting out goals and ensuring i achieve them in the best way.
And by happier i mean stop beating myself up if i miss a deadline, or have a bad hair day, but just remembering the good things like my boyfriend, my family, friends.

The last few years for me have been a journey, discovering who i am, who i want to be, and i feel im finally there.. I'm 19 in February and this will be a GOOD year for me, i dont expect it for nothing, but i intend to work hard to make it so. And everytime i forget, i can read this post.

There are a few superficial resolutions which i thought i'd include just to lighten the tone a little!

I hope you can read them!

They're all basically to do with limiting what i buy, because as you are all well-aware i am somewhat of a shopaholic!

Summarised, basically i just want to only buy good quality clothing/beauty products which will last and last!