Favourites | May 2014

So it is that time of the month again!! My Favourites are here,

Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart: I love this for an everyday lip colour because although its pink, it doesn't come out too bright so its perfect for that pop of colour on an everyday look. Especially as I wear minimal make-up to work this just perfects the whole look.

B. Energised Eye Cream: This is one of the good ones. I would say it definitely does what it says on the tin. As soon as you put this on you can feel it working and it wakes me up a little.

TheBalm How About Them Apples Cheek and Lip Tint in Pie: I absolutely love the colour of this and have been trying it out on the weekends. I'd love it even more if it was in lipstick format but this is so good I don't even mind!

Benefit Dandelion: For a light summer glow with the tiniest hint of shine, definitely a winner for daily summer wear. 

Revlon Colour Stay Concealer; I have been using this bad boy every day. I try not to wear foundation during the weeks because I love my sleep, as I've said many a time I'm lazy. Getting up 20 minutes earlier just to put on foundation is not the one, which is why I love the coverage this gives as well as blending so well into my skin tone (which is very hard to do). 

Collection Work the Colour Shadow Stick: Another everyday pop of colour. No brush, no mess. It's so super quick and easy to apply. 

Loreal Super Liner: Although I am a fan of black liner I can't apply it for the life of me. I don't know why, my hands are just not built for it. However this has an applicator that (once you get the hang of) is super easy to use and is also very quick. I have the version for Hazel eyes so its a browny colour with a tinge of purple. 


What have you been loving this week?

Books | The Three My Thoughts

I've gone and read another book, I know I read way to much but sometimes the imaginary worlds can be such a better place. Reading is definitely my go to when I'm feeling down, that or a really good film (Pirates of the Caribbean anyone?) However this being said I recently went on to bloggers required and had a little looksie what was on there. Low and behold I found someone wanting me to review their book. Now before I start I just want to make the point that although I've applied, got the book and now writing the review, all words are my own opinions and I am not being paid to say anything. 

The Three by Sarah Lotz is possibly the scariest book I have ever read and I;m glad I only did it in one hour intervals, (damn my new schedule). When I started reading it I got totally confused and baffled by what was actually going on and the way it was laid out. It has a passage which is written like the beginning of a story and then moves on into peoples accounts of what happened. Four planes went down all in one day leaving no survivors apart from three children. After that millions of conspiracy theories came out and this book tells you about them all and what happened to the children. There are also parts in the books that follow the children and their families. Some amazing things happen and some down right creepy things happen and honestly I am getting creeped out just writing this and remembering what I read. 

After I had read a couple pages (so like a quarter of the book) I found myself getting really into it and wanting to know more, until I hit the passages about the little girl Jess. I'm not going to include any spoilers but just know this book is very interesting to read. I finished it about three days ago now and I still can't decide if it was real or a story. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes these kind of things. Very well portrayed and definitely messes with your mind.

Let me know if you do read it!

Birchbox | May 2014

I know I am totally late with this post. Been trying to get my life back in order, getting fit, eating healthy, ya'kno that kinda thing. 

First Look: 

Contents:

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara | £19.50. This jet black formula adds both volume and length to all types of lashes. 
I do love this mascara but lately I am all about the new push up liner. Somebody buy me one?

Soigné Nail Laquer | £11. We're hooked on this line. 
I'm sorry but £11 for a nail polish?! That's insane and I'm not all too pleased with the colour I got, throw in some neons will you?

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil | £39.00. This invigorating blend of pink grapefruit, rosemary and juniper berry will soften skin and uplift your mood.
SO excited to try this, definitely packed it for my trip to Ireland. 

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo/Condition | £14.00 each. If you loved protect and detangle, you'll go bananas for the newest members of the family.
I loved my beauty protector oil, so this will be another great addition to my Irish trip goody bag. 

Liz Earle Beauty Co. Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser | From £13.25. 
I am so excited to try this. I've been eyeing this up every time I pop into boots and honestly this is one of the best things I have received in a Birchbox.


Look out for the reviews coming soon!

Just One of "Those" Days

Sometimes we just get those days where we want to sit in bed, eat loads of junk food and watch feel good films. Life isn't always easy and it can't always be sunshine and rainbows, theres going to be a little rain sometimes. So for those days where you want to be a lazy sloth, cry and kick yourself, I've got some tips you should remember, and a list of my favourite things for these days. 

Tips to Remember:

1. Water is your best friend. So suck it up and drink it. If you don't like if mix in some fruit, mint and cucumber, it'll taste better and is still good for you. It can also keep that pesky afternoon snack hunger away along with any cystitis problems one may get and downing a glass before bed on a night out will make you wake up a lot happier.

2. We can't be sultry and sexy everyday, so if you fancy wearing comfier pants one day wear them. It'll be much healthier for you too! French knickers and thongs have been linked to some of the problems us girls get, so keep that in mind for the days you really can't be bothered.

3. No matter how many times you tell yourself peoples lives on social media isn't real you won't believe it will you? When did you last post about that time you were all alone and had nothing to do? Exactly, everyone is just like you. 

4. Sleep is good. Don't feel bad because you want to get an early night and everyone is staying up till 4am. So put down that book, save that blogpost for another day and get some ZZZ, it's called beauty sleep for a reason. 

5. Nothing happens just like that, J K Rowling was 32 before she got published. No doubt she went through the stages we did. Just because you're not there yet doesn't mean you'll never be there. 

6. A can of spaghetti and sausages is only 332 calories per tin (the big ones). So next time you're feeling a little down and out make yourself a quick meal, grab some frozen yoghurt (it's just as tasty but healthier than ice-cream) and snuggle up with either a good book or a feel good film that will take your mind off that god awful day.

7. Girls in relationships gain weight easier than those who are single, you're already winning. 

8. Nothing says happiness like a pop of colour, brighten up that lip and smile. Take a few selfies, you know you want to.

9. Why not try a pamper night, run yourself a hot bath, put on a face mask and chill out. Not only will you feel better you'll also look great again tomorrow. 


My Favourite Things:

Today I have had an exceptionally bad day, so here are the things i've got to make it end considerably better;


1. Mango and Mandarin scented Candle - nothing like making a relaxing atmosphere with a beautiful smell.

2. Mango and Passionfruit Frozen Yoghurt - nothing like tescos own. A tasty treat yet the healthy alternative.

3. Harry Potter - who doesnt like begin whisked away to a land of magic on a bad day.

4. Raspberry and Rose Lip Balm - smells, tastes and feels amazing. 

5. I've also got a couple of naughty treats in my room, white malteasers and malted milk creams - yum!

I am also snuggled up in bed.

What do you do on a bad day? 

Don't forget my tips

TV | Game of Thrones Episode 7.

Do not read if you haven’t seen the episode!

This episode truly shocked me. So much so that I can actually write about it. So far, bar the episode where Joffery was killed and the opening episode, the majority of the episodes have felt like fillers rather than telling us the story. Which to me is an essential annoyance.

It starts off with Jaime Lannister telling Tyrion what a great speech that was and how it would be talked about for days in one very sarcastic tone of voice. It seems everything comes in three’s in this episode. Tyrion started with Jaime, then Bronn, who both refused to be his champion. Jaime because he couldn’t fight with his left hand and Bronn because Cersi has paid him off by arranging a marriage to a ditsy girl who will inherit a castle – or she will once Bronn dispatches of her older sister. Humour only this character could give as we all still love him the same (at least I think he’s a brilliant character).

Then came the first shocker of this episode for me, Prince Oberyn offering to be Tyrion’s champion. I did get all childlike excited for this as Oberyn has always made it clear he hates the Lannisters and I like Tyrion (little bit worried he would have to fight the mounting himself!). The story he tells of when Tyrion was a baby is slightly tragic, as you can tell from the looks on his face, but necessary for the building up to Oberyn telling Tyrion he will be his champion just to try and kill the man who killed his sister and her children, tugs at the female heart a little! And is it just me or do they both look oddly attractive in the dim light of the cells?

The next shocker for me was Arya. This scene for me was the perfect way to show how far Arya had some, grown and shows that even though the Hound is trying to ransom her, they are in a way friends and protect each other. The Hound shows his nobility by putting a dying man out of his misery after a few lines of conversation, only to be jumped and bitten by, assumingly, the people who burnt the place down. If there were more we don’t see them, as the first man to attack gets his neck broken by the hound and then the second Arya knows. The Hound asks him to say his name and once he has, Arya’s quick hand with needle plunges the tip into the man’s heart. To which the Hound offers a friendly response of “You’re learning.” It did shock me because although I knew Arya wants to kill a bunch of people from her list, it was so fast and shocking that I was taken aback a little.

The bit I didn’t like is the way Jon Snow is treated at the Night’s Watch. His ideas are good and he always gets pushed down. The only reason he was allowed to go was because they thought he wouldn’t come back. Ghost however is a blessing, glad Jon found him. Elsewhere Daenerys shows that she needs Jorah’s advice. My want for them to end up together is now growing, especially seeing Jorahs face after Daario leaves her rooms.

Then the third and final shocker for me comes in two parts. The first I suppose is also two in one, Sansa is out in the snow building winterfell and Robin comes out to see. They start off with a nice conversation then he ruins the tower, she shouts and him and he proceeds to stomp over the entire thing. Sansa then slaps him in the face and he runs off crying. Petyr then appears and after telling Sansa his intentions, as she is so much more attractive than her mother, they kiss while Lysa is watching in the shadows. Lysa then calls Sansa to look at the moon door and threatens to push her down it. Petyr comes to Sansa’s rescue by praying on Lysa’s affections for him, telling her there was only one woman he ever loved – Catlyn – and then pushes her through the moon door. My jaw just dropped at that moment and my mother’s response was “Oh, what a nice man.”

Have you watched this episode? Let me know what you think

Benefit vs Smashbox #2

Now I know we all love Benefits They're Real mascara but I've not heard much about the bad girl lash. While on the plane to Lanzarote I bought myself the Sizzlin' Six, which was a collection of Benefit Mini's and a couple weeks before that I treated myself to the Smashbox Try It Kit. Among the variations of samples both of these include mascara.

I was really intrigued to find out how different these were as the brushes look exactly the same. So for  my friends birthday we went to the pub and I put Bad Girl Lash on one eye and Full Exposure on the other. They both glided onto my lashes with ease and the only one difference I could see was that the bad girl lash separates more than the full exposure but it's not by a lot. When I asked my friends if they could notice they said no. 

My personal opinion on these are that these mascaras are exactly the same however I would prefer to wear the bad girl lash for the pure sheerness of it. Benefit wins this round. 

What can I compare next?

Dress Code | Holiday Nights Pt. 2

This was by far the simplest outfit I wore on holiday. All items were a little but big for me which means I didn't feel constricted or uncomfortable. Once again all items are from New Look.

I absolutely fell in love when I saw the pattern on the skirt; it was just spring in clothing for me. It's lightweight and although figure hugging not to tight in the wrong areas. 
My top is a peplum (again) but this hides my small chest, flatters my hips and suits me down to the bone. I then paired it with a chiffon kimono and I'm good to go.

What do you wear out on holiday?

TV | Once Upon A Time Season Three Finale

This hands down has to be one of my absolute favourite tv shows. The seasons three finale aired Sunday and I’m already itching to buy it on DVD, seeing as I already own seasons one and two. I know I could just go online and watch them (like I did for seasons three) but it’s always a lot more comforting to snuggle up and have them playing on the TV, without all those annoying pesky adds that appear on everything you click! I only buy DVD copies of shows I feel I can watch again, my collection currently holds a few worldwide favourites; like vampire diaries, gossip girl and Nikita

I’m going to talk about the main points of the two episodes; so if you don’t want any spoilers don’t carry on reading!

In these last two episodes lots of things happen. Zelena’s magic from her necklace opens the time portal and while Hook is trying to convince Emma that storybrooke is where she belongs they spot the orange light beaming up into the air behind them. Naturally, all Emma wants to do is check it out and hopefully stop it. Upon arrival at the barn the time portal throws open the doors and pulls emma and hook in with it. One of my favourite lines from this episode is where Emma gets pulled into the portal and Hook responds with, “One day I’ll stop chasing this woman” and follows her into the portal.

Once back in the past, and the enchanted forest, Hook and Emma are at the scene she was thinking of before they went in. Her parents first meeting. As any child would be she was eager to see how this scene played out in real life and so tries to move for a better view, cracks a branch, spooks snow (who then falls out of the tree) and they never meet. Luckily she is with Hook who knows where to find the only person they could go to and who could help them, the only problem being Rumple wants to kill Hook at this part in his life. It takes some convincing but finally he believes them and agrees to help. They get the story back on track, he’ll find a way to get the portal back open for them to return home.

Hook comes up with an idea to trick Snow into getting the ring that Charming is planning on giving to his new bride to be, so sends Emma to distract himself while he bargains with Snow. Luckily he is so drunk on rum he doesn’t notice when he gets knocked out by himself. They turn up at the Castle which is holding a ball in honour of James and Abigail watching Snow climb her way in to steal the ring. Rumple appears and hands them an invitation to the ball along with a Glamour spell so that no-one will recognise them in the future.

Unfortunately Emma attempts to help Snow escape, finds the ring and gets thrown into the dungeons, where she’s sees a woman in the cell next to her. She remembers how Neal taught her to pick locks after her cellmate explains they are to be put to death in the morning. They leave the cells together and run into Charming, Hook and Red who were on their way to rescue Emma. As they are going to meet Snow they are stopped by Hook who has seen her tied to a post outside and the Evil Queen burns her alive. I had slight suspicions that Snow wouldn’t die, the whole entire base is around her and Prince Charming so there was no way she would die, but I was still shocked when I found out she had turned herself into a bug to escape the flames. Thank god for Blue.

With Snow back from her bug form the rest of their meeting goes (pretty much) as it should do with the exception of turning the trolls into bugs, she merely says she will and they go running off back from whence they came and get turned to bugs by Regina later on. Emma, Hook and an unconscious stranger then return to Rumple in the hopes that they can return home. However, they find him creating a forgetting potion so that he doesn’t ruin the future and forgets he ever met them. Once Rumple tells Emma the portal can only be opened by someone with magic who has gone through the portal they think all hope is lost and he sends them down into his vault. Emma scolds Hook for playing with things down here because Rumple called this the place he sends the darkest of magics. They then have a small argument which fuels Emmas magic (which returned when Zelena was killed) and opens the portal. Rumple appears and demands to know how she did it and what happened to his son. Emma tells him and insists he drinks the forgetting potion too. Once Emma and Hook have gone through the portal closes and you see Rumple looking confused to which he says “What the hell am I doing down here?”

Back in storybrooke some of the most heartfelt scenes are about to happen, Rumple and Belle get married. “Sometimes the best cups are chipped.” So cute! I am literally so happy they are finally together properly. Just a shame he lied to her and have her a fake dagger rather than the real one.

Then we get to the bit that I am the most sad/annoyed about. The girl that Emma saved is Marian, Robins wife. I thought Regina would finally get a happy ending and they ruined it! Hopefully it’ll all get sorted out in the next series. As I’ve really enjoyed the transition from Evil Queen to Regina.

Then there was the twist at the end of the episodes where you see blue smoke come out of the jar that Hook had been playing with, creating a woman who removes her gloves shoots out ice and freezes the ground as she walks out of the barn. There would have only been one answer for this: Elsa is coming to once upon a time and I couldn’t be more interested to see how they are going to incorporate her into the background of the characters. My only regret is that I didn’t know about this sooner so I could have been on it! I am still totally excited for season four!

Elsa has been confirmed and you can read an article about it here: http://tvline.com/2014/05/12/once-upon-a-time-season-4-elsa-from-frozen/#!4/raphael-sbarge-robert-carlyle-emilie-de-ravin-erickeenleyside/

Once Upon a time has been renewed for a fourth season, this fall!

TV | My thoughts: Eurovision

Last night was probably one of the best nights of the year. I absolutely love Eurovision. A lot of people do not like this show, I've even been called a loser for watching it, but my friend and I watched it all last night and we took notes on the songs and the dress of all the acts. Also Graham Nortons comments are possibly the best part of the show, I do miss Terry Wogan though. 

Ukraine; Tick Tock - Mariya Yaremchuk: I still don't understand what the guy in the Hamster wheel was all bout? Do you? Her dress was beautiful and suited her figure perfectly the thing that let her down on the appearance front was her hair as it looked matted and horrible. Mariya herself is a stunning woman. I found the sing was very catchy and had good music but she couldn't hit some of the high notes. I really liked the chorus, but I found I couldn't understand most of the words. 

Belarus; Cheesecake - Teo: Good spanish feeling music, very catchy and easy to bop too. Again, I didn't understand what the song was about or some of the words. They did some kind of 90's synchronised dancing. I haven't quite decided if I like it or not. However, they all looked very smart in their suits. There was also some kind of sexual noise at the end. 

Azerbaijan; Star A Fire - Diara Kazmova: This lades dress was absolutely incredible. I wish I had some fancy ball to go to because that's the kind of dress I would wear! The red complemented her skin tone wonderfully and I loved the way at the top of the dress went from a lace lookalike to full colour. Again, this act had some random side act, this one being a lady on the trapeze. As good as she was on it, I don't see the relevance. She sang her song very well. 

Iceland; No Prejudice - Pollapink: Graham Nortons comment on this act was "they're dressed like the teletubbies" which of course made me laugh, but it is kind of true as they all wear their own colour. I did enjoy this song, but I think I enjoyed it for the pure idiocy of it. Music was very easy to bop along too as well.  In the middle section or "the bridge" they did this little side step with their guitars which was quite synchronised. 

Norway; Silent Storm - Carl Epsen: This disappointed my friend and I because we thought he would sing a more kind of rocky song rather than a slow one. He does have a good voice however it was slightly quiet on my tv so again I couldnt understand some of the song. There was no diction and it was a little depressing but he did sing it with lots of emotion which you could see. He was dressed smartly but it was a smart casual appearance. 

Romania; Miracle - Paula Seling & OVI: My friends first comment on this lady was that she looked like an ugly Kardashian, I'll let you make your own judgement on that. There were a lot of awkward and random hand movements but I didn't quite understand what they were for. Also the circular piano is cool but pointless as only half of it is used. The music would be quite good for a night out in a club.

Armenia; Not Alone - Aram MP3: I do not know how this guy got so many points. I did not like this song. He looks like a dead version of Dr Frankenstein and his voice was extremely scrapy. 

Montenegro; Moj Svijet - Sergey: This act had some background action as well. He had a rollerblader/iceskater lady in the background, not sure why but they did some funky lighting on the floor for her. He sang in his own language which was nice, even though I couldnt understand it was nice to hear. He was the first person I felt looked genuinely happy to be on that stage and his velvet suit made him look very dapper. The music was also very easy listening. 

Poland; We Are Slavic - : I don't even know what this was on stage, it was kind of like a rap with an element of sexuality... here's the youtube link for you to see for yourself by clicking here. 

Greece; Rise Up - Freaky Fortune feat.Risky Kidd: This was like music you would get on holiday as it's like a club dance tune. There was also some awesome trampolining in the end. 

Austria; Rise Like A Phoenix - Conchita Wurst aka. The Bearded Lady: As soon as this started I said to my friend that this sounded like a Bond song. She sang this beautifully and definitely deserved to win it this year. Her hair, eyes and teeth were all perfect. The only thing I will say is that her dress colour washes her out a little bit, it would have looked better in navy or deep red. 

Germany; Is It Right? Elazia: Graham Norton suggests no and I absolutely agree with him! They sounded like street performers. 

Sweden; Undo Sanna Nielsen: Was nice to actually be able to understand her. Her voice trembles a bit on her high notes on the word Undo. She's also a very stunning woman.

France; Moustache - Twin Twin: I have no words for this so again here is a video. Click here.

Russia; Shine - Tomlechevvy Sisters: Didn't understand the point in the interlocking hair. The sea-saw was pretty cool but they weren't exceptional. Did kind of feel bad as they got boo'd a lot! They wore what looks like to me Kimonos and corsets. 

Italy; La Mitta Città - Emma: Oddly they are dressed as greek gods, which was odd to me. I didn't like this song as they seemed to shout not sing. 

Slovenia; Round and Round - Tinkara: She is dressed is a very nice royal blue dress which looks like something a Victorian Queen would wear, or if your a fan of Once Upon A Time one of the dresses Regina wears. She even plays the flute which is quite interesting. 

Finland; Something Better - Softengine: 90's boy band again. Nice background music probably for when you have people round before going out after. Not sure I liked his silverfish suit though. 

Spain; Dancing In The Rain - Ruth Lorenzo: Easy listening song. Nice dress but again not the right colour and it gave no definition to the waist. It blended into the white lights in the background and washed her out completely. 

Switzerland; Hunter Of Stars - Sebalta: Was very country like. Liked all the instruments on stage. Very good at whistling. Was a little bit catchy, I guess I liked it.

Hungary; Running - Andriàs: At the beginning when he was sat down the angle made his eye look massive and he did this weird eyebrow movement. Was a nice dancy-remix type song. Could hear it being played on a holiday resort. I think he's dressed like someone you would find in the Matrix. 

Malta; Coming Home - Firelight: I think these guys sounded a little bit like Mumford and Sons, only quieter. Which isn't surprising as they're from Yorkshire. However this was an awesomely catchy song. The lead singer, Richard, is also oddly attractive.

Denmark; Cliché Love Song - Basim: We refer to this lovely bunch as the Ricky Martin wannabe with their cheesy pop song. They reminded me of the Jackson 5 almost and although their song was extremely catchy and east to get into with all the bopping and clicking the guy in the back with the afro is possible the scariest looking human being i've ever seen. I've also decided his blonde dancer looks like Alfie from pointless blog. 

The Netherlands; Calm After The Storm - The Common Linnets: Another country song with an awful sixties dress. I'm not sure why the world liked this so much. 

San Marino; Maybe - Valentina: This lady I had to do a double take on. She looked a lot like Katherine Jenkins at a first glance. 

United Kingdom; Children of the Universe - Molly: I actually really liked this song, I've heard it a few times on the radio. It was a good entry for us but not good enough for eurovision. Also not a fan of her fur like dress! 

All photos are from Google Images so apologies for the poor quality. 

What are your thoughts on the night?

Food | Poor Recreations

This week I thought I would try my hand at putting my basic cooking skills onto my blog. It will probably be very shoddy, so I apologise in advance. I attempted to create a dish that I ordered in a restaurant a couple months back. Unfortunately I cannot remember the original name but it was courgette and pesto pasta.

First, I set my pasta to boil and wait for the pasta to go soft. To recreate this I fried my slices of courgette in a bit of olive oil until they turn slightly golden brown on both sides. Once it's gone brown I added in two teaspoons of pesto and mixed it around a little more and adding a bit more oil. Next, I drain the pasta and pour it into a bowl then over the top I pour over the courgette, oil and pesto, mix up a little and top with mozzarella cheese. 

Let me know if you try it. 

My Thoughts | Delirium

Unfortunately I haven't been able to read as much as I want. With my new job, I work less hours which means my reading time has gone down. Although, I have found a way to give myself an hour every morning. All this means is it's taking me longer to read books. However, I did go on holiday and read four so you'll have a few reviews popping up!

If you're an avid reader, this is a book you should be picking up. Part one of the trilogy makes for a perfect beginning. You read through the eyes of the main character Lena who lives in Portland Maine. There are a few cities that remain are surrounded by an electrical fence to keep out the people who live in the wilds. The government thinks that love is a disease and the people who live in the wilds have not had the procedure to be cured. 

When citizens turn 18 they are deemed of age to have the procedure for the cure. Lena has always looked forward to the day she would get the cure, believing the words of the government that love is a disease and should be eradicated from the world. 

This being said, Lena falls in love with a boy named Alex mere months before her scheduled procedure. He is called an Invalid because he is over 18, not had the cure and lives out in the wilds. He has lived in the city undetected building a resistance by scaring himself the same way the people who are cured have. He offers Lena a way out of the city and although she struggles with the decision she makes it seven days before her procedure. 

However they are discovered meeting secretly and Lena is locked up in her home until she can safely have the procedure and be let back out into the world. Alex comes to her rescue and they attempt to run off into the wilds together. 

This is such a gripping story that will tug at your heart strings. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait for book two to arrive so that I can continue the story. You'll love this too if you're a fan of Divergent and The Hunger Games 

Have you read this book yet? Let me know what you think!