tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74986757850942555172024-03-12T17:40:44.422-07:00STEPH STUPHStuff & Things that float my proverbial boatStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-25800933124836781132009-07-14T10:46:00.000-07:002009-07-14T11:21:51.439-07:00A busy week!Hi Everyone! What a busy week and a half <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I've</span> had! Allow me to fill you in Craig David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">styleeee</span>!<br /><ul><li><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Band rehearsal in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Glasvegas</span> town 9pm - 12am. Home by 1.15am, jumping <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">straight</span> into bed to wake up at 5.30am for work the next day. </li><br /><li><strong>Thursday</strong>: work till 5pm then drove right from work to Stirling to sing at a wedding from 8pm - 12pm. Once again getting home as quickly as possible and finally letting my head hit the pillow at 2.30am only to be up at 5.30am for work again. </li><br /><li><strong>Friday</strong>: Work till 6pm, head home to have a quick hour power nap, redo make up and head through to Glasgow for a gig 10pm - 12am. Race home for 2am to be up AGAIN at 5.30am.</li><br /><li><strong>Saturday</strong>: Work till 5pm then head straight from work to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Largs</span> for a 7.30pm - 12am gig. Home by 3.30am and up again at 5.30am. This bride was actually pretty crazy - during the break she took the microphone and started ordering even the shy members of her family to come up and tell their favourite story about her - I know that someones wedding day should be all about them and they should be the centre of attention... but that was pretty odd!</li></ul><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Here's</span> how it went down, and this is not a word of a lie!</p><p>BRIDE: "Uncle Bobby, come tell that story about when i was a little girl and i fell off the plant pot at your house!"</p><p>UNCLE BOBBY: " Well Lorraine, i, i, i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">couldn't</span> possible, i mean,um... i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">don't</span> really remember..."</p><p>BRIDE: "Yes you can!... Everybody, a round of applause for Uncle Bobby." </p><p><em>Uncle Bobby looks around the room with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">despair</span> as the crowd begins to nervously begin a smattering of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">un-enthused</span> applause. Bride</em> <em>shoves microphone to Uncle Bobbies mouth - Uncle Bobby physically shakes with stage fright.</em> </p><p>So needless to say, i have been supremely knackered this week! Today however, i enjoyed a well deserved day off so i spent it catching up on missed sleep. So i slept. A LOT! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358381570096152098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT8lbObJIEKOz_MJLngWt6sLctNVFu-97544vOY4gmyZeTTd6Z6P57ehMWdwlQUxq0q8jmixn0AhANxXuSQSZo3IIvvtq-E_0pTBS-BtA40JuzYRk6ypCrLMc6NYiJKojeJsCJPMbCdY/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> writing this direct from my bed, still in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">jammies</span> with not a scrap of make up on at 7 in the evening having just woken up from an hour and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">half's</span> nap(and it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">GOOOOOOD</span>!). This is on top of visiting the land of nod from 1am till 12pm this morning. Its been glorious! And whats even better is that i also have tomorrow and Thursday off!</p><p>So, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">I'm</span> planning on heading <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">through</span> to Glasgow tomorrow to spend some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">moola</span> at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Illamasqua</span> counter and I also have Mac vouchers to spend on Color Craft/Naked Honey - what are the must haves of the collection?</p><p>xxx</p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-68661390113103930172009-07-09T12:13:00.000-07:002009-07-09T13:25:41.219-07:00BODY SHOP TEA TREE SKINCARE REVIEWWe all know that getting free stuff is a pretty perk of the job...but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">doesn't</span> it suck when you really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> get on with what you were sent to review? Its tough because the whole point of blogging is to give an honest review, you want to trust that people are waxing lyrical about something they really and truly, genuinely like not just because they feel obligated because they were very kindly sent it...and you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> want to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ungrateful</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unnecessarily</span> crappy.<br /><br /><div><div><div>Luckily, when i was sent some Body Shop things to try out by Natalie (thank you!!) i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">didn't</span> have this dilemma at all!</div><br /><div>I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">particularly</span> like that instead of sending the same <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pre</span> packaged press pack (try saying that 5 times quickly!) as every other blogger, Natalie actually asked if there was anything from The Body Shop range that i would be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">particularly</span> interested to try. Now, I'll admit that the only thing i really get from The Body Shop on any kind of regular basis is the body butters - I mean with so many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">delicious</span> flavours (?)/ scents (??) to choose from it would be rude not to! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Oooh</span> and my annual <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Christmas</span> bath set...does anyone else get this or is it just a tradition in my house? I get the Body Shop set while the bro gets an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Oor</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Wullie</span> Annual. Anyone else? No...? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ok</span> then. So anyway, back to the point, I had a root around on the website and decided that i could really give a fair review of any of the Tea Tree Oil skin care products.</div><br /><div>If <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">you're</span> like me and suffer from oily skin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">you'll</span> know that it sucks to be the only oil faced city slicker in a room of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">magnificently</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">matte</span> ladies. Oh to be able to actually <em>add</em> shimmer! </div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Many's</span> the day that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">I've</span> been retouching (at 11am i might add!!)in the mirror and noticed that the shine on my forehead is in itself, a mirror thus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">creating</span> that endless mirror in a mirror in a mirror effect...kinda like taking a photo of someone taking a photo. Regardless of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">trippy</span> forehead effects, its not nice. And just to make the situation even better, shine is often accompanied by spots. And i am not immune to them. at all.</div><br /><div>So with all this said, i was really excited to try out The Body Shop Tea Tree Range for Oily and blemished skin to see what it could do for me!(note that 'for me' is key: what works for me might not be the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">same</span> for you or a different <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">skin type</span>). The package arrived a little over a month ago and since then i have been well and truly putting each product through its paces! My camera has broken so i cant show you everything they sent but it was, as you know, seriously generous! Thanks Natalie!!</div><br /><div>I think a month and a half has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">sufficient</span> time enough for me to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">appropriately</span> test the products and really get a feel for them, to be able to answer the following questions: would i repurchase, are they worth the money, would i recommend them, are the formula's good, how they work...and most importantly: if they work at all!</div><br /><div>So firstly, lets start with a couple of things that i will definitely be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">repurchasing</span>:</div><br /><div>TEA TREE OIL BLEMISH FADE NIGHT LOTION:</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356556230450581506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6CktKVNyJ_akvkgaQZwTUe4PRCTG1X3PAjqBUyB39RbeQNbazDWfymvmB_szV_WmyF4X3sB1TeNOx8APrTCSi-DgOp51yk3GERAKfGmfT9YRbkeI5kzIxSrDNzyrwwtc1J4hoGAauMc/s320/49262m_l%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>This product has BIG claims - "<em>A lightweight, soothing gel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">crème</span> that sinks into the skin to help improve the appearance of blemish-damaged skin, equalise oiliness and replenish moisture while you sleep" </em>and i would certainly agree with every single word of that. </div><br /><div>This has fast become a must have product in my make up bag. If <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">I'm</span> staying over at the Boy's house, this comes with me...there's a chance there would be tears before bedtime if this was forgotten. It's a really light, almost barely there creme that sinks in within the space of 30 seconds or so, but unlike most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">moisturisers</span> that are super quick to sink in, i can really feel the benefits of this. Its not so much a film of moisture left on the face...more like an overall softness. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Ach</span>, i could hark on about this till the cows come home, I LOVE IT! This is the Superman to my daytime Clean and Clear <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Oilfree</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">moisturiser's</span> Clark Kent (BF will love that geeky <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">reference</span>). </div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Im</span> not so sure what kind of effect its had on my old existing blemish marks - it could be a placebo but id swear the scar (luckily the only war wound i escaped with in my battle against acne) on my right cheek is ever so slightly less <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">visible</span>.</div><br /><div>The only 'con' as far as i can see is the smell. It is VERY strongly scented...but with a strong medicinal scent like tea tree, this is expected and i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">don't</span> personally find it a problem. Having said that, if you have a delicate conk this might not be for you.</div><br /><div>I also love THE BODY SHOP TEA TREE OIL FACIAL <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">EXFOLIATOR</span>. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356556232347622130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MXBOmghD8SXqs5f2abvUd2MWbLYRsT84JVXLkz_5D0yFuJwhzw4DPjmcPX7qopuVtsOg7Sye2yrysgZ9LToCV9MGm09DvNvIOXJcK1fC0ezZGFlkgYPuJ8R47TX5lkqpMLhLLN3jRD0/s320/54125m_l%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Its a great scrub for those who really like a course texture to really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">sloosh</span> away that dull skin. I also love that the scrubs is a green coloured gel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">cremey</span> texture that leaves me looking like the incredible hulk, (another BF pleasing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">geek ref</span>. He will be pleased!), ah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">bathtime</span> fun! Its not one for everyday use as it is so gritty - when i first started testing it i used daily for 4 days before i noticed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">overscrubbing</span> sting accompanied by significant redness. I have however since perfected the art of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">exfoliation</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">ala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">BodyShop</span>. During the week i use my regular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Neutrogena</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">exfoliator</span> and keep this as my perfect 'Once a week, get results' product. As before, the smell is STRONG and can be a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">overpowering</span> at first but i for one find the smell a good thing - i have lots of memories of being a teenager and slathering on Tee Tree oil direct from the bottle and knowing that i was KILLING the bacteria dead. Like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Cillit</span> Bang for the noggin. </div><br /><div>One thing that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">im</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">sooo</span> close to loving is the TEA <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">TREE</span> OIL BLEMISH STICK. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356556221165579490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtUvsZW2PZSk2H7a7ScGRucGabSzkITOdH4WXh-R6zSGe9E6dDW2YwoFrLZLiF3EsJRvhqEJJUQcC5-ND3_WfvumlfLa19CCyJoB3JpaB9wXaOHe8ve1EAXHf_cqsHG2aX-qcsa3uXzE/s320/33710m_m%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" />At only £3.90 its hard to have anything bad to say about this product. Its tiny enough to sling in your handbag and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">concentrated</span> formula make it a reassuring medicinal treatment for whenever u can feel a spot brewing under the skin. I used this recently on an 'almost' hormonal chin breakout. I caught it at the beneath the surface phase, applied in the morning, took off my make up as soon as i got home from work and applied it then and then once again before bed and it really never came to anything. What a RELIEF!!</div><div></div><div>My only criticism with this product is that i just cant stand the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">lipgloss</span> style doe foot applicator. It makes me cringe at the thought of spreading and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">reintroducing</span> bacteria so i use the applicator to coat a clean finger and then apply to the area. Not a huge issue but significant enough for me to just 'like' this product. </div><div></div><div>Have you tried the Tee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Tree</span> Oil Range? How did it work for you? Id love to hear whether your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">favourites</span> from the range are the same/ completely different...cos <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">that's</span> the funny thing about skin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">isn't</span> it? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Everyone's</span> completely different! HARK!</div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-23158975371049039412009-07-07T09:32:00.000-07:002009-07-07T11:14:19.143-07:00FOTD and my room!I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooo</span> glad to be back! :0)<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>Today was my first day off in such a long time so i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn't</span> want to do anything too taxing or tiring...just a nice chilled out, relaxed day. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">According</span> with this i decided i wanted to give my eyes a rest and have a glasses only day, wear sloppy clothes...and fun make up!</div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Here's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">today's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">FOTD</span> - really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">relaxed</span>, just a bit of my usual Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lolo</span> foundation, tiny bit of Summer Love Beauty Powder on my cheeks (this is my favourite *blush* at the moment - cant get enough of it!!), 1 single eyeshadow (mythology) on my lids, graphic black liner & black mascara and my favourite Up The Amp <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lippie</span>. Dead quick, relaxed but still a bit fun.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355758821241494658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sULwg4QEi_HMNp7d97_zAZoBp9LSDLbg9dEtXub3B1-ZiI7oueTyEtVHL97A_Tizl5gWymEhHKx-kuz0T_7JSELQMHb-rqwxqT3gk43st2Nu0TOs3ZnC9H3ZcciDwfFvMHb5DTw05-U/s320/DSCF1899+copy.jpg" border="0" /> In other breaking news, I tidied my room on Sunday night! I know, its a rare <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">occurrence</span> for me but i am really going to make an effort to keep it somewhat tidier than i have been of late. The reason for this tidying was really a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">necessity</span>: Ive have had my eye on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ikea</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Malm</span> Dressing Table for months now - my parents use one in their computer room and they fill the drawers with cables and other technical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">computery</span> bits, so i finally decided that as it was my birthday on the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">nd</span> of July, i would use my birthday money to finally get myself the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">malm</span> and sort myself out a proper make up area. Grand. Good plan...except, the way my room was laid out, although big, there was just nowhere to fit it in!<br /><br /><div>CUE ROOM REARRANGE! </div><br /><div>I used to love rearranging my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">furniture</span> when i was little. My mum's really into interior decorating and she always made sure our rooms where always decorated beautifully.One of my favourite things to do when i was bored would be to rearrange the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">furniture</span> into different places and I loved the 'freshness' that you get from moving the bed from one place to another.</div><br /><div>So when i realised that i just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">couldn't</span> fit the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Malm</span> in with my room laid out the way it was, i took it as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">rearrangin</span>' challenge! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Fras</span> came over on Sunday night and was pretty unimpressed with my plans to make him move heavy things around...not to mention the room was a bit of a tip that would need clearing out before any big things could be swapped around...but i was positive and bossy, and won the battle. A rearranging it would be! One of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Fras's</span> comments was that the whole project really heightened our differences as a couple: <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">I'm</span> a messy cow whereas he's super tidy, I start things and have faith that it'll all work out well whereas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Fras</span> likes to draw up the whole plan before anything is started. But as with most couples, the woman gets the final say so we moved 1 piece at a time, trying different things in different places before settling on a final choice. It took a few hours but when it was done we had moved the bed from the middle of the wall to in the corner which made the floor space double! Needless to say, i was right and there is now more than ample space for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Malm</span> AND the room looks HUGE!</div><br /><div>I do however regret to say that i forgot to take before photos. But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">heres</span> the room now!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355767816834354978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20fF27WGmUknN1c-J8tsO-FW96_JytxOZOVdMWwgSvVRwmc9n8lCGNN9BzGaM0t4g76gykrRoA0AZ7tb8BimKVF8aYXTDsMwSZaVFsPjZFvF9HGGVvIAjYtZk6PGYLS-8x9-5Ee5-rCE/s320/DSCF1904.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355767824553606578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqGFhX3vjDzhxMqlFpUDvYKthJVwEE7yuMj4a391EYiOPJGJLFsw3brMKM0xoa2a-36uOVjoX-dlripcY8Gwez2Li5b1jh_CSI9xGqOHHWFpCu08yUUpbhAggeSleTHz2QQzeObc7dmY/s320/DSCF1905.JPG" border="0" />Rearranging the room made me realise that my bedding is quite a state! I dyed it from white <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">to</span> pink as i thought it would be easier to clean but it looks really rubbish - there are no poppers on the bottom of the duvet cover so the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">duvet</span> spews rather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">unattractively</span> out of the end AND my pet hate: The fitted sheet <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">doesn't</span> actually <em>fit </em>and comes away from the mattress every night while we sleep. To <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">summarise</span>, its a bedding DISASTER!!!<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355759970037059378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgaomDOf4wRA6RPokCRwkTl6GvRKvavcGp4vMVVBXaoa_psa14-K6oK0-pioIAaXU77giWj57awKQ0oMxEzIZIBBaOiPlq0WMmSae3-rBAXj7FA-VQAwirU5fYO1r3DIQ0neTj9SHlSk/s320/DSCF1900+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>So today my plan was to go into town, get a whole new set of bedding; fitted sheet, duvet cover, pillow cases: the whole lot! I found this really cute set in Next...</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355764027322364146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AXATKHWulF77Kv9zJMfB5UPXfX1anZJ3_g7U1WoV17ssc9xyxmQRe0jSm1M-k8VNXOnsmYIS7VBY-YbVJDFjJvhvkxBokfQ0fO_oD_AsN0rOEYEOejWuFnBLNpxnJ_cuFtYbWsQdo44/s320/416-633-G34s.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><p>...which i liked cos its fresh and sparkly white but also had a bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">interest</span> about it...but when i got home and put it on the bed... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355759976540057282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWk46-K2UUKAl6hna4DipdGrzhgnyLJC_2OFkVOFneOTqb1svnoXIjgOI28vhY6n6P56gLG4YPU82neQYjtbhsyNjncw4dOQK8R8IYsc9IswA7Lv1k2D_aWZVhbmr2Lg8l_hDTtn7gb8/s320/DSCF1901+copy.jpg" border="0" />...i found that my duvet is evidently NOT a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">king size</span> like i thought, and the cover is about half a foot too big for the padding. RUBBISH! Also having seen it on the bed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">I'm</span> not so sure i love it anyway. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Zig</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Zags</span> are sown on with just a single line of stitches so there are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">flappy</span> bits all over - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">I'm</span> thinking that when i return i might have a look for something else completely. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Hmm</span>.</p><p>Anyway, tomorrow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">I'm</span> heading over to Newcastle with my Mum to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">IKEA</span> to pick up the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Malm</span>...Oh yeah, did i mention when i tried to buy it at the Edinburgh shop on Sunday i found out that its now been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">discontinued</span> and the only shop that has any left in the whole of Britain is the Newcastle shop? Just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Greeeeeeeat</span>! Its only a 2 hour drive!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Grrr</span>!</p><p>Fingers crossed that they have 1 in stock when i get there tomorrow or this whole thing with have been complete waste of time! I<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">M</span> SCARED!!</p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-28755808590565037732009-07-06T04:59:00.000-07:002009-07-06T17:18:49.605-07:00Im back with 20 Q's!Hi everyone! I know, shock horror - after nearly a month i am back and shamelessly creeping back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">into</span> blogging. I blog <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">absolutely</span> for fun and i feel no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">obligation</span> to post regularly but usually i do, because i love it and i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">love</span> how it has opened me up to a whole community of like minded people!<br /><br />So here's why i fell off the blog wagon - firstly, i recently started a new job that has literally taken over every waking minute of my life...and for every minute that i should be sleeping <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ive</span> been gigging. I LOVE wedding season cos it means <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> gigging EVERY weekend and quite often at other times too which = lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MOOLA for spending</span>!...but it does also mean that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ive</span> had no time at all to relax and blog. Every second that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">I'm</span> not working or gigging has been used for much needed sleep. Having said that, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">I'm</span> now getting quite used to 2 or 3 hours sleep per night.<br /><br />And finally to top off this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">glorious</span> month, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ive</span> not been too well - ladies, this might be a bit fo an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">overshare</span>, but this month i have been the lucky <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">recipient</span> of a 2 and a half week, very painful period that has left me feeling pretty awful. :0(<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Anyhoo</span>, i hope i can resume normal service again - i really missed you all!</div><br /><div>The very awesome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Pandadoesmakeup</span> tagged everyone to do this post and as its an easy one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">I'm</span> going to use it to get me back into the swing of things. Bare with me if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">I'm</span> a bit rusty!</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>1. Things you cannot leave the house without</strong></span>:</div><br /><div>Usually I would be right with the rest of you shouting '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">PHOOOOONE</span>' but alas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">tis</span> not to be!Recently my phone has been playing up, cheekily refusing to charge properly and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">mischievously</span> turning off mid phone call but a few days ago it well and truly, completely gave up the ghost (i actually just had to ask boy if this phrase is 'giving up the ghost or goat?' I was met by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">several</span> bouts of incredulous laughter. SWINE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ps</span> hi Marie) and now won't turn on...and do you want to know the crazy thing? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">I'm</span> actually quite enjoying being off the radar! so yeah, NOT my phone anymore, and to be honest i feel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">quite</span> bohemian in saying that i do just fine with just the clothes on my back. </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>2. Favourite brand of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">MakeUp</span></strong></span>:</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Hmm</span>, well <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">im</span> a pretty loyal customer of Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Lolo</span> for base products but MAC does it for me with most other things. Predictable but true!</div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">3. Favourite flower</span></strong>:</div><br /><div>I ADORE Peonies! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">They're</span> so pretty and fluffy and the smell is divine. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Im</span> not one for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">receiving</span> flowers, id much rather have something <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">that'll</span> last...but peonies are the exception! BRING EM ON!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355322577882460594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R-6zlAcSKH9l8EeY3SGQki72EquWI20PMC1zPzjJxztoYedn6jQpGMY6F6vsHcthZTVFoGXRj_wQ5vzbPADgCFhyphenhyphenIU3m42hl46Pfh6MK7p89qWop7gLLiyJ-3jKRF7ohoPRBc5LBCdA/s320/peonie-788468.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">4. Favourite clothing store</span></strong>:</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Im</span> the first to admit that the balance between clothes and makeup in my life somewhat skewed. Clothes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">aren't</span> really my thing and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">im</span> not one for following trends. Id much sooner do a simple outfit with really awesome make up and bright <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">accessories</span>, but i do enjoy Urban Outfitters for simple, casual pieces that are a little bit 'on trend'. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">5. Favourite perfume</span></strong>:</div><br /><div>Has to be Paco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Rabbane</span> Ultra Violet. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">LOOOVE</span>!</div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">6. Heels or Flats</span></strong>:</div><br /><div>Purely in terms of aesthetics id have to say heels. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">There's</span> something almost artistic about a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">beautiful</span> pair of heels that just makes me '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">oooh</span>'. Like this pair. Case in point.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355331047039049458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOf7CPG0cQLNHJj2MJhUk6tqXVEBcb6LQCkIYGF14zrishf44ZhYHp_OtSnMhbnONq9k2JsTyVJf2x3RgE99QHrg8GriGhzElBUA-vDH1lX0dMSYy1LzCIyG7L7sycfTST83PMrHgZjA/s320/exceptional-bubble-heels-from-2008-dior-cruise-collection_2_49.jpg" border="0" />but having said that, like many others, comfort is just too important for me to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">wholly</span> stand behind an answer of 'heels' for this. So my final answer: Flats it is then. But i do have my eye on this pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Topshop</span> beauties.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355331040527000834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX7tRQcY2MP9ub01u8-5u-yMSOkNt4CS1PpoitXTOIYMwP6BzLTgC1TDFZOd4KWsGSAL3OldY3qKjw1lHYTCxclA-DFz3QvFvb61efuRheuMZ4Qx64m4IpO_aJCyqA5ZP6Zb50RG0YQE/s320/32S26VPLE_thumb.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">7. Do you make good grades</span></strong>:</div><br /><div>I was always good at the creative side of things. English, art, drama, music, and history saw me fine at school but i was hopeless at maths and science. Grades were according. I did well when i went to music school though and got <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">distinctions</span> all the way through. Proud of that! :0)</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">8. Favourite colours:</span></strong></div><br /><div>Teal, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">turquoise</span> and gold. Tasty!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355331769102768466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaojbIvD6cKw9WiAYHZnkrwMap2svglS4q3WS-PT5UR9nIK7eSCWeguVbdm0Od9hxxaOaznuDaqCkuhQk2iuznVyNx2A9KKz2Ag18nK0ge5BSlu3TGlDtGdRsKHONRh41IdGJvzn2hyg/s320/turq_gold_brocade_qpeq.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">9. Do you drink energy drinks</span>:</strong></div><br /><div>At the moment due to lack of sleep i start each morning at 5.30am and find myself at 8 o clock, sitting at my desk at work with a bottle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Lucozade cos im already knackered</span>. Not ideal!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">10. Do you drink juice:</span></strong></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Im</span> a Pepsi or Lemonade kinda girl (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">mmm</span> real lemons lemonade!) but i have been known to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">dabble</span> in Cranberry juice. Does anyone else think its quite a satisfying 'woody' taste?</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">11. Do you like swimming:</span></strong></div><br /><div>I can take it or leave it really. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">meh</span>.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">12. Do you eat fries with a fork</span></strong>:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355332331758408146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgc47Oe7y_IKv1ZmHJ-_OzPJZBi50UbOlxdUXnlMiSnMnUcRtmP08bDffn1klbaysKT5Be2_Lhd2KnBjql7mSyVcZ-stohs2c1s6FpQrty61lC2tbSGRZbySU8SKycUnXlO40k2h46o4/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /><br /><div>Nope. Fingers all the way! If i was out someone posh where it would be frowned upon I probably <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">wouldn't</span> order chips anyway. Potato <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Dauphinois</span> all the way baby!!</div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">13. Favourite moisturiser:</span></strong></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Neutrogena</span> oil free moisturiser. I do love it.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">14. Do you want to get married later on in life</span></strong>:</div><br /><div>Yeah! But working at weddings pretty much every weekend means that i now know exactly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">what</span> i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">DONT</span> want for my own wedding! </div><div> </div><div>I feel like weddings these days are really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">unpersonal</span>...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">ive</span> lost count of the endlessly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">interchangeable</span> weddings where the bride looks the same, wears the same corset dress ive seen for the 4th week running in a faceless hotel function room served endlessly patient waitstaff who really just want their shifts to be over so they can go home and the bridezill wont have to be at the very centre of their being anymore. </div><div> </div><div>I want something that really reflects me and the person <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">im</span> marrying! And i want it to be fun and relaxed with not a single stuffy waiter in sight! </div><br /><div>Having said that, i want a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">marriage</span> not just a wedding!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">15. Do you get mad easily</span></strong>:</div><br /><div>Nah not really. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Im</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">ok</span> i think! Maybe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Fras</span> would say differently though!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">16. Are you into ghost hunting?</span></strong></div><br /><div>Why yes, i LOVE it! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">erm</span>....no!</div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">17. Any phobias?</span></strong></div><br /><div>Not a phobia, but certainly a fear of the ocean which very much extends to sharks. I HATE especially when it gets black and you have no way of knowing whats underneath you. My worst nightmare would be surviving a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">plane</span> crash but landing in the middle of the ocean. SHUDDER!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355332668550768226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8u1jC4oPeUJZasffP0fwwQxaXpg8Y1cZ9uzuBEy6NmQEJV7if63jkkunZDyOMosxl9vlghQp4daw7TUTIatzU3UDXkRfRV7E4t_EO605h-rbIz2uIB22aE1UfL3nWEWb8D3AXrc2tUU/s320/mbn_shark_wideweb__470x321,0.jpg" border="0" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">18. Do you bite your nails?</span></strong><br /><div></div><div> </div><div>Nope, never have.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">19. Have you ever had a near death experience?</span></strong></div><br /><div>Nope. touching wood now!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">20. Do you drink coffee?</span></strong></div><br /><div>NO!!! this is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">weird</span> thing of mine. The thought of drinking something hot makes me cringe. I think drinks should be cold and refreshing and just cant comprehend the idea that any <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">beverage</span> should be warm or hot. This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">incorporates</span> any teas, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">coffees</span>, hot chocolate or warm juice. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Blergh</span>. I do however LOVE the smell of coffee.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-64400645970087256822009-06-12T12:00:00.000-07:002009-06-12T14:10:14.243-07:00TAGHello Lovely Ladies of Blog! <div><div><div><div><br /><div>Allow me to say something very quickly. Now lets make it clear i am under no illusions that I am a beauty expert, and by no happenstance would i have you believe it... but i have to say that i find it very humbling indeed and more than a little exciting/cool that i now have over 100 followers on this here blog. Very awesome peeps! So hello to my newer followers and howdy to my older, more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decrepit</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">zimmer</span>-holding followers (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> not such a fan of the word followers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">btw</span> - we're no sheep...in fact we are the trailblazers of our make up generation! HARK!)<--<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">that's</span> another story for another day. Anyway, enough of that stuff...on to the tagging!</div><div></div><div>I know that everyone who gets tagged by someone begins said tag <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">with</span> the usual 'I was tagged by the lovely...' but without exception, its always true. This time i was tagged by the VERY lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lamiat</span> (with a silent 'T' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dontcha</span> know!) who is a bit of a cool cat with an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">uber</span> fringe. So go check her out if you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">haven't</span> already - <a href="http://www.lamiats.blogspot.com/">http://www.lamiats.blogspot.com/</a> Huzzah!</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>What's your favourite make up look?<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Like most other people who answered this, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> a slave to that classic black winged liner but my <em>favourite</em> look is when its brought bang up to date with a bright pink lip. Cant beat it!</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346547447749329282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnwAUJMNoh4aP2K4Ty4QINPuz30Z1ZWaZ6xFA-aJ6r4nd_9TjP57wfZOMhKoWcuMDl1qoZeaW1NSL9iZ5zHN7bxCTzugej-q-vAynRGxAxfdSZsYhpQiqiZ0cj1z2WQPyiFNny2gk150/s200/pink.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>What part of your body do you love?</strong></span><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ach</span>, i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">don't</span> know if there's anything that i LOVE but i guess it all gets me around(not like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">schlag</span> mind).</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Who is your beauty icon?</span></strong></div><div>I guess i like people who <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">aren't</span> afraid to break the rules, wear bright colours if they feel like it and really and truly wear a kind of beauty that reflects who they are. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">I'm</span> not sure i could attach a celebrity endorsement on this idea...maybe Kat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Von</span> D is the closest embodiment. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346547831825081922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPOobn91QYsCckwy5oeWQKuhX1E_TTinv6uughUDxXfoeQPELvr-TGleCDy6lBDqySqrVkEtL9l10UL8j1CV_c5koMIGHIlY64D1CLtxKsFpuEvXq5maYYWkBnveuhh2h3VggfrqPNzI/s320/KatVonD.jpg" border="0" /> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What beauty product makes you feel instantly sexy?</span></strong><br /><div>Has to be my Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Lolo</span> Mineral foundation - it banished my spots, something that made me feel distinctly <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">unsexy</span></em> and because of that, made me feel a whole lot sexier without <em>any</em> make up on at all!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">How do you look after your skin?</span></strong> </div><div>Well, water on my face (at any time!) creeps me out so it never ever gets 'wet'*. I am aware that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">that's</span> probably not the best but i guess you have to work with what you can Because of this my skin secrets are as follows: The biggest awareness is never to sleep with my make up on, always <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">thoroughly</span> remove it with whatever i choose at the time and most importantly NEVER to clog my pores with liquid foundation.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What is your signature scent?</span></strong></div><div>Paco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Rabanne</span> Ultra Violet. Has been since i was 16 and it still has so many memories attached to it. LOVE IT.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346548237606958658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtU35qiKGJCobOTXG_z2LBS3W2XNFXvbl52u3m9nCnR8fSZL4Mhc200Mb-eoMMom3wX3xW-6AAVMfsmat1nWlQ7AXRYC1nTUWbSjMv5XAFiOASToaJh-VTai5FHIh96rls04Mvas-3jg/s200/paco-rabanne-ultraviolet-80ml-dama-1.jpg" border="0" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What are your haircare secrets?</span></strong></div><div>To be honest, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">I'm</span> a bit lax when it comes to hair <em>care. </em><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">I'm</span> probably more about the fact that i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">don't</span> abuse it. I never use <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">straighteners</span>, rarely if ever dye it, wash it every second day (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">I'm</span> trying to get down to every 3!) and finally, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">don't</span> let gum anywhere near the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">vicinity</span> of it. These are my hair commandments.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">How do you pamper yourself?</span></strong></div><div>Id like to wholeheartedly agree with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Lamiat</span> here, food is my treat. Nothing specific, it changes frequently but this week its terry's chocolate orange and a magazine while tucked up in bed. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">mmm</span>!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346548760748167026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaPZ8V7syfKnt-h3-1FDHWnt0Z0z7IX8Mim0LfAq-qPrZerzABWh6HDJaTAUFT7oXpPvF8FbyFAK9emTdREz0v7yUuFj7a4709bLDdSoeiubYKmsf8hNM0_8DjZxjj8vts5ESpA3MGWI/s320/Terry%2527s-Dark-Chocolate-Orange-737720.jpg" border="0" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What is your beauty pet peeve?</span></strong><br /><div>It has to be badly matched foundation ESPECIALLY if it results in tide marks...oh and for me personally, i hate it when the area around my nose gets oily. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">No one</span> likes a lady with a shiny conk. I said <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">coNk</span>!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What would your desert island must haves be?</span></strong></div><div>Well <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">I'm</span> so pale it would HAVE to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">uber</span> amounts of suncream! But if i was allowed more than one thing id add <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Veet</span>...cant have a hairy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">foof</span> on the beach!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Finally, do you have a beauty philosophy?<br /></span></strong>I do actually. Do and wear whatever makes you happy.<br /></div><br /><div>So there you go!</div><br /><div>I hate when people do this but i really do think that most people have already done this! If not, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">you're</span> it!</div><br /><div>*<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">I've</span> honed a technique over many years where i shower so that the spray never has to hit my face...when i exfoliate i wet my hands which wet which i then wipe over my face, then apply the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">exfoliant</span> and wipe it off with my hands. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">couldn't</span> do it any other way! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">eep</span>! </div></div></div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-40039197507996692712009-06-10T08:12:00.000-07:002009-06-10T09:29:37.836-07:00Style Warriors look and...NEW GLASSES!Hallo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">meine</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lieblings</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">maidchen</span>! So, the new job (which i HATE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">btw</span>, full of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">arsey</span> people. boo!) means that i have some crazy hours. Like this week for example, I have today and Saturday as my days off while next week my weekend will Monday and Tuesday...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hmm</span>. Anyway, that means that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ive</span> had today off which is always good news. Even more good news cos it meant i was finally able to sit down and have a wee play with my make up! Huzzah! Reasons for this were two-fold - Firstly i wanted to have a proper go of my Style Warriors purchases. So far they have been looking very much like bejewelled <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lovelies</span> sitting in my pink <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">cake stand</span> (which incidentally, is where i keep all the make up that i am currently loving) and secondly, you will know if you follow me on twitter, but i have been having a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">teensy</span>, tiny mineral make up fall out. I needed to rectify this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">BIGTIME</span> cos i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">soooo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">don't</span> wanna go back to Liquid foundation!<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Here's</span> what i came up with:</div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345723528394710354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jw1QBumPtWhgy8to-ojFWPXQZjnrLTO6gfUIBoYD5Ov0f6yijxU-mrD85_nKbL9sFqk9dJkU7yBSoLt9tzCm4b4SZXgoOdBDhwiIGy1dan_spScMmydlgdvM819k1CBP-Ye-MIHT5Y8/s400/DSCF1845+copy.jpg" border="0" />FACE: So, like i said, my Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lolo</span> has been not quite the product i fell in love with lately. Like a boy who loses the romance, right now i love Lily...but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">I'm</span> not so sure <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">I'm</span> still <em>in love </em>with her. </div></div><br /><div></div><div>The problem is: with the new warmer weather my skin is getting oilier which seems to be making me look a bit powdery. I buff till my hearts content but its just not looking quite so luminous...so today i simply tried using less product. I cut down to maybe just over half of the amount i had been using and...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">I'm</span> back in love! When <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">you've</span> had bad skin in the past i think its all too easy to fall into the trap of piling it on. I just need to remember that because of this product, i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">don't</span> have horrible skin to cover up. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Huzzahs</span> all round! So anyway, yeah. I wore: Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Lolo</span> Mineral foundation in Porcelain, Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Lolo</span> cover up in Blondie, Mac Pink Swoon Blush, Mac Summer Rose Beauty Powder (all over the skin).<br /><br /><div>EYES: Touche eclat (under the eyes and as a base), Tempting e/s all over the lid, The Body Shop </div>shimmer brick (white colour) as a highlight under the brow bone and around the tear duct, Mac <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Scatterays</span> Solar bits in the inner corners of the eye (LOVE IT) and Mac Carbon e/s pressed into the lash line and smudged up, Max Factor False Lash Mascara. Im having issues with my lashes. They just will not, for the love of the wee man, curl. Ive tried the old warm the curlers up with a hairdryer trick before but i just ended up with a stye. This pic is AFTER theyve been curled...not that you can tell!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345729615300535906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL3Lk5-DFSutqYppN5gIXg-XhWUmKX6Mr50gQJvbLA2qPcUmXBziiH_Nx0oHqVKFbMb8Ib2hlqOIjqQME2IObdLHWbpY577fjI6MwKp_0-lqyaD2kIEF6Ib50CEsZNKFs0mW-RZgJvMQ/s400/DSCF1888.JPG" border="0" />LIPS: Mac Purple Rite l/s<br /><br /><div>And now, (Drum roll please...!) some news! For all you contact wearers, you'll understand when i say that i am a -3.50 in both eyes, which means i cannot function AT ALL without my contacts. I did however mention yesterday that i have a bit of a love/hate relationship with my contact lenses. I HATE that they are so fiddly and so easy to muck up but i love the option of not having to wear glasses if i dont want to. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now, my current glasses are OLD. Nearly 8 years old in fact! The rims are almost completely bereft of the black paint they once had, one of the plastic legs has fallen off meaning that when i wear them i am scratched to high <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">boogery</span> behind my ear by a sharp piece of wire... not to mention the fact that over the years they have been sat on too many time to mention, meaning they now sit at a rather jaunty angle. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345723537452768738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 352px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60D_JykdmxGfM14biu7eDemGPdDFWZffzCHl7NXqKIk4eIH7fzvsbOtjmSom9bRh75JyapjwBLW77ZlMdyBAb4Jqu-6Y9FQbOMCL2yI2nClTPK-5R1RbLlL6awwElQNsAxi_tPR5v_IU/s400/DSCF1877+copy.jpg" border="0" />Not so great. I really only wear them at night after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Ive</span> taken my make up off (for which i need to take out my contacts) but still want to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">TV</span> or do anything at all other than sleep. It keeps the people who see me looking like a complete loon to a minimum but it does mean that my boyfriend often sees me with out any make up, with my head constantly tilted to one side in order to compensate for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">squintness</span>. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">haven't </span>i got a new pair you ask? Well, glasses are bloody expensive! BUT now that i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">have</span> a new job i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">couldn't</span> put it off any longer. Step up new glasses!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345723529206712098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCPM4xeRn2Brl8pPpBkG4OTIF-oeqpBLILdGJPT1OGCc4ewcDgMldAXxMBFQxIjMo_J49ljM5PnTyjw8rOP16uTkrZhwbRSyxe397JhumNioFYDZtPjay6vTUcp4ulV1muCD7MavjVVs/s400/DSCF1874+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345723535175956754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlupjqGbH-d_cNqeWM1IAQbEN7rsA3gMcmR4VPSTtpq3Mt1amuSeQUVb7cpARG2DJB6MuQls14InY_zmP9noUI4ajFJOZn2LWFlEkE4rDFiVa49yDmQNKoIknR26XbEMXVmxiM6DBRQg/s400/DSCF1875+copy.jpg" border="0" />These babies are Gucci and actually sit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">straight</span> on my face! And i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">don't</span> get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">scratched</span> by the leg! I may consider <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">wearing</span> glasses more often now!</p><p>And finally, just because we're on the subject of glasses, check out these Ray Ban copies that i picked up (i mean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Fras</span> bought) from a wee boutique - they were only a £5. Bargain!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345723546575980050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZtT6ow7w4bytZJTQo7gjQCZeRpNek4DCRgPC_-PbMtHsO0XjJbiVOKPNfQbKYAPe_CtW273XaDHePsoBoawjIa1y9USFmoxSBOGUtiNBeLSeBPd4b6U-59jCYfWnaa7yV3Mx6ygC7RI/s400/DSCF1887+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-86658321823853506362009-06-09T10:42:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:53:26.738-07:00LOVE/HATE TAG<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KX3S2nk2n-bxvVQKBBIbjIlB2nbr2hDLLXrHJuCNwMFsr-qI1zi8Jiwm7uhj2B4CaMpaA22xDalHxTEcN_MNOxQ65DGA_iDjIIDy4Q7MexWZvDyKScRootnOOP-MS2qB0sexSxBl-Y8/s1600-h/alex_hillman_tats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345385917484522290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KX3S2nk2n-bxvVQKBBIbjIlB2nbr2hDLLXrHJuCNwMFsr-qI1zi8Jiwm7uhj2B4CaMpaA22xDalHxTEcN_MNOxQ65DGA_iDjIIDy4Q7MexWZvDyKScRootnOOP-MS2qB0sexSxBl-Y8/s400/alex_hillman_tats.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aaah</span>, the age old battle of love versus hate. The classic struggle between good and evil, both powerful and strong and equal but balancing far apart at opposite sides of the pole. Yes its dramatic but so are Love (sigh, swoon) and Hate (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grr</span>, Hiss!). <---and yes, i'll shut up now! <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>ANYWHOOO....Lovely Laura (who i LOVE btw) tagged me for this Love/Hate thing...which i LOVE. So onto the tagging: </div><div></div><div></div><div>Stars*In*My*Pocket</div><div>A Fashionable Affair</div><div>Cupcakes and Cherries</div><div>Dolly is Glitter</div><div>Panda Does Make Up</div><div></div><div>I LOVE all of these ladies too. witty woo!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">LIPS</span><br /></div></strong><br /><div><strong>*LOVE*</strong></div><div></div><div>Purple lipstick! Never thought id say that, but its soo true. Up the Amp is my current favourite and i cant see it skipping over to the dark side any time soon! </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345393952952253122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80zeDtWGRfJRyoha_K9wCErFhikIj2cZG_3INxn9XurLX61U091m15D6m1tQbgsRaSu5boN5neHTJ2osCJZKm0mDqiowZ0uvz1bKLcbsjfPbXzXelEUkLoBo_VTa4ZjU9DBA45Y6w2Og/s320/swatch.jpg" border="0" />(ooh ooh, just a wee side note - also loving for my lips - my boy. Not in a dodgy way mind...i was having a bad day yesterday and my boy, who clearly knows how to cheer me up, went to mac ALL ALONE and bought me a lipstick. Costa Chic. Which i LOVE!)<br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>*HATE*</strong></div><br /><div>Lip gunk. Anyone else get that thing? Like the equivalent of mascara goop but on the lips? Iknow im not explaining it very well but it looks kinda white and gunky and is usually along the bottom lip and happens when you dont exfoliate your lips. NOT A GOOD LOOK!</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>FACE<br /></div></strong></span><br /><div><strong>*LOVE*</strong><br />Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation. Im sure youre sick of hearing me drone on about this product but i really do attribute my skins vastly improved quality to this and this alone. GODSEND!</div><br /><div><strong>*HATE*</strong></div><br /><div>Contraversially, im going to say MAC Well Dressed blush. Its just too pale. I like a 'dolly' apple-of-the-cheek type look and this just does not do the job for me...but i know many peeps who LOVE this. Tell you what...Ill sell it for £9 including p&p - been used twice.</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>HAIR</strong></span></div><br /><div><strong>*LOVE*</strong></div><div></div><div>Kirby grips! theres just so much you can do! At the moment, my limit is pretty much either the side fringe twist or the quiff...but even if i could only do these 2 for the rest of my life id be happy!</div><br /><div><strong>*HATE*</strong></div><br /><div>Streightners. Pancake head is not a good look for me. I have a round face and poker (Shh Lady Gaga! Hush your mouth!) streight hair just makes me look like a fatty! My theory is, the bigger the hair, the smaller the face. Its a winner. In fact, i should probably get the Nobel Prize for scientific observation. In demonstration: Bad Fergie.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345395080780454322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt69pQH6C_uFDBCdR3P1o5WLT2mKUlhVRG2dLCBn6lyPvU5QtevvBnJtlQmt55orpE-U8oMNSFZ73ZaVMSkfq37W9sIhfSvgmg3jeCcqIh-Ia6wE2Uv8sTACYHkjluqMV68TyroQFBPc/s200/Fergie-poker-straight.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>EYES<br /></strong></span></div><div><strong>*LOVE*</strong></div><div></div><div>Winged eyeliner. Cant help myself. Its an addiction.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345398360736730722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1PMeg1GRB48n_Fav3-uS-Sap164B8nP_h0eFMjBHL2TpeWEdAeqrBjQT-QLG9GlF0ZrySUSO75s6mlnOhJz9hrUXOQrxOZwn8jPqMgn2k8rqvBLF5vfOu9bP6cpu6sIrhkYAOo_ZTl4/s320/liner84632.jpg" border="0" /><strong>*HATE*</strong></div><div></div><div>Contacts. What a hassle! I have dailies which are the LEAST hassle but still...its a bit rubbish if you ask me - there are soo many ways to screw up your eyes whilst wearing contacts. Ive ripped mine, dropped them, got dust caught under them, put them in inside out, scratched my eye while taking them out, lost them behind me eye...so may ways to do wrong by my eyes! Boo<br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>BODY</strong></span></div><br /><div><strong>*LOVE*</strong></div><br /><div>Lush's Buffy the backside slayer. Fun Name. Fun product. Yay.</div><br /><div></div><div>*HATE*</div><br /><div>Fake tan of any sort. No good for Little Miss Looks-like-she's-never-seen-the-sun. Lolling at this boy though ----><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345400688023781554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSupTrdoTVzqdnhm3vYJ91kd3F8-XPPC92WurCqH5enQsrtUoo2dLoR1eEfq3GQiDU6SqTN0NRsyLtqSMv8_nxpIZasbII6dLERpiSIotEIMsPqL5FYiR4HN4OY3kmZXgZe5rtA9s7rXA/s320/fake-tan.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-27275091152083861032009-06-05T11:31:00.000-07:002009-06-05T12:54:01.699-07:00Style WarriorsSo, Style Warriors. What do you think? I honestly thought that this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wasn't</span> a collection for me. I am pale, i know it, i embrace it (at some point you just need to accept that if you are as pale as i am, no matter how much take tan you apply, you will NOT look honey glazed like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JAlba</span>). Needless to say, i just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wasn't</span> sure that this collection of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sunkissed</span>, metallic goodies perfect for women of colour would have a place in my collection. How wrong was I!? <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Up The Amp, in all its purple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gloriousness</span>, is fast becoming my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">favourite</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lippie</span> so i reckoned Purple Rite would be a good purchase...but when i went into MAC yesterday to get it i just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">couldn't</span> help but swatch a few other things. Just to make sure. You know, just in case... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">SOOOO</span> glad I did! I have to say that in person Style Warriors is quite stunning! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Because</span> of this i ended up getting a fair few more bits and pieces than i thought i would. Bad for the purse strings. Oh well! :0)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343918038380209842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDGHhXuxvVVYIpWk2oAzx1UVRHk6-5l7fA8oknMIpRKsTdD8zva2BlVWXcfDr8jpY4szFAhO289e13qruV3TBK4alOKvZwEVDrI6i1Er0Bx-sx8iHyhouUhQlTqjxKUunw5CsjCxiGyg/s320/DSCF1807+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>Beautiful products aside, the packaging seems to be a bit hit or miss with most people. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Unfortunately</span> i fall into the 'miss' category. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Fras's</span> helpful observation was "the packaging looks like the rejected interior designs for the Aztec quarter in the crystal maze". Quite.</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ok</span>, so first to find their way into my grubby mitts were 2 of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">eyeshadows</span>. First up is Soft Force LE (Frosty pale light gold) which is P.R.E.T.T.Y! Perfect for under the brow bone or inner corner, this is a really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">versatile</span> shade. Happy days. <---I always like to say this in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Newcastle</span> accent. Not sure why!?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343918048648407586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUXzpA3sGiGeJAHxFblS0sIefdBrTo9qrwjillZELEeN82IxSXbBV99OPTZRoDL_3jXo_-4gF3-dgNGMP9ZENsPZE5ew3io_9i_UrGrE4ZO1l4tWNfHPreYledcsDkOlQ7iPv875EH9w/s320/DSCF1811+copy.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343918051460627234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx3jR3PCeEGP3iV8ypejASHK4rpy0GjBCuXLqwbddzoxB3rVZIjkUF2gNYZELGl2csAcZkm94p5-tACpEYAJ_2Kp_9HRvtgho1ViKHARVw4t99w4wj9JMBs5y_oQqa0esQddaNmraYZ0/s320/DSCF1812+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I also looked at Tempting and audibly 'ooh-ed'. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">I'm</span> not sure why <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ive</span> never picked this up before (its not LE) but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">I'm</span> so glad i have it now. Its described rather delectably as a 'sinful rich coco' and that it is. It applies like a dream too!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343929226210239874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDkr-we-vqsScQPxbBIBV5eOyfemQ8Msn22sYA0mWfc1zkqrSNLAe-YqfOND_EKwYH3ZDkpRSCQ4yXVOmcw9lLIs7B2wtcdJzflvpq4nFJU2uEL8_ZxqxhMOyGqPhauhM0iMZwKowiVc/s320/DSCF1813+copy.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343918055037842450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xuODjn_03wNFMEi2Lz2jhyfx7XkogceWPflJW_LjBFz_6S6A3XWtC3RRo-5b6qGGyrh5YUVyp2Kxa16Fv1xhKbw-hOXInkugk4DOLMrbMc14sxgjjStXHrUVkQnZVv9guXoDYVnEq1s/s320/DSCF1815+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I did of course, as expected, pick up Purple Rite. And its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">troo</span>-ooh, I really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">dooo</span>-ooh (tenuous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Kenan</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Kel</span> reference for you there - Retro!) love it. Its described as a 'Mid-toned Frosty Orchid' which sounds a bit moonbeam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">rainbowy</span> to me. Id describe it the perfect midway point between wearable and a bit cool....its just really lovely. As with most frosts this is a bit sheer but very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">buildable</span>. Again, (come on Ant and Dec) Happy days!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343929232790047938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBc-TY6Qfu4ZaaDN5CcLUDRIUrDCFtTZR5OeK5VXhY5b0j4m0z8bvpXHNiMXNIQauz1egUx2pesmsb84YjGKbFlGfC7sAJJjrnp2nio8bYiPopi9pj11kWoXtYO6TgT4mi3tRICBJTmE/s320/DSCF1817+copy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343929236513950402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs_5hNZyLH7Of5V8hWN9Cjd4eEbA6gRs5ynt05VZ2yAXJXMqTV11sbTYipW9sizahUJUjdkKcXTMrRin2CiJeRExsKCSS4zKJHxTNBI6eQRMqRqrV2eFNgDUgqb3LyVb7fRSBUMW1iNk/s320/DSCF1818+copy.jpg" border="0" />Probably the most unexpected thing that made it into my wee mac baggie was Solar Bits in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Scatterays</span>. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343929238805852994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj264qbF9aWBPbuwWck7xc9vxuRH2bwH-fbRAgAQ8GgH2x5pQ1B4vrCV2X0ltlSzO2MM6XANLSzVq3EuS46AFKa7T0q38I-bmsxIl9WsddzhLdIy3AGkZun5dkQgu6qpgvEErvl2Gk-4bA/s320/DSCF1819+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div><br /><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">I'm</span> not sure why this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">didn't</span> get the 'Pat Butcher' treatment but this comes in the regular black cased pot. Its a lot lower and wider than usual pigment pots which makes it easier to use but also easier to spill. Described as <em>'Highly condensed clusters of pigment and pearl uniquely formulated to give a special hit of frost and colour on eyes and cheeks. The pigment's special clustering formula provides the choice of two application modes. Swish the brush over the top of the clusters for a sheer shimmer or crush them for more intense colour effect and sparkle' </em>they look more like breadcrumbs in a wee tub to me. But swatch it and watch it turn from rye nuggets to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">gooooold</span>! Literally! In the tub this looks pretty peachy but once you crush the pigments up a wee bit (fingers or a brush would both work) this becomes the most incredibly beautiful smattering of gold. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">swatched</span> on my hand it looks really dense but once swiped, its distributed evenly and looks so incredibly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">glowy</span>)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343929242019781858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TG3s5D-qU6bzJ2u5WZDE81IA_EI1MMz7AGm5WSKEt-M-Au_LHxChL8ledHfoNsjIBZNRHFoRjlW-5cLn_BXGgUxqW6XE8wX2yXt8ly_kO3wSvyJ5FvmLmJnLPx3SthEna_Z1UO6QbQI/s320/DSCF1821+copy.jpg" border="0" />The MAC site says this is for use on the cheeks and eyes and while i think this would be lovely indeed, i plan to use this across my shoulders and over my collar bone for a bit of sexy shimmering.</p><p>From the usual permanent collection i also picked up Pink Swoon blush which is very lovely.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343913631070665362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6V4rgstp_gEb5q03dPZyaprUroQkvsZ46cvueDoD_fo8Fs3U_BNGpKTKSBwhI2WTBDinJb5v3OTvxIBSXvl-AoRH0B582aZWvWI_wlS4kTG5Q2vIIEmruzd-h_7Ge01AXG7h-TN49FA/s320/DSCF1809+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>All in all, this was a really fun haul and not at all what i was expecting. So if like me. you'd written Style Warriors off as not for you, i beseech you - go check it out!</p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-83830887350060472672009-06-05T04:36:00.000-07:002009-06-05T05:21:04.780-07:00TAG: The Q'sHello to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LittleMissBeautyJunkie</span> (so glad i found your blog!)! Thanks so much for tagging me on this one! Twas lots of fun!<br /><br />WHERE ARE YOU FROM? The good old capital of Scotland, Edinburgh.<br /><br />WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING? Well, It all started when i decided i needed to try mineral make up. I searched online and found some that i wanted to try out. While waiting for it to arrive i started <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">googling</span> reviews for the brand and came across <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MakeUpAlley</span> (which was pretty revolutionary in my book) and then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nessasary</span> Make Up. Nessa is a beautiful American who writes what is still my favourite blog! After that i became a bit of a lurking on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">beauty</span> blogs...until i decided that i wanted to get in on the fun.<br /><br />WHATS THE MAIN AIM OF YOUR BLOG? At first the main reason was to keep me occupied and productive but as i got to know the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bloggers</span> and started making 'friends' (can you be friends if you've never actually met??) it became more of a way to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">communicate</span> with people of similar interests.<br /><br />WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE BEAUTY BLOG?There are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sooo</span> many blogs that i LOVE! Like i said, Nessa at <a href="http://www.nessasarymakeup.blogspot.com/">http://www.nessasarymakeup.blogspot.com/</a> has to be on the list, as do Marie of <a href="http://www.marie-loves.blogspot.com/">http://www.marie-loves.blogspot.com/</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Saskia</span> of <a href="http://www.saskiathesalsafairy.blogspot.com/">http://www.saskiathesalsafairy.blogspot.com/</a>, Laura of <a href="http://www.romanticdreaming.blogspot.com/">http://www.romanticdreaming.blogspot.com/</a> and Jen of <a href="http://www.mizzworthy.blogspot.com/">http://www.mizzworthy.blogspot.com/</a> but there are many more i could easily have included!<br /><br />DO YOU MAKE YOUTUBE VIDEOS? Cant say i do.<br /><br />WHY? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">I'm</span> not sure really, i LOVE watching other peoples video's but its just not something that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ive</span> gotten round to doing...having said that, i may start at some point.<br /><br />WHO'S YOUR FAVOURITE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">YOUTUBER</span>? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">WhatStyleIsToNickel</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Pixiwoo</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">controversially</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">GeorgieMakeup</span> purely for fun!<br /><br />HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN A MAKE UP SWAP? Yeah! I took part in Rebecca's Secret Summer Swap and i believe my parcel should be arriving this week! Exciting!<br /><br />ARE YOU MORE ABOUT SKIN/HAIR/MAKEUP/NAILS? At the moment makeup is my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">thang</span> but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">I'm</span> definitely getting more and more into the other 3!<br /><br />WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE BRAND? I know this is predictable but it has to be MAC and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Illamasqua</span>. both are unbeatable in quality and range.<br /><br />WHATS YOUR MAKEUP MUST HAVE? It has to be Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lolo's</span> mineral foundation. Worked wonders on my skin!<br /><br />WHATS YOUR HAIR MUST HAVE? For a long long time now its been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Tresemme</span> Heat defence spray but i have a feeling this may change soon due to my current enlightening of hair products!<br /><br />CURRENT BEAUTY <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">OBSESSION</span>? It just has to be Lipsticks. I was a bit of a slow starter on this one, literally NEVER wearing lipstick until about a year ago (!) and now i just cant stop! More specifically my obsession can be narrowed down to purple lips - Up The Amp is my new favourite and makes me wish I had bought Lavender Whip. Ah hindsight.<br /><br />ARE YOU HAPPY WITH HOW YOU LOOK? Well i certainly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">don't</span> think that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">I'm</span> either beautiful or ugly but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">I'm</span> pretty happy that i can (for the most part) make the best out of what i have.<br /><br />IF <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">YOU'VE</span> HAD ANY OF THESE IN THE LAST YEAR CHANGE THE FONT COLOUR.<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">a haircut</span>,<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">professional hair colour</span>,<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">a facial</span>,<br />professional waxing,<br />eyebrow threading,<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">a massage</span>,<br />a manicure,<br />a pedicure,<br />gel/acrylic nails,<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">professional make up application</span>,<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">botox</span> injections,<br />collagen injections,<br />laser hair removal,<br />laser skin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">rejuvination</span>.<br /><br />WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN BEAUTY BLOGS? To be honest i think beauty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">bloggers</span> are doing a pretty spiffy job! I would love to see more Scottish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">bloggers</span> though! I think i know of only 4 of us!<br /><br />HOW BIG IS YOUR BEAUTY COLLECTION? Its not too <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">massive</span> but it is growing. :0)<br /><br />DO YOU OWN ANY MAC PRO <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">PALETTES</span>? Yup, i have just one 15 pan <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">palette</span> for now. Gimme time goddammit!<br /><br />HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SENT FREE PRODUCTS AND IF SO, WHERE FROM?Yeah! I recently got a whole bunch of Revlon lashes (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">review</span> to come REALLY soon!) and I'm waiting on a delivery of some Body Shop stuff! How exciting indeed!<br /><br />WHAT COMPANY WOULD YOU LOVE TO <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">RECEIVE</span> PRODUCTS FROM? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Literally</span> anything! I love the idea of finding a diamond from something i would never have tried otherwise!<br /><br />HAVE YOU EVER WON A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">BEAUTY</span> CONTEST AND IF SO, WHO HOSTED IT? Alas, the answer is no.<br /><br />WHATS YOUR NEXT PLANNED <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">BEAUTY</span> PURCHASE? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">BadGal</span> Lash free with Glamour Magazine. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">I'm</span> away to the shop to pick it up after i finish this post. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Yeehah</span>!<br /><br />TWITTER <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">USERNAME</span>? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">jigglysteph</span><br /><br />I know this is a bit of a cop out but i tag anyone who wants to do it! GO!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-10679775055934591712009-06-02T09:33:00.000-07:002009-06-02T10:48:37.662-07:00Tagorama Indeed!Let me start by saying that I LOVE tags!Something about seeing my blog name under a tag post makes me soooo happy so thanks to the lovely Laura B (lovely to the max!) of <a href="http://www.romanticdreaming.blogspot.com/">http://www.romanticdreaming.blogspot.com/</a> and the hilarious old gal Marie of <a href="http://www.marie-loves.blogspot.com/">http://www.marie-loves.blogspot.com/</a> (2 of my favourite blogs right there - check em out!) for tagging me on this one.<br /><br /><br />Now i don't want to be a stickler for rules but in the tradition of tagging i guess you should probably know whats going on:<br /><br />Once you are tagged, post a picture of where you blog. Feel free to tell us a little about your space. Tag five other bloggers to show their blogspots. If you are tagged and do not participate, <span style="font-size:180%;">you will become allergic to cabbage!</span><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">MY BLOG SPOT (geddit!? guffaw!)</span></strong><br />As a creature of comfort i usually blog propped up on a bunch of pillows, on my bed with the TV on in the background (that's Come Dine with Me on the TV in case it looks a bit random.Sugar on a spoon anyone?). Id like to take this opportunity, before i get any saucy comments, to say that the mirror is categorically NOT placed in front of the bed for any reason! When i moved in I swear my Dad put it up without asking where i wanted it and I HOPE that he just didn't think of the implications! Creepy!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342772180961003186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpFoVcEXT8W79kMsnXXDpn-048GrMV3zzAna-aJlGaLj-OjLSF4EDphYsBclmaIGhs6j7K4sk8mrqX-zZ1HYmPhgXvd4IWUf239r-JfC74YH5XVN5s8I0UDBAfN2ok4w3oq3C_eWzcbE/s400/DSCF1806.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>WHAT ARE YOU WEARING NOW?</strong></span><br />In keeping with the saucy undertone I see! Hehe!<br />Anyway back to the answer - Nothing particularly exciting unfortunately. Just a black All Saints dress with a red belt on the empire and black patent flats.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHATS THE LAST THING YOU READ/ ARE CURRENTLY READING?</span></strong><br />Id love to be able to say something interesting but I'm afraid it was Elle Magazine bought purely for the Urban Outfitters bag that comes free with it. Intellectual you say? Why Thank you!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>DO YOU NAP A LOT?</strong><br /></span>Not really...I tend to take about an hour and a half - 2 hours to drop off to sleep at night so i wouldn't want to do anything that might make it even harder! Though if i have to get up early Ill usually set my alarm about 45mins before i really need to, get myself completely ready (minus shoes of course) and then go back to bed fully clothed. Anyone else do that?<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU HUGGED?<br /></span></strong>Fras just before he left for work.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHATS YOUR CURRENT OBSESSION/ADDICTION?</span></strong><br />I reckon it has to be watching funny people on youtube. My favourites are Shaytards (He's doing the video per day diary thing and is the most naturally hilarious person with the most adorable family), ShaneDawson (I think it probably a bit wrong that i have a crush on him) and Timaya (Just soooo sassy!).<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>WHATS FOR DINNER?<br /></strong></span>Hmmm...I'm not sure, Ill have to go have a wee root around in the old freezer and see what i can come up with. Failing that, a trip to the Coop will sort me out.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?</strong></span><br />Yesterdays haul - check out yesterdays post if you haven't already!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?</span></strong><br />The TV. At the moment its the Lloyds TSB advert with the classical piece that goes uh uh uh uh uuuuh uh, uh uh uh uh uuuuuh uh uuuuuuuuuuuuh ah! know the one i mean?<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?</span></strong><br />Id have to say the ability to eat whatever i want without putting on a single pound OOOOOOR less superficially, the ability to grant wishes.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WEATHER AND WHY?</span></strong><br />Sunshine! Yeah!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT TIME DO YOU USUALLY GET UP?</span></strong><br />Welllllllll....redundancy has changed my getting up routine DRAMATICALLY! At the moment its usually about 10ish but the new job means ill need to be up by 6 or even half 5 depending on whether i need to wash my hair. Eeeek!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING GOAL RIGHT NOW? </span></strong><br />Accepting the fact that i cant just expect to walk into a job in events and that i am going to have to start at the bottom of the ladder again. Boo.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">SAY SOMETHING TO THE PERSON THAT TAGGED YOU:</span></strong><br />Laura: You really do seem like one of the nicest and most caring people i have met in a loooong long time. Good luck with the charity run!<br /><br />Marie: One word. Finnimbrun.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">IF YOU COULD HAVE A HOUSE, TOTALLY PAID FOR, FULLY FURNISHED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT IT TO BE?</span></strong><br />Ooooh, id have Carries apartment in NY, but only if it has <em>the </em>closet. Failing that San Fransisco or Oz would be pretty high up on the list.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM OF CLOTHING?</span></strong><br />Hmmm, probably my urban outfitters playsuit. Easy to throw on and stylish. Cant beat it.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">FAVOURITE PAIR OF SHOES YOU KEEP GOING BACK TO OVER AND OVER EVEN THOUGH YOUR CLOSET IS OVERFLOWING WITH A ZILLION OTHERS?</span></strong><br />Purely based on the fact that they get thrown on my feet more often than any others, id have to say my red cons. Not the most elegant but i have other shoes for that.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">NAME ONE THING YOU CANT LIVE WITHOUT?<br /></span></strong>Delicious food. I really do think that food is for enjoying, and is not just fuel.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT TIME IS BEDTIME?</span></strong><br />Usually about 1ish or sometime soon after.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">IF YOU COULD WAKE UP ANYWHERE WHERE WOULD IT BE?</span></strong><br />In Carries apartment in NY (which is now mine according to Q 13) with a hell of a load of cash to burn!<br /><br /><br />I TAG:<br /><br />Panda Does Makeup<br />A Fashionable Affair<br />Just a Dolly Playing with Make Up<br />Lazula80<br />ZoellaStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-59941329253955470562009-06-01T09:17:00.000-07:002009-06-01T13:53:21.029-07:00A haulin' I did go!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio608IiWAHXkDwuGWYuq8lseP7EJVO9PPoe_LgXj4xaEybwOHTysj6enTDFM951Bp2iP18F7-6aBvewWreTRKQyukPFi1ZNx2ZUXo7zsKNF4wFyt0tPNNl_Gr-Lvgy1ILFRY8Vztqk-qg/s1600-h/DSCF1743+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342421364958363554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio608IiWAHXkDwuGWYuq8lseP7EJVO9PPoe_LgXj4xaEybwOHTysj6enTDFM951Bp2iP18F7-6aBvewWreTRKQyukPFi1ZNx2ZUXo7zsKNF4wFyt0tPNNl_Gr-Lvgy1ILFRY8Vztqk-qg/s320/DSCF1743+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Haulin</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Haulin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Haulin</span>. <--Sung to the tune of 'Rollin Rollin Rollin' by that man with the deep voice. But yes, even in this blistering heat (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AMAZIO</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">btw</span>!) I decided to hit the shops and buy a few bits and pieces. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Superdrug</span> was the first place we hit cos boy wanted to pick up some hair gunk. Unlucky for him they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">didn't</span> have 'his stuff' but lucky for me cos it meant i could peruse the GOSH stand. Magpie Sparkles oft sings the praises of the Velvet Touch eyeliners and i totally agree! I really do think that they are unbeatable for staying power at a pocket friendly price! Needless to say i picked up a couple. 'Bananas' is a S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G metallic pale yellow gold colour that will look amazing on the waterline or smudged in around the tear duct (ooh) and Blueberry Ice (i know, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">I'm</span> a copier!) is a really pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">metallic</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">greyish</span> lilac.<br /><br />Also in the old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">SuperD</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BazzaM</span> Nail Paints were 2 for a £5 so i pocketed (not like that!) number 134 Yellow and number 47 Black. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">I'm</span> wearing the yellow at the moment and as with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">turquoise</span>, after 2 coats its pretty spiffy! <p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342421374798939474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnqbtRLuMQMfydxQ80062xg4xVyzoHfoSGQ7M7HfcdsR5Qe8tDZwx_hqboQsHZVfodFoHJHs-zQKOXTKlnPmZUDGx3W2-Ea7h6auAhKJz3XeHEAWfg859nH2ELv3rhxV0YF2WyV-5MIY/s320/DSCF1745+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Thumbs up for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bazza</span>!</p><p>Next on the list was good old MAC. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Zoella's</span> last post reminded me that i needed to pick up another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Retrospeck</span> shadow as this is the state of mine.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342421369631278722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-UeY1YMqtLVtHbXt0KkkC1lUHKtgXThzvRe8Q25y_CUc_qDy3KknoY5hq5aRem6UFjrDHbFpeTh430nADW0Up4KyWw3BPDc118L7yQpkZluElS2TvIn-etmzaTal5RkjSi49FLhU4XQ/s320/DSCF1744+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>A lot of people have issues with this being too glittery and not pigmented enough but i completely disagree! I think this is an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">uber</span> wearable champagne gold with a great amount of glitter and colour payoff - no complaints from me! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342421382897090786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zj9QBakKGl-yxG4DLn4RJfsmWgmw9VK4S_aMeZbOVlLhr55pLvTDNyMqIDeMdQQ9DWKMJUOpkp4_xzIT8iR_Guo_mKfCoouMJLG-d266bZ8EtrYApAs-9HjUL8Isk5YOeHnCnlDxwxg/s320/DSCF1747+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>You may have realised by now that i find it hard to pass by the lipstick stands without something bright catching my eye and jumping into my hands. Today was no different (luckily the boy was paying for it! Ta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Fras</span>!!) .The famous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Morange</span> (Amplified Creme) was the winner for me today. The Mac website describes this as a 'Loudmouthed Orange' and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">I</span> just cant disagree...it is pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">fabby</span> and will look great in the sunshine!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342421387211166178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5elWnoC0in5MPg8aexAcM9nc4NZFVs_WBV6NRKZg7dX2VWAoamHC362eOJ8Hi320QJ4AWHlDhMcVL7OU14RGzOmEgvxiVWKY7VS8LlxLe30ZzM9Qv3JBzPvrBn6MEfFxMzbVsQ0egvyk/s320/DSCF1752+copy.jpg" border="0" />For the sake of seeing what it actually looks like on, i took off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">lippie</span> i was already wearing (Pink <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Nouveux</span> in case you were wondering) and replaced it with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Morange</span>. The pink blush clashes so i reckon id wear this with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">bronzey</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">sunkissed</span> cheek instead. Overall on the face, it gives the 'appearance' of a red lipped pin up type look... but is just a bit too modern to be considered classic. It applies pretty true to the stick colour so this is not a colour for shrinking violets. I have to say though that i do already have something <em>fairly</em> similar to this is Boots 17's Hot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Chilli</span>. I hope it's different enough to stop this becoming more of an unused <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">finnimbrun</span> in my collection.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342422321020196802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1horhEKU4epWLgBOzXPDfvVnS1siDLlLVv5N_HFtnjxLR2_5zkCUuev__ZrOVaPyl9EEklXLy9LocuUXUpVNcJvsC3wxpGNONIEw1mPeClhyL4FtKI0yVsQ8Wa-ngGvJeOPZM9E1Bqo/s320/DSCF1784+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Swatches Ahoy!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342422316780521778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2OeCRT0vY10Wijthyphenhyphen1eZA5UHsY9g1wcGALjvJppUYCWneO14K_fTW-MvpA09U_A8Zse2e_wHHkJNibTVHaG5RyCLMukgCGmqw19rsXZlSpq6-KsDe4ekrvEEm3gNthQpUjMZqS4Toek/s320/DSCF1760+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-54177569670179625382009-05-28T10:21:00.000-07:002009-05-28T11:28:39.097-07:00Ponderings...from a boy! Views of a Beauty Bloggers Boyfriend #2Once again, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Steph</span> has asked me to contribute my opinion on a subject that's important to her. In this case, it's something a little less trivial than a supposed talent contest for models, it's something pretty close to home. The thing is, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Steph</span> wants to undergo a cosmetic procedure to alter something about herself and this generates a number of issues.<br /><br /><br />As <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> sure all of the blog ladies may have already noticed, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Steph's</span> beautiful. I know that as the BF, I have to say it, but the thing is, its totally true. Every time I tell her this, I mean it, its never said lightly or without conviction.<br /><br />So maintaining that this is the case, what could she possibly want to change about herself? She's convinced that she has a "double chin" which makes her look massively fat around the face. I say this with no fear of reprisal as she would doubtless tell you herself. In order to correct this "flaw," her mother has offered to pay for a surgical treatment to bring in her jawline a bit and make her face look thinner (<em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Steph</span>: in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">layman's</span> terms, its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lipo</span> under the chin</em>).<br /><br /><br />The subject of fairly constant debate, the procedure now looks likely to go ahead in the near future and it still has us divided. On the one hand, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">I'm</span> supposed to support her in whatever she chooses to do (and in fairness, i pretty much do) but upon the other, why should somebody so pretty have to change? I look at her and see a beautiful person (not some idealised version of her mind you, i see her in her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">jammies</span> at 8 at night eating nasty rustler burgers and the occasional belch also makes an appearance! <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Steph</span>: Cant believe you wrote that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Fras!</span>The only reason <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">I'm</span> not taking that out is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">because</span> i told you i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">wouldn't</span> censor anything you wrote. swine! </em>) who shouldn't for a second think she has to change. I can't fathom why she would want to change yet she has her heart set on it.<br /><br /><br />This to me is a sad indictment of the values i discussed in the last guest post i did. Everybody today seems to strive for some unattainable ideal that is constantly forced upon them by a media based around selling things to an unwitting public. We strive to look perfect but more than likely never will. Some of us are unfortunate enough to have people in our lives who reinforce negative views of ourselves either to make themselves feel better or to assert their superiority. Sadly for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Steph</span>, the person who seems to fit this role most readily is her mum. Though <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">I'm</span> certain she loves her daughter and that is not in question here, I frequently see her failing to show the appropriate support a parent should. Rather than the unconditional support one might expect, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">steph's</span> mum frequently undermines her confidence and fails to see just how fantastic a daughter she's lucky enough to have (<em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Steph</span>: Id partly agree with this. Lets just say my Mum and I don't have the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">straight</span> forward relationship</em>)<br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, many people are all too quick to buy into the opinions of others, no matter how damaging they may be and this can lead to an unhealthy desire for change or "self improvement." Glossy style magazines and media images of "perfection" are only reinforcing this and moulding the minds of malleable young women the length of the country. Why aren't people quicker to embrace diversity and learn to love things about themselves that others do? And why do we so readily fixate on our flaws, discounting the excellent qualities we doubtless <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">possess</span> that outweigh them?<br /><br /><br />Is that what is happening here? A media enforced desire for change? Or a deeper insecurity being nourished over time to the point where its unmanageable?<br /><br />Personally, I see no reason for my girlfriend to change. I think she's just awesome the way she is, and wouldn't change her for the world. I find it difficult to reconcile this idea with how she feels about herself and can only hope that something so radical will bring her the peace of mind she seeks. So long as the television and magazines keep telling us not to have that peace of mind, it only becomes more difficult and really only a matter of time until something else is wrong...Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-87322300913294771212009-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:002009-05-28T07:37:41.217-07:00Midnight Mussel Madness!<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">How</span> do you usually spend your evenings out? If you're like me, the answer will more than likely be at a bar drinking cocktails or sipping on pints of cider (+ black, natch) while watching one friend or other's band rocking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kasbah</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> not usually one for clubbing. My days of dancing in an area the size of a postage stamp, being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">elbowed</span> by an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">uber</span> keen B<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">eyonce-a-like</span> and taking my number in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">meat market</span> ended a good few years ago (gay bar dancing is however, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ok</span> with me). But last night <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Fras</span> and I decided to do something a bit different and headed down to The Stand in Edinburgh for some - as the name suggests - stand up comedy. Twas a great night indeed and at times my sides were aching from laughing so hard. It always helps when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">there's</span> a heckling willy who gets ripped to shreds by the comedian. Ah entertainment.<br /><br />Anyway, enough of the amusing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">retrobutionary</span> karma - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">here's</span> what i wore on the old noggin:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340876631533930082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnRKzk5y9R3HXZEQkMNoNII-oBOuf4s4qo4l2WclHV2BcxAHuccFdSprZo2-Q4qrGJ99zya7gTBZ9FS3evpTsVspMWw4r6GmHVJzhC21GXwlrTrESquwOX4heRuu6nSB2jfbuV8gfZWY/s320/DSCF1736.JPG" border="0" /><br />- Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lolo</span> mineral foundation (porcelain) + cover up (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">blondie</span>)as ever<br />- Touche Eclat under the eyes<br />- Mac <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Shroom</span> e/s<br />- Mac Carbon e/s blended into upper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">lashline</span><br />- Boots 17 liquid liner in black<br />- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">MaxFactor</span> False Lash effect mascara<br />- Revlon 'Wink' corner lashes (review coming soon)<br />- Mac Well Dressed blush<br />- Mac Perfect Topping as highlight<br />- Mac Up the Amp l/s (looks a lot brighter in real life!) - any suggestions for a liner to go with this?<br /><br />Ill be the first to admit that after a few cocktails and walking home, metaphorically swinging from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">lampposts</span> like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">spidermonkey</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">I'm</span> quite often tempted by a big old burger from the local takeaway dude (note: if its not a kebab its not so bad - that nearly rhymes!), however <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">having</span> consumed by share of the Rose wine, i felt like a burger just would not suffice. So this is me enjoying my midnight snack of...Mussels. Call me a domestic visionary if you like, i wont mind.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340876623876083794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJoDqfebhnnzPGhs_i884ZpJiNKrxr2hNJ4lJoFGLiTC5pjGV0V67NIZsdepQAH0VFIoS4D_x-VeG-BbiffQL6pLy5l4YwrJAj5lz78LGwqa1zEBqhQN3NUzpWGDWeV9Uo1cL3GjuWQo/s320/DSCF1728.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Whats your midnight snack of choice?</p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-69091087158916492102009-05-27T06:39:00.001-07:002009-05-27T06:41:34.116-07:00TAG! Diamond Bloggers!There are most definitely some very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">talented</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloggers</span> who create some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">humdingin</span>' beauty blogs currently floating around out there in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">blogland</span> - there are those that bring us the best information and the newest products, those that write passionately and articulately, those that have insane make up skills and most importantly, those who really go above and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">beyond</span> the call of duty to bring us all these things at once. One of those most awesome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bloggers</span> is Natalia of <a href="http://www.iwouldgoouttonightbut.blogspot.com/">http://www.iwouldgoouttonightbut.blogspot.com/</a> who, if you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">haven't</span> already, i would suggest you check out! No doubt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bruv</span>!<br /><div><br />Natalia created the Diamond Blogger Tag (see, i told you he was a bit good!) to let everyone shout about their favourite blogs so others can join in on the fun. I was one of Natalia's 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tagees</span> (Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hun</span>!) so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> more than stoked to name and shame (not so much shame though) 6 of my own Diamond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bloggers</span>. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340497979441769682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvZngYwSDLumlMI8YegHP-Ueyq7kZToD3oYsXgxLpSIf0gIA98_Yevw3j4-r0bYptxtZfAqby1MfktAWOWDHMzm9wg-g7ViaOOTX45OXhlaNnAvv-9_FV385xdBfVV8QWXT8a_xTxrR0/s200/diamond.jpg" border="0" />As Marie said, everyone that Natalia tagged are pretty awesome and you'd do no wrong by checking out each and every one of these lovelies: Marie of <a href="http://marie-loves.blogspot.com/">http://marie-loves.blogspot.com/</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Saskia</span> of <a href="http://saskiathesalsafairy.blogspot.com/">http://saskiathesalsafairy.blogspot.com/</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lamiats</span> of <a href="http://www.lamiats.blogspot.com/">http://www.lamiats.blogspot.com/</a>, Caroline of <a href="http://www.makeupbycaroline.blogspot.com/">http://www.makeupbycaroline.blogspot.com/</a> and Jen of <a href="http://mizzworthy.blogspot.com/">http://mizzworthy.blogspot.com/</a> .<br /><br />And here are my suggestions, my very own Diamond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bloggers</span>!<br /><br />In no particular order:<br /><br />1) Nicola <a href="http://nicolaarthur99.blogspot.com/">http://nicolaarthur99.blogspot.com/</a> - Nicola has such a way of making you feel like you know her...and she's a complete stunner to boot!<br /><br />2) Alexis aka <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">faffaholic</span> <a href="http://faffaholic.blogspot.com/">http://faffaholic.blogspot.com/</a> - currently rocking the 80's look, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">alexis's</span> blog is always a great read!<br /><br />3) Camilla <a href="http://eclecticbeauty-killacam.blogspot.com/">http://eclecticbeauty-killacam.blogspot.com/</a> - I found Camilla's stateside blog recently and am seriously stunned at how awesome it is! As an ex-MAC employee and current freelance MA she always brings something great to each post.<br /><br />4) Daisy <a href="http://cupcakeswithcherries.blogspot.com/">http://cupcakeswithcherries.blogspot.com/</a> - Daisy is such a sweetie. She balances her love of make up with a love of baking...sounds like a good combo to me!<br /><br />5) Jane <a href="http://vintage-tea.blogspot.com/">http://vintage-tea.blogspot.com/</a> - Jane is a Fashion <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Business</span> student from Scotland (Oi Oi!) and rocks an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">incredible</span> style. She also customises <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">clothes</span> and has her own jewellery line. Oh, and id kill a kitten for her figure!<br /><br />6) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Zoffe</span> <a href="http://zoffe.blogspot.com/">http://zoffe.blogspot.com/</a> - As a MAC employee let me just say this: She is not afraid of colour!<br /><br />There are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">soo</span> many more blogs i could easily have put on this list. Love to ALL the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">bloggers</span>!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-60224792318138486262009-05-25T08:44:00.000-07:002009-05-25T09:57:27.498-07:00Mac Haul + FOTDMonday is as good a day for hauling as any. Its a mantra i live by...well not quite, but certainly today i kept it in mind. I have had £50 burning a hole in my pocket since Saturday night when i was given the money for singing in a wee pub in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">edinburgh</span> as an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">impromptu</span> gig. As i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hadn't</span> counted on having the money i figured i could spend it guilt free. So where did i go? Mac of course! By the time i was finished i had a supreme swatch mitt! Happy happy happy! <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Here's</span> the haul - 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">eyeshadows</span> and 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lippies</span>. Huzzah!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339794530798208770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDexvZYkF3MNfO4857W2o97WaxF2wg1NvhRGy-4jcntmpzN9GQ7Dv8VlxIYCjSGx3SEQ2_tbZIlbaK8Xit-k1Rx2d_LbH3cZRDyM-7O7pcOVLo7QHJn8KJz9dYSHHV7yj4hssy4UTjPQ/s320/DSCF1666+copy.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> always one to save the best for last. As a child i would always eat my food one thing at a time , starting with whatever i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">didn't</span> like so much and saving the mashed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">potato</span> for the end. So in line with this idiosyncrasy, first up, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">eyeshadows</span>. I picked up Stars 'n' Rockets because its widely regarded as a must have...and i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">didn't</span> have it! Cant wait to see what all the hype is about! Next i repurchased Carbon - I had this before in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">pallate</span> but it seemed to crumble and coat everything in my make up bag with black powder which is not so cool (has it done this to anyone else or was i maybe a bit rough with mine) but i do find this invaluable. Finally i had a wee mooch around for the third one and decided on Amber Lights which is described as a 'golden peachy brown with golden shimmer (Frost) but i would describe as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">goldy</span> copper. Its jammed full of sparkle and even in the pan is quite breathtaking (yes, i may be prone to a wee bit of drama!).I cant wait to try it out!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339796819100977986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQf-qKSHIJhs2cIWbOroZao8Mb0M0QOHCR_BFuqAO99L9Q27Wx5jLZ3AlhlTM8oifPk2lTZfBBpSvQoRnICTZVwCjSw51FOlN-E2dAcBFchMcccdZ8-ue9oyssb9x5i2CMtlrRkAhr-8/s320/DSCF1678+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">I'm</span> not going to swatch them as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">I'm</span> sure <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">you've</span> all seen them hundreds of times! But now the lipsticks! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ooooooooh</span>!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339794554385788642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ9uMz6vxyJQGHpZ8pDBhZVejIWoUkuhd_RV5LU0ctsBwBWCs-OxlekSyfZ1YfUURtkpJicu8x3aBIKVAuMbnsT88SLv2fp0pdt1V774PNcOvLsERLpR3LTCGvz8axxqb8zI04Bqg1e0/s320/DSCF1674+copy.jpg" border="0" />I love pink lips and i love Saint Germain but sometimes, on occasion, i wish it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">wasn't</span> quite so light - so i was looking for something that would be a slightly darker <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">SG</span> and i found it in...Pink <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Nouveau</span>! A 'Bright Pink (Satin)', this really does tick all my boxes.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339794538326474306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-qykclAnaNKA3LI1LRcEgh_Z7ZC5yzb8u6nHW0pO-c9pZOR3yJaBkotkVZiXe6HlIoVX_3rUjWdbVzTgjSNGxxUfgZetP4POv1C1RvWnFwfy6umpH_E0AOFv2BC3Y7kEXwHKogzlX6Y/s320/DSCF1667+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I love my Mattes and although they can be drying i think that Matte is a really modern way to do colour on the lips. In keeping with the pink theme, Please Me is a really pretty dulled ballet pink...but if my description <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">doesn't</span> do it for you, Mac say its a muted rosy tinted pink which id say is about right.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339794544767966898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiGWnGXon0iavV7vEWnU2KFgYBphoSvhE-c2X3_CypQjF296VDla0eC5e28LpJWDx41vnutxqz4sD6A24HvWGzsKUDY5ky1iLsuy4SjRcFNqtQpfsG_TCS1cz1R_cWVjgoMG98rx0o04/s320/DSCF1671+copy.jpg" border="0" />And finally, my favourite of the three, Up The Amp. This is the one my boy decided he wanted to treat me to. On further probing i discovered that this was largely due to the fact that he plays guitar hence 'Amp' is musically <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">appropriate</span> and also Up The Amp, and i quote "sounds a bit dirty, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">gaffaw</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">gaffaw</span>." Men!...although <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">I'm</span> not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">complaining</span>!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339794548526490914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uiMZbI8r_j37FrI7u9LLixWSWZ0gPgeMIBwZZoSO4Yh1Lo3z4PXkpC3hSjsWqtnZkSGjoeWKHbBxdte9muyEwSCYZuSG2-Xlt3lL8SPmJnQJAUMDQgEkLM1f25wooJMCFcr-WLo5r84/s320/DSCF1672+copy.jpg" border="0" />This is an amplified creme so should be bright and rich and is described as an 'electrically charged <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">lavender</span> violet' and i LOVE it!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339796813877623746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHQpHiWPB1ZnabcBno5sZL-XBCEJ0kJ8sUPZuz3hYyhMDzpIbUKfp3pw-ly3AtyYV0ULTA4H8plYR40921uFSC9kGZVdbltKSHRkWVl16LwCZcLUapmd04YjJ2esxa52st3UypNyM5qE/s320/DSCF1676+copy.jpg" border="0" />And lastly, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">here's</span> what i wore to do the haul:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339796825500451266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAWOH2LsnEKsgHjalksEgF2Id0wMejy6a0C-OWNllhzucmgEUx7Fh92Nx1p2DIMLlEWfAY9aRL1CZ3ChnMnB7OY7xwrcY6yB4XTQH-nF_ZnBNPkHyphbzxxkBfvLWzL0BdP5-S1Vxy_E/s320/DSCF1689+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Eyes: Mac <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Ricepaper</span> all over the lid, Boots 17 liquid eye liner, Primed with Touche Eclat</p><p>Face: Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Lolo</span> Mineral foundation, Prestige Skin Loving Mineral Blush in 001 Pink</p><p>Lips: Vaseline Rosy Lips + Saint Germain (although it does need a bit of touching up in this photo)</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">I'm</span> definitely finding that with the warm weather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">I'm</span> becoming shiny a lot quicker...maybe its time to invest in a good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">mattifyer</span>?</p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-41548293398128695112009-05-24T04:03:00.000-07:002009-05-25T03:14:06.046-07:00Make Up: My History<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Haven't</span> we all been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">prive</span> to our own little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">catalogue</span> of trials and tribulations, of disasters and triumphs and of complete downright delusions when it comes to makeup over the years? In my maturity of 23 years (nearly 24 i tell you! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">eee</span>!) I stand from a perch looking back over my make up life and I can categorically say that i for one, have not been immune to a bad make up past... and i mean BAD! But i guess that in make up terms too, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a foundation charming.<br /><br />So when I read a post from one of my favourite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggers</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rocaille</span> of <a href="mailto:rocaille-writes@blogspot.com">rocaille-writes.blogspot.com</a> (go check her out!) taking a retrospective view at her make up journey, i knew that i would carry on the nostalgia.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">prequel</span> to my make up journey began as a child on holiday. I remember being roughly 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ish</span> and getting ready to go out for dinner. The sun in Majorca was shining and i had just taken the kind of amazing holiday shower where you literally go in feeling a bit sunned and come out looking way browner that you went in, the extent of which, for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">paley</span> like me, was a few freckles dusted across my cheeks. I remember having on a coral <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">crop top</span>/cycling short combo (not too out of fashion for now!) and my mum handing me a coral lipstick. I remember feeling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sooo</span> grown up at the process of pouting and blotting in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">preparation</span> of a night out that the next night i wore the lipstick again and asked my mum to add a coat of mascara. And there it began.<br /><br />By 11/12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ish</span> i was wearing make up every day. While i certainly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">didn't</span> need it, i think the whole process made me feel more grown up and therefor better, at that age. Usually it was just mascara and the requisite Heather Shimmer lipstick from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Rimmel</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">boke</span> spew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">boke</span>!) but the key to my special occasion make up was to pile on the glitter in the form of glitter body spray, glitter nail polishes (of which i collected over 150) , topped off with glitter hair spray. Ah the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">naivety</span>.<br /><br />The next <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">stage</span> was foundation. At around 14 i collected the usual smattering of teenage spots and from this point on i caked myself <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">religiously</span> in foundations way too thick for my immature skin. Now i am pale - way too pale for even Mac NW15 but at that stage colour <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">wasn't</span> the biggest concern and so foundations were picked and purchased on the merit of a)can i afford it and b)will it cover my spots. Thus copious amounts of thick orange foundations was sponged onto my skin leaving me with tide marks that would be wiped at by my friend Nikki on the way to school. No doubt it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">exacerbated</span> my teenage acne and made it far worse. Oh the joy of hindsight!<br />Around this time i discovered liquid eyeliner and became addicted. I alternated between black for the day and silver for any evening events (read, sitting in the park with the boys drinking cider). Unfortunately i had none of the skill to apply a tricky little flick and often ended up looking like id been punched. For some reason i LOVED it and it became my 'thing'.<br /><br />Being a self <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">conscious</span> teenager i got more and more obsessed with 'the routine' and got to the point, like many teenagers do, that i would not leave the house without a full face of make up. Make up stayed the same for the next few years, buying the same brown eye shadow again and again (i think it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Rimmel</span> and i believe it was applied with the only brush i owned, a short <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">handled</span> silver eyeshadow brush) while trying every foundation i could afford and get my hands on. The only change happened when i got 'Hazel' coloured contacts for my 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">th</span> birthday and i bought a green eyeshadow to 'compliment' them. Actually looking back on photos the contacts were orange but oh well!<br /><br />I left home shortly after i turned 16 and moved to Surrey for boarding school on a scholarship (which was lucky as we never could have afforded it without!). It was a performing arts boarding school and alumni were the sons and daughters of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">England's</span> richest elite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">i.e</span> Leah Wood, Emily Blunt, Camilla Al Fayed, Richard <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Bronson's</span> nephews etc. The Times Rich List became a competition to see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">who's</span> family was higher ranked and material <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">possessions</span> were status. While I loved it there and really grew as a person, I remember feeling that not only were most people far richer that i could ever be, they were also so much more mature than i was. I had no form of skincare whatsoever beyond eye make up remover and a good shower and i remember watching one of my friends unpack an extensive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Clarins</span> collection, her telling me that i should really moisturise and that she could not live without a good toner. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">I'm</span> not sure if i had been hiding under a stone but i guess i really just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">hadnt</span> thought about skincare.<br /><br />It was being surrounded by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">beautiful</span> people with massive disposable incomes that forced me to get a bit more savvy with make up. With a desire to fit in, I picked up a MAC foundation (still too dark for me but nowhere near as bad!) bought Touche Eclat, no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Clarins</span> skincare but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Olay</span> did me just fine, and a whole bunch of eyeshadow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">palettes</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">began</span> to experiment.<br /><br />Fast forward a whole bunch of years and that experimentation has been trialed, tested and honed (to an extent that gets me by! I am in no means an expert!) and i am now in the middle of a fully blown make up obsession.<br /><br />Looking back, there have been a lot of mistakes, most of which make me cringe at the thought of ever having walked out the door. It seems though that bad make up is almost a rite of passage and a learning curve, just something that most girl do when finding their feet. However, I will never again entertain the thought of Heather Shimmer, but i guess it makes looking back on photos a LOT more entertaining.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-33349807278965569152009-05-20T07:44:00.000-07:002009-05-20T09:18:25.512-07:00Aye [Eye Brow] CaptainIn true high school essay style (cos who doesnt love high school essays!), let me start of with a definition. The Eyebrow: <em>"The eyebrow is an area of thick, delicate hairs above the eye that follows the shape of the lower margin of the brow ridges. Their main function is to protect the eye, but they are also important to human communication and facial expression. It is not uncommon for people to modify their eyebrows by means of hair addition or removal, make up, or piercings. - </em>Simple enough concept no?<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>Surprisingly you need to look no further than a Disney film to see the role of eyebrows. </div><br /><div>Baddies like Snow White's Wicked Queen or Ursula the Sea Witch are drawn with thin, highly arched brows because they look harsh and unnatural in comparison to the comparatively thicker and straighter browed heroines.<br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337925769409895426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU0Sb5MHvCQVk1oPal5fhi5wZDII7tcV5qxPeF5Z3uU31lplhddpDcuFcM-t8_bxJMfxwPL3vFiLgLjIFACxIGjoQTEDCluMjYG3QaDv4Xd9UEcIuyegCvCcd_cLpxAR6roQbLYiJWdE/s320/507O1071X%2520Evil%2520Queen%25208X8.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337927831479668866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNMDVyyhl2oVM9ugFe8RqyfOWsv7HcxZusFu-VytCFgXQg97oXEsKDyTBshPvoc8difMdXyUxW1Ns4K4vSTHyaWpuHKLc5wUipPt_OFTfgOSkD4KENjRigXE1fzT9m2L2fdL07XrhM3U/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337932894878934658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSBgjgS1x0jIIQQb_ffOakU-6WoaS2e1LduJQByI_FetQrkE6EOLlnwPE5FLQrM_yXHGugncCcIif46aLmMrFc53Jpj0XCs5huECNju-98Q3RPkzAm4J3yJnx0P-GrCnr6f_AhIEowzk/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" />Pixar also realise that even where there are no eyebrows, for filmic needs, they had to add them.</div><br /><div></div><div>Adam Summer, the fish expert on Finding Nemo says "The biggest issue I dealt with was balancing anthropomorphism with anatomy, like the day the animators called and asked, "Where are the eyebrows on fish?". Well, fish don't have eyebrows but eyebrows are good for facial expressions, so we started to look for fish that had ocular ridges."<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337931366614389122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XzJRwuYfrYOTtp3TznbN5d9-qBaj0z5mxHS1NbHO8tXwvlkzTbMOI9EoNfma2Rw7EX5hGn2dHsYmhrY7wY2QtxPuw7ReXgnKTsSyrPJFIV1Id0-azHpMnWNIV6KmZ2YB6k_T_PZubs0/s400/finding_nemo800x600.jpg" border="0" />I realised at a very early age that as a pale person with very dark hair, there was no hiding when it came to my eyebrows. At the tender age of 12 i went for my first eyebrow wax and the difference was incredible! I felt like my face had suddenly bloomed. My eyes looked bigger, my face more balanced and i instantly felt 10 times more beautiful than i ever had before. I remember going out to buy bindi's (Gwen Stefani you have a LOT to answer for!) just to draw attention to them.</div><br /><div></div><div>Seeing the difference and knowing her daughters penchant for taking things to extremes, my mum decided to spare me a lifetime of over plucked brows and offered to pay for electrolysis (where a needle sends a electric pulse to the root of the hair, which after a few treatments kills the follicle resulting in permanent hair removal)for my 13th birthday. It may sound a bit drastic for a 13 year old but a whole decade later i truly believe it was a great thing. I pluck a few random stray hairs once every couple of months and never have to worry about scary Groucho Marx caterpillars taking over my face.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337937567975795618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANS_SSiK9ZTEGNRFDbuIlkiStHlP2qI3u44uzxOHIfyC9-viMvE6kvGO-6W2HH2wDPOv8diE3TKExSaX39MH1h6_c4EoPICUqi6-5cYPJRx8Naficat1N5t13Vh_1FlsIJIb24snhBtk/s320/Groucho_Marx.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>But with all this said, why do some people get it sooooo wrong? Cough Madonna Cough.</div><br /><div></div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337923811472086610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA0Qy2p-tCqgQ1mJoNKi-NUUUMKwnlKEQ4A0fLVDTeQS8-31NfkFm-7HffEImZGCEgUmehiTD-uBO65iWUJa4HY-eL_Ghyphenhypheny0XLqndASibB9K1cbtf5xTWFYzISHheKg1b2jsnBp_uDaM/s320/060_brovi.jpg" border="0" /> Eeek! These ones are actually TATTOOED on!!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337922948224747586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFco5vA9yxTVCI-DO01zPL2D7L1c0izoRY7TMaac4av-ORVmT5jSJo2gdAoIkUAkwUU-pRpywvhxP4TjrlsPYI-5G-TTao2fx589pdUTk4kezDOe5zdSx5jTADCz0pt9KMk0gfQCKv7rk/s320/042_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337923798713292226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8Ac40E1z33bTJw5So5aYiiFHJ3kjUxRR6ka4Q036NXghK0uwNpPe0yozVuzQhYakOtY2Cc30MnPrU61m-bjXoVbMKVSk_NyhlVWUM8UK4PD7oKYxYr6qCWzDZo9AZ2QKAg1WGmipaYI/s320/051_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337923801802444082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbkd86w88bjo6vxfFVAMHA1fjx1tTji1GrhCg3opuwfpNB2mLXqEti8ja5x6MhWKoaVBNK_wzYWNrLw25i-4oaKnNSn7kloSUy0ZThh3QzJ1efAX96rAkBiUAW5CTEdgTRq-XBYKQFC0/s320/054_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337923804327888978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAvrXLbTyWhqTNM3Vha-oO6WGyxSh_ybUFQT-eWTSxSAsVeqEbU0hBwHEY5faYRr6Vo6cHG1ggdAIN2qiPhhnjRwB_0YxIjPsVky6K871hcMLxMorPhMErHrYbMpEvK50xRUamz9OxY/s320/058_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337923291836058146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtffPXett88osQuuLykMNdi9PRW5LDDkRGR2f_BKd5NECJm4USCLmJC38SQLYr248vozBtjwvRbkIhhX3kAnl8dpqi3GKFQU9Dc9fuz9N_IosgNlUc8pMzeUc0mc_-P12ysQqR3qekmYg/s320/031_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337923300080937362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRSVDnVdsJw5nC0I5URXwDvGx-kLwfb6xp8KvCZ9uUcmFkEYMtxEF4mxmqtCZ52GqYEb0kYi1-mz-1e3eYwO_GhugrH3-HnsduR6epnddEMmL62CtA4EUf8wigbMP7a72Il3kIe8PKfI/s320/037_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337922949286260802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbPDs1eLz1vTkovF6nBOeF7BFRKUWwTqtumqkaJSMjHQyH4qraAgCxH9foUowsKf7vZ2BaRYFB6exxn044oETh7sCTCWEjhBKxnhmLVuWJ9BkD4fvRT7mLj2ICvSa5ySfbBMzd9znpDg/s320/023_brovi.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337922941350379186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_zfOQJZDiewXF4FpTtc80bSg9TT_pnlJXVVy8tst9a0emEuS3NbzEn4Uder2o2pXlQpf0giot-WI6oLaVXt7H3uMbUY2dMYIwoXz9s-HGC5Ra0cKgSY56Bo6U8BJ2c_eR7ke4Meaido/s320/014_brovi.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />There are no words...!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-51772741938207937892009-05-19T07:12:00.000-07:002009-05-19T08:24:25.162-07:00Posey's ContestSome days you feel creative, some days its more of an effort just to make it out of bed never mind actually get round to putting on a wee drop of slap. Today was just one of those days that i felt like playing around with makeup to see what i could come up with. Ive been meaning to enter the lovely Posey's contest (<a href="http://www.poseysbeautyreviews.blogspot.com/">http://www.poseysbeautyreviews.blogspot.com/</a>) for a while now so i figured this was as good a day as any. The premise of this competition is fairly similar to MizzWorthy's recent Illamasqua contest, both creating an alter ego look. Posey however wants to really see the contrast between your 'normal' look and that of the alter ego.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">EVERYDAY LOOK<br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mTSts2NRMrrEZSPyfmldAg-r4uOkd2C5IIG4kR95pjTkrXGMDRJEV3bOIVMdz2flYSS7lq_GrIYxARGX2sfLw13r9v04XvhP1W4Hj74R73lwQa4bQtL8aKr389PuwXT_ySSPdFZrktM/s1600-h/DSCF1100.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337547551580824994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mTSts2NRMrrEZSPyfmldAg-r4uOkd2C5IIG4kR95pjTkrXGMDRJEV3bOIVMdz2flYSS7lq_GrIYxARGX2sfLw13r9v04XvhP1W4Hj74R73lwQa4bQtL8aKr389PuwXT_ySSPdFZrktM/s320/DSCF1100.JPG" border="0" /></a>My fail safe daytime look is so easy to throw on and involves a very simple, very little, very subtle concept. Clean, fresh looking skin, rosy cheeks, vaseline rosy lips and a 50's style winged eyeliner. Overall its a look i would call 'Easy Breezy 50's'. Now I'm not saying that i wouldn't frequently add a bright pink or red lip with this to add an extra bit of spice for evening, but as far as 'normal' goes, this is it for me.</div><br /><div>So once this look had been created and photographed i set about thinking how i could create a complete contrast. This was the list i drew up:</div><br /><div></div><div>1) Completely unsubtle</div><div>2) A bit dark</div><div>3) Harsh and androgynous</div><div>and finally this was the real stimulus for the overall 'alter ego look... 4) Futuristic.</div><br /><div>So here's what i came up with: </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">ALTER EGO LOOK</span></strong></div><div></div><div>Its certainly not something i would pop to the shops in! In fact my boyfriend walked in while i was doing this and looked decidedly horrified. Only once id explained to him that it was 100% not fr leaving the house in did he relax and then start laughing at me. Swine.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337551132473592978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc4-7eP1ELomO_zzq7wJTX1Lsnun7ja7ywz3n7cwrulNhqg-UWpNYaaOUpRJ5lcN_RK2quCmdNCpuq2uXvMYIlgvuUiCd-2M4syBz2wDkVhphWu3Z08sKfWEmxh65DyGO4PLUjUf8G6s/s320/DSCF1632.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337551139653095874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRxw9fwWbmG0R9RNiW90vvNCsupl4U7p4LqCZ0WewKVQ-l76nZag-Lcry9gU58jqFq4-Om-IbMYPwCazxpyFyNpOHxGdILRHNGoOGpoSUQn4oIQjXhrx56xpF0TQjbTrP5zn7-Ar9AzE/s320/DSCF1633.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>So here's what i used for both looks:</p><p><strong>EVERYDAY</strong></p><p>FACE: Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation/Cover up, Prestige Skin Loving Mineral Blush in 001 Pink</p><p>EYES: Boots 17 Liquid Liner, Max Factor False Lash Mascara</p><p>LIPS: Vaseline Rosy Lips</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">ALTER EGO LOOK</span></strong></p><p>FACE: Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation/Cover up, Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice for the cheeks (white line underneath - Barry M white kohl pencil)</p><p>EYES: Brows filled in with GOSH velvet touch pencil in carbon, Barry M white kohl pencil, Boots 17 Liquid Liner Liner and because i wanted to keep it fairly androgynous i didn't use any mascara</p><p>LIPS: GOSH velvet touch pencil in carbon, Illamasqua Solstice</p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-22865473723512251192009-05-18T04:46:00.001-07:002009-05-18T05:18:12.481-07:00Carry On Camping!I woke up this morning gasping for a cold drink and some serious bacon roll action. I then looked in the mirror to find that i clearly didn't take my eye make up off very well because most of it was now streaking 'emo-style' down my cheeks. But what a night it was!<br /><br />Isn't it always the nights that are completely last minute and unplanned that turn into the best, most raucous events!? Last night was certainly one of those! I hit the gay clubs with my gay friends for camp karaoke, cheesy songs and some pretty risque dancing.<br /><br />But answer me this question: Why is it that the second i step into a gay club i immediately start camping it up and posing for every picture with either a massive pout or my finger seductively (!) resting on my bottom lip?! I just don't know what comes over me! EVIDENCE:<br /><br />'Hello Sailor' from Rick, my offering is the classic arm in the air 'im a diva, me!' pose, additional pout from Chelle!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337133018581799810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhjgPk_hWRh34R9ZC0fXlvSmlqnmt5pe3qM0rm-BoXO7VGdIB1z2ddryNldlJmYvySDzO_Olzh1C_fdxSAMt4T64QUDNRD7pzT9kKfhDCFvvvoFf2IYwAnowtM7yKQ-sBpJ7yUE6Erec/s320/DSCF1606.JPG" border="0" />Windswept! I know this was intentional but i cant remember why....?<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337131721088938898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsqBa18kpabj2DjH0EAXv0Eji3ZDN_Xl8-DBQ2NNc0A3V9hPAEWUDUXcmefBPC2mFgsWjg2dmGBGYIsXncPuFL4Y0LFoDG-c3jNHLNATweCkL6k-we1sntSwehXsIlSRb8i_K2eMuYoY/s320/DSCF1601.JPG" border="0" /> POUT!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337133022533279410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KT7qV9dA7UXeBYtbwO9Lhp6ezQmYXPtIZHqjsn0zKuYpGATbo5d85edTNGCMTG1Wqaxj4GL-cng97X6CUeJniH2NbfZSIsWExAIwnx84KXchusssYaVH_AgLSwaCorYNPAMZxE00Vv0/s320/DSCF1609.JPG" border="0" />There it is! Fingers in the mouth! Why, oh why do we do this!?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337131717624135522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyTB_rIWqFpCJLtcI0Iazb0wsm7x0nJl-F3mbvJy0GD1WFvFuZQKhr3I39ttuCSCE_2NV1Ac22M-cKym3Dx4FJ8_48tHahLQUnFjlNxaOKzOXr3rJap3dNhA8PV8Gv0F-_ywMPkp8Hjs/s320/DSCF1598.JPG" border="0" /> Aw, group photo!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337133021143511682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKefMs1Un9ONNPdWdTlB1GIGBOUy7h8ilXe3O1mGfCfZFNNXC1CpzDza8thtzt1T22x0kQ4-B1gP2Dtz48gU8_xqUvbit0SBlpsi6hXnLeJ_JufpBpN0Rq4NNJm8b1kdB6QfTzsAdcHVY/s320/DSCF1607.JPG" border="0" />Luckily i didnt get quite as bad as Greta-hen (in the white) and Dionne! Simmer down boys!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337131714065149650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnD09Hj1nmQLUk7xJpXdowPeRGr_PreRWEKqIBHeMe4Zvr1uf1hsH4EorHomg8Hbhaxc5HB3YI2dqZICFixtonOFyQiWZA5RqRX61IJAlZNVUaZdX7_cnrSiOdKXj1HiDZ1Vc6c-YFcU/s320/DSCF1595.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-74567291215111706192009-05-15T11:04:00.000-07:002009-05-16T01:58:16.891-07:00Yay or Nay, Hot or Not, Worth the Cash or Gash #4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YAYS</span><br /><br />1)Nail Polish! I cant believe its taken me 23 years and 10 months to 'get' colourful nails, but now that i do i predict there will be no stopping me! At the moment <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">I'm</span> turquoise Barry M True Turquoise. LOVE!) on the fingers and bright <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nickelodeon</span>-slime-green on my toes. Seriously <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">every time</span> i catch a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">glimpse</span> of my digits i catch myself smiling. Small things for small minds and all that! :0)<br /><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336338766153930578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcDe2usgDxoJVIae0fjK39f3RAYn_53hMCpvovAgyLtEo3M7rnRqfJ9HrgHQWvF5raZHpQDhBiOh7PX5zEf8XJJ2-EyoUHQE7_TYS5NEYuvXa_HkqBTI1umEA42bvY8X44DdZKghd3TA/s320/ist2_4039522_rainbow_of_nail_polish.jpg" border="0" /> 2)Having a personal chef (in the form my my beautiful friend Claudia) come to my flat to cook for me last night. I swear it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">soo</span> good i considered keeping her in my wardrobe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Avid Merrion</span> style.<br /><div> </div><div>3) Mac Angel Lipstick. Its an oldie but a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">goodie</span>!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336338767092048610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloHHv0Jazv12vsJCkM2XdD9aKVd7NckOS4jznoBHCpEqdpl9hdWq3J3BeAr8aHnx-fbIhRDMeWY3SoSgxQiTTO1YLpoSLs4Ngzs7omnmwVxLiU8pz1He2Smsh50JtLieOIbqeu47trxU/s320/angel.jpg" border="0" /> 4) Oasis <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">boy fit</span> jeans. I am literally living in mine at the moment. So slouchy and easy to throw on. LOVE!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336339652844066946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEYv8FCJm95lW9hC9R3jPFb8HpkpPCScSKRRDJp__mJB2wuYT95Afj6BBc1OkSfXAzZ3b2q64h1GOtM_RRXApwGD2ukQDF2t83ICZH8soICPZq4QVw9WrYxLCGkmlfT63431LwAE77qY/s320/3250141523.jpg" border="0" />NAYS<br /></div><div>1) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">VooDoo</span> Pickle. I placed an order with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">VooDoo</span> Pickle, a site that sell cheap, fun and very kitsch jewellery...on the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> of April! Its taken a little longer than a 6 weeks for me to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">receive</span> my order. The first issue was that shortly after i placed my order the company, which is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">UK</span> based <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">btw</span>, so no excuses for slow delivery, moved premises so my order <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">didn't</span> dispatch until 2 weeks later (I had to email for this info). I was still waiting 3 weeks after i had initially placed my order so i started emailing them to let them know and to ask if it had actually been dispatched at all. I was cordially ignored for no less than 3 weeks until two days ago when i finally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">received</span> my order. And after all that, the quality is pretty poor. The eyelets on some of the earrings are broken or missing. Overall not impressed.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336342271000656274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpYmlgPMa53OZKVsqLODmfrzPbsiWtMjoP4yZIRRjmbHaci7KMRt-FVlwOJsKcizb0IagOedrWhsOzNmk5YBzJ6w6hMRw-SIu1KPydqQtQ8Nve-c2ATUQO4BmpFjTWaQH4yodxmgY7FU/s200/screenshot4-4.jpg" border="0" />2) My skin breaking out with any product that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">isn't</span> powder! I bought Touche Eclat last week purely to brighten up under my eyes (it also acts as a pretty good eyeshadow base) and around my nose. I figures it was pretty lightweight so i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">shouldn't</span> have any problems. Unluckily for me, while its pretty awesome on the eyes, around my nose has completely broken out. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Grrr</span>.<br /><br /><div>3) Not going to the Barry M Event. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">don't</span> know if its cos <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">I'm</span> Scottish or just cos <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">I'm</span> not worthy but when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">you re</span> all having fun meeting all the lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">bloggers</span> think of me! Ill be the one at home. :0(</div></div></div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-37771708732821972372009-05-14T14:37:00.000-07:002009-05-14T14:57:52.107-07:00Cant Cook Wont Cook v MasterchefHands up all the foodies?!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Yes that's right, i do indeed have 2 hands (and a foot) raised pretty damn high. I LOVE food so much that i think that life is what happens between meals. Unfortunately I am one of life's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unfortunately</span> talentless cooks (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ie</span> i need to be supervised to attempt an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">omlette</span>) so this evening when my lovely friend Claudia offered to come round to my flat for a few drinks and some tasty food i couldn't say 'yes' loud enough! Oh...and did i mention that she's a chef!?</div><br /><div>Here's what Big C rustled up for us this evening:</div><div> </div><div>Cod wrapped in prosciutto ham</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335800860900203202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxO46Y9zHLhFKSvyJK9X6oUIWRyxbxDS3s4PWHUdy7AH9JY7tFPXVprxNosfit6MoFpxt-UKtEVSMu5Etu0c0oSE4zfuoaNOLxqy5lKFg-3WcNTfdS9TpIcuKUJmMukvE6kYzLOlhEeE/s320/DSCF1528.JPG" border="0" />Sauteed Lettuce and bacon with scallops (tasty alternative to the classic cabbage and bacon)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335800869352464322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO9hpnxgrJQp4Pok9EyPu64RvjPVkZCVcp5jKMMwwjnRnVSLK5Y4oUbAoJGniFetCwfmhdpA3TO3Y8rAKLmErj6fE9oigePDbttytZ4HpBJGFyg5EE6D4GPW2RPu-zaSDJtioxAVU-_0/s320/DSCF1532.JPG" border="0" />Put together with green beans...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335800861666049698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dgbhnq22x0iVT0wFglxgm5kqh3SEWCHt_ml6fwwO-ZPL3r1ZfXk5Kfme8HNdFmZrhJ7cj4hKFBLPAxBEYOu6c8CFMNmZO9PwUZHhyphenhyphen2nE6pkNQ7uKBH2HHfbLQMpJfu1vlHZ4lZD7fJg/s320/DSCF1529.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335800872676332802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ReFC8XFtkFem1By_uESUf7D4rHziZXEjyhtExGLFhIfY-MFq-7mHOvyDebDFxbYpQ7FMvoj3Yy3eHJrhjR0Ggz64rW-7kby5fcCXD2qp47VGgwQrIY9zzatHMh47r1w9TTxZAFKAeQM/s320/DSCF1536.JPG" border="0" />Accompanied with some Rose Vino. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Claud</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Steph</span> = Happy Campers!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335800876892616754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTedvGrXkOfQndroCJ_vZkWxPDq2B1LeWHo9g3Ne5QwSVm6Fam0peqC4N_e-JvP8JZ7D2HZMojXowuh9s97F15Ab2ojsaKkoeb-g-IDFeyUrvoGdK0kkBFSyQ_C_jQaJCIJsKf5Ty1ZZs/s320/DSCF1537.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-44837046208275932322009-05-13T15:28:00.000-07:002009-05-13T16:07:51.863-07:00UPDATE: Boots 17 Fast Finish Nail PolishFollowing on from my last post, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I've</span> spent the evening happily buffing, polishing and pampering myself. My nails are now a gorgeous shade of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">turquoise</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">courtesy</span> of Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bazza</span> M (LOVE this polish!) so i decided to clash with my toenails and go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">for</span> the bright acid green, Boots 17 in Twist.<br /><br />I have a few Boots 17 polishes and i love them. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> not sure if its the Fast Finish formula or just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">this</span> specific colour but it is truly awful! Its supposed to be a 'single coat, high shine colour' but as the first coat left me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">streakier than bacon in stripes</span> and only moderately green, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">I've</span> ended up adding two more coats and its still a mess. Its a good job <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">I'm</span> not planning to get my feet out tomorrow as this is really quite dire and shall certainly never make it onto my nails. Shame.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-9615635532451980432009-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:002009-05-13T14:55:34.024-07:00Nail Polish Haul and FOTDI'll be the first to admit that nails have never <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">really</span> been my forte. I have decidedly rubbish looking index fingers (is that your pointing finger??). Yes, i am aware that index fingers are a pretty trivial thing to dislike in the grand scheme of things but all finger laughs aside, i actually have never gotten into nail polish as a result of my gimpy looking hands.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Today however i decided that i have indeed been foolish. Nail polish is just another way to colour up an outfit and express yourself. I had a think and decided that if my fingers were to do just that and express themselves, they would probably be quite loud and obnoxiously bright. Cue trip to Boots for a few wee bottles of fun!</div><br />From L- R</div><br /><div><div>First on my list was a 'For Audrey' style <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">turquoise</span>. Tiffany's blue has been one of my favourite colours long before i knew of Tiffany's and the excitement that is evoked by the gorgeous boxes. Its an unexpected but stunning choice for nails so this was an obvious first choice. Living nowhere near a Sally's i found what i think is a pretty good dupe (if a little brighter) for the China Glaze version in Barry M's Nail Paint in 295 Pure Turquoise.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Next on the wish list was something to a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">girlier</span> and to cover the purple/pink side of the spectrum. I already have Miami by Boots17 which is a gorgeous true barbie pink that i LOVE so i decided to go for Boots17 High Gloss Nail polish in Love.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Finally i just had a look around to see what i fancied. I ended up going for a neon green (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> not sure why...it just spoke to me!) by Boots17 fast Finish Nail Polish in Twist. Its bright!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335376635948134690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_bfB8VnT7UW0xJQfzzgtRJdub428FtIv9R0aAXlTgMIxb7ssnDcIOV-WypFaYyEMx4_LW0RpsYh3phQ2YqquUevPHn46svHtrZEb3tWSzOlhEui3fjaNfXZHztO_sodLc6M7jJW4QG8/s320/DSCF1521+copy.jpg" border="0" />On the nails i found the Barry M polish was the easiest to apply. The colour looked pretty vibrant after just 1 coat while both the Boots 17 polishes looked quite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wishy</span> washy despite the green one being a 'single coat high shine colour'. A second coat did wonders for the intensity of all the polishes but if i was to wear these out id say the green needs a third coat to get rid of the streaks.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335376632670803858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU-1GvgEhc0jV9ksEQNGzQB53rik0E9DCDJRQ3B0HXc7wm0JihJoqE75gC5u-TvGpxb4Rvs4t5IrS8ZTh6ktJ-5QVBwpjDYo9Vc5vbob1coLkn9tzp_gmYvkzeVZ8W9XOoyBDYGWz9Tw/s320/DSCF1511+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><p>I think <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> going to go with the turquoise for today and will definitely be investing in some more Barry M Nail paints!</p><p>As for the old noggin, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">here's</span> what i wore: This is a fairly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">standard</span> look for me and is definitely nothing groundbreaking - just winged liner, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">glowy</span> skin with rosy cheeks and a pale lip.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335377865094136034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKoQQUHaVVjdPCxe916HAGO4Mz4Q3QFub8qlsxBFejIsBbgxWreez1w7x_SLybM-cDHBbL4n1opnDzXyhZvUuVKVqB5YfizxWRM5UWXVmcTGHqcquYX93wDZ8Y6c8Ieo4iDGAg__uKv0/s400/DSCF1500+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I used:</p><p>FACE - Lily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lolo</span> foundation in Porcelain (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> never going to turn my back on it!) Touche Eclat under the eyes and on the eyelid, Prestige Mineral Blush in 001 Pink, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in gold as a highlight.</p><p>EYES - Boots17 Liquid Liner in Black, Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">That's</span> all!</p><p>LIPS - Mac Angel. nothing else.</p><p>Probably the quickest and easiest look there is with very few products.</p><p>UPDATE: Here's the NOTD, Barry M Nail Paint in Pure Turquoise. Im definitely going to have to work on getting a neater finish! Any tips?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335403348595431874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT6fSIL6hcHXpfJt2gDiD2-6i5I7lSw2PnZQ5H-kwnkNy2KT2qNQKWXqeZNqoybAQxX9ynOxM3-Q3KR1KkhExygT-cebZ_bgLKun7hpxNx8zdki884VGla9bb_plDB9oRMaJqqn_V-K4/s320/DSCF1523+copy.jpg" border="0" /></p></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-60245628363486690972009-05-07T09:31:00.000-07:002009-05-10T07:06:37.127-07:00Rose Romance (little) HaulHowdy Partners, Mac's Rose Romance Collection did indeed come out today so i did what any make up blogger would and hoofed it down to Harvey Nicks to check it out. Now, let it be known that i am not a pink and subtle type of gal. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I'm</span> rolling around in bright colours but own barely any natural, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pinky</span> day shades. So i figured (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">if</span> there ever needed to be justification) that while this collection was definitely not made with me in mind, there were a few things in RoseRomance that i could definitely benefit from.<br /><br />From American online swatches and reviews i thought i could use one of the beauty powders (which with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MacIntosh</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">esque</span> embossed rose seems to be the stand out product in the collection) and i figured Blush of Youth would be the more wearable of the two, and A Rose Romance lipstick...but having <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">swatched</span> at my Mac counter i changed my mind on both accounts.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Blush of Youth was definitely a really pretty warm pink but i felt that it was just a bit too sheer so i decided to go with Summer Rose with a more violet hint to the pink. While its still sheer i think this will be gorgeous dusted over the cheekbones and the great thing is, because its so sheer its impossible to do the over done clown look.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333133077163011922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7G-u2_TJvdQzel5zArTU_t9f7echLMmXX16GLDGXs1Bx_qFrty-FWS3L3h8K6OlgN1KGK-tegtk_mOWe1nSNdR7GcEzlFClI3VU2lhmsBd-rZFFF-BHui7zbsThBlB5ZKTKH2xQ_oXI/s320/DSCF1465+copy.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I had thought A Rose Romance would be my choice of the two lipsticks but (as a girls perogative allows) I changed my mind. In the flesh i felt like it was just a wee bit too sugar pink for me. Way to Love however was a gorgeous pale <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nudey</span> pink with gold reflects and is definitely a 'my lips but better' product.</div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333133087298121714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjxlIw2HJ_m865niO0OOS1YiprDJIk0tRIDvz60gcCJ7Lo3Dwp83M4ZVH-gzeIbEI1zpp50cSZpVixJ8ga3FNueIXQptcB9HHErRDD5FSLKGbEwBX8Dluw44P5EGQW1AlOn9pmdOyeww/s320/DSCF1468+copy.jpg" border="0" /> I also picked up Well Dressed blush which everyone has already but is still the most gorgeous pale pink which gives a really subtle flush.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333133093631612498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMdeGGdttbWfEQBGMR4-IM8wT00PhvKWG65B2c5tsfuP2xmkWJHu11JajgYUNxAQE2X8Ko7l3G7ELPbsp0MoAiMr5zP_MIQx53KrGZ63hEP35TkGXO6AQAAtixV8yjSqspv97Q47jQTM/s320/DSCF1469+copy.jpg" border="0" />So here are the swatches: Am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">soooo</span> looking forward to trying some subtle looks with these! huzzah!Are you getting anything from this collection or is it just a bit dull?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333134582947334914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3_wpaSIngzHpHqfY0rfObbSdn8qPq-JKKjGlTGsL8dDH3bx_NjCunJllQa7OtPir7ZLEef7Dd74zGf3YXM8NfK2WRGaX-QeYYzi_bYkakRsy_cVSa0uaM8W3mLg495R_Y-6WbKItz88/s400/DSCF1473+copy.jpg" border="0" />Oooh and have you noticed that ive learnt to watermark my photos? Note: this took many hours as i am a complete technophobe. What do you think? (slight smug at my own skills face)</div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498675785094255517.post-29609485993194981512009-05-06T08:46:00.000-07:002009-05-06T10:01:00.980-07:00Getting to know me, Getting to know you.This has been going around for the last couple of days, started by the lovely Alexis aka Faffaholic. So here are my answers.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What made you choose your blog/twitter/YouTube username?</span></strong><br />My Blog name is 'Steph Stuph' which is fairly straight forward. Im Steph and the blog is about girly stuff. Twitter is jigglysteph (come find me!) and goes back to when i was 16 and scamming my way into clubs where i would always be the one on the dance floor doing the Beyonce ass thing. Because of this, Boyfriend at the time began calling me 'jiggly' (lovely i know) and created my first hotmail account as jigglysteph and its stuck and gets used for everything. In hindsight i was clearly a late starter in the world of technologies!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What's your actual name?</span></strong><br />Stephanie. Not a fan.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Do you have any nicknames?</span></strong><br />Ive accumulated plenty along the years. They include jiggly, stiffy, singer steph, scooaaaatland (said just like that), grub, sock, schmephamy schmismop, stephinately...em, i think that's it!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Apart from the obvious make up / beauty hobby, what other hobbies do you have?</span></strong><br />The main one is singing. I'm in 2 different function bands who do various things such as weddings, corporate functions etc. Ive even been sent out to Nigeria to sing which was pretty amazing! Aside from music, my main hobby is art. I paint black and white graphic canvases (i might post a few up if anyone's interested) and also paint onto random things like converse trainers. Why not?<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What do you do?</span></strong><br />Before i was made redundant (yawn!) i was an events organiser for a live music venue. It basically involved booking local bands for gigs and coordinating them, the night and various other music based events. I would have loved it had my boss not been a douche...so I'm looking to get back into something similar. At the moment I am a full time musician and while i cant make a living from it, its certainly keeping me going while i look for a new 9 - 5.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What would you like to do?</span></strong><br />Ideally id like to make a living from singing. My band are planning on taking a contract to head out to either the Middle or Far East in October so hopefully that's well within my means!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Tell us something embarrassing, but that you love doing?</span></strong><br />I loooooove Come Dine With Me and various other cooking programmes, yes i do think Nigella is a bit great...but (and here's the embarrassing part) I'm a completely rubbish cook. The most impressive meal i do is either prawn stir fry or shepherds pie but i confess, most of the time its tinned soup and sandwiches or something else micro-friendly (cough rustler burgers cough).<br /><br />Ooh, and because of my infatuation with Leonardo DiCaprio as a yougster i can recite the whole dialogue of Titanic from start to finish.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Tell us a little something that we don't already know about you.</span></strong><br />I once dislocated my jaw singing 500 miles at a wedding (thankfully we always do it as the last song!) and now every time i yawn it clicks annoyingly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What achievement are you most proud of?</span></strong><br />When i was a lot younger i was in an abusive relationship with someone i thought of as my first love. He made me quit school, live with him, took my phone away, made me wear all black (couldn't be a skirt or low cut top) and i found myself walking with my eyes on the ground to avoid being beaten up for 'looking at another guy'. I would have to say that i am most proud of finding the courage to leave him. He later broke into my parents house to trash my bedroom and tried to sue me for the money he spent on taking me on holiday for my 18th birthday. He was of course laughed at.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What do you most like about yourself?</span></strong><br />Ive always been a friend to anyone. Once when i was little i was the only person invited to the birthday party of a boy because he was bullied and i was the only person who stood up for him.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What would you change about yourself if you could?</span></strong><br />I would love to be a LOT tidier! mess just seems to 'happen' when I'm about but i do love a tidy room.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">If you could have anything in the world (that doesn't cost any money), what would you want?</span></strong><br />Id start with a job and then get down to the fun stuff. Id love to be able to drive. I keep starting to learn and getting freaked out and giving up. Id also like longer, less yucky legs and the ability to eat whatever i want without putting on any weight.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940383862780182264noreply@blogger.com6