Saturday 30 November 2013

What I wore: Tied up

 
 
My nan knitted me this jumper for Christmas last year or the one before and I still love it - I look forward to Autumn just to be able to crack it out again. I think growing out my side fringe has been the best decision I've made in a long time. And going to a couple of job interviews (thus needing to tie my hair back), has given me more confidence in doing so - most other times I've felt far too manly with my hair up (I don't know why! I just do! I'd always rather have my hair down). These boots are also a huge staple in my wardrobe, they are definitely going to be worn out by the time Spring comes around :) 




Thursday 28 November 2013

Happenings from Yesterday

Yesterday I spent the day with my sister and niece, it was a really lovely day as always, which makes it so much harder to think about leaving. We went to a store to pick up some things I'll need for the move which was handy, and spent the day... well eating to be honest haha, and chatting :)

After a sushi lunch we had pop tarts - two different flavours, bursting berry and apple something (both delicious, apple was my fave though). I got the first two out of the toaster fine, but they were rather warm. Then Isabelle wanted to come to me so as I was holding her, Natalie got the second load of pop tarts out of the toaster (we both had one of the flavours each). Well. She didn't realise how hot it was and managed to FLING it out of the toaster onto the plate. As it laid there, shiny side down, I knew it was a problem, I don't know how - we never ever have pop tarts - but I knew. So she managed to get the other one out better and I said 'you need to turn that over now!' and when she tried, it was stuck. Not sticky stuck, not slightly annoying that the flavouring is mostly left on the place and Ill have to eat a little bit with each mouthful, soaking-in-boiling-water-and-then-scraping-with-something-hard stuck. It was ridiculous! But hilarious at the same time, and I wonder where that little nugget of information that was buried in my head came from.

(so much worse than this.)

Have you ever had such disastrous pop-tart issues? Do you have any further tips or hints, because we have a pack of twelve to ruin else... haha


Wednesday 27 November 2013

Boots Instant Radiance Highlighter Review




Ever since I heard about face contouring, I've been crushing on all kinds of highlighters. My sister has the bodyshop one and I know a few other people who rave about it, but I've just never got round to buying one. Well.. in boots the other day when I bought a new mascara I got a £3 off No.7 voucher and decided to browse. I found their chubby little stick and loved the shimmery mixture. If you aren't sure, you are supposed to use highlighter to lighten areas, which I'm thinking is necessary when you have the bags under your eyes that I do recently! 

Michael was with me when I bought it and I explained to him what it was for, but while we were at a craft fair he said 'Stacey, stay still', so I curiously obeyed while he moved around me. He said, 'you've got glitter on your face'. Now, seen as we were at a craft fair I thought this was possible and I said, 'oh, where?' and he motioned around my eyes. I chuckled and said it was okay, that's what the highlighter looks like - and is supposed to look like more importantly!

So that's a real life review - it definitely adds shimmer. I like this product. I rub it straight on my face (under the eyes and around to under the eyebrows) as it's difficult to get on the brush, then blend it with the brush, then finish with my fingers because else it's too thick. I don't think that's a complaint; I get to use very little product for the effect that I like. It lightens in the way I want it to and hides my bags. Yes they're still visible up close - it's not a magic stick! But it does very well in my opinion.

Have you used this highlighter? What do you like to use?


p.s. since writing this post I've used it more and more, and I just love it. It's the newest part of my make up routine and I can't imagine not doing it now - it makes me feel so fancy too! xx

Tuesday 26 November 2013

newsnewsnews

Have you seen Dizzee Rascal's new video? It is clever and I like it. I think you should watch and enjoy it too.

So I have some great news! I got a full-time grown up job! I have been struggling if I'm honest, I've been to a few interviews and none of them quite worked out. So I decided to apply for some jobs that were advertised near Michael's army base - which is 3 hours away from home. It was a brave move, because it not only means I'd have to relocate, it also means Michael and I will be moving in together, that we'll be renting (boo), and that I'll officially turn into an adult - no more pretending.

Well. I went for the interview the day after we flew back from Prague. slightly jet-lagged and more than tired, I came out thinking that I could have done a little better but that I hadn't messed anything up. I waited for agesssss for their decision - over a week! But they explained this was due to the fact that the team I chose wasn't a viable option for their service anymore but they still wanted me so they wanted to figure out where I could be placed. I'm really pleased with the actual job, as there were two choices and I got my top one, woohoo! I haven't got a contract or anything yet, so lets hope it all still goes ahead else I'll be back with my tail between my legs, eh?

But now there is a lot to figure out - what stuff we have, what stuff we'll need to get, how we'll get it there, what we can afford, where we're going to live etc. but the Queen of organisation has it down, and clearly made a pinterest board already. Oh and lists galore are going down too, I do love a good list! Unfortunately this might take a lot of my focus at the moment so there may be a few 'moving' features that I've discovered and want to share, but we'll see :)

Do you have any tips for me?!


Monday 25 November 2013

What I wore: Pastel Jumper, Series

This little beauty's making its second appearance, first one here....

 

 I paired it with my rabbit dress, which made me happy as I was wearing it when I bought it and it was a wonderful coincidence it suited so well! I didn't think it would because the rabbit shade is definitely darker, but I think it looks pretty sweet :) The jumper is too big and I was happy about this at first, cause I wanted it to be cosy, but it's turned slightly annoying and now I'm looking into shrinking it.. has anyone ever successfully done that? or is it playing with fire? it's made out of wool.... I'll let you know what I decide to do, ha.

Sunday 24 November 2013

Sick Sundays

I think I have tonsillitis. Or glandular fever. Or something that would mean my sinus' are blocked, and my tonsils are huge, white, pussy and sore. Whilst this sucks and makes eating difficult, it does mean I get to indulge in a duvet day and lemsips. I have big cravings for hummus? Which is peculiar. 

I'm currently sat watching 'sleeping with the enemy' as I heard about it in training the other day and my intrigue has been steadily growing since. It's good, I am fearing the ending though. 



Do you have any recommendations for treatment or cure? I'm not a fan of anti biotics and would rather try most other things before resorting to them. 

How are you spending your Sunday? 


Friday 22 November 2013

The Pact

Pact coffee is something I learned about through thelondoner. She shared with everyone a code which meant we could get delicious coffee delivered to our door for £1! £1!! (You know what? I have my own code too! If you want to get £1 coffee go to their website and use the code '#joyofsix').

Pacts mantra is that everyone should enjoy good coffee. So they've set up a business that sends you coffee depending on how often you drink it (delivery ranges from weekly to monthly etc) and they will carefully select different types for you to try. They also give you the options of ground for a filter or beans etc- rejoice in the choice!

Of course I took thelondoner up on the offer. You sign up online, write in your preferences, browse the selection and chose. The coffee is quickly delivered but be careful not to tear open all the packets- I think the second one is full of coffee! (A warning would have been nice though) 





I am yet to try the coffee as I had to dash off to work (and I kinda feel that you need to sit down and enjoy a good coffee- else you're just looking for caffeine and I'm trying my darnedest not to be a caffeine addict!) but I'm sure an update will ensue. 

I'm going to spend the day reading at my current favourite spot. The tea is wonderful, the cake is to die for and their tea cakes, I wish I could make them myself. Speaking on making myself... A Christmas cinnamon nut recipe may be making an appearance soon! 


Thursday 21 November 2013

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Henna Hair Treatment Wax




I bought this hair conditioner the other day because I wanted to give my long locks a treat. I've got some Argan oil shampoo/conditioner/oil but it's rather expensive stuff and I treat it like gold dust, rather than use it when my hair needs it. Therefore I needed something more. I wasn't really hoping for great things from this because it was a good deal, but I was wonderfully surprised! 

The label says: pure henna is extracted from henna(lawsonia) leaves ; and makes a excellent ingredient for deep penetrating hair conditioners. Natural classic henna treatment wax revitalises all types of hair, particular hair which has been damaged by bleaching, perming, or tinting; use it regularly to make your hair lustrous, stronger and more beautiful to look at. 6-12 applications depending on length, porosity and thickness of hair. Will not add colour or change colour of your hair.

The directions are to wash your hair, then massage the henna through the hair and the scalp. Then cover your hair with a damp hot towel for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the condition if the hair, you Can also apply before taking a hot bath because the steam will activate the process, then rinse out thoroughly and style as normal.


I currently have only tried it whilst in the bath, so my review is slightly limited (I've just read another where the person slept with it in her hair overnight and that sounds incredible, so I'm going to try that out too). That said, after I first used this product and dried my hair (with heat protection spray), it made such a difference! I was so pleased with the results I decided I am buying it as presents for some friends for Christmas if I can find it again. My hair is tamed, softer, shinier and it just looks so much nicer :) I am super pleased with it, have you ever tried it before? What else would you recommend?



Tuesday 19 November 2013

Conversations with: My dad


I have a very good relationship with my dad; it's just me and him most of the time. So today, dad and I went to get me some new tyres. On the way back we heard on the radio that the word of the year (or something like that) is "selfie".

Dad: What even is a selfie?
Me: It's where you use your phone like this (demonstrates position) to take a photo of yourself/others, but it's taken by yourself too.
Dad: Oh.
Moments silence
Dad: you do that a lot, don't you?
Me: No not really (slightly outraged).
Dad: oh, oh, alright then.

and then I laughed. I half explained that taking photo's of outfits for the blog isn't really called a selfie and that I do not remember the last time I pouted (that's a key feature of a good, shameless selfie in my opinion). He still didn't get it, but I smiled all the way home.


on a side note, I am considering starting the Thankful Project tomorrow, have you done it? Would you like to?


Monday 18 November 2013

What I wore: Outer Layers

 


This is a really old coat, I wore it for Michael's passing out parade. And, I just can't love it. It's too big, it puffs out too much, I don't know! It's just wrong! I am good at changing things and making them into something I want them to be, but I'm stuck with this number. I'm going to move the buttons so I can do it up tighter, thus adjusting the size slightly, and I'm going to take the badges off the arms.. but other than that I am not sure what I can do. Perhaps that will be enough? I don't know. Do you have any ideas? what do you reckon? I know it's big and warm and hooded - the perfect recipe for a good coat, but it's just not quite right. 



What I wore: Pastel Jumper, Series

I nabbed this jumper from the charity shop the other day, for £3! It's lambs wool and very very warm :) I think I'm going to do a little jumper series as I have a couple of outfits that this jumper fits with, which is a good buy in my opinion!

 


Have you fully embraced autumn now? It's definitely chilly enough down here to have started! I find it difficult though because I'm a really warm person and whilst it's suitable outside I'm like an over-heated dog in a car when I go outside. Great imagery there...


Sunday 10 November 2013

Surprise gold sparkle

I have to confess that I bought Cosmo the other day. Now that's nothing unfamiliar in itself, but I was highly swayed in my decision by the nail varnish on the front cover... It caught my eye and then I thought about it for days. 



I know, it's so beautiful. I also know it's going to be hideous to get off, but I won't think about that until I have to- will I ever get bored of it? Will it even come off by itself? Any knowledge is greatly appreciated. 

I have another confession, in the form of a snap chat I sent Michael this morning... 

I'm a little worse for wears coming off of my third night shift. But the boy has planned everything and I just have to turn up- daily itinerary included. So I will see you on the flip side! (With lots of photos and stories of course). 


Saturday 9 November 2013

Thursday 7 November 2013

A Food Fayre

Last Sunday, I dragged a hungover Michael out of bed to go to a food Fayre. There's one every month near us and we hadn't managed to make it to one just yet, so it was high on my priority list. 







For a food Fayre there was very little food to choose from that you could eat immediately. There were more stalls for raw meats, cheeses, smoked bacon, fudge, chocolates, and garden supplies. We did find Michael a pulled pork roll though, naturally. 


It was a really very cold day so at this point we had a coffee whilst walking round an art gallery, whilst waiting to meet my friend Faye and her boyfriend Matt. We found them, had a quick catch up and went on our way to thaw out. 

And do you know what was necessary? 

What a good day. :)