New year.. New me..

Sometimes I make resolutions, other times I think what's the point?! But I guess if you're never in the game, then you'll never win, so for this year I'm going to try stick to them, and by writing them out properly there's a small chance I will do!


1. The first is the generic lose some weight, tone up, cut out junk food and be a healthy person. Something i can do occasionally and everybody wants to achieve, but hopefully I'll get near it.


2. Write my blog more consistently and not keep starting new ones. I'm going to really stick to this one. 2011 has been rather challenging and hardly allowed me to write when i've wanted to.


3. Try harder at University, i'm paying for it and it's to do with my future so i might as well make the most of the time.


4. Experiment more with my appearance, be braver and more confident to try something, then at least I'll know whether i will suit it or not.




I'd say most of these are generic resolutions made by many people but lets see how far I get in 2012!! Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas

Over the last few weeks I've been busy meeting deadlines for University and have had hardly any time to update this blog, never mind find time to go shopping!!! So after a big relaxing weekend and moving back home to my parents for the Christmas period, I've finally had time to shop, Hallelujah!!

With my best friends from home we ventured to our local German Christmas market, which made us feel very festive and excited for Christmas, drinking hot chocolate and chocolate treats, German Chocolate marshmallows.

German chocolate marshmallows I got at the Christmas market

My Christmas wish list this year isn't actually that full this year, i think being away from home I've just not asked for anything, just things like perfume, a couple of bits of make-up and maybe a surprise! But thinking back now i sort of wished i had asked for a Clarisonic Mia (even though they are pretty pricey), because I've watched so many youtube videos on how good they are meant to be and what they do to your skin, especially as my skins not in the greatest of conditions. I think this is definitely something I might have to save up for next year!!

I definitely feel like I'm ready for Christmas time now, just to relax and see friends and family i haven't seen in ages!

Foundation foundation foundation!!

Revlon ColorStay foundation:£12.99

Revlon Photoready foundation: £12.49

For a while I've been trying out a variety of foundations from stores such as Superdrug and Boots, because as a student I can't really afford the more high end brands I would have previously used. I've now found, from a bit of experimenting, that I really like these two foundations from Revlon. Revlon is a brand I'd never really thought about trying previously, i don't know why, I think I just thought it was for someone older than me, but now I've tried it I've lost that assumption previously made. 

I tend to use the Photoready foundation for an evening use and if I know I will be taking pictures as I have found it really doesn't wash me out, just like it says it will do, which is great! I've heard people say that there are little pieces in the foundation which reflect creating a glitter/Edward Cullen affect skin however I've never noticed this or its just never caused an issue for me. It applies really easily, allowing you to blend and buff it into the skin with ease, even by using your fingers to apply which is my favourite way to apply with this foundation.

The colorstay foundation is a great foundation and it does last a long time, while I'm out at uni, walking to places and other things I do throughout the day. It does provide an even full/medium coverage which you can alternate depending on what you need. However one thing i don't like as much about this foundation is that the bottle does not have a pump so you have to pour the content onto the back of my hand then apply. This isn't too much of an issue when applying however it does tend to leave a mark on the back of my hand that is hard to remove but I guess that it's just showing that the product is long lasting while you wear it.

Overall I'm really impressed with the overall appearance and application of these two foundations and although they are a little more pricey when compared to other high street foundations they are still more affordable and accessible when compared to other brands such as MAC.

Nails Inc.

With this months Glamour magazine they are giving away a Nails Inc. nail varnish which costs £11 anyway with every copy and you can pick from four different shades. Its a brilliant giveaway by Glamour again just like when they gave away Benefit cosmetics over a year ago. 
I picked the shade 'Piccadilly Circus' which is a dark pink/purple shade which looks very autumn like on my nails and can be easily taken from day to night. I really do love this colour!!
I've been wearing this on my nails for the past four days now and it's still as perfect as when i painted them before, amazing! I best not have just jinxed myself now though. I'm definitely going to try get my hands on the other colours too now!

25 Random question tag

The Questions!

1. Do you have any pets?

No, I’m allergic to most animals, but I did have a goldfish for about eight years.

2. Name 3 things that are physically close to you.

My phone, a cocktail ring and my university work.

3. What's the weather like right now?

Its night-time outside, so it’s cold but not raining, wahooo!

4. Do you drive? If so have you crashed?

Yes, I started to learn to drive as soon as I turned 17. Luckily I’ve never crashed so far (touch wood!) But while I’m at Uni I literally walk everywhere.

5. What time did you wake up this morning?

This morning I got up at 7.15am because I had a lecture at 9 otherwise I think I could have just carried on sleeping!

6. When was the last time you showered?

After I had my tea tonight so I would be ready to go to bed when I was tired.

7. What was the last movie you saw?

‘Monte Carlo’ when I went home a few weeks ago with my sister and a friend.

8. What does your last text message say?

“Be in the kitchen in like 10 mins? J xxx” – my flatmate wanting to meet when she gets back in.

9. What's your ringtone?

A classic ring-ring style that came on my phone but I do tend to keep it on silent quite a bit.

10. Have you ever been to a different country?

Yeh, I’ve been to a few places in Europe such Italy and America, but all typical touristy places, I do love going to other countries!!

11. Do you like sushi?

I do like it but I don’t always tend to pick it when I see it, and I tend to eat just the basic things like California rolls.

12. Where do you buy your groceries?

When I was home it was always Tesco, but now I’m a student and living away from home its Iceland or wherever else I can pick something up.

13. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?

No, I don’t really have that problem and if I do I just tend to lay there.

14. How many siblings do you have?

I’ve got a younger sister and she’s 15, we tend to get along most of the time too.

15. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?

I’ve got a laptop, it just seemed more practical when I bought it because I hoped that I would get into University.

16. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?

On my next birthday I’ll be turning 19, not quite as exciting as turning 18 I don’t think

17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?

Yes, I wear both, mainly contacts during the day and my glasses on a night. I do wish I didn’t have to but there’s no way I can afford laser eye surgery and the idea scares me slightly.

18. Do you color your hair?

No it’s all natural. Everyone tend to be shocked when they hear what I say but I’ve just never had the need to do it. And my hair really changes colours between seasons anyway.

19. Tell me something you are planning to do today.

Well the day’s nearly over, but tomorrow I’m planning on getting lots of work done so I have less for the weekend.

20. When was the last time you cried?

I’m not too sure actually, maybe when I hurt my knee or when I missed home a little bit.

21. What is your perfect pizza topping?

I do like margarita, but I love things like chicken, ham, mushrooms, peppers and onions. Not a classic topping but I wish you could just buy one like this.

22. Which do you prefer-hamburgers or cheeseburgers?

Cheeseburgers for me, they may be less healthy but I do prefer them.

23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?

Two nights ago! I was celebrating Halloween with my friends and we got in at about 5am and I had a lecture at 9am so I decided I would just stay up. I was awake 38.5 hours, couldn’t wait to get into bed!

24. What is your eye color?

It’s dark blue but it really does change with the lights just like my hair.

25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?

When I’m drinking them separately no but if I drank them together I can tell, so probably the answer is not really!!

I’ve really enjoyed filling these questions out, I think it’s a good way to get to know someone more if you wanted to do that!!

October favourites

It's October favourite’s time.

Firstly I’ve loved the Make-up academy palette in Heaven and Earth this month, it’s great for both every day wear and an evening smokey eye. And at just £4 it’s an amazing dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette and a lot cheaper! The qualities of the shadows are also really good and pigmented.

Secondly Revlon's Colorstay foundation is my new favourite foundation of the moment because it literally does what it says on the bottle, the colour stays all day which I absolutely love. I used to use Maybelline dream satin liquid during the day and although I could get great coverage from the foundation I would find that this just disappeared halfway through the day and I would become self-conscious about my skin because it isn't great. Colorstay is definitely my new favourite foundation.

Thirdly cocktail rings, I had some bargains finds this month from a variety of shops, Primark, Miss Selfridges and Dorothy Perkins. There great and can jazz up any outfit and just make it that little bit more fun and colourful.

Next is No7 false lashes, I really am in love with these this past month, I think every time i go into boots I buy a pair and they are amazing value with the £5 off vouchers you can get. Also each different style looks so different on my eyes, its great especially for £2.50.

Finally my Kylie Minogue Sweet Darling Perfume. Since I’ve moved to Uni I’ve purchased this as i always used to use my sisters on a morning. It’s a great daytime smell which isn't too heavy unlike others i already own!

So that's my October favourites :)

A little bit more bargain shopping...

Flower ring: Ribbon & Asher at Dorothy Perkins - £2

Bird ring: Ribbon & Asher at Dorothy Perkins - £2

Green earrings: Dorothy Perkins - £2

Leopard print earrings: Dorothy Perkins - £2

Leaf necklace: Evans - £3

Dangley earrings: Evans - £2

So lately I've been getting lots of pieces of clothing and accessories at reduced prices, which i absolutely love! On my last little shopping spree i actually went out looking for a winter coat, but these little finds appealed to me sooooo much more. I only went to Dorothy Perkins and Evans and i spent £13.00 on 6 pieces of jewellery, which i really do think is a bargain when i could have spent £56.50, which I never could have afforded.

When i used to work at Evans before I left to go to university i always loved the long gold leaf necklace but could never seem to justify £10 on it, but when i went in last time i thought £3 (which was the most expensive thing I got!) seems reasonable because i could quite easily spend that in Primark. The Ribbon & Asher rings were also a HUGE steal as they are normally £27.50 together, which i could never afford, but I've always looked at the range while I've been in DP, i nearly bought some of there jewellery for Prom but i ended up going to Accessories. And they really are gorgeous rings that will dress up any simple outfit! I really do love these bargain finds!

A new love in my life!!

I actually fell in love with this bag, when i saw it hanging on the rail in River Island this week and i'd been needing a new bag (well in my opinion i had)! When i saw that it was in the sale at £20 from £40, i had to have it. It's actually a really good sized bag, so i can fit a bottle of water, purse and an umbrella in there, an essential seeing as i live in England, you never know when you need it!! I really like the fact that it has got a handle and a shoulder strap on the bag so you can mix up how you use it, which can make it look completely different. Leopard print has never really been a thing i've always thought i want that to, but now i think my taste is starting to change and i'm definitely going to be wearing leopard print a lot more from now. Its definitely going to be my go to bag for quite a while, well until i find a new favourite!

Bargain shopping!!

Make-up bag: Ruby & Millie at Boots £1.18
Necklace: Topshop £4
Bracelet: Topshop £5
Blusher: Prestige 'Natural' £2.12
Lipgloss: Batty M limited edition, free with impulse spray
Eyeshadow brush: No7 Eye colour brush, £2.25
Brush: No7 Brow and lash brush, £2.25
Tweezers: Topshop £4
Spray: Impulse - fragrance 'tease' £1.99

I planned on not buying anything this week to try and save my money after last week but no, i started buy things already! I didn't make any big purchases, just lots of little ones which isn't as bad (Well in my opinion!). AND practically half of everything i bought was either reduced or on offer which was great!

I got the Ruby & Millie make-up bag at a bargain price, of just £1.18 instead of it being around £5 at boots. I know they've discontinued the line but they still have the odd bits they need to get rid of and at that price it make the perfect lipstick holder!! I also got the prestige blusher at a reduced price, and its something I've always wanted to try, i think more down to the appearance than the need to have it but i thought i might as well, and its actually a pretty good colour and pigmentation, good for everyday wear.
I was 'forced' into buying the body spray due to the free Barry M lipgloss that came with it. I actually really love the lipgloss, its a gorgeous neutral and i'll always use the spray.
I got a couple of essential brushes with my No7 makeup vouchers, which made them seem very worth while. Recently i've been buying lots of No7 due to the fact you can get the £5 off which is a huge saving, especially now i'm a poor student!
Finally i splurged in Topshop but not on clothes, i managed to control myself this time. I got a dainty love heart linked necklace which i though would go with most things and a pretty green beaded bracelet with a peace charm on it. I like the quirkiness of Topshop items and i though they didn't seem too badly priced compared to other items. I also bought some tweezers from topshop just as i was intrigued by their quality and they are pretty good. I bought some cheap ones out of boots a few weeks ago as i lost my good pair and they didn't seem to be able to grab any hairs.

Shopping spree.. Aren't you a student now??

Black Blazer: H&M £15.99

Stripy top: River Island £20.00

City Vest: H&M £7.99

Owl Necklace: Miss Selfridge £5.00

 False eyelashes: Girls Aloud, Sarah £3.99

Tights: River Island £6.40

Shoes: New Look £19.99

So with a little help from my student loan i managed a little shopping spree to cheer my self up, well that was my excuse anyway! We had a "lock-in" at shopping centre near me, which meant they closed down the shopping centre to the general public and only let in students. Which was great but it also meant that EVERY store in the centre had 20% off everything, i was heaven just thinking about it!!
I managed to get some of my everyday basics that i would have purchased anyway with the discount off which was great, but i knew i couldn't stop there, not with such great discount!
I've been needing a black blazer for a very long time, especially for dressing up an outfit for on an evening and to pop on for when its getting chillier on a night. I couldn't resist this one from H&M because its not too thick unlike the grey one i already have, perfect.
The two top buys were literally to do with want rather than need in my life. I love the slightly baggy style tops so i took them in high waisted jeans, chuck them over leggings or even dress them up with something like my blazer for a night out. The city print is quite a safe buy for me as its my usual colours and cut but the stripy top isn't usually me. The colour aren't something i'd typically pick up in a shop and think i'll have that, but i thought i might as well try it on, and it really did surprise me!
Eyelashes. Along with the Boots No.7 lashes, Girls Aloud lashes have to be my favourite style as there so easy to apply and look fully and flirty without appearing as if i'm wearing very over the top makeup. A love buy!
Tights, these have been something I've needed to invest in for quite a while. Last winter i planned on wearing them with shorts during the day or to glam up an outfit on a night but i just never got the time to buy any. So this year i'm getting in there early and making sure I've got a pair for the winter.
The owl necklace was something i'd wanted for quite a while but just never felt i could justify full price for it but when i saw it in the sale for £5 instead of £13.99 i thought i might as well just buy it. It'll look great to jazz up an outfit. I used to have a necklace just like it when i was younger but gave it away. So make sure you keep yours next time!
THE SHOES!!! Well since i got the black pair last week i completely fell in love with the red pair too and just, well told myself i needed them in my life and bought them! And they were just £19.99 again which i think is a great price to pay for shoes. Wedges just make heels so much more comfortable for when i'm wearing heels for hours at a time so i feel like i can justify them more. Also with christmas coming i feel they are very festive which always helps!
Shopping centre "lock-in's" are a brilliant idea, thank you sooooo much whoever invented them.!!

Shoes glorious Shoes

I am actually head over heels with these gorgeous wedges, completely in love! I've needed some practical heels for nights out and it seems these are them. AND they had the small price tag of only £19.99 once i received my student discount off and got free p&p. It seemed like they were literally telling me to buy them, jumping through the screen to me!! Just look how comfy these look, i've already been wearing them around my home and while cooking rice crispy and marshmallow cakes with my flat mate. It equalled a real heaven in my life, chocolate and shoes!!

I also want and need the red version of these shoes, i wonder if my mum would like to buy me them for Christmas! I wish :) A girl needs a little perk in her life every now and then, especially shoes!!