The Inglorious Editor

Chocomania Fail

2012-02-15T02:13:00.002Z

Chocomania was supposed to be this winter's revelation, but I've rarely encountered such a strange smell in a Body Shop butter before.

I swear I was so excited when the 'chocolaty' launch was announced that I literally could not go to sleep for days. I thought, like a hopeless chocolate consumer that I am, that I was about to encounter my new signature scent.

Alas, the wicked Body Shop makes an offer I could not refuse and, for 48 hours only, they propose free shipping on Chocomania butters two weeks before its official release. So I buy it.

If you already own the Cocoa and Shea moisturizers, then know this: Chocomania is a failed combination between these two! I am not saying that it smells disgusting - hell, even I use it now (sure I do, I'm now £9 poorer) - but come on, people! Where is your imagination?! Why would I want to repurchase something that already reminds me of two of your other products? Ha?!

And explain this! Why would you even bring up that fact that it offers a 48 hour hydration?! Why would I want to skip my shower so many times in a row?!

I honestly don't know if I read a truly happy bunny's review on this one, guys.

Is there anybody in this world that will actually sob when this range goes off the market?

Your truly,

The Deceived Editor

Ladies!

2012-01-24T22:05:00.001Z

Hello, hello!

I've got sooo many things to tell you, but I'll just let you know about my latest activity - creating T-shirts!

Together with Husband and my sister-in-law we decided to start creating handmade and airbrushed apparel (T-shirts & tote bags so far) and soon - some new jewellery items! So excited!

I would really love you to check out our blog/ shop (Howl Wear) and take advantage of our UK FREE SHIPPING (mainland) offer that is going on at the moment. We're keeping it really simple with the payments & orders at the moment - order by e-mail, payment by PayPal, but we are open to suggestions.

We also do custom orders for the same price, so do not hesitate to contact us! :P

We have also designed a Facebook page and would appreciate you loads if you would just click on the Like button (*bows*).

Oh, and don't forget my Blog Sale either! :P

Tomorrow I will get back to you with my opinion on the new Body Shop body butter - Chocomania.

Cheers!

Shower Time Extravaganza - Snow Fairy

2012-01-11T22:26:00.004Z

For exemplification purposes, The Inglorious Editor releases this graphic work of art especially for you.

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

If I could use a different shower gel every single evening I would be the happiest girl in the world.

They say you either hate or love Snow Fairy from Lush. I've been hating it for a whole year and despised its presence in my bathroom cabinet.

...Until tonight, when I finally decided it was time to use it again. And loved every single moment of it.

To me, Snow Fairy is like a warm summer day (somehow winter doesn't come to my mind when I smell it), giant cotton candy balls, fluffy bunnies, sugar canes AND for those who know, CIP candy. A pink infusion of all things silly and wonderful!

Ode to Snow Fairy!

Blog Sale! - OCC, Sleek, Bourjois, Biotherm, Max Factor, Versace etc

2012-01-03T23:15:00.003Z

Time has come and I had to put my makeup in order. Some of the things you see in here I love but don't get the chance to use them as much as I would like to, some of them simply do not suit me and some of them are unwanted gifts.

First of all, I am sorry for the quality of the images, but I am left with no camera.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Postage - £2 and an additional 0.20 for each extra item. Items are not sent recorded, but I can arrange that at request (postage will be a bit higher though). I will obtain proof of postage. I will not be held responsible for any damages or lost mail, but please be sure that I will pack the goods as well as I can.

I only ship to the UK, I am soooo sorry! If you live in Birmingham, we can gladly arrange a meeting so you do not have to pay postage.

PayPal only (or cash if we meet face to face)! No returns please.

Before I ship the item to you, I will clean and disinfect them thoroughly, so please do not be put down by the look of some of them (ahem, Vichy foundation, I am looking at you, ahem!)

Please leave a comment stating which item you would like to buy and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Biotherm Skin Ergetic (Non stop fatigue moisturizer) / Normal to combination skin formula - deliciously smells like peach & apricot. 50 ml. More than half left. £3 (Retail price - £33.70)

Soap & Glory Hand Food - 50ml. More thank half left. £1

Vichy Liftactiv Flexilift Foundation in 25 Clair Nude - used maximum 10 times. 30ml. I've had it for two years, so if you believe that foundations expire, please do not purchase this. £3.50

MaxFactor Lasting Performace Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige - more than half left. 35ml. £2

Rimmel Lasting Finish Mineral Powder Foundation in 100 Ivory - used once, inner sponge missing. £2

Bourjois Brush Foundation in 31 Beige Clair - used twice. £2

No 7 Creme Touch Face Powder in 12 Honey Milk - used max 10 times. Too dark for my skin now. £1

Sleek Good Girl (limited edition) Palette - swatched. Comes in its original box. £4

Sleek Primer Palette - swatched. The package is slightly damaged (has cardboard stuck to it). £3

Arabic Style Makeup Palette (80 colours) - swatched. Superb palette, but unfortunately I do not get the chance to use it too often. £10

Face Candy Couture full size eyeshadows - swatched. Colours and swatches: http://bhamlady.blogspot.com/2010/12/awhhhh-some-face-candy-couture-beauties.html. £5 for all 5 jars

Sleek Kajal Eyeliner in Nocturnal (Black) - swatched. In original box. £2

MeMeMe Baked eyeshadow quad in Drama Eyes - sealed, never used. £2

Sleek Blush ~~in Life's a Peach - tester. Swatched.~~ £2 SOLD!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Lip Tar ~~in Memento. Swatched.~~ £5 SOLD!

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Pigment in Penny Pearl - swatched. £1.50

Benefit High Beam highlighter (mini size - 4ml) - swatched £1

No 7 Stay Perfect Smoothing & Brightening Eye Base - used 3 times. £2

Eyeko Glitter Liquid Eyeliner - never used £2

NYC Concealer Foundation Sticks in Natural Beige (up) & Creamy Beige (down). Each £1

Revlon Pinch Me Gel Blush in Playful Pink - swatched £2

2True Colour Drench Lip Gloss No 10 - swatched £1

Nude by Nature Magic Mineral Mascara in Intense Onlix Black - 10ml. Used once. Cannot be found in the UK. £2

Sleek Volume & Curl Mascara in Black - 8ml. Used once. £2

Body Shop Eye Pencil in French Navy - used 5 times. £1

Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen in purple. Used twice. £2

MeMeMe Eye Pencil in Clay - used once £1

Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen in navy. Used once. £2

Three Revlon Vital Radiance lipsticks in Glistening Berry, Melon & Plum Brandy. Usage as shown. £1 for all three

Rock Face Minerals eyeshadow in Peacock. 3.5g. Used 5 times. £2

Eyeko Bronzer in Medium. Used once. Placed it in a jar for convenient application. £2

Soap & Glory Girligo. 100 ml. More than 3 quarters remained. £2

Versace Woman Eau de Parfum 50ml. 15% used. £5. As it is a heavy item, postage for it will be £3.

Revlon Matte Nailpolish in Emerald City - used 3 times. £1

Nails Inc Cadbury Bliss Naipolish in Vanilla Bliss - used once. £1

Nails Inc Cadbury Bliss Naipolish in Cocoa Bliss - used once. £1

Models Own Nailpolish ~~in Magenta Divine - swatched only.~~ £1 SOLD!

W7 Nailpolish in Baby Pink - swatched. £1

W7 Nailpolish in Envy - swatched. £1

Missguided Nailpolish in Misstique - used once. £1

Missguided Nailpolish ~~in Misscellaneous - used twice.~~ £1 SOLD!

LA Colors Art Deco Nail Art Lacquer in Silver Glitter - swatched. £1

Mini Hello Kitty Naipolish in Lime - swatched. £0.50

Happy shopping! :)

Christmas and Updates

2011-12-27T02:43:00.001Z

Happy Holidays to you all!

I had a really great time yesterday with some friends coming over, playing Dance Central 2 (one of my Xmas gifts) and then a staggering 6 hour Mortal Combat marathon. Geeky fun :)

Currently listening to some Christmas Michael Buble songs (am I the ONLY one out there who loves this guy?!) and missing my family so much. Oh well!

I've been really good this year and received some pretty awesome presents that I cannot wait to wear. I also plan on buying myself a pair of sneakers.

I love reading Christmas posts so link me to some! How was your day?

December Sale

2011-11-28T21:29:00.001Z

Because Christmas is approaching, I thought I would drop the prices down to 50% in my shop!
So you can now buy a ring for £3.50, a pair of funny earrings for £3.99 and a bracelet starting £5.00!

Hurry hurry! :)

Don't forget that I also do custom jewellery for the same prices!

ENTER MY ETSY SHOP

Enter my Etsy shop for more products!

Cheers!

Last Call For My Secret Santa!

2011-11-25T14:57:00.001Z

Hello there, darlings!

Tomorrow is the last day when you can enter my Secret Santa swap!

Come on, you all! This will be great fun! :)

The Inglorious Secret Santa! (UK Only)

2011-11-14T21:52:00.001Z

Hi there, my dears! :)
As I was too late for all the other Secret Santas, I've decided to organize one myself! So there you go - our own Inglorious Secret Santa!

I know everybody loves receiving presents; this is your change to play Santa this year as well as the child that has been really good!

Rules:

Send me an e-mail at plohotnuke@yahoo.com having "The Inglorious Secret Santa 2011" as subject! Tell me you are in! Leave your full name, address and your blog address as well as something your Secret Santa should know about you so your gift would suit you like a glove. Include the things you love and hate most, you can even include favourite colours as well as things you would never ever wear/ want to receive :D If you've got high hopes, you can even include your clothing/ shoes size :D

What can be included in the Inglorious Secret Santa:

- vintage/ second hand items like a pretty blouse, jewellery or even a pair of mittens; please remember that this is a Christmas item, so please pay attention to the things you send: they should be clean, undamaged and something you would probably like to receive yourself;
- makeup items (unused);
- something you have created (ex: jewellery, something knitted etc.);
- a book you think might suit/ please the other;
- etc;

You should choose the gifts according to the hints you receive about your "secretly chosen one" :D
Wrap everything nicely and even include a card! You don't have to sign it, although I always want to know who my Secret Santa has been. :D

The deadline is 26 November. I will send you all the information you need on the 27th of November.
You should send the gift out by the 15th of December by recorded delivery. This way everybody is sure to get their presents from Santa this year :)
Once you have sent the gift, you have to get back to me with the tracking number so I would send it to the one you've been paired with.

Last but not least, I would love to receive some photos of the items you have received! I will upload them on my blog around Christmas time.

Well... what do you say?! Are you in?

The Navajo/ Inca Print Craze

2011-10-23T15:00:00.000+01:00

A week ago I saw these Victory boot-trainers in Debenhams' shop window and decided they should be mine. A pair of skinny jeans and a new cardigan later, I had them. My clothes had to match!

Since then, I've fallen in love with a few other items that celebrate the Navajo/ Inca culture by their design. Enjoy!

This necklace has to be one of the coolest things on the face of Earth!

When I'll become the most famous Inglorious Editor in the world, this bag will be mine! Aaaaall mine!

A penny for your thoughts! Or a lipstick! Actually, I think this wristlet can handle them all :)

What do you think? Like this craze or not?

Blogger Outfit Inspiration

2011-10-22T22:38:00.002+01:00

Having the flu is not a good thing. Ever. This morning I woke up way too early for a Saturday and got to my regular blog reading.

The first one on my list was Laura's Only Half Dressed. I super loved her skirt (it's one of the items I've wanted to buy from Primark for ages, but just did not get the chance to do it) and was also in an 'artsy' mood, so this is what I came up with.

I really hope she likes it :P

You can find her original outfit here.

What do you say? Just for fun - would you like a drawing of your own outfit? :P

What autumn means to an Inglorious Editor

2011-10-20T17:41:00.000+01:00

Good Times. Bad Times

2011-10-18T22:36:00.001+01:00

Every time I read some of the blogs I follow, I wish I was a better blogger. But sometimes life is too boring to blog about and some other times life's too hard.

I've had some tough times coming my way and I wasted so much energy trying to fight everything that was thrown my way. Things have not been solved yet and until I sort my career out nothing will be 100% right. Without wanting to upset anybody, there's one thing I have learnt these few months and it is not pretty: never work for Asian people again. I am pretty sure there are lots of decent people out there, but my experience has shown the other way round. They're cheap, mean and pay you so so little. If you've got the "luck" to be the only white gal in there, they will eat you alive and then laugh at you in their own language.

On a brighter note, I will be finally getting the chance to visit my family and friends again in a month's time and boy, am I glad! I've already planned a big girls' night out with lots of dancing. If there's anything more I love doing in this world than dancing, that's eating sweets. Bearing in mind that for me eating chocolate regularly is a purpose in life, then you can only imagine that, as second on my list, dancing is pretty awesome too (part of my philosophy in life :D )

I have also started a new diet and I'm in my second day now; oh, man, I am 98% sure I will cave in and have chocolate. If I come to think about it actually, I am rather like Charlie and the candy mountain. Fingers crossed they will not take my kidney.

Looks like stupid thoughts come out of my head at this late hour, therefore, in order to save my dignity, I will stop writing this post NOW.

Weekend Favourites - Round 1

2011-09-24T23:11:00.007+01:00

I'd like to start remembering things I see and like; therefore I decided to start a Weekend Favourites article featuring things and moments that have captured my attention and stole my heart, even if for a moment only.

I do hope you'll enjoy.

* Recently, Husband was way too generous and bought me my dream Wacom Bamboo tablet. I've been playing with it ever since.

* LinkedIn was way to useful to me. And it has only been my first week as a member. Lesson learnt no 1: a revamped CV is worth millions. Proud I had the time to redo mine (*fingers crossed now*)

* Man, I love Rachel Phipps more than I should :)) Some time ago she came up with this photo:

I now declare these TopShop trainer wedges (do they even have them in stock!?) my favourite boots for this autumn. Massive want!

* Patched-elbow cardigans are so geeky I cannot help but falling in love with them.

* Indie Zines are sometimes the best thing you can waste your time with :) Lately I've discovered Matchbook Mag and have fallen in love. Best thing yet? It is free and can be read online.

* I've been wearing this ring paired with red nails for such a long time. Now my nails are in such a bad state that I had to cut them fiercely. Ring = Primark gem :D

* Watched Schindler's List (1993) and loved it. I also loved Ralph Fiennes; can you even believe he looked that good? :D

Blogs I started following:

Ella Masters

Doina C

Color Me Katie

One to remember:

Advanced Style, an eccentric fashion blog focusing on the elders.

I'd like to know some of your favourite new blogs! So comment ahoy!

Cheers!

When Your GP is Just Not Good Enough

2011-09-22T22:24:00.002+01:00

Today I left my GP with a feeling of frustration I rarely encounter. When it comes to health problems, I become vile; I blame this on my survival skills.

For the second time, I am told to do my health research on the internet. Today, in a despicable attempt to help me cope with depression, my GP told me the following (and I am by no means inventing anything):

'Look at the stars. They shine for you. Everybody has problems now, we live in hard times'

I don't know how I managed to hide my seriously straight face.

I can't even begin to explain how frustrated and unhappy I am with the service I get here. Every single time I am treated like a time waster and that just enrages me.

I don't know, really - is this the way GPs are supposed to be like? I've heard many horrid stories in my life, but really now?!

On a brighter note, I've just received one of the best presents ever from Husband - the only gadget I have ever literally dreamt of - a Wacom Bamboo tablet. Oh, I am so doing the happy dance right now! :D

Wide Brim Hat & Some Thoughts Underneath It

2011-09-22T00:17:00.000+01:00

1. Today I am wearing an imaginary wide brim hat, the way I've always wanted to, but feared I would resemble an old, old lady.

2. Not quite sure why, but today was quite wonderful. Must have been the weather. And the extra dose of coffee. I had severe back pains (think I forgot to say that I'm using a bar stool instead of a normal chair at the office), but they seem to go away with my supreme morning potion (3 in 1 coffee). So I felt like a hyperactive midget all day long. A very productive, jolly day.

3. I can't believe it did not even cross my mind to check the blogs I follow today. I always do that. I am really caught in my future career plans at the moment. I want to make it big.

4. I also got my hands on Sleek's Primer Palette. Late, I know, but I can't say it was one of my must haves. I got it for free, so who am I to say no to gifts? :)

Autumn Feeling

2011-09-20T23:17:00.001+01:00

I've always been a jolly lady, but this year things have changed. It's not like I've been hit by misfortune (God forbid), but maybe sometimes I forget to enjoy life the way it is.

I've always imagined that by 30 my career will be blooming, that I will bathe in lavish social events and wear clothes I wouldn't normally pull off when getting take-away.

I've never wanted to be famous in the movie star kind of way, but nevertheless I felt I was going to be an important career-driven individual.

At almost 27, I find I can't make up my mind. Don't know which way to go. Don't know what I would be totally good at. And something in my brain tells me it's getting late.

Sure, it may sound silly to many, but that's just the way things are at the moment.

Just felt like writing this. Sometimes letting it all out makes everything seem better.

Vintage/ Retro Street Style

2011-08-17T01:43:00.004+01:00

Via Krisatomic I discovered a tumble that gathers old photos. The authors named it Old Street Style and it is simply fascinating.

I've always felt that women in the 50's were so beautiful and prim and proper. Every time I look at my grandmother's photos I just feel so reckless when it comes to my appearance. Even now, at 87, she won't get out of the house without her hair curled and some red lipstick on. People stop her in the street and tell her how pretty she is and that just makes her day.

I know retro style is in fashion now and I absolutely love it, but sometimes it just takes too much time and effort to be spotless every single day :D

Any facts about your grandmothers' style? Habits? I'd just love to know :P

Macabre Fascination - Oleg Dou

2011-08-15T23:12:00.000+01:00

Today was my name day and I felt strange. I'm not quite sure if people around here celebrate it, but it just felt awkward not to celebrate this day properly (or at all). And no, an absolutely huge fudge cake with chocolate topping and ice-cream paired with a Baccardi Breezer is not what you'd call proper celebration.

Today I need to share a finding with you. Should you be interested in photography, art or just macabre things, then this should be right up your street.

These are the creations of Russian artist Oleg Dou. His work is inspired by the XIX century child funeral portrait and that's what gave me goosebumps in the first place. I was not aware that this type of photography existed in the first place and I had to do some research about it. I was shocked to find out more details and just look at the photographs. Should you be interested in this subject, your starting point should be here and you definitely should not miss thanatos.net either.

What do you think about this kind of art? Scary? Non-sense? Or pure beauty?

Fore more information about this artist, go to http://www.rtrgallery.com/.

Photos are taken from their website.

Lula

2011-08-14T00:43:00.001+01:00

(photo credit)

I admit: sometimes I am too ignorant.

Long time ago I read about Lula on Tavi's blog and decided I needed it in my life. My research on the magazine lasted one hour and soon I decided against its high price (compared to the main stream ones), its inaccessibility and that was that.

One year later (back to our Era :D), I'm back at the point where I bite my nails and tell myself that 12 pounds would be more wisely spent on a dress and not a magazine.

But I want this so badly! Anybody out there having the same obsessions? Any Lula readers?

And while riots and wars happen in the real world (disgusted by the latest happenings in the UK), I, once again, decide to be shallow.

The Paris Chronicles. Your Guide to Surviving The City of Love - Part II

2011-08-11T19:16:00.001+01:00

Read Part I of The Paris Chronicles here.

While French clothing shops arepretty expensive (especially in the town centre), you can grab a seriousbargain if you catch the sales season. Which we did. We hadno interest in completing our wardrobe, but I could not help myself when Ientered Etam, the God sent lingerie store I’ve been loving since I was inhigh-school. I wept in front of the satin bras and lace undies for a whileuntil I discovered the sales section. And rejoiced. The oooh and aaaahhhlasted, in husband’s opinion, forever and I ended buying just 2 gorgeous brasfor a fiver each. I’ve been wearing them in turns ever since. Talk aboutobsession! :D

If you want to buy gifts for yourloved ones, you may want to reconsider it. While the city centre is crammedwith such Souvenir shops, it is just not worth to pay such a big price for afridge magnet or a Parisbracelet (I had to have one, I just had to!). Just so you know, the souvenirshops around Moulin Rouge are a little less expensive, so save your money forthen.

The Parisparks and gardens are pure Paradise. The Luxembourggardens have especially left me besotted. There would be this lovely, lovelyfountain and a little pond in front of it where red fish would swim. You couldjust grab a chair and sit next to this oasis reading a book after a hard day ofwork. Bliss. Flower arrangements, an orchestra playing and lots of peoplearound listening to it, ice-cream and cotton candy kiosks, football fields and tennis courts –this place had something for everyone. I can’t even begin to comment on the blocksof flats that surrounded this park, they pure luxury.

If you love art and history, then Paris is for you. Thereare museums everywhere and one year is just not enough to cover everything. Louvreis the biggest art gallery in the world (we were told that if you took 1 minuteto look at each of the art pieces displayed in there, you would need around 5months to cover the whole museum); you cannot miss the Pompidou Centre (I lovedit!); you will fall in love with the Museum of Arms (I would have spentforever in the Second World War section, but that’s just me); you will feelawkward at Napoleon’s tomb and love the view at Sacre Coeur. Versaillesis lovely, but sometimes so packed that you will barely enjoy your visit. Fullstop. Defense is like an open-air musem itself: so high-tech andscary that sometimes you come to think that you have landed on another planet. Andthese are, of course, just a few of the places you would need to see.

What I loved as a so-called ‘beautyblogger’ was their Pharmacies. Franceis the land of good skincare and it was like the temple of extravagant derma-cosmetics.I could not leave empty handed and picked my all time favorite make-up remover– Bioderma Solution Micellaire. I even found it on offer, 15 Euro for two 500mlbottles. I am at my 4^th bottle at the moment and I swear by it.

When I got home, I was both sad andrelieved. I missed the good shops in Paris, butnothing could compare to the sales and offers in the UK. I loved the fancy food, butthere’s nothing like a good old pub and a really friendly bar tender. I missedthe sights, but transport in the UK is so much better and much morerelaxed.

Should my this-and-that review makeyou dizzy, I sincerely apologize. And should you want to know more about mytrip, do drop me a line. Should you’ve been to Paris, come and have a chat as I would loveto hear from you: what did you like, what did you hate?

Cheers for now!

The Paris Chronicles. Your guide to survive The City of Love - Part I

2011-08-09T17:01:00.000+01:00

Before anything else, study THIS well because French people are unforgiving when itcomes to their language. Just ask “Do you speak English?” and expect them tolaugh in your face. Mais oui!

FACT: The flight from BirminghamInternational to Paris Charles de Gaulle takes 55 minutes. You spend another 20minutes in a small bus from the plane to the airport. And another 20 minutes togo through other various checks-ups. We endured 4 of them on our way home. Pluswe had to issue our own boarding passes and figure out which was the queue forregistering luggage. Even these have all been explained to us in French. Oh lala!

FACTS 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6: The underground is invariablypacked. Champs Elysee is murder to cover. If you want to go up into the Eiffel Towerexpect to stand in a queue for 2 hours. There is a queue for each toilet inmuseums and whoever said that British weather was fickle, then they obviouslyhaven’t been to

France

Putting all these unpleasant factsaside though, your journey will be nothing but marvellous.

Paris is crammed with places you will love.It’s a pity not to take your time to walk around the streets.

There are parks and gardenseverywhere, pubs and restaurants, shops and boutiques. I could not help butenvy all Parisstudents. While cruising down Seine, they hadlittle get-toghethers, romantic walks and relaxing dinners. There are boat pubsand restaurants, a beach is set up on one of the river’s banks and there areevents everywhere you go. I enjoyed every minute of peeking into people’s largeand elegant flats in the evening and just watching people wondering around.French girls dress simply; they take fewer risks than British girls when itcomes to their outfit choices and look more boheme. French guys are rugged butchic.

The food is absolutely gorgeousand, if researched well, can be quite cheap. In Saint Michel’s place there is arestaurant every 5 seconds and their owners beg you to come inside and trytheir food. Three –course-10-Euro-menus are everywhere and all you have to dois make up your mind. We sat down at a table outside a petit restaurant,enjoying a small café (2.5 Euros) and a slim menthol cigarette before our lunchwas served. Reading Rachel Phipps raving about mussels made my choice of theentrée tres facile :D So there I was, savoring those gorgeous mussels drownedin white wine sauce. Gorgeous! We also had a Nicoise salad. Must I say,vegetables are indeed tasty there (looking at you, British vegetables!) Next,we needed a good steak, so I ordered pork chops with Fries and green beans ingarlic sauce while husband had beef in a gorgeous wine sauce with potatoes. Fordesert, we had a fruit salad (safe choice) and chocolate pancakes. Delish!While we spent 20 Euros for food, the drinks were another 12 Euros, so notquite a bargain there!

And I won’t even begin on macarons!Yes, I will. There is a Laduree everywhere. While I’ve been at Laduree Royale,you will also find one at Versaillesand then some before you go home, at Charles de Gaulle airport. I was good as lobotomised when I ordered 4 big macarons and paid 18 Euros for them. The boxwas like a little dream and only after I had eaten them all it hit me: GoodLord, I spent a fortune on 4 cookies! Half of the price I paid for mySuperstars! My monthly mobile bill! A week’s food allowance for when I go towork! Cringe. But so worth it! :D

(Part II will be up & running in a blink of an eye! :D)

When Freebies Make You Buy The Inexpensive Variant of A Product

2011-08-07T19:28:00.002+01:00

Posie Tint (left) vs Poppy Tint (right)

Some months agoeverybody was ooh-ing and ahhh-ing when Glamour offered three Benefit productsto choose from as freebies. As a Benefit newbie, I hunted down my news agentand once seen in the possession of Posie Tint, I was a pleased woman.

I hoped I wouldhate the product so I would not be tempted to pay 25 quid on a full bottle. Iam quite cheap when it comes to makeup and just can’t let myself spend thatmuch. But fail. I loved it. I loved it so much that I literally scraped theleftovers out of the little recipient and cursed myself for not buying more.

The few daysbefore I knew my lovely flushed cheekbones will come to an end (as I was aboutto finish Posie Tint) were pure torment. How will I ever come back to powderblush?! So I researched. There must have been something similar on the market!I remembered some dodgy brands in Superdrug and thought I might have seensomething similar… so there I was, on the makeup isle of my local shop,searching like crazy.

And then it hitme: it must be MeMeMe! As an inexpensive brand, they have pretty darn goodproducts. I only use their eyeliner everyday! I picked Poppy Tint for around 5 quidand, fearful it will not live up to Benefit, I took it home and started toworry. What if the colour is not that intense? What if it smudges? What if itis too liquid and will show all my big pores? What if I get spots?

As I blended itwith my fingers, a smile was about to bloom on my face. Yes, it was wonderfulindeed. I loved it! Must… get… more!

And there youhave it, Benefit just promoted MeMeMe a bit more (well, more or less, you see).I am sure I am not the only one who did that. And while freebies in magazinesreally work (tested!), maybe when it comes to more expensive things they mightjust make you want to go an extra mile and find that cheaper alternativeinstead.

What do youthink? True or false?

TINT FACTS: While Posie is a bit thicker in consistency and stickier, it isn't much more pigmented than Poppy on your cheeks. They offer the same healthy looking glow and last as much on your skin. The best way to use them is after you have applied liquid foundation, but as it is summer and I am trying to give my skin a break (I currently use mineral foundation), I have discovered that neither of the tints look cakey or weird applied over a mineral foundation. Blend with fingers. Let it dry and, if needed, apply a second layer for more colour.

Prices: Poppy Tint (MeMeMe) - 5.25; Posie Tint (Benefit) - 24.50

Magazine Features I Enjoyed In September

2011-08-07T14:56:00.006+01:00

I am dead crazywhen it comes to women’s magazines and, while I am perfectly aware that most ofthe times I learn nothing from them, I cannot help to love them. It is just aunique feeling when you sit in your bed, caramel McVitie’s by your side, thewindow open and birds singing and all you have to do is flip the page. Flip.Flip. It is such a light-minded pleasure I cannot resist. So here is what Ienjoyed this month in Cosmo and Marie Claire.

Cosmopolitan.First of all, their freebie. September’s issue comes with a free pair ofEyelure falsies.

Despite the factthat autumn is just around he corner, this issue was so colourful and bright,all it made me think about was summer. I craved their turquoise jeans matchedwith a fuchsia ribbon belt and those beautiful zesty Louboutins.

Then, I foundtheir “Can a Cosmo Girl Fake It In Hollywood?” article a bit shocking. Jacquiis an attractive girl that wants to see what it takes to become a reporter in Hollywood, so she visits3 plastic surgeons who, in turns, will tell her that different parts of herbody need a makeover. Thank God we live in the normal world!

The HeritageChic fashion editorial is so British you cannot but love it. And, if like me,you adore lace, then you will love their next pictorial. I also fell in lovewith a Pink Label bright red dress and was shocked learning that, instead of analmond croissant (my favourite), you can easily eat 12 Cadbury Fingers. Or 8 Jaffa Cakes.

MarieClaire. I rarely buy this magazine, but this time they gave a Ciatenailpolish and a Dove hair care product away.

Although I amnot a huge fan of the catwalk fashion, there were some features I enjoyed thismonth. I absolutely loved the 60’s fashion pictorial on page 72. I also lovedthe idea of holding a fashion show at the Great Wall of China and particularly found Mr King’s (designer) outfit quiteinteresting, something more like a modern Samurai. The 70’s trend seems to getme too. Although I am quite safe when it comes to my clothing options, I do lovethe oversized hats and the retro feel of it all.

Like LucilleHowe I too moved abroad and although she went to sunny

Australia

, I found myself in mostof her article. I sometimes think that if I had the chance to move back home,things would never be the same. I missed out on so much of my friends’ livesand it has only been one year. But unlike Lucille, I feel at home here, now,and I’m looking forward to living my life here.

Last but notleast, I enjoyed Danielle Hine’s article about her Dukan Diet. I have readabout this diet on I Heart Cosmetics and thought it was a tough one. Now that Isee you also need to cook for yourself and not eat vegetables and diary for awhile, I know this is clearly not something for me. The frustration behind adiet is always there in my case too, so I understand why Danielle quit aftertwo weeks.

To my subscribers

2011-07-27T22:38:00.000+01:00

Quick question, ladies.

Do you manage to see my updates (from the Inglorious Editor) on your feeds?

It seems to be quite problematic for me at the moment so please, please let me know.

Thank you! :X

Options

2011-07-17T22:39:00.001+01:00

Hey again!
Just wanted to let you know that the Google Friend Connect option is now available on my new blog: http://inglorious-editor.weebly.com/
So don't be shy and visit me! :P

Darlings,

2011-07-17T17:46:00.002+01:00

I have been working on a new version of the Birmingham Lady, but this time I tried to keep it more professional and entertaining. I put a lot of thought in this and some hard work and I intend to keep my new website fun and colourful.
I will post about beauty, health, illustration, crafts, blogs I discover and enjoy but I will give a second thought before hitting the Publish button. I will illustrate most of my posts and try to find the most inspiring photos on the www.
I really really want people to enjoy my new blog and I wholeheartedly hope that you will keep following me.
I have added a "Follow me with Bloglovin" button and I plan a giveaway soon. Just to prove that I want to make my blog better :P
So I would appreciate if you would give me your feedback, it would mean the world to me!
I would also love to know what you would like to read about on the new website, as I plan to make it an interactive online magazine.

Without further ado, here is the new address (hopefully I will turn it into .com if things go ok): http://inglorious-editor.weebly.com/. You can easily start following me.

Thank you for reading and wish me luck! :)

Three Workout Songs

2011-05-31T21:07:00.000+01:00

Now I am not really the person to speak about workouts and the healthy way of life, but I have been enjoying some songs lately that I tried today in my (first) workout :D

First thing first, I am the laziest person in the whole world when it comes to exercising. I simply dread it. You have to give me really good music or do something really fun to make me work out with pleasure. This usually happens at the Aerobics class whenever a friend joins me. Otherwise, if I had to work at home, by myself, without Mr Rodent (that's husband) nagging me, I would so sleep through all my exercising time. Oh well!

I've recently bought an exercising bike. I had one before and it was the best clothing hanger ever (*straight face). Oh, and a dust gathering device. I really enjoyed it during its first 2 months of life and then just forgot everything about its existence. Then, a few years later, when it was old and sour (haha), I reused it as I felt I could do it again.

Getting back to my new exercise bike, I was telling you that it was bought recently (*cough* one month *cough*). I've only used it twice, to Mr Roden't rage (I am exaggerating, but he was not a happy bunny). Then yesterday I think he had some sort of a plan (like when you try to get a kid to wash dishes, he doesn't want to, then you just do it yourself to show him that water and Axion do not kill him) and while we watched The Bourne Identity, he hoped on my exercising bike and paddled a quarter of he movie away. Just like that. At a super hard level. I watched him while eating my chips in shame and thought I was the laziest pig ever. So when he stopped, I just had to cycle my way through the rest of my movie (which had 13 minutes left, haha).

But exercising while watching a film or a series is not that fun. Tested. Sure, it is way better than doing it without any sound in the background, but still - not fun enough. So today I thought I'd just cycle away on the beat of the music. I thought it would be hell, but it was mild purgatory. I did 20 mins of really hard core cycling (for me, that is), just playing and replaying 3 of the songs that I can't help humming on my way to work each morning. And behold, I even liked it! I know 20 minutes is nothing, but hey, it's a start for such an amoeba like me!

So without further ado, here are my 3 workout songs from today. Good or bad, they got me through exercising. SO hooray! :D

Alexandra Stan - Mr Saxobeat

Although this is a Romanian song, I've never heard it before Gaby has written about it on her blog. I almost hate how damn catchy it is! :D

ROA- Ne place (We like it)

Caro Emeald - Stuck

Between the two other songs, this is pretty good for slower cycling :D I absolutely love the vintage feel of this video. And the song!

Although these songs will keep me busy for some days, I doubt I will listen to them for more than a week (tops), so if you've got a song that sustains your workout, please let me know! I need to get in shape like NOW! 'Cause I'm going to Paris in two months' time. And I want to make room in my belly for those disgustingly delicious Laduree macarons!

'Till next time, ladies! :D

Some Sort of Red

2011-05-30T21:47:00.000+01:00

Ever since I was in high-school, I had grey hair and this drove me completely mad. People would joke about my age and wisdom, I laughed along, but I was soooo self conscious about this. On the other hand, in my paranoia, I refused to colour my hair, afraid of having to face an epic complete hair fall. Haha. I still do that though - the 20 - 30 minutes I have to spend with the dye on my hair is completely excruciating: I have imaginary rashes, I see imaginary bald spots and all in all am tormented. Silly, I know.

A few days ago I felt the need for a change and remembered how much I enjoyed being a leprechaun, Mary O'Reilly or Paul Bunyan's wife (that's how my friends called me when I had red hair): in one word - a redhead.

I went to Boots and Superdrug and decided I wanted a bright red for my locks :D I also wanted the dye to be semi-permanent, so had to settle for L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss in Black Cherry. Not quite the red I had in mind, but hey, I had to make do! :D

I'm not good at reviewing hair dyes so, except the facts that the pack had everything included in it (like extra hair balm and the usual plastic gloves), that I dislike the smell of the product (I mean, it does try to be nice and pretty smelling, but I just sniff "paint" out of it) and that this tube you see was more than enough for my hair (I actually have 1/3 left), there's nothing extremely interesting I can say about this dye.

I had the help of my friend while transforming myself :D, as I would have been totally rubbish at applying the dye by my own. It is quite non-messy though and it can easily be removed from your forehead and ears with a cotton pad soaked in make-up remover (mine: Bioderma).

It leaves your hair uber soft and the colours tends to be the same as pictured on the pack (although it's never really accurate).

I did hope it would come out redder than it did, but in fact it turned out a very wearable brownie-red(ie) colour. And thank God, it doesn't really look like Cheryl Cole's violety hair. So win.

Although the weather was really cra**y and the photos don't actually do this colour justice, here I am with my new hair. Hopefully you can make an idea.

I do promise I will try to capture the colour on good day, so don't worry.

Oh, oh, as for the grey hair, I must say it covered it all (*does the happy dance). Yay!

*The first photo is a more accurate representation of the colour.

Anyway, I am quite pleased with the result. Hopefully, it will last around 28 washes, so that's quite good.

That's it for today, ladies!

Going back to work tomorrow. I can't believe how fast this weekend went away! Gah!

PS: It cost around 6 GBP.

Going Red

2011-05-29T14:24:00.000+01:00

Gah!

In a few hours my hair will look like this:

And yeah, I had already bought the dye before I read that it was Cheryl Cole's hair colour. Hopefully, it will look better on me, haha.

Fingers crossed I won't end up a baldie (hair dye scares the c*** out of me) :P

COMEBACK!

2011-05-22T22:29:00.001+01:00

Hey there! And sorry for the lack of activity during the last month(s)!

Lots of stuff happened lately and it can only get better. Got a job, moved houses and visited my family & friends back home after almost one year of being away.

Today I can only have a little post of what I have been doing and loving lately and hopefully I will resume the mighty blogging this week. Oh yay! :)

credit

Been to one of the coolest places around: Frankie & Benny's Restaurant. It has this 50's vibe, absolutely gorgeous, oldie music and good food too. Big thumbs up.

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Treated myself to a lovely Remington Pro Ionic Ultra hair dryer. So excited I finally get to ditch the travel size 3-pound-worth-hair-dryer I've had for two years. Go hubby's birthday (I used some of his birthday money, I am the most awful wife on Earth :D)!

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Been loving Carolina Herrera 212 VIP perfume lately. I got it for Easter and I cannot believe the fact that I actually enjoy a rather sweet perfume. I think it is a fake though because it doesn't last more than one hour on my skin. Boo!

I've been enjoying so many blogs, I cannot believe how gorgeous some of them are! I have a huuuge huge list of adorable such virtual diaries, but I will just add a few for now:

1. I love Rachel's weekly lists of things she has been enjoying. I always like finding out new things, so I always come back to her blog for a boost of inspiration. Blog: http://www.rachelphipps.com/

2. This momma is awesome: http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/ She's got 3 lovely kids and gathers all her family for the occasional family style photo. Love all their outfits and activities and wish I was as cool as her when I grow up. Ta daaaaa!

3. Because I have been recently obsessed with starting an illustration course, I follow Kim's blog like crazy: http://www.artequalshappy.typepad.com/

She's also a 60's era fan, so what can be more perfect than this combination?

4. I recently discovered this style blog and although not entirely mad about fashion, I could not help but secretly ('cause I'm married, doh! :D) fancy this awesome stylishly guy:

Aaaand here's the blog: http://www.backyardbill.com/

5. Last but not least (this week), there's Jennie's blog: http://www.sailorjennie.com/. And I love EVERYTHING about it, it never fails me.

Currently wishing for:

1. Stone wash jeans. Just some uber comfy ones I could wear daily.

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2. Oversized shoes. Even though they are not my style and I would never be able to walk in these, I can still dream about them, right?

(both from Top Shop)

And that is it for today! I have soooo many things to tell you about, but I am way too keen to try my new hair dryer and watch Water for Elephants although I really still can't understand some people's fascination when it comes to Robert Pattinson. Gaaaahhh! :)

What have you been up to lately?

How much is my face worth - TAG

2011-03-07T16:00:00.001Z

Right! SO I've seen this tag on several blogs and thought I'd do it too. It's pretty amazing how many of these products have become my must-haves when exactly one year ago I would have done without any of them, haha.

Makeup

Sleek Storm Palette - £ 6.49

Rock Face Minerals Foundation - £ 13

Nude by Nature Mineral Veil- £ 25

Maybelline Dream Mouse Blush - £ 3.50

Sleek Pout Polish - £ 4.30

MeMeMe Eye Sweep Liner - £ 6.50

Sigma F80 Brush - £ 9.85

Sigma F82 Brush - £ 9.85

No-name Angled Brush £ 1.50

Total: £ 79.99

Skincare:

Bioderma Hydrabio Legere Cream - £ 11
Garnier Fresh Essentials Grape Water Cleansing Milk - £ 3.5
Care Plus Witchazel Toner - £ 2.50
Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream (sample) - £ 2

Total: £ 19.00

So, all in all, my face is worth 98,99. My God. I should use less stuff, really. Thank God most of these were received :-<

Freebies I picked up this week

2011-03-06T17:57:00.001Z

Ladies, I know you already know about the freebies the glossy magazines have this month, but you know - I can't refrain from telling you more about them! :D

So here you go, this is what I picked up:

Glamour has the best deal, they say. You've got loads of Clinique products to choose from, including a super gorgeous mascara, a lipstick, gloss and other skincare stuff. I was not extremely drawn by their skincare as I really want to stick to my routine right now, so I only picked up their eye cream.

This is such a teeny recipient, but it holds a lot of product, so I think it's just great. The cream is so light and moisturising (have been using it for 3 days, so can't tell you a lot about it though), leaving a fresh feeling on your skin. It does not irritate your eye either: I've used it all over the lids and think I might have got a little bit in my eye and I was fine. But you should not try this at home :D

Marie Claire offers a Cowshed small body lotion with this month's issue. I rarely buy Marie Claire, but I wanted to have it for the freebie. I am highly amused by the names of Cowshed's products, especially because it's a very old joke between me and my super duper good friend back home. Initially, I wanted to give this lotion to her, but I picked the worst smelling product ever, haha. That's because it smells like ginger and I HATE GINGER (throws up).

Seriously thinking of getting another one, but there's just something inside me that holds me from getting the same magazine twice. I know, I am weird :D

Cosmopolitan has a gloss to give away. There are 3 options you can pick from: a clear gloss, a nude one and a red one. They're from Missguided. I picked the red one, as I'm trying to find the perfect red shade for daily wear, haha. The bad thing is that it is not that red (cries) in reality. It can barely be seen on your lips, so boohoo :D Steph mentioned that the nude colour is not different from the clear one, so guess that these lipglosses aren't that pigmented and that is that.

Did you pick any of these up?

Stay tuned for my How much is your face worth? post.

Cheers, ladies.

The Best Birthday Card EVER!

2011-03-04T23:56:00.000Z

Just a suuuuper quick post letting you know this:
I'VE GOT A FREAKIN' JOOOOBBBB! Aaaayeee! Of course, nothing I expected, but damn I am so happy!

And then here's the awesomest birthday card I've ever gotten! Yeah, my birthday is in exactly one week, but heeeeyy, who's bothered here? :D Here's the card:

(this is a scan of my card, so no credits for this one I'm afraid :D)

Isn't this like the best sh*t ever?! :X

Revlon's Fire and Ice Demure Lipstick

2011-02-28T15:15:00.000Z

When I won Choose Your Hype's giveaway, I got the chance to choose between the Demure and Siren lipsticks. Although Siren was my favourite at first sight, after I've googled some swatches, it was obvious that I would rarely get the chance to wear it. So I went for Demure, thinking it should be a very good nude lipstick.

This is a sheer, moisturising nude lipstick. It is slightly shimmery and dual toned: pink and peachy at the same time. While I believe the colour is quite pretty, I am not extremely pleased with the way it looks on me.

bare lips; Demure on lips; Demure - swatched heavily

It gives my lips a peachy moisture, but doesn't act as a lipstick, really. Sleek's Pout Polish is more pigmented than this one. So if you wish for Demure, expect for a tinted balm effect on your lips.

Pros:

it is great for somebody who is really afraid of lipstick :D and wants a very natural look
it is moisturising and has a nice texture
it doesn't smell funny. Actually, it smells quite nice
nice, classic Revlon tube
the recipient has a transparent top, so you can easily see what colour it is

Cons:

it is likely it won't show on your skin
too sheer for my taste
not very long lasting (2-3 hours tops)
haven't seen it in the UK yet. I don't know if it is because you can't find it in shops or I'm just blind :D

I know I must have forgotten at least something about it. Uhm... if there is anything I did not cover do let me know :) I don't know its price either, I am afraid :-S

NOTD and Update

2011-02-24T16:08:00.000Z

Today I'm going to show you my horrid nails coated in a gorgeous shade of peachy coral. Revlon's Demure nail polish is part of their Fire and Ice collection which is an anniversary one, I think. Anyway, the colour is absolutely gorgeous and I could not help but put my varnish applying skills to test (fail!) and admire my hands all day long. This is my first coral nail polish and I love it.

Of course, my camera could not capture the colour right. The closest to reality is the 4th picture (the one with my thumb). The difference is that in reality the colour is so much more vibrant and rather coral than pink. I am wearing one coat. It applies like a dream (it is true that I used a coat of varnish before that) and dries pretty fast. I can't tell you about chipping because it is the second day I wear it. No chipping though, so this has to be a good sign :P

*I won this in a giveaway held by http://chooseyourhype.blogspot.com/ Thank you!

On another note, I had my first meeting with my career advisor today and it was soooo inspirational. It boosted my confidence completely and opened new horizons. Yesterday I was a completely mess, so depressed and felt I was not good for anything. I tried to apply for an administrative job and I was told from the start it was rather useless as I was completely overqualified. It hurt, but I really appreciated the lady's comment. Everybody else who rejected me for a job gave me no details whatsoever, they'd just say: "Unfortunately, on this occasion you were unsuccessful'. Ouch!

So I'm thinking of going back to studying again, haha, but this time doing something specific to boost my career. I've decided to take some journalism/ editing/ content writing courses in English this time so I'd get acquainted with the terminology and improve my linguistic skills. I have also decided to become a volunteer for a charity and get involved in their Media/ PR affairs. It's better to start doing something than waiting for a job to fall from the sky.

Just one question though: does any of you know any good journalism courses in Birmingham? Eventually cheap (or for free, haha)? Help?

Thanks for reading, ladies.

I missed blogging like hell, but was completely busy trying to put our business on its feet. Our initial approach failed, but we've got new ideas. I will soon share them with you! :P

"Business" FOTD

2011-02-17T23:14:00.000Z

I tried to keep it super simple, yet nice. Yes, that's the face I sport each time I approach a potential customer. Silly, really :D

This is what my fringe looks like now. Not happy with it.

Products used: Rock Face Mineral Foundation in Honey Medium, Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Songe Corail, Sleek Pout Polish in Pink Cadillac, black matte eyeshadow from a Sleek palette, MeMeMe black liner.

No mascara. My Bioderma make-up remover is almost finished and I hate to take off mascara with anything else, so I'd rather not use it :P

Any recommendations related to a more serious "business" make-up anyone?

My Week in Illustrations #2

2011-02-16T02:30:00.000Z

I am so so sorry for not posting lately, but ... oh, damn, no excuse will do! I am just sorry!
Here's my (last) week in illustrations. I am so glad the drawings are clearer, we bought a printer/ scanner and I am absolutely happy :)

I was/ am tired of applying for jobs. This is such an unrewarding full time position. Therefore I had to take the matter into my hands. I just had to!

Enter Hubby. He came up with the idea of 'opening' a business of our own. Self employed it shall be then, I guess. I'm going to attend a course in March and learn all about it. Although I can't say I love business in general, it is better than being a stay-at-home-couch-potato.

So if anybody is interested in being advertised in The Birmingham Book business directory or knows somebody who would be interested, please refer him/her/them to us (or vice versa). Or you could just Like our Facebook page to show us some love. It would be greatly appreciated.

But I am still job hunting. Avidly.

Hubby and I celebrated our first year of marriage on Saturday. Let's hear some cheers. I can't believe how fast time flies. And I still can't believe I'm married, haha!

Our first anniversary present was received last week: some money so we could spend our day in style. God knows how bad I wanted to eat in a fancy restaurant and dress nicely, but we had to be wise. We are pretty poor and our new business definitely needed some investment. So we bought a .com domain and a printer.

Our second present (well, it was rather mine, hehe) was the prize I won at Sherrie's giveaway.

We celebrated with the Hello Kitty marshmallows she kindly put in the package. Yum! And thank you! :X

Last but not least, we decided to grab some food and head over to our headquarters on that glorious day, pig out and watch movies till we fell asleep. Pathetic, I know. And it would be even more pathetic if I told you that we bought a massive amount of noodles (been to a Chinese shop and bought 10 packs of noodles we ate the very same day), rice cakes (I adore them!) and chicken + chips. I wonder how we survived this food attack.

How was your week, ladies? ;;)

Dear Employer,

2011-02-09T15:20:00.001Z

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This post is for you, wherever you are. I am super awesome and you won't really know that until you arrange an interview with me. You couldn't possibly tell that I can't answer your phone or manage your files, sell a shirt or talk to your customers from my CV. I don't need special training to make coffee, be polite or be the awesomest employee you've ever had.

Therefore, I attach my cover letter to this application. Call me.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing in response to the position advertised on BlaBla.

I am a fast (think Superman fast) multi tasker that loves the chills and thrills of a fast paced working environment. While working in the most famous press agency in my country, CraCra, it seems I have gained super powers like speed- typing, attention to details, managing news content, editing audio captures as well as training new employees who would soon become my sidekicks.

Before that I was part time Assistant Manager to a travel agency’s director and enjoyed every single moment of it.

In order to convince you that I deserve this job, let me tell you something about my education. I have graduated a Masters in Sociology where I studied Social Psychology and Criminality, I have played secretary-to-be while studying at the College of Administration and Secretarial Studies and have gained the supreme title of “Receptionist” after completing a Technician in tourism, hotel and food industry course. I think that is pretty impressive.

I seem to never feel good when I am not working and while I have waited for my work permit to arrive once I got to the UK, I just had to keep going, so I decided to write a beauty blog. And create handmade accessories. And whatnot.

Therefore, it is a must to arrange an interview with me. I am pretty sure I left some amazing qualities of mine behind, but I count on the fact that you are inquisitive enough to find them out directly from me.

Best regards,

BlaBlaBla

Disclaimer: I am not as self-absorbed and narcissistic in real life, but baring in mind that this is a cover letter that is supposed to impress the s*** out of you, I just thought I should go with the flow.

PS: To all my followers out there interested in makeup, I am soooo so sorry for this post, but right now I've got issues :P

Dare to Bare Challenge

2011-02-09T03:01:00.000Z

Gah, these photos are weird! Hope you won't freak out. I also can't pose without either being silly or tacky, hehe :D

I decided to do the Dare to Bare Challenge post Nicoletta started a few days ago. SO here you go, that's me with no makeup on.

While I am not particularly ashamed of going out like this (I have done it for 24 years, I can still do it, haha), I do feel more confident when I slap a bunch of stuff on my face. Mostly that's because my complexion is ridiculously and unnatural reddish most of the times. I think I look better with an even skin tone.

On the other hand, I think I want to attend a writing course. Husband keeps asking me what I want for my birthday and, as silly as it may sound, I want to train myself. I miss my Editor job and wish I could do this here too. What do you think, are these courses any good? Do you know a good one you could recommend?

Cheers, ladies, talk to you soon! :P

The Weekly Vintage Beauty Post #3

2011-02-07T02:48:00.003Z

I cannot believe how beautiful some vintage ads were in the past! While looking through some of them with Le Mister, we were literally amazed of how well some of them were made. The same goes for the opposite, we were as amazed of how bad others were.

To your delight (if vintage ads are you cup of tea, of course), I tried to compare them to a few of the ads we see today.

*All vintage images belong to Sugarpie Honeybunch
All other images are credited under each photo

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Chanel keeps its elegance when it comes to their number one perfume, No 5. While playful in the 60's, the ad oozes romanticism and beauty in 2010. By now, it is already a classic.

While I never understood what's the deal with Twiggy, I know she is an icon to many of you out there, so here you go: a little vintage tutorial on how to look like her. That is if you haven't watched Lisa Eldridge's video by now. If you haven't, then... naughty, naughty! :D

I was also amused by the clumsiness and unfinished look of the first ad in this photo (for Maybelline lashes): it looks like a child's scrapbook. This is one of the promos we giggled about.

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Avon keeps everything simple and feminine. I have to admit that today's ad is cleaner and therefore more attractive, while the 60's one is more informative. Do you ever read the whole description of a fragrance or, like me, are unable to imagine it or just get the wrong idea and have to run to the shop and smell it yourself?

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The 'Pick a California Orange' ad was one of our favourites. It is simple, colourful and just beautiful. Compared to nowadays' lipstick promo featuring Giselle Bundchen, it looks so much more innocent and natural. Uhm, of course, times have changed and so did the company's image, but I just love comparing the two of them.

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These two ads have pretty much the same concept: eyes are prettier/ sexier when using Maybelline's products so go ahead and shop :D

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Introducing new collections: same company, different timing. I can't say I would have bothered to notice the first ad though. Yes, a magpie is a magpie, but when this magpie is the customer, you just listen to what it has to say! :D

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Just for fun: the London look as seen in a 1960's and a 2010 ad. Loved this!

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While I simply loved the chromatic of the first ad (there's just something about gray, pink and orange), the Top Shop blushes popped up in my magpie head just screaming: "We sort of resemble those Yardley cheek colours you keep staring at!" Maybe it's just me. Maybe.

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Happy, springlike, whimsical packaging is right up my street. I love Helena Rubinstein's tulip lipsticks, but I would pretty much accept Walmart's new cosmetics line for teenagers too. I mean, just look at those lip balms/ blushes all tucked in that pretty pretty vintage looking cardboard recipients! Sometimes I just wish I lived in the USA! :P

And in the end, here's my favourite ad of all. While the lipsticks look nice and the lady staring behind them is drop-dead-gorgeous, why in the name of God would you name your products GoldiLicks?!

There you have it, ladies: this week's vintage beauty post. Hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have putting it all together.

Cheers!

My Week in Illustrations #1

2011-02-05T18:32:00.000Z

Following Abby's example of "My week in photos", I decided to give it a twist and transform it into "My week in illustrations". That's because I don't take awesome photos. So here we go!

I applied for a job at Oasis. I absolutely love love love their clothes, although they are pretty pricey. So there I was, with my new weird bangs and my manly coat, handing my resume to them.

... useless to say that nobody called me back. Oh, well!

I started the 30 Day Shred. Again. For the second time this year.

I kept it going for 2 days. The third day I fell awfully sick. I still am sick. I have such a weird chest in my pain and Theraflu makes me want to sleep all day long.

On Thursday I finally got myself a job interview and man, was I happy! It was for some sort of a secretary/ receptionist/ assistant manager/ boss' sidekick position. I finally thought I'd nailed it. Then they told me I had to work one month for free (trial period) with just my expenses paid. I mean really, are you guys for real?! The company was new and didn't know if they would make it in this city. And why would I care? Do you care that I've got my rent to pay?

Watched Twilight 2 and 3. I know, I am a bit late, but I'm not usually a fan. I just wanted to see what the fuss was about. What are my thoughts on this?

a) Stewart is a bad actress. Really. Happiness and sadness look the same on her face.

b) Really sorry for all the Pattinson fans out there, but he's creepy. Not the creepy-but-sexy kind, just plain creepy. Like hit-over-the-face-with-a-shovel-creepy. Please don't hate me now and unfollow :P I swear I'm a nice girl ! :D

And that was about it. My week was pretty boring. I know that once I'll have a job I'll have more to talk about.

And yes, I have some reviews coming up.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend out there, ladies. For me it's medicines and chicken soup so far.

Cheers!

My Skincare Routine

2011-02-02T21:36:00.000Z

My face finally looks better and I am so happy. For those of you who have oily AND sensitive skin you may want to read this. For those of you who have any other type of skin you may still want to read this, as I use products that I believe are good for anyone.

Here we go.

Biotherm's Skin-Ergetic Anti- Fatigue Moisturiser for normal to combination skin (there's also a heavier cream for dry skin available). I got this as part of the Skin-Ergetic pack from a Marie Claire competition. I also got their night cream and serum. Although I never thought this would be suitable for me at all, well 2 weeks or more have passed and I am delighted to tell you that:

a) it did not break me out

b) it did not leave my face greasy

c) it smells absolutely divine, of oranges and peaches and I just feel like eating it!

It may not come cheap (30 pounds in Boots), but if you are curious about it do ask for a sample and see how it works for you. You may have just found you HG face cream :P

Best part? They say that this range is paraben free, mineral oil-free and synthetic colorant free. Find more here (and no, I am not paid to say this :D)

Bioderma's Hydrabio Legere. This is a light cream that deeply hydates your skin. It also comes in a formula that is suited for dry skin. Mine is for normal to combination. It is indeed very light and I love it. I use either this or Biotherm depending on my mood. This is easier absorbed though and does not need massaging the product into my skin.

Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution. I absolutely adore this and have been using it every single day since the middle of December. It makes me cry that I will soon finish it and it is sooo damn expensive to order this from the UK. Gah! I will visit my parents at the end of April though and they sell Bioderma in my country, but until then what am i supposed to doooo (cried her heart out)? :D

Witch Hazel astringent toner. Colleen recommended this to me and I can't thank her enough! This has done wonders for my skin, it is honestly a wonderful toner and I could not recommend it enough. I bought this from a body care shop for 2 pounds, but you can find it anywhere, like Boots or Superdrug. The point is to buy the most natural formula so it is more effective. This one does not burn my skin (usually, when I read "astringent" on a recipient I immediately think "oh, no, burning sensation") and it leaves it refreshed, buuuutttt I must warn you that it smells like hell.Still, this will not make me stop use this.

Montagne Jeunesse's Cucumber Purifying Peel-Off Mask. This one is supposed to refresh and purify your face, but the only reason I bought it is for the fact that it reminds me of my favourite peel-off mask from Freemans (again, can't be easily found in the UK). I absolutely love peel-off masks and I think they're less harsh on sensitive skin than scrubs. I never use scrubs anymore because they undoubtedly irritate my face. This one is cheap (1 pound for a sachel, but I got it for 65p in a Savers shop) and I get 2 usages per pack. I use it one time per week.

Sudocrem. No need to tell you more about this. I use it on nasty spots at night, before I go to sleep and they're almost gone in the morning!

So this was it. If you are interested in a detailed review on one of these products, do let me know.

Do/ did you use any of them? How did they work for you?

The Weekly Vintage Beauty Post #2

2011-01-30T21:57:00.000Z

Today there's going to be some simple photo inspiration for you, ladies. This week I'm loving everything about Jane Asher again. For those of you who have never heard of her, she is an actress, writer and some sort of a British Martha Stewart. For years I've just known her as Paul's (Beatles) girlfriend. She was born in 1946 and was a fashion and beauty icon throughout the 60's.

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For all redheads out there who do not feel comfortable in their own skin: how could you not be? I love red hair, freckles and porcelain skin!

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Rocking the peter pan colar dress. Talk about vintage fahion revival!

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Yep, wanted these bangs when I cut my hair two days ago. Unfortunatelly, now that I've just washed my hair I simply look like this.

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This image just screams Crown and Glory.

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So what do you think? DO you like her?

January Weekend Activity Box: Stratford-Upon-Avon

2011-01-29T20:55:00.000Z

We were sick of staying at home. And sick of this city. SO we decided to take the cheapest train and go to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Shakespeare's birthplace.

Of course we did not enter the museum because we are, as you may know, pretty poor at the moment, but I really really loved the city and roaming through all the charity shops and bookstores.

Such a lovely lovely way to spend the day.

Of course, here are some pictures for you.

Oh, and BEWARE. I cut my bangs. Love it. I really don't have to worry about my messy hair anymore. Now it looks... interesting.

Bwuahahha, we look like two bums, but it was waaay too cold to dress properly.

Proof for our mothers :)) We HAVE been to Shakespeare's birthplace, but we were too rubbish to enter :D

Also notice my fancy outfit :D

I am also such a geek, so I bought two books from a charity shop: Life on the Home Front (about the second WW) and Empress Orchid (by Anchee Min). Can hardly wait to read them. I seem to be more and more obsessed about the 40's and 50's now and the second world war, so I keep buying books about people's life back then. Way back in elementary school I dreaded all lessons that talked about any of the two world wars just because they were so awfully presented. I mean they were very very difficult times, but our history lessons were all about memorising dates and treatees, which honestly, to a child do not mean anything at all.

Hope you had a lovely Saturday. I will be back with some reviews soon but I am so upset the weather is so yuck and the light is sooo bad.

UHm... anyone out there from Stratford? Waaaaveeee! :P

Would Have Loved This Wedding Dress

2011-01-28T20:39:00.000Z

Just a random post to show you the wedding dress of my dreams. It's from Jim Hjelm and I love it dearly.
Here, here! Am I the only one crying over this beautiful beautiful (nontheless curtain looking) dress? :D

(Actually these are two different dresses, but you get the idea)

Gah! If you're a bride to be and looking for inspiration you might like to browse the site. The dresses are just stunning.

Unemployed Face of the Day

2011-01-27T18:08:00.000Z

Hey there ladies!

Well last night while browsing Cheeky Beauty's blog I found this little makeover toy and have been playing with it ever since. Pure awesomeness! :D So there you go, a few FOTDs!

And yeah, I'v got waaay to much time to spare.

Please show me your new selves if you decide to revamp your image. I am soooo curious! :P

The End! :D

The Wonders of Social Media

2011-01-26T15:45:00.000Z

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As long as we're all together in it, why not discuss it a little?

How are we influenced by social media? How do we contribute to its growth?

The first thing that made me write about this is my own experience with Eyeko. Man, they sell great!
I barely heard anything about them when I started blogging. Sure, I wasn't (and I still am not) aware of so many brands out there, so it might have been my fault too for not discovering them before.

So there I was one day seeing everybody blog about Eyeko. Everybody! They had their lipbalms, their eyeliners, God, I wanted the cream too! And suddenly I swear I literally dreamt that I was placing an order the very next day. This was insane. The second day I was an ambassador. The third day I placed my first order. I just HAD to! I did not need ANY of their products. Eyeliner? Had plenty! Lipbalm? A fat one?! I've only used it once. Bronzer? Don't need one. But hey, they looked soo lovely, the site was so cute, they Twittered and Facebooked all over so I just HAD to have Eyeko!

They're the most relevant example I could think of when it comes to the power of advertising using social media. Their marketing is brilliant. Just brilliant! While I can't say I would repurchase any of the items I have bought so far, I am sure bound to keep trying buying their new stuff, like the perfect magpie that I am.

I was just thinking the other day about this. A Twitter account of a super well known company and them following me made me feel like one of the most important persons in the world. I was thrilled when I got the "[Insert famous company's name here] is now following your tweets". I was overwhelmed when I won giveaways! I just felt I had to repay that company with at least a visit to their site.

And blogs... oh, I don't even know where to begin! Let's just say that for the last 6 months there was not a single makeup product I bought without checking it with you guys. So thank you for that.

When I started writing this post, I didn't really know what my conclusion was. I still can't figure it out now. It is a combination of contentment AND just a teeny weeny frustration. I am glad that I can find honest reviews coming from different persons with different features. I am glad that a big company is interested in what I have to say. I am more than happy to participate in giveaways. But at the same time I am mad at myself for falling in this little trap of marketing, for the fact that when I get a bad product for review purposes I feel just a slight incomfort when I write bad things about it. But I will still write them anyway. I want to treat my readers the way I am treated when I read other blogs: with honesty.

SO what do you think about brads and Twitter, Facebook, blogs? Is it a good thing? A bad thing? DO you have mixed opinions?

Hope it all made sense. Somehow.

Cheers, ladies! :P

The Weekly Vintage Beauty

2011-01-23T16:42:00.000Z

Decided to write a post like this weekly. I hope I can keep up. So far I've been enjoying so so many books about the 40's-60's era, so I decided to write a weekly post in which you will find little beauty tips from the past, inspirational photos, videos and ideas. If you have an idea for one of these posts, do let me know and I sure will credit you for it :P

I hope you will enjoy these as much as I have had discovering them.

First of all, here's a video I spotted on YouTube on how to apply makeup (although it's only about lips), do your hair and wear your blouse depending on the shape of your face. It is made in the 40's and I had a little giggle when I first saw it, as the lady who explains what it is all about seems so tough and military, as if she's ordering you what to do.

I have also discovered a blog you might like, it's called Glamour Daze and it's all about vintage fashion and beauty. Here's a little makeup guide from Helena Rubinstein I spotted in one of their posts:

And last, but not least, how about some modern vintage-looking makeup? I really liked the look of the Besame Cosmetics, they sooo remind me of what my grandmother used to wear.

I think they look stunning, I'd love to try them out!

So that was it for today, my ladies. Hope you are all well and kickin' and had a great weekend.

Ayee!

2011-01-20T18:51:00.000Z

Just a quick post letting everyone who's interested know that I can finally legally work here. Eeee (*does the rain dance*)!

So, being by myself at home and dieting for some time, I just had to celebrate 'in style'.

The next time I'll be celebrating like this again will be the day I get a job, haha!

As for my diet... FAIL! I mean yeah, I haven't had a lovely nice chocolate or some evil junk food in quite a long time, but I just cannot make this lazy as* move from the couch and start moving. It's always: "Tomorrow. Tomorrow I will work it" from me.

As for the beauty part of this blog, I've got some good stuff coming:

Ever heard of Norelle cosmetics? Neither have I until a month ago when I won a Twitter competition. And boy, was I glad!

And I also got to try some wonderful wonderful Sigma brushes. I swear these make a huge difference in the way I used to apply my foundation. Doh!

And you gotta give some appreciation to this FOTD featuring my lovely uber fast kettle and the super functional cupboard behind me. Ah, the thrills of living in a studio apartment!

But beautiful, striking poses promise I when rich be will I! :D

PS: Excuse this random, rather silly post, but I had to let you know that I was still alive. And kicking. As*.

Cheerios! (yum!)

Product Review: Schwarzkopf's Got2b Guardian Angel

2011-01-18T02:09:00.000Z

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There was no use to upload a photo of my own. The one above is perfect. And when it comes to products like this, there's no novelty: you can't capture the consistency, there are no swatches, there are no gimmicks.

I got to try this new product after winning a competition held by Dare Magazine. I was not obliged to review it, but I thought you might like to know more about Guardian Angel (I just love this name). It was a bit frustrating when I did not find many reviews on the internet at the time I got this (early December) and, as always when it comes to MY skincare and haircare, I was a bit reluctant to try it. The idea of either going back to my hair falling era or uber breakouts on my skin simply scares the s*** out of me.

But I HAD to give it a go!

WHAT IS IT?
A spray (mist) with up to 220C heat protection for your locks. It also claims to style your hair and help you get the most of your blow-dry or flat iron usage. And yeah, it is supposed to add shine to your hair.

WHAT OTHER SPECIFICATIONS DOES IT HAVE?

The bottle is a long, slim, black plastic recipient. I think it looks pretty cool.

200 ml

Find more on their site: http://www.got2b.co.uk

If you are interested in the ingredients, let me know :P

HOW DO YOU USE IT?
Towel dry your hair and spray the product generously. Then blow dry. And curl/ iron your hair. But never do the last when your hair is still wet.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY IT?

I found it in Superdrug, for 4.07 pounds and Boots for 3.99. Or enter the got2be UK site and find the list of stockists here.

WHAT DO I THINK?

First of all, it smells amazing. I just love it.
It does not weigh down your hair, which is always a plus.
It is easy to apply. However, as I have pretty fine hair, I do not use loads of product. 4-5 sprays is more than enough for me. And I don't iron or curl my hair. But I've been using the blow dryer since I was 7, rarely let my hair dry naturally because I hate the feeling of wet/ damp hair on my skin :)
While I've been using it for a month, two times a week, I can't say I see a major hair transformation. I can't tell if it really really protects my hair from heat. But I think it would be impossible at this early stage.
But I can say that it didn't lead to hair loss (which it can easily happen to me provided I use the wrong products), it does help my hair dry just a teeny weeny faster (but if I spray it generously it is takes longer to dry, so you have to test it yourself and see how much product you need) but there is no extra shine.
BUT, struggling with fine hair, I've never had proper volume from the roots when blow drying, I've always had limp hair on top of my head and broom-looking something close to my shoulders. And yeah, this does not flatter my egg shaped head. Since using this, my hair dries wonderfully and effortless. I swear! I love this! And no, it's not the shampoo/ conditioner I use, as I keep changing them :P

So yeah, there you have it: a very likeable and budget-friendly product to help you with styling.

I am really curious if it does the trick whe it comes to heavier styling. SO if there's anyone out there who has tried it before curling or ironing their locks, give me a sign. I'd love to know what you think.

Hope this was useful.

Any questions, class? :P

Random

2011-01-13T15:36:00.000Z

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I can't believe I could not sleep at all last night. I love to sleep. I would marry sleep. And while the weather is pretty bad, I'd rather sleep this wintery days away. I got away with one hour and a half of snoozing this time. I keep thinking of my future and what to make of it. It is incredible how one can study so much and also have a decent work experience and get nowhere.

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My new neighbours are such rubbish, I honestly don't understand what is wrong with them. They keep knocking on our window (last time at 3 a.m.) to let them in. Actually, don't even know if the person who did that lived here. We told them to buzz off, you don't do things like that. They always use our interphone (is this a word?). They yell on the hallways at midnight. They smoke crack in the hallway. The worst thing they do is when they forget their keys at home, like they did last night, at 2.30 a.m. They force themselves on the entrance door and break the lock. It's the 7th time in 2 months. Last time they did that the heater in the hallway froze and the pipe burst so we were left with no heat. I don't know... what can you do in a case like this? Honestly. They stress me so so much.

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Interesting fact: some employers are in vain. Was called about an interview the other day. At 11. They wanted me to come to their office at 13, the very same day. Gah. Are you for real?! I wasn't even at home. Negociated for the next day at 11.30 and I asked them to send me their address. There was no response for a few hours. I sent them a reminder at 2 p.m. Nothing, so I cursed them and figured the interview was cancelled and they were just some cheap bastards that did not bother to tell me they did not need me anymore. So I went to sleep. The next morning, the postman rang at almost 11. Verified my phone: had a message from the company, sent at 10 o'clock, with their address in it. Really?! After 24 hours you bother to answer my message?! Replied and told them it was impossible and next time they should arrange an interview in a timely manner. Because I absolutely need a job, I figured I had nothing to lose and try to reschedule for today. A lady told me she should check with her manager. Got no response. And yeah, the position was for Recruitment. I mean if you recruit people like that then you have no reason to exist as a company. Pfff.

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Postman did not come today, this is so strange. He didn't come the day before yesterday either. I think he must be skipping working hours, haha, relaxing at home with a little cupcake in his hand. There are sooo so many parcels I am expecting. I also ordered some books last night. I am super excited. They're all about the 40's and 50's era. I am in love with that period of time. Can't wait to get my hands on them.

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Currently craving for this type of cake. Did not find a proper substitute of it in the UK yet. God, sometimes I miss home so much. But it's all about the food. And family. And friends. The rest can keep calm and carry on without me, I don't ever want to go back for good.

So this was my week so far. I have also won some giveaways, but I will not write a post just to show off. I've been super incredibly lucky the past few months and I don't want people who know that I've won to think that I am not grateful. I am! I am deeply, deeply grateful! But as a sign of respect for my readers, I will not make list of things I've won. Still, as I review most of them, you will know where I got all the stuff from.

I have another request, since I've made this post a long, long one. I am interested in what you'd like to see more on my blog and what makes you come back to it or what drives you away. I appreciate an honest opinion, so do not feel bad if you hate or don't like something. Just name it. I would love to know.

Cheers for now!

Morgana Cryptoria Goodies

2011-01-12T16:34:00.000Z

Way back in time (kidding, I think it was at the beggining of December) I won a giveaway hosted by Wendy, from http://cydonianmakeup.blogspot.com/ and sponsored by Morgana Cryptoria.

Being a newbie when it comes to indie makeup, I was intrigued by this brand's image and decided to enter the giveaway and browse their shop. While the site was a bit hard to search and the photos were not of the best quality, I can wholeheartedly say that the products are the most pigmented stuff I've got!

But on to the proper review!

I got myself two eyeshadows (Broomstick and Herbinger) and one lipstick (Love Lies Bleeding).

While the colours are pretty, I picked them badly. They do not match me almost at all and I want to cry (well, sort of :D) when I think I could have made a better choice. But I wanted to experiment the ultimate red lip (looks like this one doesn't suit me very well) and a bolder colour in makeup (blue). Sigh.

The Lipstick, 4.5 g

This one comes is a black, super simple plastic recipient. The colour is gorgeous, a dark red with berry undertones, I think. It is slightly hard to apply directly on your lips as the formula is a bit dry, so be sure to moisturise before you go for it. I found it easier to use the brush. Over a coat of lipbalm it looks very nice.

Can't tell you about its resistance on the lips though, as I did not wear it long enough.

Also, as the Morgana shop is closed until Friday, therefore I can't tell you anything about the prices.

The Eyeshadows, 1.7 g each

Broomstick

This is a vibrant sort of dark electric blue. It reminds me of my highschool uniform from back home.

Honestly, when I picked this up I thought it would be closer to turquoiose, but it is not.

The colour has a soft shimmer in it, but it is not glittery-like. It is very pretty and super intense.

Harbinger

This is a very interesting colour, really. It is a dark reddish brown with purple undertones and a bit of a sparkle that gives it a metallic look. This is sparklier than Broomstick, but you will not see any chunks of glitter in it. It looks super interesting.

Damn you, makeup photographs! The real colour won't show properly.

One thing I've got to say about these eyeshadows is that they're super pigmented. If I were to judge in comparison with Rock Face Minerals and Face Candy Couture, then yes, these are the strongest colours of the bunch. Then, Rock Face Minerals ones are the most wearable and the Face Candy Couture are the most sparkly-glittery-kind-of-party stuff :P

Right. Baring in mind that I am not extremely adventurous when it comes to makeup, I'd say the Morgana Cryptoria products are for the ones that love more dramatic looks. They are of good quality and, as I've said before, hadn't I chosen the colours that are not really for me, I would have been super happy with my products. But that's my fault!

You guys, tell me if you have already used any of Morgana's products.

Cheers! :P

2011-01-09T21:32:00.001Z

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Things NOT to do. I can't believe the way I spent my weekend! We are such lazy asses. We slept until 8 p.m. on Saturday. Yes, the whole day! I'm starting to hate the yellow artificial light in our house and have been waiting for spring soooo soooo bad for some time. I love blossoming trees and want to wake up in the morning with the sun in my eyes.

photo from their site,long time ago

A place to be. If you come to Birmingham and have a deep love for pies, try Urban Pie (site http://www.urbanpie.co.uk/, but seems to be broken at the moment). We have a hot latte oh, so very often there. I just love to sit outside (yeah, they've got warmers so you won't freeze to death) and watch people pass by. It helps me relax. Weirdo? Maybe.

photo from here

A Happy Buy. The No 7 Concealer Brush from Boots. With the 5 pound voucher, of course. Oh, and if anybody is interested, they changed the look of the voucher: it is not pretty and colourful anymore, it looks like a simple receit. Boo! But cheaper to make and more environmental friendly I guess?

image here

Cute to watch. If you like witty comedy series, then you'll pretty much love 'Til Death. Decide if you want to see it here (don't worry, it's just an imdb link :P)

picture here

Currently reading. Jan Wong - Beijing Confidential. I quite enjoy this book so far. I love reading books that reffer to history. Sometimes I wish I was smarter and knew more and more about peoples' history. As I did not finish this book yet, you can check out this presentation and decide if you want to read it or not. I got it for Christmas, as my bestie worked on its translation. Did I say I am proud of her? Of course I did (giggles).

What were the highlights of your weekend, ladies? I'd love to know!

Super Giveaways at the Moment

2011-01-08T23:29:00.000Z

I usually don't write about more than one givaway in one post, but today I found so many wonderful ladies giving soooo many fantastic prizes away that I just couldn't help myself. So here goes:

Sherrie from Mirror Mirror on the Wall is holding a fantastic giveaway celebrating her 200+ followers. You can get your hands on several Soap&Glory products, nail polishes, a lovely lovely vintage purse and many more. Plus she's a very wonderful lady and you will defo love her blog. What are you waiting for then?!

Shahada Karim from Adventures in Makeup is always sooo generous when it comes to giveaways and has a blog full of makeup information, swatches and looks that it is impossible not to like her. This time she's giving away some Chanel goodies. Well how's that for a prize?!

Rachel from The Beauty Hall is one of my newest "to-follow-list" addition. You will love her blog as it brings makeup and personal favourites altogether, making it an easy read. I always love to discover the person behind a blog! Celebrating her 100+ followers, she is giving away some Mac goodies. I want the painterly pot soooo bad!

Last and not least, one of my favourite fellow bloggers and twitterers :D Wendy from Turtle Beauty is celebrating her 300+ followers by giving away some awesome goodies! So you can get your hands on some Elf, Stila, China Glazed and Milani stuff AND benefit from her makeup looks and tutorials! You will love her! Chop chop to her blog then!

Eyeko Review (bronzer, fat balm and eyeliner)

2011-01-07T23:30:00.000Z

I know I've posted some stuff on my blog about these Eyeko products before, but they were not proper reviews, so in case one is interested, stay tunned :P

I will start with one of their new products, the bronzer. I haven't read many reviews about this.

At first I thought: My God, this is small! How am I ever gonna make this last?

What I liked:

- it is not as dark as pictured on the site. Mine is Miami. It suits my skin tone and I am something between fair and medium

- it has little shimmery particles. No, not chunks of shimmer. But it is rather suitable for summer

- it is pretty pigmented so yeah, two strokes of a brush are enough for my cheeks now

- it lasts a fair amount of time. I tested it for half day and was pleased

What I didn't like:

- the package. It is completely useless. The brush is really thin and not extremely wonderful and while it all looks cute and girly, it is totally unpractical. I barely managed to get a small amount of product to use the way it is designed. So I ordered a sifter jar from eBay and now everything is fine.

I wrote about this before, so this will be short.

What I liked:

- it's cute. It's a really cute thing to own. The packaging is adorable

- I liked the smell. I wasn't sure about it at the beggining, as it doesn't smell like real toffee (doh), but you get to like it

- I like the color. It may scare you at first, thinking "No way, this is too dark for me", but it's fine

- liked it as a blusher, it looks cute

What I didn't like:

- it's sooo damn small. When they said it was a fat balm, I expected it to be pretty big. But it's not.

-this one was not very moisturising for my lips

- the price. At 6 pounds, it's a bit much for a lip balm (not many use it as a blusher, as it's a tiny weeny sticky on your face)

I was pretty surprised by these. Hear me say:

What I liked about them:

- they last a loooonnnggg looonnngggg time. Really, they do!

- they do not smudge. At all

- the colours are ok (the navy blue seems too dark for me though)

What I didn't like:

- they can be a teeny weeny harsh (scratchy) on your eyelid

- they are pretty hard to remove

As for the glitter I can't say anything, guys, I did not open it, but I am planning to use it as a "surprise" item :P But it looks like this:

Beware! More reviews will come! :P

As for the vintage looking photos, I have to thank Sydney and her tutorial. Thank you, Sydney! :P Of course, I've got a lot more to practice, but it was pretty fun :P

This is it, my ladies! Cheerios for now!

Thank You For The Awards! :X

2011-01-07T21:19:00.002Z

So this month I received some awards (and tags) and I am really really honoured and I'd like to thank everyone who reads and enjoys my blog. I am SO happy!

So thank you:

Pammy from http://pammyblogsbeauty.blogspot.com/

Brittany from http://brittanylovex.blogspot.com/

Laura from http://parmavioletnails.blogspot.com/

Victoria from http://fashionstylebeautyandmore.blogspot.com/!

The lovely lady from http://lisayeo8.blogspot.com/

Priscilla from http://makeupjunkie88.blogspot.com

I am supposed to share 7 things about me and although I've already shared 15 things HERE, I am always a bit bit disappointed when other bloggers don't do all the tags because they've done something similar before. I absolutely love to find out more about the persons behind a blog and I thoroughly enjoy random facts. So bare with me!

1. I've studied Sociology at uni and did a Criminality and Social Deviance MA that I finished this year. Basically, I learnt about criminals and all sorts of bad guys. It was all theoretically though (that's the way it's done in my country) so I missed all the practice chills and thrills (sob).

2. I absolutely love pets (cats and dogs especially, as they're not as fragile as a gerbil, for example, and I can play with them without worrying I will hurt them with a stroke of my hand). In my country, there are lots of dogs and cats in the streets and I miss petting them. I wish I had a fluffy fluffy cat or dog but I am really bad at taking care of them.

3. I always have crushes on different sneaker types. The love for sneakers sometimes haunts me for years, haha! For example, when in highschool, I really wished for some Nike Cortez. While at uni, I had several pairs of Adidas Superstars, including a lemony yellow ones with interchangeable stripes.

pics from here and here

4. One of the funniest blogs I know is http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/. I can't get enough of it sometimes.

5. My whole family is super smart, my parents and grandparents are/were intelectuals (teachers, proffesors etc) and I've always felt so small and stupid when compared to them, haha.

6. I love reading magazines. Actually, I really love owning them. There's something about all those photos, haha. Told you I was a magpie. Sometimes, I don't even read them, I just have to buy them. Weird.

7. I love to browse the big Birmingham Boots although I don't need to buy something every time. I like to smell products and swatch makeup.

Questions

1. Why did you create this blog?
I love blogging. I've been through several blogs in my life, all about daily stuff. I used a witty and kind of evil humour, but it was so much easier as it was in my mother tongue.
Since moving to the UK and dealing with all sorts of papers I needed until I could legally work here, I found I had lots of time to spare. I also loved so many other beauty blogs and decided to have one of my own in order to keep in touch with other beauty junkies.

2. What kind of blog do you follow?
I love beauty blogs, fashion ones, DIY, daily diaries etc. I follow any blog that tickes my fancy, I can't follow only one type of blogs.

3. Favorite Makeup Brand
I have bits and bobs from several brands and can't decide which is my favourite, as I haven't tried MAC yet, haha

4. Favorite Clothing Brand
I loved Stradivarius when at home and also Terranova. Here, I get my stuff from Primark, but would love to buy more from New Look and H&M.

5. Your Indispensable Makeup Product
Blush

6. Your Favorite Color
It was light yellowish green, but now I absolutely love turquoise

7. Your Perfume
My favourites are Moschino - Funny and The Body Shop - Neroli Jasmine, but I have plenty of perfumes I love right now: Nina Ricci - Nina, Armani - Code, The Body Shop - Japanese Cherry Blossom and Sugababes - Tease (too bad it doesn't last long)

8. Your Favorite Film
The Gladiator. It's the only movie I managed to see more (a lot more, actually) than once.

9. What country would you like to visit and why?
Hmmmm... Egypt! And many more :P

10. Are you a Cat or Dog person?
Both! I can't really decide. Love all animals! :P

Would love to be able to tag someone in particular, but I don't want to upset anyone :P Also, there are so many persons who have already received these awards, it's had to verify ad try and pick one that wasn't tagged.

Cheers! ;;)

.

2011-01-07T00:39:00.000Z

I've never had macaroons. Everybody is raving about them. ME WANTS! So please bake some for me, please(!), or tell me where in Birmingham I can find some (cheap but good) ones.

photo via weheartit: http://catherine.blogg.no/1259192330_makroner_hva_er_det_e.html

Instead, I keep drinking this every morning:

photo via weheartit: http://clairevl.tumblr.com/

But without the creamy cinnamony wafery bliss. Mine's low calorie (sigh).

Also, this post of Hope's reminded me about my highschool uber love for feathers. I want those too.

Photos: Natasha B Ostrich Feather and Silver Earrings here; Chained Wings from Global Goddess Goods; Campise Feather Earrings from here; Pocahontas Feather Earrings, picture here; Peacock earrings at a Hills photo shoot; Dakota Handmade Feather Necklace from Leelinau; Peacock Feather Necklace from Bona Drag; Sterling Silver Feather Earrings from Silver Bench

I am currently enjoying a wonderful wonderful book - "An Illustraed Life. Drawing Inspiration from the Private Sketchbooks of Artists, Illustrators and Designers". Got mine from Amazon, on sale.

photos from here

This is what encouraged me to draw more. After going through this I kept doodling and doodling and doodling. You get the point.

What inspired you today?

Inspirational Wishlist

2011-01-04T19:51:00.000Z

I love Etsy and there are thousands of things I would buy from there without even blinking provided I was a rich b***h (or at least had a job, haha).
Here are my picks for today. Hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Te Amo Bangles and Rain Earrings, from JooJooLand

Oak Tree and Owl Family, from Lulu Bug Jewelry

Paper Treats from Ozzy and Felix

White Bunny Brooch and Bunny Moleskine from Sweet Bestiary

Violet Opal Earrings, Victoria Earrings and Blue Bird Scroll, from Ambersky Studio

The Aeronaut Steampunk Watch Movement from London Particulars

Navy Full Circle Skirt Dress 1950 from Vintage Costumes

Felted Slippers from Warm Toze

Bespoke Quiche Handmade Leather Shoes from Fairy Steps

Chandelier Earrings with Turquoise Swarovski Crystals from MyMoms

Stackable Amethyst Ring, Stackable Peridot Ring and Blue Paua Shell Ring from Scape

Queen Anne's Lace Watercolour Notebook, Willow and Lobelia Guest Book and Black Current Damask Book from Red Otter

Small Updates

2011-01-04T17:22:00.000Z

*photo from weheartit

Right.

So starting today I am on my weight loss mission. That's why I designed a page (under header) where I will try to keep a food and sort of fitness diary. Didn't want this to interfere with my actual blogging, that's why it is separate. Bare in mind that you might find the food intake a bit drastic sometimes, but I stay at home and do nothing all day, so I don't actually consume as much as I eat. I will only try to eat when I am hungry :P

I have also added some Reaction boxes at the end of each post for those of you who don't know what to comment, but would like me to know that you enjoyied (or not) my posts. Feel free to use those if you don't want to comment :P I will honestly appreciate the use of the 'Boooring' button. After all, you don't have to like all the stuff I write.

Also, taking into consideration that not everybody follows blogs through Google Connect, I have added a button on my sidebar to help you follow my blog through Bloglovin.

I think that's it.

Tomorrow I will tell you a bit of the Eyeko goodies that came my way, including their new bronzer (haven't seen many reviews on that, to be honest, so I thought I'd give it a try)

Cheerios, my ladies!

TAGS: 15 Random Stuff about Me and Only One Product

2011-01-01T21:49:00.000Z

Right!
So Stavroula from http://www.drugstoreandbargainlover.com/ and Andrea from http://grasshopper-treasure.blogspot.com both tagged me and I decided to do these both in one post. So here we go!

TAG 1: 15 RANDOM STUFF ABOUT ME

1. I am horrified of big moths. I get panic attacks from seeing one and can't bare the thought of sitting in a room where one poor moth is. Lame, I know :P

2. I only had two eyeshadow palettes (and those were cheap and meh too) until August, this year. Since beauty blogging, my collection has improved a lot and I reckon it will still continue to grow.

3. I love to eat, but absolutely hate to cook. Since I've moved away from home, I kind of suffer in silence, as I have to make my own food. Well, actually, I cheat many of the times and ask my man to do it. He's got better skills anyway. I always forget to add salt and spices.

4. We only had 6-7 months to plan our wedding. He asked me in September and got married in April. SO yes, it IS possible. We didn't splurge on it (I use the same excuse the spenders use: "It's one day. The most important in your life". I believe that it's not worth paying that much on one day, especially if you can't afford it. Sure, I would have loved a Jim Hjelm dress but...)

5. I love cosmetics. I am like a magpie, they make my day. If I bought 10 different shower gels, I would take 10 showers the day I get them just to feel pampered. The same goes for skincare, bodycare and makeup. Oh, and haircare too. Doh :P

6. I am quite a lonely person, but can't be without somebody beside me, if that make sense. I am generally insecure about myself and dread meeting new people out of fear they will missjudge me. Most of the times I hide this insecurity really well. Still, once I get to know a person better and like him/ her, it is likely we'll be BFF :)) I don't have many friends, but the ones I have are abolutely great and could not imagine life without them :P

7. Didn't wear skirts or dresses until last year. I've always thought my legs were horrible and people would judge them. Yeah, my legs are a bit puffy, but nobody ran away on my first 'skirt day' at work, haha.

8. I worked in one of the most famous press agencies in my country for 5 years and loved it. Don't think I'll be able to do this here, as I am not a native speaker. So my experience does not count and I hate this so much. Wish I cuould combine my journalism experience with my beauty passion. And I know. I am not the only one.

9. I hate exercising, but I'd really like to get myself moving. But I loooooove dancing. I love doing silly choreographies with my friends and singing out hearts off.

10. I'm terrified of dying my hair. I literally have nightmares showing me that all my hair will fall off and I will be baldy locks.

11. I've got a really weird and sort of mean and dark sense of humour. Not many understand it. And that's a shame.

12. Think I was born in the wrong era. I love the 40's-60's music and fashion and I am a huge huge fan of the Beatles. When I was young, I wrote a small book imagining I met them. That was sad :))

13. Gadgets pretty much bore me nowadays and I hate myself for that. I have no patience when it comes to listening to my man talk about phones, games, computers, although many of them are an important part of our lives.

14. I hate drinking water. I hate its taste. I know this doesn't help my diet at all but I can't be bothered. The worst time of my life was after my surgery when I had (yeah, there was no other choice) to drink 2 litres of water a day. This bearing in mind that some days I only drink one glass of water (the most).

15. I am quite a creative person, but sometimes I'm too lazy to do anything about it. I love to draw, craft and write. I love children's books and wish I could write and illustrate one one day.

TAG 2: JUST ONE PRODUCT

So right. I have to pick just one product I would use from each category. Please bare in mind that you will not see any expensive items in here. :P

Face Primer: I never use one, as it's damn difficult to find something that will not make my uber sensitive skin break. Sorry

Foundation: Vichy Liftactiv Flexilift Teint for better coverage. And Rock Face Minerals foundation for everyday use. Sorry, but these are really different :P

Concelaer: I've just bought my first one this week and it is a very cheap product from Vital Radiance

Translucent powder: don't use

Powder: No 7

Blush: Sleek Pomergranate

Highligher: Vital Radiance

Eye Primer: Jumbo Pencil in Milk (I use it as primer)

Eyeshadow: MUA No 9. Love the colour!

Eye pencil: Don't use it anymore, I use liquid eyeliners nowadays

Mascara: Clinique's High Lengths

Lipstick: don't use

Gloss: don't use

Hope you did not get bored :P

I tag everyone who wants to do these! I know it's not original, but I can't make up my mind whom to pick! :P

Cosmetis Aficionado's Giveaway has gone international!

2011-01-01T01:52:00.001Z

Oh, yay, am I glad! I don't own any Urban Decay palettes and I would love love to try their primer potion as everybody's raving about it, so I am entering Cosmetics Aficionado's giveaway for a chance to win the
Show Pony Shadow Box.

All you have to do is to enter her giveaway HERE and follow her blog. You will love it, especially if you live in the USA as she seems to know all sales and offers available! :P

Good luck!

Purple Haze EOTD

2010-12-30T22:53:00.000Z

Right.
So while in town today I bought a super cheap palette (about 2 quid). I just fell in love with the colors! And I was happy to discover that many of them were as gorgeous on my eye as they were in the palette.

Please excuse my blending/ applying skills, I am still learning as I go along :P

Colours are a bit washed out because of the flash.

Boo! :D

Here's the palette and the colors I used (I promise I will take decent photos of it in daylight soon if you are interested):

I used the purple (1) all over the lid (it is actually more close to magenta in reality), the deep blue (2, in this picture it looks like a turquoise but really, it is not) in the corner of my eye and the crease, the turquoise (3) a bit over the crease (but you can't actually tell as I wiped some of my makeup so it would suit the shape of my eye) and the sparkly white (4) under the brows and in the corner of my eye (this color is too sparkly though and very hard to blend, bleurgh).

If you want to see the real colors of this palette, here's a picture I found on Amazon and the link to the palette.

You can get it here: http://bit.ly/ePvslF

It is called Saffron 12 Colour Cream Eye Shadow No 2.

What do you think? Did you ever find a very very cheap palette that really surprised you?

Crazy about retro

2010-12-29T00:37:00.000Z

This post will be all about a book I bought back in August and fell in love with: "The 50s& 60s. The best of times. Growing up and being young in Britain".

I am trully obsessed with the 40s-60s period and I already have a bunch of books I want to purchase from Amazon, but am waiting to get some money for them first, haha.

It has 234 pages full of photos and information about people's lives back then. I love retro photos so it was a pleasure to read this!

I will randomly pick some pictures and facts up from this book and post them here.

The fifties were pretty tough times. Houses were pretty much cold and unconfortable especially at the beggining of the decade. Washing machines, refrigerators and TV sets became popular at the end of the 50s, so until then housewives hand washed absolutely everything.

Thank God I was not born back then.

While we're still talking about hair, here are some locks related ads:

I was shocked to find out that the curling tongs were heated in fire and then applied on hair. Many ladies remember the awful smell of burnt hair and the hell they went through while getting their hair done.

I say hail for modern curlers (although I am sure that our grandchildren will laugh at our hair curling methods too)!

I was shocked to read that hair would only be washed with shampoo once a fortnight. And they didn't even have Batiste! :D

Here's a Boots Number Seven ad:

A little something for the beauty junkies:

God, these ads were dull! :P

The sixties became more experimental, so here's a promotion for Miners mascara:

"I wore so much eye make-up. Tons of dark brown eye shadow, eyeliner drawn all around, false eyelashes on top and painted eyelashes below. I sashayed into the student union one day and a male friend said "Hello, walk into a door did you?" (extract from the book).

The sixties were also the years for leggings. Haaa, read this little confession that made me chuckle:

"When tights first came onto the market, I never knew whether you should wear them under or over your knickers. [...] I was seriously worried at the time."

Here's another interesting, yet sad subject women did not talk about in the 50's: their periods. For example, check out this ad:

The book reads:

"My mother let me into the Big Secret by giving me a little book one day when I was eleven. It was in a brown envelope and it came, I noticed, from Woman, the magazine she read. Intriguing. She told me to read it and then come and ask her anything I did not understand. The trouble was that I did not understand a word of it. What I read was all about ashes: the body of a woman cleaning out its own ashes once a month and not to be frightened by it as it was a purifying process."

The girls were also intruscted not to simply throw their sanitary towels away after use, but incinerate them. My God.

I will leave you with some more images now and tell you that the book is an easy, relaxing and very interesting read. You can get it for 3 pounds (shipping inclued) from Amazon :P

Hope you enjoyied this. DO you have similar books to recommend? I'd gladly check out your choices!

PS: Hopefully I'll get my hands on the 40's book too :P

My Christmas Presents :)

2010-12-28T00:59:00.000Z

I've seen many other bloggers posted about the stuff they got and I personally love this kind of posts, so here you go: you now have mine.

First of all, you should know that our Christmas was spent away from home and we were (hell, we still ARE :P ) pretty poor, so don't expect to see any fancy stuff in here. I got most of my presents from my friends (bless Royal Mail for bringing them in time) back home and a pretty bit part of them were really really needed.

I know they will read this and I want to thank them loads and loads and loads and promise I will make it up to them next year when hopefully I will have a job, haha.

So here you go! In order of their appearance:

Body Shop stuuffff!!!

For those who know me, I would live in The Body Shop, like actually set a camp in front of the store and gaze at their products the whole day long.

Body Shop people, if you ARE reading this, let me work for you! I would be sooo happy! Haha!

So yeah, there you have it:

Born Lippy Raspberry Lip Balm. Don't know how I lived without this until now :P
The Aloe Vera Day Moisturiser. I initially got a Vitamin E cream for very dry skin and I would have used it had it at least been for normal skin, but thick and heavy moisturisers break me out with no exception, so I had to replace it with my lovely lovely Aloe cream.
The Coconut Body Butter. I love the way this smells, but in a very very weird way, it smells a very lot different on my skin. Must be the chemistry then.

My two super besties in the hole world sent me a pack of goodies containing:

The lastest two books one of them translated. Whaaa, I am SO proud of her (tee hee :D). I am currently reading one of them and am quite enjoying it
A pair of super fluffly gloves. When I wear them it's like I am a big bear with biiiig soft paws.
The products I've been eagerly waiting for: two Bioderma skincare stuff

1. The Bioderma H2O Sensibio Micelle Solution which is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! For those of you who did not hear bloggers/ vloggers rave about it, this is an uber good makeup remover, having absolute supreme tolerance when it comes to eye makeup removal. Like you could literally pour it in your eyes and do not even feel a slight sting. I wouldn't recommend the pourring part though, haha. A review will come soon.

2. The Bioderma Hydrabio Legere moisturiser. Again, for very sensitive skin. It is supposed to keep your skin moisturised without being heavy, which - as you probably know by now - is the last thing I need. Lovely!

The Japanese Cherry Blossom perfume - Did not particularily wish for this, i wanted the Japan Apricot And Rice mist. My hubby knew I wanted something Japan related from the Body Shop and decided to get the Apricot And Rice Mist, but when he heard it was a body mist and not a perfume, he thought he remembered it all wrong and got the Cherry Blossom instead. I was not sold on the fragrance at the beggining as I used it together with the coconut body butter and the smell was just weird, but I so love it now and would not take it back in a million years! Especially that hubby and I decided not to buy anything to each other anymore this year (bearing in mind that we both got our big presents at the beggining of the month), but he cheated and still got me domething. So cute! :P

Got the NYX Jumbo pencil in Milk for myself from eBay.

I also found the NYX concealer and the three Vital Radiance lipsticks in the pound store and spent 2 pounds on all 4 products. I am pretty happy. The concealer is too yellow for me though, so I doubt I will use it (sigh).

I have also won a Pantene Twitter giveaway at the beggining of last week and the guys from Pantene were sooo cute! The prize arrived two days later and it made my day.

I've also received my Sugababes Tease perfume I won at a giveaway held by Lulu from http://www.makeuploveer.blogspot.com/ in November. Did not get to photograph that one yet, but it smells soooo nice!

That was it, guys! Hope you enjoyed this post! What did you get this Christmas?

The Christmas Activity Book (Illustrated)

2010-12-26T02:41:00.000Z

Hey there, ladies! And Merry Christmas!

Well, this post was supposed to be on my blog since yesterday, but had some little technical problems, so please pretend it's the 24th and you are reading these while waiting for Santa (grins).

So hey! This is my list of things I want(ed) to do these days.

Sleep like a pig. CHECK!

We literally lost the entire day sleeping. Woke up at 2 at noon just because our family called to say Merry Christmas. Two hours later, it was dark outside again and it's as it's been night the whole time anyway. Booo!

Drink lots of hot chocolate. NOT check!

I was toooo lazy too wash the pot in which I warm the milk. So I ate lots of chocolate instead. But no worries, tomorrow morning hot chocolate it shall be!

Spend quality time with my fuchsia throw. CHECK!

Oohhhh, the warmth of it! Priceless!

Munch on sweets. CHECK!

Ginger bread, jellies, chocolate, marshmallows, pudding... Heaven!

Listen to an oldies radio station I've just discovered. CHECK!

I am a huge huge fan of the 40's-60's music. I think I was born in the wrong era.

Read some stuff. NOT check yet.

All I wanted to do is to become just a bit smarter this Christmas and read some books. I failed. The Chronicles of Narnia got me. But I WILL finish the book I am currently reading just after this blog post. I swear! :P

Fall asleep after reading 5 pages of the book. NOT check yet, but I did have to take a power nap during the second Narnia movie, haha. A film marathon tires the s**t out of me, haha! :D

Enjoy my presents. CHECK!

I've been receiving stuff since the beggining of the week but none on the actual Christmas day, haha! But I can't wish for more, really. No, I'm wrong here. I wish I was back home with friends and family. Oh well!

Disturb hubby from his Christmassy activity of killing zombies and evil creatures. CHECK!

What have YOU been up to?

And most of all what did you get? I will write a post with my goodies soon. Soon I said! :P

Nightie night, darlings!

Weeheeee, it's almost Christmas!

2010-12-24T17:13:00.000Z

While I don't have something in particular to wait for this year (got my presents, ain't got my family or my friends here to celebrate with, ain't going anywhere), I love the idea of Christmas. Hey, at least I've got Mr. Rodent (aka hubby) spending 12 days with me, haha! I wonder if he'll go crazy. Joking.

So I prepared a little illustrated Xmas post, but my camera batteries died, so I'll just have to think of posting it later (like tomorrow, if anybody's still reading).

Until then, I wish you ALL a very very Merry Christmas and lots of fun, presents and loved persons revolving around you, haha! :P

No, really. Have fun!

Holiday cheers from yours trully,
BirminghamLady :D

Last day for the Sparkle and Shade 250 follower giveaway

2010-12-23T14:09:00.000Z

The lovely lovely Emily is hosting a giveaway thanking her 250 followers (and counting) and their votes for the Superdrug Britney Radiance competition she has just won. Ain't that sweet?

You can win Eyeko, Elf, Shiro and Accessorize stuff so enter here http://www.sparkleandshade.com/2010/12/250-follower-thank-you-and-giveaway.html now, as the competition ends at midnight.

And follow her blog if you don't already. She's just so super nice :P

Good luck, guys!

A super giveaway at The Funny Face of Beauty

2010-12-22T15:34:00.000Z

All right, so there's an Urban Decay Naked Palette, some Mac goodies, a makeup bag, an Audrey Hepburn calendar, some Buxom stuff, a lovely perfume, OCC yummies and more.

Isn't she generous?! Whoa!

So check out this giveaway http://www.funnyfacebeauty.com/2010/12/my-big-holiday-giveaway.html if you haven't already :P