My Daily Make Up Routine!

So, this is my make up routine for a typical weekday when I'm working or popping in to town. . .

1/  Every single morning, there is the prising opening of the eyes because let's face it, it will probably help if I can see what I'm doing and I need all the help I can get. A quick shower and an even quicker wipe across the face (with the L'Oreal Paris 3 in 1 Purifying Miscellar Solution) is employed most days for this first mission. I know miscellar solutions are reportedly overused and should not be used in place of a 'proper' morning cleansing routine but hey, it seems to work quite well for me. This step usually finishes with a frown in the mirror as my eyes have very reluctantly opened, only to find my reflection. Damn, I don't particularly care for what I see!

2/ At night, I tend to lather my face in potions and moisturisers but in the morning (I have to be out of the house by 6.40am at the latest), a dollop of the Hydreane Riche moisturiser from La Roche Posay (My absolute favourite moisturiser ever. Totally recommend, I always come back to this stuff. Remember this rave?!)  mixed in to Extra Comfort foundation from Clarins suffices.
I can't really feel this foundation as I rub it in to my face (Yep, I do the finger thing. I can get in to all my little contours etc that way plus is it just me or does it take at least three times longer to apply foundation with a brush?!). It feels and looks quite a lightweight foundation (though many claim it to be of medium coverage) and blends in easily giving my face a nice polish and a flattering glow. I frown as I move a little closer to the mirror though, I can still see a little redness in my cheeks and jeez, those eye bags. Did I honestly just wake up from a good night of sleep?!!

3/ Scramble around in my nice new flowery make up bag from Boots to find my Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector concealer thingymajig. I was on a mission last week to become more organised and this bag was to be my new home for my day to day make up. . ! So after 5 minutes of frantic scrambling, I find said concealer lying ever so innocently (ha!) on the floor behind me. Now to twist the pen and tapping concealer with fingers in a large triangle under my eyes. Wow, sigh of relief. A miracle has again taken place, I almost look awake. A quick shake of the pen to determine how much concealer is left but I can't tell. I dread the day that I do the twist and nothing comes out. I really really like this concealer for under the eyes but wish I could see inside the pen and find out when I needed to find the serious cash to stock up.

4/ Using my Sigma angled brush, I apply a little Mystery (MAC) to my brows and raise an eyebrow or two as I fill the gaps in. All the while muttering as to if the threader got a little carried away recently. Argh, I walked out of there feeling so 'fine' too.

5/ A quick swipe of something close to hand (often Seventeen, Phwoarr paint) to prime the eyelids. Then with my Sigma flat shadow brush, I tap my current favourite eyeshadow on to colour block my eyelid. More often then not, this task falls to the Naked eyeshadow from Urban Decay. All That Glitters, Modellette, Buck, Tempting and Satin Taupe have all performed this role at some time but Naked for me, is the ultimate colour blocker. Face on, it gives the wearer a subtle but flattering draw to the eye but when I look down, it makes my eyelids look that much more and really softens my look. A quick swirl or two with the Sigma blending brush to blend out.

Note: After using Sigma for five years, I have recently experimented with the Real Technique  eye brushes but I need further practise and practise needs time so I tend to stick to the Sigma in the mornings as the clock ticks ever closer to 6.40am. Occasionally a little contour to the outer corner or darkness along the eye line is needed but very rare I bother making the extra effort  especially as we get closer to the end of the week. This is where the semi-permanent eyeliner from last year pays off, I can move straight to mascara.

6/ More often then not, I stick with just a few slicks of mascara now my eye line is already so dark. Instant curse as I pull away from the mirror and look at the final result. Cor, I so need the Prestige blackest lashes or some Max Factor, back in my life. This L'Oreal Voluminous isn't half messy and, unlike L'Oreal Million, here smudge galore is served with very little (and quite disappointing) extra oopmh, length or volume. Sigh as I resign myself to the fact that I will need to buy a new mascara this weekend, if I want to go out in to town etc without fussing (unsuccessfully) with falsies.

7/ Oh, the clock says 6.35am already. Deep breath before I grit my teeth and (fake) smile anyway as straighteners are switched on (ready for the hair prep which needs to swiftly follow) before a final swipe just above my cheekbones with NARS, Deep Throat blush.

8/ A little Lush lip scrub applied before picking up straighteners. Mmm, extra dip in to the pot, just a little taste. After all, I'm not sure there will be much time for breakfast this morning. As I lick my lips, I make a mental note to add Rimmel Stay Matte Powder to my shopping list. I keep meaning to buy it with my points, it definitely helps my make up pull through a double shift. Ooh and as Harmony from MAC catches my eye, it passes through my mind that maybe I should try again tomorrow to set my alarm five minutes earlier for some contouring action. When I do bother to use Harmony, it rewards me.

........FAST FAST FAST FAST FORWARD AND THE OCCASIONAL TRIP OVER MY OWN FEET OR ABANDONED TOP ON THE FLOOR AS I RACE AROUND THE FLAT AND COMPLETE THE REMAINING STAGES OF MY DAILY PREP (HAIR, TEETH ETC)...........

9/ Before finding myself in the car, scrambling around my Miu Miu Bow for a lip product. Shoot, I thought I had promised myself I would keep them in the inner zip pocket but no, only an electric key there. Oh and is that a perfume bottle, a quick overly generous spritz of that before lip product search resumes. Finally, I find a Sleek Pout Polish in Peach Perfection but a bit fed up of that and then, oh, there is the Benefit gloss but that feels almost too much for work. Another scramble until I find MAC Underage (a bit drying) and Lanolips or even better, a Maybelline Baby Lips. The Peach Kiss is my favourite. Remind myself to check lips later, my favourite daily lip products never last. Well all, except the totally fabulous Lanolips.

10/ Another smile crosses my face. A genuine one this time as the first of my daily major tasks has been completed. Yep, my make up is in place!!!! Well, sort of, except that bloody  L'Oreal Voluminous mascara which smudges again as I put my driving glasses on. Oh well, 6.50am, must wipe smudges away at the other end. Start ignition, lights on and off I go or well, that was my plan but darn, I need to de-ice. Resume scrambling action ... just know there is a couple of deicers in here somewhere. . !

So that is how each day starts for my face and I? What about you? Do you have a signature make up look? What make up products do you recommend?

Thanks for all your comments and support this week, it means such a lot and gives an excuse for that genuine(!) smile to cross my face again. I hope you are all well. Two days until the weekend . . . woo!!!

Book Review: How to Fall in Love, Cecelia Ahern

I personally first encountered the writing of Cecilia Ahern about ten years ago when she released her first novel, 'PS, I Love You'.

I wasn't alone.

That book was one of the first in the line up for the Richard and Judy book club and it quickly gained Ahern a massive following.

Then there was 'Where Rainbows End', another sweet romantic offering that I probably enjoyed a little too much and then there were others which I dipped in to but could not bring myself to finish as her tales seemed to grow increasingly fairytale like (maybe a little farcical too) and a little less real but 'How to Fall in Love' did catch my eye as soon as it was released a few weeks ago.

Why, you might ask?

- For one, it was at the front of every single store I walked in to. In pride of place from Waterstones to the service station.

- Two, there is the beautiful deep blue front cover, where the two lovebirds sit and I mean, goodness, it is so simple but almost cinematic. Honestly, just looking at it makes me want to fall in to the book and get lost in their story.

- Oh and there is the cheesy title, got to love a good love story!

- Then I open the cover and read the blurb inside:

'Adam Basil and Christine Rose are thrown together late one night, when Christine is crossing the Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin. Adam is there, poised, threatening to jump.
Adam is desperate - but Christine makes a crazy deal with him. His 35th birthday is looming and she bets him that before then she can show him that life is worth living.'

Wellllll, obviously, then I just had to read it. I had to know from the moment I read that, if Adam lived? If he did, how did Christine do it? How did she save him?

Sure enough, all is revealed and yes, this book is a bit predictable.

It ended in the same way I thought it might just as soon as I read that inside cover but then my little ending was just so obvious that I almost dismissed it straight away and this is why 'How to Fall in Love' was a page turner. So much of it was about what we already know to be true of life but just as much of it was about the different motivations we all have (especially for the future) and how this influences what we actually see (especially in our today).

I have to admit that I enjoyed the first three quarters of the book. Such simple, pleasant reading (considering the subject matter, this book is not that dark or morbid) and I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn't read the absolutely beautiful and captivating 'For One More Day' by Mitch Albom last week (review coming soon). However, I did read 'For One More Day' and I guess, a little comparison was inevitable especially as they both deal with suicide. As entertaining as Aherns' tale was and for all the times she pinpointed some truth about life, 'How to Fall in Love' did not resonate quite as deeply as 'For One More Day' but it was an easier and maybe more entertaining read. Then there is the last part of the book where Ahern comes in to her own and we find out exactly why Christine and Adam act as they do. . .

Wow!!!  Suddenly, everything becomes clear. The plot was so tight and I can see exactly why Christine feels she needs to do what she does throughout the book. When I closed this book, I was so incredibly satisfied with the ending. It really did come a full circle in my eyes.

So yes, 'How to Fall in Love' is well worth a read especially when it is half price or less in so many stores. With Christmas coming up (eek), the hardback could also be a lovely present for a friend. 'How to Fall in Love' is a really well written, charismatic, straight-forward read with some great passages as well as some very unique and memorable characters.

I'll leave you with one of my favourite lines (I can be a bit corny like that), 'Life is a series of moments and moments are always changing, just like thoughts . . .'

I got my copy from Tesco for £7. It is also available to buy in many other stores and here on Amazon!

Have you read 'How to Fall in Love'? Do you plan to? What do you think of Aherns' writing style? What books do you recommend?

I hope your week has started well. Mine has . . . with a couple of little wins on Ebay ; )

Sparkly Sleeves: The Primark Coat!

So I've already mentioned my Primark Sparkly Sleeved Coat, here she is.

Ta dah! I really am quite taken with her
(Somebody (ahem) needs to clean their mirror, oops!)

Let's get the obvious out of the way first . . ! I do like a bit of sparkle, remember my h&m vests and the New Look cardi? Sparkle always catches the eye and with this jacket, I love the way the sparkle is seemingly played down but probably has more impact because it is only on the sleeves and when a person catches sight of you in it, they are surprised by the sparkle as they see it out of the corner of their eye and then they have to look again to make sure you really are twinkling since the rest of the jacket is otherwise quite conventional and black.

It is rare that I find a coat, especially as long as this one, that I take to (I did like my Grey trench though) but the silhouette of this coat is just so flattering. It falls straight down on the top half and hangs like any other blazer or trench would but then you hit the waist and this is where is happens. Once you belt up this gorgeous coat, you are nipped in at the middle and walking tall as your coat flares out at the bottom (pelmet style) almost in to a little skirt. This extra design detail really softens the colour and the look of the coat, a black coat suddenly becomes so pretty and feminine and I've got to say I do like the contrast of this design detail with the more masculine shoulder lapels that this jacket also possesses.

My jacket reminds me a little of the Prodiga Jackets I was swooning over last year (in the picture above) but yes, my Primark number is actually a whole lot more affordable. I think it was about £33 (Sorry but I can not find a price or link online but have seen the Sparkly Coat in several branches of Primark recently.) and since, I've worn it religiously for two weeks, I'd say I've had more then my moneys' worth. Oh and please note, this jacket is wearing very well for Primark. I have lost none of my little sparkly bead things or any of the big buttons (Another good feature, for doesn't BIG buttons always equal cosy?!) NOR are any of the seams falling apart. Nope, this sparkly coat was a fab buy and is also nice and warm with pockets that you can actually put things in. Amazing!!!

It has got to be said that Primark seem to be pulling a few winners out of the bag this season. Meet Ted, my new hot water bottle from their Home Department.

Now, I have never been a teddy person. Even as a little girl, it was all about pushing the dolls in the prams for me. However, as soon as I saw Ted and his friends in store, I knew I had to ask one of them to come home with me. Who can resist those big, big eyes and  the even bigger smile?! I'm sure, there are worse things to share a bed with!

Do you have a favourite winter coat this season? Have you spotted any more goodies in Primark?

25 Facts About me!!!

1/ Right now, I reallllllly want a Chloe, Baby Paddington Bag in Black and several bids have been made on EBay this weekend. I LOVE lots of hardware paired with black leather.

Image from Yahoo Image Search here.

2/ I took some time out a few years ago and did a round the world trip. You know, every girl has got to see Ramsey Street.

3/ I met Dr Dastardly Darcey (Susan and Karl's nephew), remember him?!!!!

4/ I'm not quite 5ft 2 : /

5/ I sometimes still get ID ed and I'm in my thirties! Funny, how I take the whole ID thing better as I get older ; )

6/ I am obsessed with yogurt and not a day goes by when I do not have at least three!

7/ I completed the London Marathon this year and raised just over £1300 for the amazing charity, VICTA.

8/ I would love to do the London marathon again next year but know that it will break me if I come in with a slower time then I've already done.

9/ It would really p*ss me off to be sat at home watching the London marathon next year.

10/ I have a law degree but work as a Carer in the Community. I once won the Carer of the Year award. I LOVE my job and the sense of perspective it has given me, it has changed my whole outlook and probably my life.

11/ I burn up and blush at anything. People like to play on this.

12/ Take me to a coffee shop and I'm going to ask you if a 'White Chocolate Mocha', my go to, is on the menu. I have to ask you because I can never see what is written on those boards.

13/ I'm a bit short sighted.

14/ My taste in men is George Clooney, Adam Levine (and Richard Madeley???) EXTREME!

15/ I wouldn't say I dislike anybody (though I can occasionally pinpoint things I dislike about certain people...) but for some reason and I don't know why, I always twitch when Amanda Holden is on the television. No offence intended Mandy, just an observation.

16/ I think Eminem and Rihanna's, Monster and Katy Perry's, Dark Horse are the tunes that sum up 2013 for me . . .

17/ I'm finally working on the whole short hair thing. I had my extensions cut in to a blunt blog. Yep, not long after Laura from Buy now, Blog Later did.

18/ I didn't hate my short bob but I didn't feel quite so me. Now my hair is mid-to long again but not extraordinary long. I'm still getting used to it...

19/ I read 'For One More Day' by Mitch Albom (image obviously from this Amazon link) last week. I cried and it has officially been placed in my top three books of all time along with Beautiful by Katie Piper and I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith.

20/ Though I do really like Looking for Alaska and Memoirs of a Geisha and Me Before You and Lucia, Lucia too and ...

21/ Yep, I'm a bit of a bookworm.

22/ I think I'm quite patient with people but I have absolutely NO patience with things. I swear before I even read what has pinged up on the screen in those little computer notices like update required, update now, later or cancel. I'm like why the hell ask me, I just want to read blog etc?!!! Huffffyyy.

23/ My lack of patience means I don't like to cook and actually, I don't really cook at all. I haven't got time to wait for things to rise or set etc. Mum says I should do something while I'm waiting like wash up but I can't multi-task. If I'm doing something, I am giving that, and that alone, my all.

24/ One reason I brought a charm bracelet was because I was so mesmerised by the Frog Prince charm (image from this link too). I just had to have an excuse to buy something similar.

25/ I have brought three coats in the last month but the Primark Sparkly Sleeve one is hardly ever off my back and easily my favourite. I might have to share it with you soon . . !

So that's me in 25 facts (and in the very silly picture at the top of the post), your go!!!! Have you done a 'X facts about me' post like this? Are you going to do one now? Please send me your links if you do : ) I hope you have all had a fab weekend.

Les Senteurs Gourmandes, Prune Jasmin from Laurence Dumont!

Sorry for the marked bottle, this little one has come to and fro with me for the last month or so!

Now every autumn, you may recall Lady Million has a duty. . . to adorn me! It is my official autumn winter scent (see this review) , I love the woody warmth and muskiness of the scent and it sure as hell makes me feel a bit more expensive. Given this, I'm not sure that my scent of the moment Prune Jasmin is a scent that you would expect to find in my perfume collection especially at this time of the year but it sure is there and for daytime, rightfully so.

I want to say that this perfume released by Laurence Dumont in 2011 is very unusual and unique. It is to me, I don't think I've ever worn a fruity fragrance so much before but there is something about this one that makes it a little more classy and discreet then many of the other more overpowering, loud fruity concoctions out there.

Indeed, with notes including Plum, Plum blossom and Red berries. Prune Jasmin is a fruity fragrance that I found very overwhelming when I first sprayed it. The first hour or so on that first day, I thought 'Oh dear, I've got it so wrong this time.' The tanginess of the scent was undeniable and even induced a dull headache. It was too much like the smell of a fruity cocktail when you're hungover. However, unable to wash it off or replace it that first morning (work!) I endured it and it was in the next two or three hours that this little number won me over!

You see once the Prune Jasmin settles on the skin, the Jasmin and Patchouli elements seem to voice their presence more. The sharp but sickeningly sweet fruity edge is lost and Jasmin Prune mutes in to a much more delicate and such a pretty (very girly) floral-fruity 'fluttering' fragrance which demurely hangs around for the duration of a working day before gently fading away. Prune Jasmin doesn't really linger on clothes or define its' wearer . It just seemingly makes the space around you more fragrant and sugary as it gently wafts from your skin. It reminds me a little of Balanciaga Paris (see this review) in the way that both scents almost whisper. However, this little perfume falls in a slightly lower price bracket and is available from many branches of Marks and Spencer and online. It might be worth a waft if you're walking by one, one day.

Have you tried Prune Jasmin or any scents from Les Senteurs Gourmandes? What are you wearing right now? What do you recommend?

Yay, coming home (blogging) again!

So . . . it has being a lonnggggg while but well, you know me, I always end up back here eventually.

Yes, I could give you lots of excuses as to my latest hiatus - I sure believe that I've got lots of genuine ones, 2013 has been the craziest year ever and that is official - and maybe I will share some of it with you another time but for now, thank you if you are reading this. Thank you to those that have hung around *massive grin* and thank you to you newbies, I know it is going to be nice meeting you! : )

Since it is kind of like a new start/chapter and we're talking happy times and beautiful things etc, this might be the time to share with you the latest addition to my wish list.

This little 'Stay Positive' troll bead is absolutely gorgeous and I love the whole meaning of it. Beads and charms are my new 'thing' at the moment. Until a fortnight or so ago, I never really got the whole charm bracelet thing but now I'm frantically trying to put together a bracelet which not only tells my story so far but brings in to my future, all the things I aspire to and for.

Whichever way you turn this troll bead, 'you will always have a plus sign smiling up at you', a reminder that there is always a bright side or a light at the end of the tunnel. I love the notion of this and I'm not sure yet exactly how (since it costs £312) but this beautiful charm WILL sit on my wrist one day, a constant reminder that no matter what is happening, everything can eventually be ok again. In fact, even better! While I'm waiting for my little bead and the bank account to cooperate, I'd love to hear if anybody knows of a nice dupe or anything similar around.

I hope 2013 has been the best year for you all yet and though I've shirked the blogging. I may not have missed as much as you might think, I've still been following a few of you lovelies. 

Yep, there are some absolutely amazing blogs out there but tell me, has 2013 been as good to you as you deserve? Oh and the shopaholic in me is screaming to know what your best purchase (beauty, fashion, bead, charm or otherwise) has been? What possessions mean the most to you?

Lust: The Modalu Pippa Purse!

Ever since I brought my beautiful Bow Bag last year, I have been longing to find a purse beautiful enough to be homed inside the Miu Miu handbag I adore so much. Frustratingly, I have not really found any purse that appears deserving of such a place. Well, I hadn't until last week when I was wondering around a local outlet village and encountered the beautiful Pippa Purse from Modalu. Now of course, I know all about the Pippa Handbag. Woah, that was some hype a year or so ago however a Pippa Purse was news to me but look, she is absolutely beautiful. Swoon!

Image from Google Image Search here (I cropped the white background a little!)

This image does not even do the gorgeous purse I saw with my own eyes justice. In real life, the leather was so soft and in Toffee, the perfect shade. I've often thought leather in tan and camel hues a bit blah and boring but this buttery brown leather is so easy on the eye and just dark enough to be practical. There is also something self-assured about this shade, one that doesn't try too hard. This is a grown up purse with an air of luxury about it.

It is certainly quite big with plenty of room for my cash (like I have a lot. Not!); cards; receipts and such-like. Now I do like a bit of hardware about me but even I'm almost done with studded overkill (unless it is done right, heellloooo Alexander Wang Rockie). There is just enough gold hardware on this purse to balance out the soft leather and the Modalu metal logo is just big enough to catch the eye without shouting, 'Branded good, branded good'. No, instead the one thing it shouts loud and clear to me right now is 'Buy me, buy me'.  Ok, ok Pippa Purse, it looks like I might have convinced myself to come back and get you next pay day. Oh dear, yet again I'm mentally spending my next pay packet before it is even here.

So can you see why I like the Pippa purse so much? Have you ever lusted after a purse? What purse are you carrying right now? Happy weekend!

PS The Modalu website is here!