30 Things You Should do this Autumn

28 September 2016


SUMMER IS FINALLY OVER!! The bugs. The heat. The sun. It's all gone. Finally. Summer is probably my least favourite season. I hate being too warm, you're all sticky and sweaty and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. There are bugs everywhere. It's horrible. So I have a strong appreciation for the changing leaves and drop in temperature. 

1. Buy jumpers! As the Starks would say: 'Winter is Coming'
2. Make hot chocolate with all the trimmings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate flake)
3. Read a good book snuggled under your fluffiest blanket
4. Go to a Halloween festival
5. Play in crunchy leaves
6. Go pumpkin picking, and then carve one
7. Start your Christmas shopping
8. Burn the 'Candy Corn' Yankee Candle
9. Wear your softest socks
10. Bake a cake. Or a pie. Or bread. Or cookies.
11. Paint your nails an autumnal colour
12. Go to a bonfire
13. Play with sparklers
14. Go conker picking
15. Wear all your favourite red lipsticks
16. Spend a day watching your favourite Netflix shows
17. Buy all the Halloween themed sweets
18. Wrap up in a new scarf and woolly hat
19. Buy some cute ankle boots
20. Go to the cinema to see The Girl on the Train
21. Pick a Halloween costume
22. Eat soup
23. Make a beef stew
24. Go to a theme park before they close for Winter
25. Snuggle up with a hot water bottle
26. Watch fireworks on bonfire night
27. Get a pumpkin spice latte
28. Make a Christmas list
29. Go to a country pub for lunch
30. Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas - It's not yet Christmas or Halloween so, as Hannah Montana would say, it's the best of both worlds






Film Review: Bridget Jones's Baby ★★★★

26 September 2016


Bridget Jones - we have a lot of history! It's been a long journey for the body-conscious, unlucky-in-love Bridget, and we've all be along for the ride. She's clumsy, witty, charming - a classic! I was a little hesitant about the third installment as we all know how bad sequels often are. Thankfully, I was not disappointed.

Not a lot has changed since The Edge of Reason. Although Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is now a successful TV producer she is still the same awkward singleton we left almost ten years ago. Older but not wiser celebrating another Birthday alone drinking and dancing around the same old flat to House of Pain. And once you get used to Renee's new face it's like welcoming an old friend home.

Soon on Bridget comes face-to-face with married ex Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) at a memorial for Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) who is thought to be dead. Newbie Miranda (Sarah Solemani) is now Bridget's only single baby-less friend and convinces her to have a weekend away - at a music festival! Predictably, Bridget immediately falls over into the mud and is then rescued by handsome stranger Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey). Later, Bridget drunkenly wanders into the wrong tent (out of hundreds-of-thousands it's conveniently Jack's) and they spend the night together. 

In a twist of fate brings Bridget and Mark together again when they are both Godparents for Jude's (Shirley Henderson) youngest child. After finding out that Mark is newly single and mid-divorce she spends the night with him. And this is just the beginning of Bridget's 9 month chaotic journey. Both men find out that they're in the running to be the father and decide to go through the journey as a threesome. A controversial idea in the least.

Yet again Bridget is torn between the two men. Mark, Jack, Mark Jack, Mark Jack. It's like old times but instead of womanizer Daniel Cleaver we have down-to-earth, millionaire, handsome Jack. It's a difficult choice - Mark is MARK, they have so much history and Bridget is immediately drawn to him. He's the same dry, stand-offish, workaholic that we know and love. But easily makes Jack look like the better option - he's new, exciting, charming, and not to mention a millionaire!

The amazing cast remains mostly the same with the added bonus of Emma Thompson. Bridget - although in appearance may be a different person - in character is the same Bridget we fell in love with 10 years ago. It's the a funny, easy watch comedy. And although there are some major cringe moments it's still enjoyable. Actually, there are few moments that I didn't enjoy!




A Day in Disneyland

24 September 2016


When Disney market their parks as the happiest place on earth or the most magical place on earth they aren't lying! The last time I went to Disneyland Paris it was on school trip and the park's 15th anniversary. I ate Mickey Mouse shaped pizza at pizza planet and it was amazing! So, when I went to Paris earlier this year I knew I had to go back! Actually, there was no chance I'd be in such close proximity to Disneyland and NOT go! 

Being in Disneyland is like being in an alternate universe. The attention to detail is amazing - EVERYTHING is Disney. You forget where you are because you are in the land of Disney. And is there any place better to be? 

After being completely overwhelmed walking down Main Street - dragging my boyfriend into every shop against his will - we headed straight for Aurora's Castle! It's amazing inside, the stained glass windows have all the main characters from Sleeping Beauty - Maleficent, The Tree Fairys, Aurora and The Prince, The King and Queen. It's honestly better than a real castle!

The first ride we headed for was the carousel (mainly because it was the first one we saw) and then we headed for Frontierland. Unfortunately, a lot of this was under construction but we went straight into The Haunted House which exceeded all expectations. I was then dragged on Indiana Jones against my will - not cool! The next stop was The Pirates of the Caribbean water ride which was surprisingly awesome! After this, I insisted we head back to Fantasyland which was probably my favourite part - it was so pink and perfectly Disney! Next we headed straight for Space Mountain (well I chickened out) and then finished with Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast - this is probably the best ride in the entire park! 

After a lot more shopping we watched the parade and headed back to Paris. The parade was probably the best part of the day, especially as I didn't see many characters during the day. I didn't even get to meet my lifelong BFF Tigger.

Hopefully one day I can return to Disneyland Paris and visit the Studios Park!





Are Kylie Lipkits Worth the Hype?

18 September 2016

 (Left to Right: King K, Heir, Candy K, Dolce K, Exposed)

When Kylie Jenner bought out her Lipkits I knew I had to have one (or 10)! 99% of the time I wear matte lipstick so the liquid mattes sounded perfect. When they originally came out they were near impossible to get hold of as they would sell out so quickly. So as soon as I actually got on the website when it was live I bought whatever I could! 

My Order History: 

1) On my first order only two available were Kourt K and Dolce K. Kourt K really wasn't a colour I liked the look of so I ordered 2 Dolce K - one for me and one for my sister (she wanted Candy K but it sold out whilst IN the basket...). It was quite a stressful time as everything sells out so quickly you don't have time to think before you act!

2) Next I was able to get Candy K and King K - I wanted Heir but, alas, it sold out! King K for myself (a panic buy) and Candy K for my sister. I actually went on to buy Heir, I was online as soon as it went live but sold out straight away! 

3) I then ordered Exposed and Heir. Finally it was in stock! I felt like Joey in Friends when he got the call from Toys R Us to tell him his Cabbage Patch Kid was in stock! I was so excited about these two as I really wanted both shades. The excitement was short lived when I had to pay £13 customs. 

4) The Birthday Edition Mini Mattes (Exposed, Dolce K, Koko K, Candy K, Kristen, and Leo). It literally took me about 7 attempts to get these. I was online the second they went up everytime and they just kept selling out whilst in my basket. When they were released a few weeks laters I FINALLY managed to get my hands on them! Again, I had to pay the dreaded custom fee!

Living in England means I had to pay the horrible postage fee of $16. With my first two orders this wasn't too bad as the order was for myself and my sister so postage was halved, and we didn't have to pay the customs fee! Unfortunately, this didn't last long as I had to pay around £13 customs on my last two orders. BOO! BOO THE ROYAL MAIL! 


(Left to Right: Exposed, Dolce K, Koko K, Candy K, Kristen, and Leo)

Kylie Lipkit Review: 

When I first received Dolce K I LOVED it! It was the perfect matte and lasted all day without a second application. I loved how matte it was, I find that some 'matte' lipsticks really aren't very matte at all and you can't get much more matte than these lipkits! (must stop saying 'matte'!!)

When I then got Exposed I didn't love it as much. I found it a little patchy and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get off. I literally had to scrub my lips to get it off. Looking back, I think this is partly due to the lip-liner technique that I used after watching Kylie's tutorial. She put the liner all over her lips and then used the liquid matte. For me, the product stayed on longer, looked less patchy, and was easier to get off not doing this. Actually, I prefer not to use a lipliner at all. Since ditching this technique I've found that I'm loving them again!

Honestly, I don't really like the metals that I have. I've used them a few times but the colours aren't really everyday shades. They obviously aren't really matte and don't dry properly so I find that they wear off quite quickly.

As far as price goes I personally don't think they're overpriced. They're $29 for both the liquid lipstick and the lipliner (around £22). When you compare this to Mac liquid lipstick which is £21 alone and a further £13 for a lipliner... the Kylie Lipkits are relatively priced. However, when buying anything, products are only really worth what you're willing to pay. If you think they're overpriced, maybe they are too expensive and not for you. 

Also, the packaging is so cute! They come in a box with a card that has a little note from Kylie on one side plus the LipKit logo on the other. The boxes the kits come in also have the logo on with the color of the kit on the lips. The lipkits themselves are well designed, however, the inconsistency of each one is a little... sloppy. Some have thicker writing than others and some have marks on so this was a little disappointing. Overall though the packaging is great.

They also smell like marshmallows. You will want to eat them.


Recommendations When Ordering from the UK: 

Firstly, expect to pay customs. You don't always get charged but at least if you expect to pay and then you do get charged there won't be any surprise, and if you don't then it's a nice surprise that you've saved money (maybe money to buy another lipkit)!

Save up to order more than one. Postage is so much that if you intend to buy more than one it will work out cheaper in the long run. Obviously, this isn't feasible for everybody - but after I've bought so many here and there it would have been a lot cheaper if I'd waited to get them all at once! 

Wait until special offers are on. Kylie currently has $5 postage which is a major bargain considering it's usually $16. I'd hazard a guess to say this will be a fairly frequent occurrence so wait for times like these!

If you know somebody else who plans to order one - order together! It will save you money on postage and customs if you have to pay it.


Pros & Cons:

Pros: Long Lasting, Cute Packaging, Sweet Scent, Very Pigmented, True Matte, Price, Quick Drying
Cons: Drying, Difficult to Remove, Availability, Shipping Price, Can't see/test the colours in person before buying

Would I buy more? YES!
The next shade I'd like is Maliboo. I'd also like a full sized Koko K and Posie K






September Wish List

13 September 2016


Everyone has a wish list. If you don't, what are you doing? I literally spend half my life wanting things I can't afford. Currently, here's what's on my wishlist (from the top left, clockwise): 

FRENDS Taylor Rose Gold Blossom Headphone - Seriously, LOOK AT THESE! They're amazing. Who wouldn't want them?

Copper Wire Recipe Stand - I've been collecting items for my bottom drawer, and I think every bottom drawer would need this!

Adidas Superstar Pink White Snake - I've been eyeing up superstars for a while now, and these are the PERFECT colour! 

ASOS Sheer Cactus Ankle Socks - Ok, so these aren't the most practical socks, but how cute are they? Very!

ASOS Disney Princess Tee and Short Set - Disney. Princess. Pyjamas. Need I say more?

Glass Cat Face Mug - Glass mugs are awesome. Is it a glass? Is it a mug? Who knows.

GHDs Marine Allure or Electric Pink - I've been eyeing the Marine Allure's for a while. But then I saw the Electirc Pink! They're amazing AND when you buy them £10 gets donated to Breast Cancer Research

ASOS Unicorn Robe - LOOK AT THIS! IT'S AMAZING! 







How to Survive Moving to Uni

10 September 2016


My first year at uni was a while ago now - around 5 years ago in fact. Where has the time gone!? And now you're thinking - how can somebody SO old who left uni when the dinosaurs were around tell me about going to uni in 2016? But it's like riding a bike - once you've done it, you won't forget it.

I went to The University of Derby - Buxton. The Buxton campus was like Derby's weird chavvy cousin that no one likes and never gets invited anywhere! But it was still great!



MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU NEED! 

There's so much you'll need: saucepans, plates, cutlery, cleaning supplies, notepads, pens, folders, bedding! The list goes on and on and on. Making a list will be the most useful thing for you. Split it into sections to cover all areas: Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Stationary. Moving in is stressful enough without realising you haven't got any knives and forks! 

PERSONALISE YOUR ROOM!

I don't know about you but I LOVE decorating my room - especially the rooms in halls as they're SO boring! Decorating your room is a quick way to help settle in. It will take your mind off the daunting feeling of moving away from home to live with complete strangers! Hanging up your fairy lights and bunting will soon make you feel right at home. 

HANG OUT WITH YOUR FLAT MATES! 

To be honest, this was probably the hardest thing for me. For a lot of people this is easy but I was TERRIFIED! What if they don't like me? What if I don't like them? What if we nothing in common? What if they're horrible? What if, what if, what if? Looking back, I was so stupid! 5 years later I'm still best friends with the first person I met in halls. It doesn't matter that we live 100 miles away and don't like the same music! When you're at uni - everybody is in the same boat! Obviously you won't get along with everyone BUT you will make friends. And they will probably be your flatmates. They're the ones you'll be cooking chicken dippers with at 2am and crying with when Dobby dies. They'll be your new family! 

JOIN A SOCIETY!

Aside from your course this is the best way to find a group of people with a common interest. So take your interest and find the perfect society for you. What's better than meeting a group of people who all love the same thing you do? Nothing! 

DON'T BE A SLOB! 

Let me paint a picture. You go into the kitchen to make yourself some beans on toast. But, oh, someone's used your saucepan and not washed up. They've used yours because yours was the only clean one left. There's a pile of dirty dishes filling the entire worktop. There's a weird smell. There's mould growing. It's disgusting. Do you want to be the person that caused this? NO. It really isn't difficult to wash up after yourself. So, just do it. Trust me, it will be easier than dealing with the wrath of your flat mates! 

JUST BE YOURSELF AND HAVE FUN!








10 Nail Colours to Wear this Autumn

6 September 2016


Now that summer's coming to an end it's time to ditch the multicoloured fluorescent nails and opt for something a little more autumnal! I LOVE these sorts of shades and usually wear them all year around anyway - summer shmummer! But they're especially perfect for the changing leaves!




So, here they are: 

1. Essie - Forever Yummy
2. Essie - Bahama Mama
3. Essie - In Stitches
4. Sally Hansen - Plums the Word
5. Rimmel - Double Decker Red
6. Rimmel - Tangerine Tent
7. Sally Hansen - Belle of the Ball
8. Barry M - Golden Sands
9. Barry M - Copper Mine
10. Barry M - Carnival Couture





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