tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1183129475558097672024-03-13T11:32:53.723+00:00F.A.BNicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-54371408750175615372010-06-26T14:37:00.004+01:002010-06-26T15:32:05.682+01:00A new start.<div style="text-align: left;">Ladies,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I'm sad to say my time writing this blog has sadly come to an end.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure this was all pretty obvious a while back when my posts were reduced to about one per month, and I never really had a chance to write as much as I wanted because I'm just too busy. I still always read everyone's blogs and comment when I can though!</div><div><br /></div><div>:(</div><div><br /></div><div>I've loved being a beauty blogger and speaking to so many lovely people through it, but sadly I have a new project that's going to be taking up all my time...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going travelling!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, somehow I'm going to have to limit my makeup stash to the bare minimum, ditch the heels, and live out of a suitcase for four months without my home comforts I once treasured so much! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I have a new blog and twitter to update with my stories when I can: <a href="http://little-lost1.blogspot.com/">http://little-lost1.blogspot.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/little_lost1">www.twitter.com/little_lost1</a> so, if you're interested in reading about my travels, please do follow and chat to me on there. I've still got 8 weeks to go until I leave, so plenty of time for catching up and chatting before I go!</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in touch please...</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://whi.s3.leg.entries.lg1x8.simplecdn.net/20080703174649.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 384px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><br />Nicola xXx</div><div>P.S those are <u>not</u> my nails ;) </div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-74483827921162201702010-04-11T17:19:00.006+01:002010-04-11T17:58:31.151+01:00Spending ban and customising things!<div style="text-align: left;">Afternoon ladies, I hope you're all having a great weekend :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to give an update on my spending ban as I've noticed a few things.</div><div>Firstly, it is virtually <i>Impossible </i>to not spend anything if you are going shopping with other people, and secondly, I'm crap at sticking to the rules BUT I have only bought 3 things in about a month. Is that good? Probably not. Oh dear....</div><div><br /></div><div>One was a dress which I really needed for an event at work (which I couldn't go to in the end!) it was only £30 and I love it. I'll put up pictures when I get round to wearing it. The other two things were vintage shorts and a shirt that makes me look like a 'goat herder' apparently. Nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've decided that if I really have the urge to go shopping I'll just have a mooch around vintage or charity shops instead. That way I don't buy loads, and I love vintage one of a kind things so it's all good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I've been customising a lot since the spending ban which I'm very happy about! I love getting creative when I get the time, designing and making outfits. Here's my most recent creation, I made some patches out of old dresses and used them to jazz up a pair of plain skinny jeans: </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S8H8Fb3aZjI/AAAAAAAAAjo/cSGVqklLfsE/s400/DSCF0687.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458921393659471410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>They look much better on, promise!</div><div>My next project will be replacing the buttons on a plain oversized cardigan with some big vintage pearl buttons I lovingly pinched from Big G's button stash. Love it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Is anyone else a vintage lover or hardcore customiser or am I just a big cheapskate? </b></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-24390794808235812622010-03-10T14:45:00.006+00:002010-04-05T23:00:36.525+01:00I am FreeFrom!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pa0fLnHVI/AAAAAAAAAjg/fi8TlGb62-Q/s1600/DSCF0658.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">Hello lassies!</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, apologies for the lack of posts. I'm just going to stop saying this soon because I'm never going to have the time to write more frequently :( </div><div><br /></div><div>I know this isn't exactly fashion or beauty related, but you have to mix it up a bit! Plus, you know I love my food! </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, I have all these stomach/food problems bla bla you've heard it all before. ANYWAY, the lovely Jayne from my work (and Sainsbury's) has heard me bang on about all of this enough, so she sent me a very generously filled hamper full of Sainsbury's FreeFrom food and recipes for me to get stuck into. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW5Wha4mI/AAAAAAAAAi4/qbFrFcotBh8/s400/DSCF0595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456769441811063394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>For anybody who's not familiar with the FreeFrom range, it is basically a heap of food especially for people with different food intolerances like wheat, gluten, dairy, etc (what else is there?)</div><div><br /></div><div>At the moment I'm cutting down on my gluten intake and avoiding any dairy or eggs, so I was particularly excited about the chocolate and cakes in this lovely selection.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to try a week eating one or two different meals from the range every day but I got a stupid stomach bug half way through the week so I wasn't able to stick to this. However, I still ate quite a lot of them- pre sickness, so here's a little of what I've tried so far...</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chicken Hotpot</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(At work!)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW6eRGTWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AGbcu1ckiHo/s1600/DSCF0598.JPG"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW51YdHAI/AAAAAAAAAjA/0xlx1lI-G7c/s1600/DSCF0596.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW51YdHAI/AAAAAAAAAjA/0xlx1lI-G7c/s400/DSCF0596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456769450094959618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW6eRGTWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AGbcu1ckiHo/s400/DSCF0598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456769461069958498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div>Don't judge it on it's looks (although, as a Southerner, I've never had hotpot so I'm not sure what it should look like!) It was very tasty but not quite filling enough for me, I had to have a slice of FreeFrom bread afterwards to fill me up! <b>3/5</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hot Cross Buns</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW69J_QRI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/YRPqdCJ6H_Y/s1600/DSCF0648.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW69J_QRI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/YRPqdCJ6H_Y/s400/DSCF0648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456769469361635602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I <u>loved</u> these buns. I ate all four in two days. FATTYYY. They tasted just like regular hot cross buns, really fruity and full of flavour. I just toasted them and added a bit of dairy free butter and they were delicious. I'll definitely be buying these again! <b>5/5</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crimbles sage and onion Stuffing Mix</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW7jKniRI/AAAAAAAAAjY/DpBNl89cuG0/s400/DSCF0656.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456769479564822802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was really excited to try this as I love my stuffing and I refuse to eat a roast without it! Sadly, I was a bit disappointed when I used it to accompany our roast chicken last Sunday. None of us could eat it! There was far too much sage and the after-taste was so bitter it really took away from the rest of the lovely dinner :( Regrettably, I can only give it a <b>1/5 </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crimbles Bakewell Slices</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pa0fLnHVI/AAAAAAAAAjg/fi8TlGb62-Q/s400/DSCF0658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456773756282674514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">These cakes were AMAZING. As you can tell by the picture, they didn't hang round for long. Still, longer than the caramel shortcake biscuits which didn't even make a photo!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've eaten a lot of bakewell cakes before courtesy of Mr Kipling and I would go as far as to say these were probably even better! They are quite big too, so you don't feel like you have to eat two to get your full deserts worth (is it just me that gets this?!) <b>5/5</b> definitely getting these again!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I still have lots of food to get through, but these will do for now! Has anybody else tried anything from this range? What did you think of them? </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S7pW6eRGTWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AGbcu1ckiHo/s1600/DSCF0598.JPG"></a></span></b></div><div> </div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-6459669828395797452010-03-08T17:26:00.005+00:002010-03-09T09:39:39.097+00:00Tag- Beautiful Blogger Award (with links this time!)The lovely Victoria sent me this award and demanded I pass it on :P So, here are my 7 random things about meeee!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5YUa3A436I/AAAAAAAAAio/3eMeXL8-dm0/s1600-h/beautifulbloggeraward.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5YUa3A436I/AAAAAAAAAio/3eMeXL8-dm0/s400/beautifulbloggeraward.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446563251028025250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1) I love singing, dancing and generally performing. Back in school I was in a ‘soul band’ (cringe at the name!) We sang some great songs, played a fair few concerts and won battle of the bands twice! Ahh memories :D<br /><br />2) I don’t eat dairy or eggs. It’s not lactose intolerance it’s just one of the annoying diets I have to stick to for my IBS. My favorite food always used to be cheese! Doom.<br /><br />3) I’m a massive lightweight when it comes to drinking! 2 glasses of wine and I’m gone! (Cheap date!)<br /><br />4) I’m terrible at making decisions and when I eventually get round to making one it always seems to be the wrong one! I need a life advisor!<br /><br />5) One thing I do know and have always known is that I really want to travel the world. There are so many amazing places out there I feel like I need to see every single one of them! I’m a proper hippy at heart, I can’t wait to let go of all my material possessions and do tons of crazy stuff while travelling :D<br /><br />6) I’m a bit of a germophobe. I’m ill loads but if someone else is ill I can’t stand it I have to run away from them. My immune system is bad enough on it’s own I can’t be dealing with someone coughing all over me! Haha.<br /><br />7) Although I’m a happy person (contrary to popular belief…) I do cry a lot. I can’t bottle it in! I cried at strictly come dancing last night, that’s how bad it’s gotten!<br /><br />Well, I hope you enjoyed my random 7 things. What are yours? I tag these beautiful bloggers:<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.thehifashionsite.com/">HiFashion</a><br />-<a href="http://girlwiththegoldentouch.blogspot.com/">Girl with the Golden Touch</a><br />-<a href="http://pandadoesmakeup.blogspot.com/">Panda does Makeup</a><br />-<a href="http://daintydollymix.blogspot.com/">Dainty Dollymix</a><br />-<a href="http://llawnbreuddwydion.blogspot.com/">A Pocket full of dreams</a><br />-<a href="http://www.lipgloss86.com/">Lipgloss86</a> aaand<br />-<a href="http://laurensloves.blogspot.com/">Lauren Loves</a><br /><br /><br />Enjoy! xxNicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-59656456955774191022010-03-06T17:26:00.005+00:002010-03-06T18:39:45.896+00:00Spending ban and top 5 things<div style="text-align: left;">No, your eyes are not deceiving you, this <i>is </i>my second post of the week! I've decided to have a very lazy weekend for once making the most of having some me time :)</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I have to tell you guys, I've imposed a spending ban! EEEK! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5KT2si8hfI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/PHHJD6u9hjM/s400/Snapshot_20100306_15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445577467324302834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Sad times :(</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div>It's killing me already but I really have to cut spending for a little while. I'm planning a few exciting things coming up which I will need a fair bit of money for, so in the mean time it's no more buying things I don't need and throwing money away when I have so many things already.</div><div><br /></div><div>So from now on I'm going to be one of those points collecting, home-made soup making bargain hunters. My mother basically!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, enough rambling, here's my top five beauty and fashion favourites I've been using the past few weeks...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5KT3T9v-VI/AAAAAAAAAig/zN9xBjq1Blo/s400/Snapshot_20100306_19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445577477905709394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Garnier tinted eye roll on: The lovely Natalie at Headstream PR sent me this a few weeks back to try out (Thank you!) I was already a fan of the original eye roll on for those horrible 6.30am starts when I literally have to force my eyes to open! The formula for this version is the same in that it really makes my eyes feel fresh and more awake, but it also has a tint which helps conceal dark circles too. It doesn't give the best coverage for really dark circles as it is quite light, but it's really nice for freshening up the eye area :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">MUD lipglaze in 'Bare': A little something I picked up at IMATS and mentioned briefly <a href="http://nicolafab.blogspot.com/2010/02/britains-next-fail-model.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">here</span></a>. It's the perfect peachy nude to stick on when I'm not feeling a lipstick day. It's also really long lasting and not too sticky, so a great gloss in my eyes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">No7 Colour Calming primer: I GOT A PRIMER! I've never bothered before as I don't like to spend too much time putting on makeup in the mornings, I'd rather be in bed! But this little beaut is great for smoothing out my complexion and providing me with an even colour base to counter out my blotchy red faced break outs. (Especially when drinking!) The colour is a little strong, but mixed in well with a good foundation (Revlon Colourstay mostly) it works wonders and doesn't leave me looking like the grinch. Oh and it doesn't dry out my skin too so I get a good dewy finish.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Neutrogena Rapid Clear face wipes: Ok, not the most exciting of all products, but it is a must have! These wipes come in very hand on<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> nights when I can't face the old cleanse tone and moisturize routine . Most wipes do the job for taking off my makeup in a hurry, but these are also </span><u>amazing</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> for getting rid of spots and clearing up my skin. I had the hugest spot on my face the day before Amsterdam, then I tried out these babies and BAM, no spot. Hurrah! There is a spot fighting cure for us lazy folk after all!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">And last but by no means least:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5KT3L8zTLI/AAAAAAAAAiY/tIT_1-1JLiE/s400/Snapshot_20100306_18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445577475754249394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">These beautiful bargains from H&M! They were about £15 if my memory serves me correctly (probably not!). I love the style, love the colour and even love the cute inside detailing. They're comfy too which I suppose is the most important part :P I can't wait until it gets a little warmer so I can wear these without my toes freezing off.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div>That's all for the moment. Hopefully I will still have lots to write about despite the fact that I can't really buy anything new. Hmmm. Anyway, I'm always welcome to new ideas/questions/tags/suggestions etc so feel free to send them my way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a good weekend :) xx</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div> </div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-3094797802661772922010-03-04T21:28:00.004+00:002010-03-04T21:51:31.894+00:00Face painting!<i>They're going to kill me for this but it has to be done...</i><div><br /><div>I got a little bored a while ago and started attacking my little brother and friend with some of my old make-up. It's not massively creative, just a bit of fun! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An8VkQrOI/AAAAAAAAAiA/dOw4PN7SpoU/s1600-h/DSCF0449.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An8VkQrOI/AAAAAAAAAiA/dOw4PN7SpoU/s400/DSCF0449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444895867025796322" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Charlie sporting a lovely (and totally masculine) lightning bolt</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An8VkQrOI/AAAAAAAAAiA/dOw4PN7SpoU/s1600-h/DSCF0449.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An8BVal1I/AAAAAAAAAh4/1yIMRF65u-U/s1600-h/DSCF0441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An8BVal1I/AAAAAAAAAh4/1yIMRF65u-U/s400/DSCF0441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444895861594822482" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tim looking so creepy with some wonky drawn on eyes</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An8BVal1I/AAAAAAAAAh4/1yIMRF65u-U/s1600-h/DSCF0441.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An7kKv6sI/AAAAAAAAAhw/7_RENDXKgPo/s1600-h/DSCF0434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An7kKv6sI/AAAAAAAAAhw/7_RENDXKgPo/s400/DSCF0434.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444895853765454530" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He looks too much like me when I had short hair here!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S5An7kKv6sI/AAAAAAAAAhw/7_RENDXKgPo/s1600-h/DSCF0434.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you think?! Does anybody else do this or do you all have much more entertaining lives? :P </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-77129667177210750472010-02-23T20:29:00.002+00:002010-02-23T20:43:29.706+00:00New TumblrHey ladies,<div><br /></div><div>I've been so crap AGAIN! I literally have no time in my life right now for regular and in-depth blogging it seems. I have tried but alas, juggling a job with long hours, an on/off long distance relationship and an (occasional) social life is proving virtually impossible right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, in the mean time I have turned once again to the faithful world of microblogging. It is so much quicker and easier. I originally hated Tumblr and called it the lazymans' blogger, but, now I suppose I am the lazyman, I'm finding it pretty useful for quickly popping a few notes down and a nice picture here and there!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm keeping it pretty broad so it's not all fashion and beauty I'm afraid, but if you fancy having a look it's here: <a href="http://little-lost.tumblr.com/">http://little-lost.tumblr.com/</a> (A work in progress might I add!)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're a fellow Tumblr kid, feel free to follow :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-45464985828336087462010-02-04T18:47:00.007+00:002010-02-04T19:08:51.788+00:00Britains next fail modelI like to try and make sure I do something different and spontaneous every now and then, so when I saw a photographer friend advertising that he needed a model for a day, I thought, why not!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theroundpeg.com/">Carlo and Fabiana</a> are two of the genuinely nicest people I have ever met so it was an absolute pleasure to help them out when a model fell ill the day before Carlo was due to hold his 'Shaping Locations' course.<br /><br />Anyway, I had a lot of fun, I met some lovely (gorgeous) models and I got to see some great photographers at work. I didn't even moan too much that it was freeeezing outside :P<br /><br />Here are a few photos from the day *cringe*!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2saNk0OlLI/AAAAAAAAAhY/39tKdbB_Iwk/s1600-h/IMG_3413.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2saNk0OlLI/AAAAAAAAAhY/39tKdbB_Iwk/s400/IMG_3413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434466195875992754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Somebody order a hooker?!</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2sZ2MQUs0I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/d2szuGe1Y9Q/s1600-h/4302147656_7796b421b6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2sZ2MQUs0I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/d2szuGe1Y9Q/s400/4302147656_7796b421b6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434465794145956674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Check out the crazy eye makeup! I wasn't keen on it to be honest but I posed regardless</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2sYdtmKRRI/AAAAAAAAAhI/iRsA8cGQZhg/s1600-h/4309710717_808bb5244e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2sYdtmKRRI/AAAAAAAAAhI/iRsA8cGQZhg/s400/4309710717_808bb5244e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434464274087560466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Definitely needed a hair stylist!<br /></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">EEeeek! I am certainly not model material but anyway, it was fun and that's what it's all about :) </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-51088100764763007622010-01-31T17:10:00.007+00:002010-01-31T18:10:14.942+00:00New makeup!<div style="text-align: left;">This was a good weekend for new purchases! IMATS on Saturday contributed tremendously of course, and I now have lots of new things to amuse myself with until my next 'haul' (still hate that word, sorry!)</div><div><br /></div><div>First things first, IMATS was SO busy I didn't get to go to any of the seminars, and some counters were so rammed I couldn't even see the products on offer. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing about the event (aside from gawping at the amazing models) was getting to discover new products which I would never know about or get to try out.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFRpHcIJI/AAAAAAAAAgg/NSIS83J7Tu0/s400/DSCF0389.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432965432377876626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The only word to describe this picture is FIERCE! </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFSkHwr_I/AAAAAAAAAg4/t3412D6VxLc/s1600-h/DSCF0400.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFSkHwr_I/AAAAAAAAAg4/t3412D6VxLc/s400/DSCF0400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432965448216915954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">I was a bit in love with this one</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>!</i></span></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFSEvRB6I/AAAAAAAAAgw/0Mi6rm-w6LA/s1600-h/DSCF0408.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFSEvRB6I/AAAAAAAAAgw/0Mi6rm-w6LA/s400/DSCF0408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432965439792678818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Babooooon!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>There were a few brands that really stood out for me, including <a href="http://www.nakedcosmetics.net/">Naked</a> cosmetics, <a href="http://www.crownbrush.co.uk/">Crown Brushes</a>, <a href="http://www.evepearl.com/">Eve Pearl</a> makeup and <a href="http://www.mudshop.com/about-us.html">MUD</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naked cosmetics had the biggest range of pigments I have ever seen! The come in little pots similar to Barry M and they had literally every colour imaginable. I was fascinated at how they could be mixed with water and even lip gloss and still look amazing. I really wanted to get some samples of these to try out, but I wasn't feeling generous enough to fork out the £60 they wanted for a stack of six colours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next there were the Crown brushes which I know a lot of bloggers have already been using and loving. I had hoped to get a brush set (with roll) for a very reasonable £20 but the crowds were so big and they wouldn't let me pay on card there which was a pain, but I will probably be buying these online soon :D</div><div><br /></div><div>Eve Pearl cosmetics were also really impressive, the pallets were great for all complexions and also, how nice is Eve?! Sherin and I were talking to her for ages and watching her work her magic!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFR4og0xI/AAAAAAAAAgo/l-eAaWYLdfQ/s400/DSCF0405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432965436543128338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Sherin and Eve modelling her award which we kept calling the golden globe- oops!</span></i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, on to my favourites... Make up designory (MUD). I was drawn to this stall as I am a sucker for eyeshadows and they had a large range on display staring at me! I got to speak to the vice president of the company and he gave me lots of gorgeous products to sample which are so perfect for me. I got a 12 pan pallet of neutral shades which I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">love</span> as well as a lip glaze and lipstick in a nude/pink colour (another favourite) and some lip liners too. So yes, extremely happy with these. The colours are brilliantly pigmented, they have a very extensive range and all the products were designed by makeup artists, so they really know what we want :) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2XFS58xjXI/AAAAAAAAAhA/sDPS_yeTGrU/s400/DSCF0421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432965454076415346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Lots of lovely stuff to try! Also check those feather lashes I can't wait to crack them out!</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Woah I have written way too much already. I have lots more to share with you but I will save it for another, more structured post, sorry!</div><div><br /></div><div>Has anyone else tried any of these products? Am I just really slow off the mark? Probably... Still, thoughts please! </div><div><br /></div><div>xXx</div><div><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-76845052326208089732010-01-29T18:06:00.004+00:002010-01-29T18:11:39.898+00:00IMATS<span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Tomorrow. 11pm. I’m there. Who else is?<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2MkYym-1oI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Ba0YEOdJ744/s1600-h/imats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2MkYym-1oI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Ba0YEOdJ744/s400/imats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432225583859684994" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ermmm, does it matter that I know nothing about makeup I just ‘think it looks nice and that’. Will people suss me out? </span><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/NICOLA%7E1.JAC/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/NICOLA%7E1.JAC/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Will I get thrown out if I mention that I don’t actually use a primer, and I think more than £15 is a rip off for a foundation? </p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Probably.</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Still, I’m going because I think it could be fun, and I hope to meet lots of nice interesting bloggers new and old Okaaay? </p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">So let me know if you’re going and we can potentially meet up and talk makeup over a cupcake. (There better be cupcakes!)</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">xXx</p>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-31901219200845894412010-01-27T20:12:00.005+00:002010-01-27T20:42:08.774+00:00Aussie day in Leeds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2CjdmZUAQI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Cfvmf3odHPo/s1600-h/DSCF0335.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">Evening ladies!</div><div><br /></div><div>Just a quick one about my night in Leeds yesterday working with the Aussie angels who were hosting their own Australia day party.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://cupcakeswithcherries.blogspot.com/">Daisy</a>, <a href="http://kelanjo.blogspot.com/">Kelly </a>and <a href="http://lilyloveslola.blogspot.com/">Victoria</a> were the three lovely bloggers who were chosen to host the event, we merely provided them with a budget and helped them organise whatever they wanted to celebrate in style :)</div><div><br /></div><div>After getting off to a fairly rocky start what with being late getting to the venue, then having issues with ID and unnecessarily strict doormen, the rest of the night went much more smoothly (thank god!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Tiger Tiger's Groovy Wonderland was kitted out to the max with Aussie flags, a ton on inflatables and of course the all important Australian celebs masks. Ahh Harold you sexy beast.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a great time meeting the lovely northern lot again and breaking my back doing limbo! We took loads of pictures on a very snazzy (yes, snazzy) instant camera, but here's a few others I took on my own camera which should sum it all up pretty nicely!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2CjcgiEMuI/AAAAAAAAAf4/px9HcT-wwKk/s400/DSCF0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431520860773298914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>It was a looooong drive from London to Leeds, but with a car full of inflatables and a lot of cheesy music we made it in the end!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2Cjc-E7NPI/AAAAAAAAAgA/mjUswRLsSj4/s400/DSCF0332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431520868704138482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>La ROO! I grew very attached to this little guy during the night!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2CjdmZUAQI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Cfvmf3odHPo/s1600-h/DSCF0335.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2CjdmZUAQI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Cfvmf3odHPo/s400/DSCF0335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431520879527067906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Me, Harold, Harold's three chins..</span></i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2CjdX_cSrI/AAAAAAAAAgI/kNFaDawNGWY/s1600-h/DSCF0333.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S2CjdX_cSrI/AAAAAAAAAgI/kNFaDawNGWY/s400/DSCF0333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431520875660462770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Lovely ladies modelling the Aussie props ther</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">e</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">!</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I've uploaded the rest to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/1000heads/sets/72157623295119602/">work Flickr site</a>, so it's here if you want to see more :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> xXx</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-9073250397069858112010-01-24T18:56:00.002+00:002010-01-24T22:20:53.389+00:00Back in the game!<div style="text-align: left;">Hello ladies... Did you miss me? Feel free to lie :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sorry for being a stranger, but you should know that during my blogging absence I've still been following all your blogs like the little silent stalker that I am just wishing I could find the time to get back into it again.<br />So anyway, I know I wont be able to post as much as I did over the summer, but I will give it a good shot because my god we have a lot to catch up on!<br />I wont ramble on with stories of the past few months, but here are a few pictures that should sum it all up pretty nicely...<br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S1zDGiG3y_I/AAAAAAAAAfI/GdJN5KSK3wU/s400/15538_172580613962_504433962_2969625_5491387_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430429767704234994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I know bonfire night was ages ago but this still makes me chuckle!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S1zDHbtjKlI/AAAAAAAAAfg/BM0d9qk2l2w/s400/17471_511714311071_281000340_518090_6982065_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430429783167281746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The amazing goody bag I got at the Revlon Double Twist launch. It was such a lovely afternoon tea and cakes the Dorchester :) My love for Cherries in the snow has been reignited, and the new colour stay foundations are spot on!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S1zDG9j_zxI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/tbjIIpKpVzM/s400/13768_1278626055561_1527317168_750279_7831133_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430429775074152210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I met some lovely ladies at the Tampax swishing party we hosted at work. Clothes, cupcakes and trannies makes for a brilliant night!</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S1zDGatLTxI/AAAAAAAAAfA/V-3-yvPxKfE/s400/17471_511654755421_281000340_516676_6393624_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430429765717413650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">New Years eve at Punk! Was a strange night and most of it a blur, but was fun!</span></i></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/S1zDHAJ0iuI/AAAAAAAAAfY/bHDAJpdiYFg/s400/17471_511714101491_281000340_518048_7058842_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430429775769668322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">S</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">nowww! It drove me mad when I had to get to work, but was worth it for the late night sledding!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>Ahh it's good to be back, I've missed this crazy little community we have here :-) Oh and P.s, yes, I still haven't found a kind person to help me make my blog as buff as I had hoped, so we're stuck this this old-but slightly altered- version for the forseable future!<br /><br />Peace! xXx</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-2405381623472461182009-12-23T10:48:00.003+00:002009-12-23T10:51:48.780+00:00Under Maintenance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.seeren.org/kopaonik/under-maintenance.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 466px;" src="http://www.seeren.org/kopaonik/under-maintenance.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hi everyone! Just a little message to say this site is now under very necessary maintenance I will aim to be back back in the new year with a new look, and a lot of new posts.<br />Sorry for being so slack. Happy holidays all my lovely followers, and I will be back soon :) xxx<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/NICOLA%7E1.JAC/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-75567270412759613762009-11-16T20:56:00.004+00:002009-11-16T21:45:11.410+00:00I Don't know if you've heard but...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SwHFSeZEMhI/AAAAAAAAAeY/WgIN4CqltTI/s1600/Straight+hair+EL.jpg"></a></span><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These straighteners are doing the rounds!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SwHEHfyTAjI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/usmyZQfiQe0/s1600/Rem_Wet2Straight.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 162px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SwHEHfyTAjI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/usmyZQfiQe0/s400/Rem_Wet2Straight.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404816660891894322" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This weekend I finally got round to trying out the Remmington Wet2Straight straighteners I was sent about a week ago. I think Remmington must have cottoned on to my slight obsession with them, after my continuous plugging of the Spin Curls hair dryer (I was never sent them to review or anything, I just got given them as a present and fell in love).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will admit at first I was a little weary, purely as despite what they say, it has GOT to be bad for your hair just blasting it with 200 degree heat and ironing it until it's dry. Still, anything that gets me more time in bed and makes my hair effortlessly fabulous is great for me once in a while (hence my love for Spin Curls!) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My first attempt was... well... a bit of a disaster. I didn't bother pinning my hair into sections as I was feeling particularly lazy, so I found it really hard to separate my wet hair and the bits I had already straightened. I also noticed that it took quite a while for the hair to dry, so ended up going over some sections so many times it ended up being more time consuming than if I had've just blow dried it first. I do have quite thick hair though, so perhaps the finer hair folk would have better luck.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the end, after about 30 minutes of faffing about whether my hair was dry enough, I decided that it needed more heat (some bits were still damp!) and had to blow dry it some more (eek!) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I thought I would then try out the dry function, and straightened my hair some more (it really took a bashing this weekend!) and this is where it really excelled itself. The plates smoothed down my frizzy hair and made it so easy to manage. I've had GHD's for 5 years, so it takes a lot to impress me on the straightener front, but these really did. And the best bit is, the next day I went out in the rain, and it didn't frizz up or even curl at the ends. Now either I have completely destroyed my hair, or these straighteners are amazing! I'm hoping for the latter. I also noticed that it didn't get greasy as quick as it usually does, despite using heat protecting spray, and getting rained on! I hope this is a permanent thing, as I hate having to wash my hair every other day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sooo, here's a photo of the end result:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SwHFSeZEMhI/AAAAAAAAAeY/WgIN4CqltTI/s400/Straight+hair+EL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404817949007819282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 354px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What's that you say? I look different? Nooo! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Cameras broken, so you have to use your imagination...)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have only had a day or two to play around with these straighteners, but I am keen to try again and see if I have better results with them on the wet function next time. I really like the fact that you can choose what temperature to use depending on your hair, this is something my GHD's can't offer me, and something I take comfort in when I'm feeling particularly guilty for using so much heat on my hair!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My brother (a reformed metrosexual) has been eyeing them up so I think we may be seeing a little post with him as a product tester again, watch this space!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Huge apologies for the noticeable lack of pictures, my camera is in't menders (or in my drawer waiting to be sent off for mending...) but hopefully I will have a new one soooon.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-x-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*Disclaimer* This product was sent to me by a PR company, so all the PR haters, don't read if you don't like. Mediacom sent me these to give a detailed and, most importantly, HONEST review of the product. I do not endorse any products, and I will only ever post my true opinions whether I spent my own hard earned cash, or whether they were sent to me for free, because this blog is for normal folk like you and I and that's what it's aaaalll about. Capiche?! :)</span></span></div><div><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-46714293600774815052009-11-05T20:48:00.007+00:002009-11-08T18:34:49.525+00:00Jibba Jabba<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SvcOkcF6TBI/AAAAAAAAAeI/3JJMGcz4E5c/s1600-h/P2322_24-10-09.JPG"></a>Yessss, sorry about the lack of posts recently! Here are a few excuses for you:<div><ul><li>I have been working very long hours and falling asleep at 10pm</li><li>My dad has been trying to move his new woman in and there is huge family beef</li><li>I can only blog on weekends</li><li>I have been ill</li><li>My boyfriend left me for the rain forest </li><li>I haven't bought anything</li><li>I ran away to join the circus</li><li>My phone broke</li><li>The Blogging community has gone sour</li><li>My dog ate it</li></ul><div>Fin? Yeah, I slipped a few fibs in there too, just to keep you guys on your toes...</div><div><br /></div><div>In other news... What the hell has been going on in our nice little on line girly community? People quitting their accounts, going mental at each other and there just seems to be lots of bad feelings going about! I think we should all remember that us bloggers are here because we enjoy it, and it's our place to be as materialistic as we like without boring our 'offline' friends/colleagues/complete strangers (?!) to tears talking about the latest Mac collection, or line at Topshop. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you get to the stage where blogging, Youtubing or even Tweeting is just not enjoyable any more, then don't do it, just don't be run off by people being bastards to you. Unfortunately there will always be people out there who get a kick out of hiding behind a computer screen and thinking they can be as nasty as they please for whatever reason. Just rise above it that's what I say! </div><div>Honestly, why can't we all just get along and play nice? :) Good I'm glad that's sorted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh wait, can't believe I forgot to mention this, my camera broke!! I am so annoyed. I took it out to take photographic evidence of the crazy fireworks party we had at my house and it just froze. This is the second time my little Samsung has failed me and I am not happy one bit. I'm now saving up for an SLR as I want to take better pictures, mine are frankly poo and I am well aware of this! </div><div><br /></div><div>I will have to find a quick solution so I can work my way through the list of blog posts without having no pictures at all. And a blog with no pictures is like erm, a face with no nose...</div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing the theme of lists... here are some blog posts which I will (hopefully) get round to writing for you woo get excited!</div><div><ul><li>A review of Remmington's Wet2Straight straighteners (once I bother washing my curly mane)</li><li>A run down of my latest (and pretty much only) Mac products. Expect a big rant on the shitty staff in the Covent Garden store</li><li>Some of my current obsessions </li><li>And maybe even a video! Can I point out that I have now recorded 3, each one being worse than the last. I am really not cut out for YT, but a big part of me wants to keep trying- I think I just love to embarrass myself!</li></ul><div>Ok that will do, it's nearly X factor time :)</div><div><br /></div><div>In the mean time, here's a picture of me dressed as Lady Gaga which I never got to wear in the end but rest assured I will be cracking it out again sometime soon. Watch this space. </div></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SvcOkcF6TBI/AAAAAAAAAeI/3JJMGcz4E5c/s400/P2322_24-10-09.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401802297233263634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-x-</div></div></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-77490339608894145762009-10-18T22:31:00.002+01:002009-10-18T22:39:16.729+01:00Review: Garnier HerbaShine<div style="text-align: left;">I finally bit the bullet, stopped being a wimp, and coloured my hair! This was a big thing for me as it took years to grow out some dodgy colours I have used in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of many being the horrible incident involving a lot of bleach, the ‘cap of doom’ and a house hairdresser- you know the ones who randomly come to your house to cut your mum/nan’s hair because they’re probably not good enough to have their own salons? Well yes, I was a very ugly grey haired 14 year old because of that!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the point…</div><div>I saw this product waay back at the Garnier event where I had originally chosen a light brown. Why? Who knows. So I decided that this colour wasn’t for me, and with it being Autumn and all, I opted for a nice bowny red colour- ice mahogany brown to be exact.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/StuJqPvlBsI/AAAAAAAAAc0/AMybTrzlkC4/s400/P1605_18-10-09.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394056337579902658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>I don’t know why they rave about it only taking 10 minutes, if anything I think I would prefer it to take longer so I don’t have to rush like mad to apply it before it starts developing and I end up patchy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I donned the giant sized gloves provided (why are these always so rubbish?) and started applying the colour. I did get a tad freaked out when I was applying it and it was already looking so dark and red, but I persevered anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>After washing it out, staining the entire bathroom (sorry Dad!) and conditioning, I was actually very impressed!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/StuJp9Z5kJI/AAAAAAAAAcs/YAJ_joOelvE/s400/P1604%5B01%5D_18-10-09.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394056332657135762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>You can't really see the red that much here, but it's better than it was before anyways! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>The colour is exactly what I wanted, a rich brown with subtle hints of red. Another thing I have to point out is how soft and shiny my hair is now. I was really worried my hair would feel brittle or damaged but it looks and feels lovely, even if I do say so myself :) </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope Garnier can make this into a permanent colour so I don’t have to keep dying it now that I have found a shade I really like!</div><div><br /></div><div>Has anyone else tried these, what are your thoughts? </div><div><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-74233043135253160132009-10-13T21:22:00.005+01:002009-10-14T09:29:11.538+01:00Near Far<div style="text-align: left;">I love stumbling across new (and inexpensive!) products and designers, so when my friend at work recommended <i><a href="http://nearfar.co.uk/">this</a></i> line I got incredibly excited and I am already planning things to order!</div><div><br /></div><div>NearFar is an ethical clothing line which works with organisations in Sierra Leone, providing the unemployed with work in the tailoring industry, and fashionistas with gorgeous inspired designs.</div><div><br /></div><div>According to the website:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ten years of Civil War has left the country with many uneducated and unemployed young people. Many of the tailors have lived as street children, been victims of commercial sex trade or been subjected to domestic abuse. Through building relationships with these tailors, NearFar has been able to help them profit from their skills and rebuild a life of stability for themselves and their families. NearFar’s commitment to this cause is demonstrated by the fact that 10% of all sales is reinvested into the training</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://newsite.nearfar.co.uk/wp-content/themes/default/images/cummba.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 213px;" border="0" /></span><div></div><div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://newsite.nearfar.co.uk/wp-content/themes/default/images/simon.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 187px;" border="0" /></span><div>The brand can certainly prove themselves as ethical and unique, but what about the designs?</div><br /><div><br /></div><div>NearFar claim to provide an 'alternative to the mass-produced and an antidote to the mundane.' </div><div>This is certainly clear in their bold West African inspired prints and fine tailoring. Although the selection is small, there is still plenty to choose from including handbags, dresses, shorts and skirts, and most items of clothing come in a variety of different prints.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/StTtB_7_meI/AAAAAAAAAck/zQCm8M7XvzQ/s1600-h/7shiftdress.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/StTtB_7_meI/AAAAAAAAAck/zQCm8M7XvzQ/s400/7shiftdress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392195272468044258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/StTtBnUVLCI/AAAAAAAAAcc/NuPMw3RoibQ/s1600-h/2highwaistedshorts.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/StTtBnUVLCI/AAAAAAAAAcc/NuPMw3RoibQ/s400/2highwaistedshorts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392195265859234850" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>I am a big fan of bright, funky designs and so far I am finding it hard to decide which I like the most! At the very reasonable price of around £35 for a pair of amazing high wasted print shorts, and £55 for a shift dress, it is easy to get carried away and want a little of everything! </div><div><br /></div><div>If this all sounds like your cup of tea (fair trade, mind!) then head over to the site at <a href="http://nearfar.co.uk/">NearFar.co.uk</a> where you will find out a lot more information that is probably much more useful than my waffling :)</div><div><br /></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-17231612589990663352009-10-11T16:36:00.002+01:002009-10-11T17:37:42.132+01:00Shopaholics (not so) anonymousI think I may actually be a shopaholic!<div><br /></div><div>Since finding out I have a job about 3 weeks ago I have been shopping a RIDICULOUS amount of times. I think this is due to the fact that a) I was sick of dressing like a student (leggings, massive jumpers etc) and needed more smart clothes b) I will be earning a proper wage and will no longer have to rely on the overdraft or wherever the hell else my money used to come from?!</div><div><br /></div><div>But still, I have gone a little overboard me thinks, considering I haven't even been paid yet and probably won't be for some time yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Off the top of my head I can recall blowing £100 on Asos, £80 in H&M, a fair bit in Topshop and more than I had expected in Dorothy Perkins- I told you their Autumn shoes are just too good! As for makeup I haven't splashed out that much at all. I have ordered some stuff from Mac which should be arriving soon but other than that it has just been a few essentials! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, is this really bad or am I just being stupid? I've got so many more things I want it's like I've unleashed the shopping beast I had in my first year of uni again oh dear!</div><div><br /></div><div>On a more positive note, I might do another video of just an update and show you a few of the things. This is only a maybe, I am still camera shy yet! But, yes, opinions on everything please ladies! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>xxx</div><div><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-71185568235750845412009-09-30T19:08:00.008+01:002009-09-30T20:20:46.857+01:00Ginger drama and rant!<div style="text-align: left;">Hello folks, sorry for the lack of posts recently. I'm afraid it isn't likely to be much better as I start my new job on Monday and I am going to be busy busy busy but I will try and make time to blog whenever I can!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the point...</div><div>I wanted to share with you my traumatic experience I received today, while having my hair cut at the Ginger Group hair salon in Enfield. For those who haven't heard of them you can read more info <a href="http://www.thegingergroup.co.uk/about-us.php">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The reason I went is because I have given up trying to grow my hair (of course) and wanted a nice wavy bob after seeing this picture:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SsOlCSc5jxI/AAAAAAAAAcM/SLKrT1btXmE/s400/buff+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387331037996617490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 399px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">*drools*</div><div style="text-align: left;">HOWEVER, I had a bad experience at my local salon (run by middle-aged chavs) after they cut my hair wonky and not short enough. I know, I know, but I was drawn in by the (very) cheap price.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, of course I needed it done again and chose the Ginger Group as I didn't want to go to Tony and Gay and Adee's salon was booked up. Limited options!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It started off all well and good as a nice not-too-young-not-too-old 'Senior stylist' invited me over for my consultation. I told her all about my wonky barnet which she blatantly thought I did myself, and showed her a few pictures whilst subtly suggesting that if she mucks it up I will be one un happy customer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">THEN I had this chap give me the most vigorous shampoo known to man with scolding hot water. I literally thought he was trying to rip my head off or probe my brain with his bare hands. "Is this Ok for you?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Well, I have no skin left on my head and you've given me a headache, but please, continue!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next few minutes were a little better, the hair cut was good, no "Wevvers noice t'day aint it!?" and I felt like she was actually concentrating on what she was doing instead of just hacking away at my precious bob.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It all turned rather sour when she offered me the option of curling my hair (supposedly like in the picture above) instead of having it blow-dried straight. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Marvellous.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Little did I know that what she actually meant was she will spray an entire bottle of product on my hair, scrunch it, then sit me under a heater for 30 minutes whilst she went off on FACEBOOK! So as I sat there cooking under the dryer which was clearly failing at drying my hair, she went off for her break and popped back once or twice to whack another 10 minutes on the clock.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually I got so annoyed with sitting watching my hair drip dry and not curl AT ALL, I decided to confront her and say that it wasn't what I asked for and that I just wanted her to dry it so I could leave. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By this point I had a complete frizzy mess and I was so red from the heat (and anger) I just wanted to run to my car and cry. She then tried to make things better by offering yet more product and scrunching it with her fingers which reeked of cigarettes, then making my hair smell too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so angry and grossed out by my disgusting cigarette smelling hair that I just got up gave her the money and left as soon as I could! I paid more because I asked for a senior stylist, instead of a graduate, but honestly wish I hadn't bothered. When I got home and told my friend who said I definitely should have complained. I really wish I took a picture of the mess she created, but I had to wash my hair straight away to get the smell and product out! If your looking for a rough idea, this demonstrates it quite nicely: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SsOumPehDNI/AAAAAAAAAcU/IlkItNzT384/s400/China-Fashion-Week-092912.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387341551278034130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Image lazily stolen from google images...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you guys think I should have done? I wasn't in the mood to argue I was so pissed off and wanted to cry!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading my massive rant, I love venting to you guys. xx</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-65361432235414519982009-09-24T23:58:00.007+01:002009-09-26T19:26:01.340+01:00F.A.B Top Rated<div style="text-align: left;">Yes, its that time again!</div><div>Cheesy title AND a list of products/random things I am loving at the moment. Lucky readers :-P</div><div><br /></div><div>1.) <b>Aussie </b>'the best smell in the world' miracle shampoo and conditioner. I can't actually get enough of this stuff since receiving my samples at the Aussie event. Originally I could never understand how people could pay about £3/4 for a bottle of shampoo (cheapskate) but now every time I wash my hair it is so worth it! The gorgeous sweet, nutty smell lasts for days, even after blow drying and using products. I have actually caught myself sniffing my own hair at times. Slightly obsessive me thinks?!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sr5coJ8pfMI/AAAAAAAAAcE/QRRKvKvVRcc/s320/0193826_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385844049316510914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>2.) <b>Maybeline</b> dream mousse blusher. When I first saw this I thought it was something I wouldn't be using much, as it looked shocking pink in the pot and I had never tried a cream blush before. I live a sheltered makeup life... Anyway, I gave it a go and rubbed a little in onto my satin finished skin et voila! Instead of causing a blotchy, cakey mess, I got a lovely natural and surprisingly subtle blush. I will definitely be repurchasing this once its gone!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sr5ZuirPMOI/AAAAAAAAAbs/edox6jBalxo/s320/215x0-7-75-1-a0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385840860498702562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 155px; " /></span></div><div>3.) <b>Mini dresses</b> and boots. Yes, the celebs were doing it ages ago, but I'm still not bored of it. Effortless sexy glam, a la Alexa Chung.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://slides.shoppinglifestyle.com/gallery/2009/08/34_AlexaChung.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 572px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>4.) <b>Dorothy Perkins</b> shoes. How good is their AW collection? I already bought two pairs! *Slapps wrists* And they are offering a generous 15% discount for students on certain collections so I say the more the merrier! </div><div><br /></div><div>5.) <b>Scholl</b> Crackling Ice foot spray. This stuff is actually insane. I think Scholl may have actually created a weapon with this stuff. Remember popping candy, or space dust? The stuff that looks perfectly harmless until you put it on your tongue and your head feels like its going to explode from all the popping?! Well, this is essentially the same thing but in a mouse and supposedly for your feet. I say supposedly because, unless you suffer from numbness of the foot, or you never react to being tickled, then it is virtually impossible to spray it on your feet without feeling like your getting the tickling attack from hell! It's not just me who bursts into hysterics every time I use it, I have attacked various family members with the stuff and since been accused of 'foot rape'. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sr5ZvDajf0I/AAAAAAAAAb8/UVUVD3ACNCA/s320/scholl-ice-foot-spray.jpg_e_bce45a078ee3b134b7a092a347cd4f40.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385840869287100226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px; " /></span></div></div><div>However, after you get over the initial 'Oh my god what is happening to me' feeling as the mouse crackles and tingles on your skin', it actually leaves you feeling pretty good and I have since found myself getting a little addicted to the crazy sensation and going back for more!</div><div><br /></div><div>Alternatively, if you don't want to use it on your feet, as I said, it makes a very good mace for self defence purposes! :P </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I think I'll leave it there with all the talk of macing! What are you all rating at the moment? Shaare! :)</b> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-58915994190409550282009-09-20T17:19:00.013+01:002009-09-21T17:35:23.040+01:00Scholl Party Feet On Off Party (Picture heavy!)<div style="text-align: left;">So, yes, Saturday night was THE night! And what a great one it was too :D</div><div><br /></div><div>The frolics started early for me and 'plus one' Bhavna (of <a href="http://wardrobemag.wordpress.com/">Wardrobe</a>) as we arrived at our gorgeous hotel at around 4. This left us two hours to get ready *thumbs up*, and no time to eat *thumbs DOWN* </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for the outfit help ladies, I settled on this pretty simple dress in the end. The shoes were the best part but I have no picture of them :(</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SrebRH7N7ZI/AAAAAAAAAbc/q3oIY3y8vWM/s400/SDC11943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383942598032223634" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After a packet of crisps and a lot of sparkle later, we hit the lobby to meet the Scholl sista's (lol) and Myriad PR lovelies as well as the winner and other runner up and hit the party.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SreYkpOn3dI/AAAAAAAAAa0/oAKUcEDv_HI/s400/SDC11962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383939634854616530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The event took place at 180 The Strand underneath the exhibition halls and in the same room as where the On Off catwalks had been taking place. And the catwalk was still there for us to prance around on and dance once we had some dutch courage!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SrebQv9S7DI/AAAAAAAAAbU/SSGZojmRP54/s400/SDC11957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383942591598488626" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Catwalk- (pre party)</span></div><div>As soon as we reached the door we were met with champers and some topless chaps who were handing out some much needed Scholl products- a very clever idea considering how most people had been on their feet all day at the catwalk shows!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SreYkMolbqI/AAAAAAAAAas/SO3zhq6X9io/s400/SDC11960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383939627178880674" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We didn't waste any time getting this picture!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SreYl8H-fyI/AAAAAAAAAbM/fDZzqdcrn-o/s400/SDC11982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383939657106882338" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hello there!</span></div><div>After polishing off our first Margaritas, Bhav and I decided it was time to work the room and do some serious shmoozing! This is when we stumbled accross fellow blogger <a href="http://www.jj-jj26.blogspot.com/">Janaka</a> and her friend Sindy and discovered that four were, indeedd, much better than two.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amongst the crowds of designers, fashionistas and overly flirty french men, we then managed to spot Boy George(!) as well as Jodie Harsh and Martine McCutcheon. A random selection indeed, but a good one at that. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SreYlOXOScI/AAAAAAAAAa8/RDTfJumPxCA/s1600-h/SDC11973.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SreYlOXOScI/AAAAAAAAAa8/RDTfJumPxCA/s400/SDC11973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383939644822800834" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Flirty french man trying his luck with Sindy, Bhav and J!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spoilsport George didn't want to have his photo taken, but we managed to grab Mr/s Harsh for a quick picture.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SreYlsHeT0I/AAAAAAAAAbE/EGLBhpUdemw/s400/SDC11981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383939652809805634" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Boy George who?!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The night continued with a brilliant set from Soul II Soul and another from DJ's Pandora's Jukebox, coupled with a few more cocktails and some crazy stage dancing. (The party feet came in particularly handy at this stage!)</div><div><br /></div><div>The party rounded off at around 11 leaving us with plenty of time to get back to our hotel and eat the biggest sandwich known to man, then fall asleep like the crazy party people we are!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SrebRjR5gUI/AAAAAAAAAbk/11MWfuZoWUU/s400/SDC12002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383942605375111490" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Good grief that's a hefty sandwich!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>All in all it was a really brilliant night and I am so happy and grateful to have been chosen. A massive thank you has to go to Louise Bowles at Myriad PR for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">everything</span>, and of course the rest of the Scholl and Myriad girls for organising it all and treating us like princesses :)</div><div><br /></div><div>And thank <b>you</b> for reading if you have made it this far, well done! xxx</div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-77440863645999315252009-09-15T21:19:00.003+01:002009-09-15T21:42:42.778+01:00Scholl party feet blog girl- Runner up!So I didn't win the competition :(* but I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">did</span> make runner up! Hurrah! :)<div><br /></div><div> This means I don't get front seats at the On Off catwalk shows during London Fashion Week but I dooo get to go to the On Off party and mingle with all the journalists and possibly designers? I'm not even sure who's going but it is going to be mega. Also, I got £100 spending money, £100 of Scholl products, a pair of their new A/W '09 shoes <i>and </i>overnight stay in a plush hotel for two (not that I've decided who I'm taking yet ooops). NOT BAD! </div><div><br /></div><div>Can you tell I'm excited? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the point of this post isn't to brag (I'm not, promise!) but to ask for your help lovely bloggers. I don't know much about the On Off party *hangs head in shame* and I am getting in a right faff over what to wear. Obviously I have already been shopping. Twice. However, what ever I buy I'm thinking, is it formal enough? Is it too formal? I only have until Saturday, so if any one has any ideas for some killer outfits they think might be suitable, feel free to let me know! Right now I'm thinking black, studs, sequins and short ;) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-77005380082536890662009-09-15T18:14:00.003+01:002009-09-15T18:57:02.160+01:00We have a winner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TQ24cGuI/AAAAAAAAAak/7T7bmgjiqlM/s1600-h/SDC11907.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">That's it folks. Contest closed. Thank you all for entering, but we now have a winner! My good friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sonali</span> kindly acted as independent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">adjudicator</span> and picked the name from a hat (well, bag). So....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">THE PERFECTLY POLISHED</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> contest! Hurrah for you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And here are some pictures to show you the very exciting and not at all original method of picking the winner. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TQ24cGuI/AAAAAAAAAak/7T7bmgjiqlM/s1600-h/SDC11907.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TPuv4kxI/AAAAAAAAAaU/pFekn7VC4CU/s1600-h/SDC11905.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TPuv4kxI/AAAAAAAAAaU/pFekn7VC4CU/s400/SDC11905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381752346931401490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sonali</span> fondling the contestants. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ooeer</span>.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TPVu0UeI/AAAAAAAAAaM/DdMswvGKNb0/s1600-h/SDC11903.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TPVu0UeI/AAAAAAAAAaM/DdMswvGKNb0/s400/SDC11903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381752340216041954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'Please stop taking photos of me now'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TQ24cGuI/AAAAAAAAAak/7T7bmgjiqlM/s1600-h/SDC11907.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TQVeFXLI/AAAAAAAAAac/xjP84Mgbf6E/s1600-h/SDC11906.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TQVeFXLI/AAAAAAAAAac/xjP84Mgbf6E/s400/SDC11906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381752357325724850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'God I hope there's actually something written on this piece of paper'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq_TQ24cGuI/AAAAAAAAAak/7T7bmgjiqlM/s400/SDC11907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381752366294637282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'Oh good, there is! :D'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">That's it for this time folks. As I said, thanks for entering, and I'm sure there will be another one soon! xxx</span></span></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-80097350334410011152009-09-13T14:58:00.010+01:002009-09-15T12:34:29.868+01:00Maybelline and Aussie pampering event<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: -webkit-monospace; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre; "><script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10658857-1"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); </span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: -webkit-monospace; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre; ">} catch(err) {}</script></span>I couldn't subject you to another Maybelline event blog post as there are so many going round at the moment, so I thought I would just sum up my recent activities in one nice <s>boring</s> insightful post for you!</div><div><br /></div><div>THURSDAY was another lovely event where I got to catch up with fellow bloggers, in particular the 'Leeds massive', learn more about the Maybelline New York brand and of course try out lots of nice new products. The main two being the new Pulse Perfection mascara and the Colour Sensational lipsticks both of which I have already been trying out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sqz-If-a6uI/AAAAAAAAAZc/rHzgC050GhM/s400/SDC11865.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380955076776618722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Me, Carly, Daisy and Victoria</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sqz-Iwel3rI/AAAAAAAAAZk/ftoyTHEj-Tc/s400/SDC11867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380955081206521522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Me getting a makeover!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>So far I am loving pretty much all the lipsticks- particularly galactic mauve which is something I would never normally have gone for, but I love it. They are very creamy and glide on nicely, however the staying power isn't great, unlike their 12 hour products which you literally cannot get off your face for about two days!</div><div><br /></div><div>The vibrating mascara is a bit of a sore subject at the moment because I really had high hopes for this and was quite excited to try it, but so far I've found it pretty pointless. Although it lengthens, it makes my lashes really 'spidery' and doesn't curl at all. It is certainly not a worth rival for Rimmel Sexy Curves (*cough* much cheaper) I love that stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq0H7xUysiI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/t-fWrSQwY0Q/s400/pulse+perfection.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380965853211832866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 238px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">'Are you ready to be turned on?' Ew not from a mascara thanks</span>!</span></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>FRIDAY was one of those 'I can't leave the house I'm waiting for a phone call' days. I was waiting to see if I was the chosen one for Scholl's competition. Alas, they have moved it to Monday. Cue the panicking. </div><div><br /></div><div>SATURDAY was my first shift back at Tottenham football ground. I work in one of the executive suits there and serve the rich folks some very expensive champers and food. It's actually really fun working there because we get to see people like Alan Sugar, the Redknapps, various players and WAGs! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, after work we (the BFF, Emma and I) dashed off to the Aussie pampering event for some blow dry action from Adee Phelan*. We got to meet lots of lovely bloggers, as well as Thom, Lauren, Tim and Camilla from <a href="http://www.1000heads.co.uk/">1000 Heads</a> <i>and</i> have our hair premed to perfection by the stylists using the gorgeously smelling Aussie products. We then headed off to the Hospital (club) for some raw whores and wasabi nuts. Yup...</div><div>I had a great time meeting everyone and being pampered, so a big thank you to the 1000 heads team, to Aussie, and Adee Phelan for the kind use of his salon!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/Sq0HNr8b9wI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/bnMhXKdbkVo/s400/SDC11896.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380965061493520130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Poor guy, we cornered him and he couldn't escape the paps!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>*He was on The Salon like five years ago and Emma used to love him :-P )</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118312947555809767.post-55922459328058953042009-09-10T16:07:00.001+01:002009-09-10T21:24:18.709+01:00Garnier VS Body Shop skincare<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SqjU7KNX_aI/AAAAAAAAAZU/7aKVohkNExo/s1600-h/garnier-pure-active.jpg"></a><div>Garnier Pure Active and The Body Shop Aloe range are the two skin care products I have been trying out over the past month or so in order to make my skin as flawless as possible. Here I'm putting them head to head to decide which is better in terms of effectiveness/smell/price/shelf life etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please remember though, this is just my opinion, and every one's skin is different. Things that may work for some people may not work as well for others, and vice versa.</div><div><br /></div><div>Firstly, I tested out all the <a href="http://www.garnier.co.uk/_en/_gb/our_products/products_trade.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS^PRD_SKINCARE^ACTIVE_SKIN^ACTIVE_SKIN_BENEFITS">Garnier Pure Active</a> range...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SqjU7KNX_aI/AAAAAAAAAZU/7aKVohkNExo/s1600-h/garnier-pure-active.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SqjU7KNX_aI/AAAAAAAAAZU/7aKVohkNExo/s400/garnier-pure-active.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379783867711880610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>image couresy of Garnier.co.u</i>k</div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blackhead Scrub</b>- This smells fresh, doesn't feel too grainy despite the microbeads and can be applied gently without ripping your face off. However, it is a little gooey and if you don't take care washing it all off, it may lead to 'snotty face' (technical term, <s> don't </s> look it up). You know, when half way through the day you touch your face and you find a gooey patch or a little microbead. Not cool. Aside from that though, it's A-OK.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Deep Pore Wash</b>- Nice consistency, smells like 'boy', but bearable. I use it before I go to bed. Naturally it hasn't really improved my horrible random patch of spots (gross) but it does make my face feel nice and clean before I go to bed, and that's always a good thing. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Facial Toner</b>- I hate toners. As a dry skin sufferer, there is no place in my life for toners. But, in the name of beauty and for my love of you, dear followers, I gave it a go. Never again will I do that. It smelt even stronger of 'boy', almost burnt my face off, and just generally wasn't a pleasant experience. I gave it to my brothers though (greasy skinned chaps) and they seem to quite like it, although there were a few grumbles like 'I've still got spots' but that's just from your average unclean, spotty teen isn't it, really!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Spot-on Roll on</b>- The name is a bit of a tongue twister- and a cheesy one at that, but aside from that, it is an average spot treater. I say average because I have had better, but I've also had worse. I actually quite like the roll on- contrary to popular opinion. It feels a bit like your deodorising your face, but again, it makes you feel clean. (I clearly have a complex about feeling dirty!) If you have a big hum dinger and want it gone by the morning, don't rely on this. But if you have a few little pimples and you need something to reduce the redness then I suggest this for you, and your brothers/boyfriends/dads(?).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Spot Fighting 24 Hour Moisturiser</b>- I love this. But, I love it as a moisturiser and nothing more, as that is all it is good for. It has a lovely fresh scent, it's non greasy and very economical. It doesn't particularly 'fight spots', but it doesn't contribute to them or cause them, as others can do. It is a staple in my house hold, and seems like it works for everyone. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Garnier Pure Active cleans skin and helps fight spots (slowly), but it will make you smell like like an adolescent boy. The price is affordable, around £2 for each product, and available in all pharmacies and supermarkets.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BS9gbHrb4c/SqjU6xqMOQI/AAAAAAAAAZM/BdmvuPwCNaw/s400/C_ShopByLine_Aloe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379783861121857794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 115px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Image courtesy of thebodyshop.co.uk</span></i></div><div><a href="http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/aloe-skin-care">Body Shop Aloe range</a> is recommended for 'Skin that needs gentle care '. So sensitive skin basically. It is a right pain having sensitive skin because if you have a spot or any blemishes, there's not really much available that you can use without burning your face off with an acid like toner/spot treatment, or waiting for days for your 'super sensitive' product to kick in and clear the damn things away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, the Aloe range don't really claim to fight spots, they just aim to 'soothe and protect' the skin. This is something the products really manage to do successfully.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Calming Face Cleanser</b>- A really simple, creamy cleanser. Squeezes out, rubs in smoothly and wipes off makeup or dirt or whatever you have on your face pretty easily. It almost feels like you are cleansing with a moisturiser as it is so creamy and smooth. The smell is light and doesn't linger, but the clean feeling does. A great basic cleanser, but if you require more intensive cleansing then this probably won't not be enough for you. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Calming Toner</b>- I know what your thinking. Calming? Toner? Those words don't mix? Well, on the one occasion I did try this (I'm sorry, I just hate using toners!) I used it after the cleanser and it felt like it was finishing off the job quite nicely. My face felt even cleaner and there was no sign of irritation or burning. I still don't <i>quite</i> see the point of them though myself, sorry!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gentle Face Wash</b>- Feels like your washing your face with a foamy version of the toner. That's it. Oh, and I have used it every night (when I remember) for a while, and my skin does seem a bit clearer, so yes, it also seems to fight spots!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Soothing Moisturiser spf 15</b>- The downfall of this range in my eyes. The product is <i>so </i>greasy it is like applying a cheap suncream which doesn't intensely moisturise, it just sticks on the surface like a big shiny mess. I used this once, I hated it. I then went back to it and my feelings were still the same. Boo hiss.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Aloe range serves well for essential-yet basic-cleansing, toning and purifying. However, add the moisturiser in and you get a horrible greasy mess to your freshly cleansed skin. The products are slightly more pricey around the £6 mark, but you know what your getting and there are no false promises to 'rid your skin of spots after one application', yet it does help unclog pores thus prevent spots. Genius. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>What do you think about these ranges? Has any one tried either of them? Which do you prefer? If you think you have found the perfect skin care range, let me know! </i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><strike><div><div><br /></div></div></strike>Nicolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774979848610518152noreply@blogger.com4