MAC and World Aids Day- 1st December

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As you will no doubt know, I luuurrrvvee MAC Cosmetics. I love the feeling you get when you wander round a store, the fun you can have swatching the pressed eyeshadows, the smell of the wipes, the feel of the brushes......ohhh yeeaahhh *drools*

Because of this snazzy (blowing my own trumpet a bit there) blog, MAC kindly email me little previews of new lines or upcoming offers, which I always read with interest. I don't tend to post about them though (slap my wrist please) but this time, I felt it would be wrong not to.

December the first sees in World Aids day and along with tonnes of other organisations and company's (even my new office) MAC is supporting this valid cause.

Rather than bore you with my shoddy explanation of what MAC is doing, I am going to quote the email (sneaky tehehe). I've dotted about a few products that make mula for this great charity but if you pop yourself along to the website, you will find lots more of enticing goodies. I fully endorse this whole shibang- it's always a winner to support those less fortunate than yourself and you can buy yourself MAC products, guilt free!

MAC Say:

"On December 1, 2010 – makeup artists from M∙A∙C Cosmetics in London, Edinburgh and Dublin will put away their makeup kits and don red ribbons to participate in a company-wide volunteer effort to honor World AIDS Day.

Please find below a brief outline of our involvement….

M∙A∙C artists from London and Edinburgh will pitch in to help at London’s Positive East and Edinburgh’s Waverley Care and give up some of their free time to decorate nominated service areas and meeting rooms which are frequently used by visitors to both Charities. The M.A.C Aids Fund has supported Positive East since 2006 and Edinburgh’s Waverley Care for over 10 years.

To raise awareness on World Aids Day in Dublin, M∙A∙C Friends and Colleagues are joining the Open Heart House charity “Sleep Out”. This will be the inaugural Open Heart House “Sleep Out” and it is a great way for M∙A∙C to develop the support it has given to this charity since January 2000.

Did you know that one Viva Glam purchase can…….

· Provide 1 nutritious meal for a support group for 2 days.

· Provide support and education for 5 pregnant women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS giving them the tools to prevent transmission to their unborn child.

· Buy 1 pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS.

· Purchase 1 school starter pack of stationery for a child orphaned by AIDS.

· Buy 1 vegetable seed starter pack for a community garden.

· Purchase health education posters for a child care resource centre

· Provide 1 Party Pack for a child to celebrate Christmas, Easter or a birthday.

 

Since the inception of the M∙A∙C Aids Fund, together we have raised in excess of $190,000,000 (Since 1998, through the sale of Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglosses, the UK and Eire have raised over £4.4m), which is a fantastic achievement towards the help & support of people who are living with HIV & AIDS."

What do you think Bloggerinos?

Toodlepip!

xx

Images courtesy of MAC.
They did send me some rather snazzy press pictures but could I download them? Nooooo. Once again, technology fails me. *sigh*

Catchy catchy catch up

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I'm having to type this in a really cackhanded fashion because I just slammed my swearwording index finger in the swearwording wardrobe door, looking for a pair of swearworing tights! Gargh!! I've got the rage I tell you!

I thought I would give you a little life update post as I have lots of life to update (hahaha I just made myself think of that line from Bugs Life where the Queen says "That's our lot in life! It's not a lot, but that's our life!" haha oh it tickles me so). As you can see, the pain of my throbbing finger has gone to my brain and I appear to be somewhat delirious.

So, tomorrow I am starting a new job. Yeesss I know, I change jobs like the wind but thus is the glamorous nature of a Temp. My job is a little part time number at the council, doing all sorts of officey stuff so should be nice. I quite enjoy working in an office and have come to find that most work on the same basic rules- There is always a hottie (thank god), there is always a really stressy woman who is mean but probably just quite insecure, there is always a boss, there is always someone on your wavelength who you can be your chum. One of my best friends Emma is someone I met when I was working for a very swish company in Liverpool, we hit it off immediately and had many shinangens. Hmmm maybe I should do a little feature on mine and her adventures (they once took us all the way to Ibiza for 2 days ahahahaha)- what do you think?

If only things were like this at an office. Thank you weheartit.com

Just a little subnote here- I was looking for tights for my first day at new work tomorrow. Why not wait til morning? I hear you ask. Well, this is why: When I went for my interview last week, I dramatically underestimated how long it would take me to fanny about getting ready. I suddenly realised I had 5 minutes before I had to get in the car if I was going to make it on time. I dashed to my wardrobe to find some tights but alas, there were none to be had. 3 Minutes to go. Had a desperate search through the wash basket (gross I know but it was dyer times) but no luck. 1 minute to go. Then at last, I found a pair of tights in the spare room and presumed I had left them there because I do tend to leave things everywhere. Pulled them on, got in the car. Felt VERY uncomfortable, like my legs were in cast iron clamps and lets not even get onto how my lady department felt!! I went through the whole job interview suspecting my blood supply to my legs had been cut off, drove home and ripped them off at the front door. It turned out they were my sister's tights. My size 6 sister. I rest my case.

In other job type news, I am just getting involved with a new venture that is all very top secret but I'm VERY, very excited about and I think that when it is launched, may well be something you'll like too......mysterious eh? Watch this space.

What I suspect you are all waiting for is baby girl Watson news. This week I am 24-25 weeks pregnant which sees me at 6 months- good grief doesn't time fly?! My bump is now unmissable and I can feel her kick/punch, wriggle and turn. I really love feeling her move and tell her a silent hello (if I'm in public, always best to try not to look too mental) but recently it's been making me feel quite nauseous and heart burny, mmmm lovely.

People have been soooo generous already. My grandma has knitted her all sorts of things, Matt's parents have bought tonnes of clothes and are sending a pretty generous cheque to enable us to buy a super duper pram/pushchair thingymajib, we've been offered a bouncer by a new neighbour and a steriliser by another relative! Oh, and my Dad says he's bought me a nice changing bag- woop woop! What I was really touched by though is that some of my YouTuberinos have offered to make things for her, like a cross stitch picture for her wall- how kind is that? She's not even born and already so loved.

We haven't had any snow to speak of in our neck of the woods which is a bummer because I luurrvvee the snow, but perhaps it'll be a white Christmas? We're spending it in Formby (near Liverpool) with Matt's parentals, so there will be chocolate and good TV galore!

Mindycat (clutching at straws here hahaha) is pretty cross at the moment. We're keeping her in the kitchen at nights because when baby girl Watson comes, we'll want our bedroom doors open and I don't want Mindy suffocating her or anything, so she's a bit shirty. Honestly, sometimes I feel a bit abashed round her and try and make it up to her with treats, talk about being manipulated!!

I have bought a few nice things really (it had been agggesss since I treated myself), so hopefully a few reviews are on their merry way to you as well.

Hmmm, I've just read this back and realised how looooooong it is, and what's worse is, I don't have any pictures to beautify it.....weheartit.com here I come!

What's been going on in your world?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Lush- Irridescent Glitterbug

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Two Lush reviews in two days, I'm spoiling you!

I have bought three of these to date and will continue to purchase these because in my eyes, they're fabulous. The Glitterbug is infact a bug shaped massage bar chocablock full of bluish mauve sparkles that transfer to the skin with the staying power of no other glitter product I've tried before. If glitter isn't your thing, then I'd recommend you stay well back!

My first experience of the famous Glitterbug is not one I relish. I was 18, at university in Liverpool and eagerly getting ready for a big night out. I had popped into Lush that day and grabbed a few things, not really taking the time to find out what they're uses were. What a mistake-a to make-a!!! I foolishly presumed the sparkly little bug was a soap, jumped in the shower and rubbed it EVERYWHERE. I remember thinking it was a bit odd that it didn't lather and was rather scratchy but carried on none the less.

It wasn't until I stepped out of the shower and looked at myself (nudey tudey) in the full length mirror that I was met with a blue, sparkly, mirrorballed human smurf! I had put soooooooooo much on that I had literally turned myself blue! I nipped next door to ask my flatmate if I was perhaps over exaggerated the situation but alas, she confirmed I looked MENTAL. I learnt a valuable lesson that night- befriend the Lush Sales Assistant and do your research!

I love the moment before you open a Lush product and it is all new and fresh and pristine. Mmmm

Since then, I have learnt the art of the Glitterbug. The idea is to warm up the bar in your hands and then either use as you would any other Lush massage product or use the residue from your hands to rub into anywhere you want the shimmer. I like it on my arms, shoulders and decolletage, but not my face!

Aside from it's obvious brilliance (gliiittttteerrrr), it also has other fantastic properties, like the shea and cocoa butter it's made from that give your skin a well earned drink. Glittery moisturised skin? Yes please. Lush tell us that it's scent is made up of rose, neroli and sweet vanilla, but to me it just smells of Glitterbug...helpful!

I have looked on the website and it seems to have gone, although when I was in store today, they had plenty, phewf!

The Iridescent Glitterbug retails for £3.25 (i think!) and will last you a VERY long time, well worth it for its unique effects, moisturising properties and general yumminess to have in your collection.

Have you tried this? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Lush - Once a Year

Aloha Bloggerinos,

What a festive Saturday I'm having! Matt is here tapping away on his laptop, the cat is curled up, Love Actually is on, I've done a bit of present wrapping and we just had bacon rolls- bliss, bbuuuurrrrliss!

With this in mind, I thought I'd give you my thoughts on the most Christmassy massage bar I have ever smelt- Once a Year. This massage bar retails at £3.95 for 60g which is quite steep in my opinion but if you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?

It consists of the big pink oval and a quirky cream moustash which has gold sparkles in it. I did detect a hint of shimmer in the pink oval too but nothing substantial, so if you aren't a glitter fan (a crime in my eyes) then you'll still be alright.

This little number is packed with shea butter (your skin will love you for this), almond essential oil and hazelnut oil which is said to have deep moisturising properties and form a protective layer around your skin without blocking pores- super!

Sparkle sparkle!

When I first smelt this I thought "Mmmmmmmmmm Christmas!" but couldn't quite put my finger on it. Maybe desserts and suchlike? Since looking on the website, I have discovered that is in infact Brandy! Whilst brandy isn't my usual tipple, the scent is distinctly festive and something I really enjoy. I would also say that the fragrance isn't overly feminine or girly, so could be used with a loved one...ooerr missus ;)

I love this so much I may well buy a backup because it saddens me greatly when LE items leave us, like Jingle Spells did, and never come back.

Have you tried this? How's your wrapping coming along? Anyone want to send me another Once a Year? Mwahaha!

Toodlepip!

xx

A New Start

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As some of you may well have noticed, my blog has had a bit of an overhaul. I felt it was getting a bit cluttered and messy but didn't know how to sort it. To be honest, it's a wonder I managed to set it up in the ruddy first place!

So here I was, whinging away to Zoe of Zoella about the whole thing and taaadddaaaa she fixed it for me! I'm still bugging her for a few more tweaks that hopefully you will see soon (muchos thankos zoe!) but so far, what do you think? Don't you think it looks a lot cleaner and fresher? I feel like singing that song that goes, "it's FRESH! Exciiiiiiting, do do do do do doooooo".

If you don't recognise Zoe, I will eat my hat.

So this post is to say, "Hi, My name's Louise and I'm back in love with my blog" and also, most importantly, a MASSIVE thank you to Zoe, who didn't have to spend a long time doing this for me but she did anyway and I appreciate it so very much.

Lots of fun and exciting things coming up :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Bella Sugar Cosmetics Update

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I'm just uploading a Barry M Collection video on YouTube and I thought whilst I'm waiting I would give you a quick update on Bella Sugar Cosmetics.

Do you remember a while ago I reviewed some eyeshadows from there and loved them? Well they are have a 40% off sale for Thanksgiving! Yabbadabbadoooo! I know here in the UK we don't celebrate it, but if there's a sale to be had, I'm game :)

All products are freshly handmade and have fantastic pigment. Click HERE to go to the etsy shop but if I were you, I would check out her blog because she has reeealllly good swatched of every colour going, plus more details on the sale- Bella Sugar Cosmetics Blog.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodlepip!

xx

Pregnancy Update- 22 Weeks

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Just a quickie to let you know I got back on the YouTube ball and made a VERY honest pregnancy update video.

If you wanted to check it out, click the link on the right for my channel and enjoy!

Hope you've had a good week and for those of us in the UK have done something worthwhile for Children In Need :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Last Chance on YSL Parisienne Eau de Parfum

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Remember aggess ago I did that big blog sale? A few items never went because people reserved and didn't pay (naughty girls), so because I want to clear out that box of things, I will do individual sales now and again at reduced prices.

Today is the YSL Parisienne Eau de Parfum (30ml). It is in it's original box and in mint condition, spritzed once but not my cup of tea. Could easily be a sneaky little stocking filler for Christmas.

Sold- to one of my most loyal Bloggerinos- Missmascara1983, thank you xxx

 

I'm selling it for £19.99 and this INCLUDES postage and packaging, wherever you live on ze planet. I will wrap in acid free coloured tissue paper and sprinkle on a handful of sprinkles too, seeing as it's nearly that festive time of year.

Paypal only. No returns. I'll have proof of postage if need be. First come, first serve.

Three, two, one, GO!

Toodlepip!

xx

YouTube Video- What do you want to know?

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I've been a bit slack on the youtube front of late so this week going to get myself into gear and make some. I have a few ideas but one I definitely want to put up is a pregnancy update, now I'm 5 and 1/2 months gone.

So, what I would like to know, on the pregnancy front, is what would YOU like to know about? No pregnancy related question will put me off, I won't be offended or grossed out, ask away and I shall answer! Please be specific and if you leave a name, I'll give you a shoutout too!

Toodlepip!

xx

Merry Breakfast One and All

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Today I have put a festive twist on my usual breakfast cereal. I have replaced the cereal with mince pies and the milk with double cream, mwhahahahaha! I am sooooooo game for Christmas! Being the kind owner I am, I offered Mindy some cream but she looked disgusted. What kind of a cat doesn't like cream?? I was all set to make witty remarks like "Oh she looks like the cat that got the cream" etc, but no, I was robbed.

This week, since we last spoke at least, I have been continuing with my Christmas Crafts and made a whole host of christmas cards, some christmas stockings, some big fabric hair bows for my sister (she actually requested these about six hundred and twenty years ago but I'm only just getting round to it-woopsie), notelet packs, bracelets, christmas tree decorations annnndd that's about it. Which, if any, would you like to see tutorials for?

On Thursday my Auntie Judith took me to the most amazing fabric place EVER. It was like material heaven and I nearly did a little wee in my maternity jeans (never going back to regular ones now) I was so excited. I was quite restrained though and bought a couple of fabrics to make teeny weeny skirts on my sewing machine and a couple of really soft quarters to make pretty burp clothes. I know she'll only sick up on them but they'll be nice for special days out etc. I'm hoping to get good at little skirts for her, that will go over tights and body suits and then make loooaaadss. I have tonnes of lace and rick-rack to embellish so I'm pretty excited!

I'm in the process of making a few more flower rings as these went down a bloomin' storm last time.

Well that's all for now, enjoy the festive snap courtesy of googleimages.com.

Toodlepip!

xx

Quickie Quickie Bargain Alert!!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Sorry to bombard you with 3 posts in one day, this is a bit random. I was just looking on the Eyeko website to see if my link worked from my previous post (yes, I'm anal) and saw a HUGE BARGAIN!!

Eyeko are doing a VIP Set for £30.00, which includes two nail polishes, a new fat balm, a new lipgloss, a graffiti liner, the original glow cream, a pretty mascara and it will all come packaged in the lovely canvass bag that I was given at the event a while back.

For £30.00 this is a massive saving and I know they only do this deal once in a while, for a limited time. With Christmas coming up, you could spilt the set up and give individual items to friends, or just spoil yourself rotten and keep it all, mwhahahaha!

To have a looksie, click HERE and as always, if you would like a freebie, enter my Ambassador Code (E11341) at the checkout. You obviously don't have to, but who doesn't want a free item??

Are you game?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I have been using this for a few weeks now, since I was given it at the Eyeko event way back when. I didn't review it straight away as I felt it was something that needed a good lot of use beforehand. What I can say though is that it certainly hasn't disappointed!

What Eyeko say:

"Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow is a multitasking highlighter with all the benefits of your favourite cult classic Eyeko Cream. This NEW dreamy pink cream is loaded with micro light reflecting pigments perfect for creating a soft focus sheen. Add a flattering highlights to brow and cheek bones, your cupids bow, even collar bones and shins for a touch of moonlit magic."

This product is very similar in results to Benefit High Beam, which I have been fond of for years. However, whilst High Beam retails at a whopping £17.50 for a nail varnish sized pot, the Eyeko Extra Glow is a much more affordable £8.00 for a big tub full- economical non?

I use this cool toned light pink luminescent cream to add a pearly highlighting effect on areas I want to draw attention to, such as: cheek bones, collar bones, shoulders (it makes my skin look luurvvly and adds a gorgeous glow if wearing strappy tops), just under my eyebrows as a highlighter, the bridge of my nose and as Eyeko suggests, even down my legs to create an alluring sheen- oh lala. Sometimes I add a blob to my moisturiser and schmear (there's that word again) it all over for a slight glow.

The formula isn't sticky or drying, which is a big plus for me because I'm quite particular about textures, weird I know. It doesn't really have a scent, which is something else I like. You hardly need to use any to achieve the desired effect so I am confident that this will last me a loonngg time.

All in all I think this a fab product and definitely a regular in my makeup routine.

You can purchase this from the EYEKO WEBSITE and for a free gift, enter my Ambassador Code at the checkout : E11341

What do you think Bloggerinos? Have you tried this little gem?

Toodlepip!

xx

Every Girl Needs a Wardrobe

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I've been spending a lot of time clearing out our guest room, which has fast become our junk room, to make way for Baby Girl Watson.

One of the big tasks was to totally empty the little wardrobe which was crammed full of everything you can imagine! I'm going to sand the inside, clean and paint it pink and maybe add a few sparkles here and there. If this girl is anything like her Mummy, she will love it! Her poor Daddy has no chance! haha!

Anyhoo, whilst I was sorting the enormous piles of crap which had accumulated on the floor, Mindy took a running jump and made herself at home. Turns out the girliness in her took over.

As every day passes I love this little baby girl more and more and am really enjoying girlifying another room of our home.

Have you done anything special or crafty in any of your rooms? Tell me about it.

Toodlepip!

xx

Christmas Crafts :: Fabric Brooches/Corsages

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With Christmas around the corner (46 festive nights away to be precise), Santa (aka, me) is busy busy in his workshop, crafting all sorts of lovely gifts.

These corsages are so easy to make and require very basic sewing skills.

What you will need:

1. A few different colours of synthetic material. It HAS to be synthetic to make the edges curl, more on this later. I picked my sheer organza type fabric up from a place called Abakhans in Liverpool. If you live in scouseland, I strongly suggest you check this place out. It's an Aladdin's cave of bargainous craft stuff, everything you can imagine :)

2. A candle and matches/lighter.

3. Scissors.

4. Needle and thread.

5. Safety pin or brooch back. (I used a safety pin as I had these to hand).

6. Embellishments. I used assorted glass beads and a few flat faux pearls. You could use buttons, sequins, beads, stick on gems or anything jazzy that you can get your hands on. Don't go crazy spending money if you can't, this is the perfect opportunity to use the bits of that broken necklace or old buttons.

How to make your corsage:

1. Cut out varying sizes of circles from your materials. The more circles you use, the fuller your brooch will look. I usually go for about five circles, but it is entirely up to you. Cut the circles by eye, you're going to be curling the edges so no need for total accuracy here.

2. Melt the edges of your circles over a lit candle. This is quite easy but its best to have a couple of trials first. You want to just run the fabric through the flame to create a curled edge and enhance the petal-like effect.

3. Stack the petals on top of each other in size order until it looks how you want it. It should now look corsagey.

4. Using your needle and thread, pop a few stitches through the centre of the corsage to tie all the petals together.

5. Sew/glue on your chosen embellishments.

6. Sew/glue on your safety pin.

This project is great as it's so versatile and can be kept basic for beginners or jushed up a bit for a more advanced crafter. You can go to town with embellishments, colours, layers and textures. Why not incorporate bows or feathers?

These will now be carefully wrapped, sent to Father Christmas and dropped down my Aunties chimneys. Lovely.

Is this something you have, or might in the future try? If you have any questions, do let me know :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Pregnancy Update- 20 Weeks

Aloha Bloggerinos,

This little (or long as it has turned out) post will be especially for all the lovely Bloggerinos who have been asking about my pregnancy/telling me how broody they are/just being lovely-ahhh :)

If pregnant women wittering on about they're aches and pains isn't your bag, look away now!

So, as the title suggests, I'm 20 weeks pregnant now and feeling marvellous. We had our 5 month scan on Friday and it was truly the one of the best 30 minutes of my life! Matt was able to come to this one so for him, it was the first time he saw it. We saw the all four chambers of the heart, both halves of the brain, it's spine, ribs, leg bones, eye sockets, mouth, nose, everything. It was just an amazing experience to see our little baby moving about on the screen, totally unaware that it's parents were looking on loving it to bits.

After all the routine checks were confirmed as normal (hurrah!), the sonographer had a good look at baby's bits and told us we're having a little baby........................girl!!!! I literally burst into tears I was so happy. Matt had tears in his eyes and even the sonographer shed a tear with us. People always describe these moments as amazing and I never really got it, I just thought they were being dramatic, but now I understand. It was a moment when nothing else filled the room except pure and untainted joy. Joy for the moment and joy for what was to come.

Now I know what we're having, I feel a million times more bonded with her and sooooo excited. It's mad because I was so sure she was a he, and here I am, dreaming of sparkly shoes and frilly dresses.

In the last few weeks I have been feeling movement and in the last 10 days or so I have been feeling clear kicks and punches. It feels like someone tapping you with their finger but from the inside and is so odd!! You kind of forget your pregnant sometimes and then you have a little knock knock from baby and smile to yourself, that oh yes, your little baby loves you. The other morning, I was laying really still and she was kicking quite vigorously and Matt was able to feel her! I was so glad. I want him to be able to feel as close to her as I do, I think he does.

I had a bit of a scare last week, when I was bent over double in pain. Urgh it was awful. I know aches are usual as they are your body stretching to accommodate little one, but this was unreal. I went to the emergency dr and after a good prod about, he just said she had had a rather large growth spurt and my body was struggling to adjust- stretchy stretchy! I'm feeling a lot better now so panic not.

I've developed some oh-so-sexy stretch marks on my tummy too. I can't say I'm overly bothered by them though because I just think they are my body making my baby. If it contributes to a lovely baby it can't be that bad.

I have a properly defined bump now, which is just lovely and I find myself stroking it, or her, absent mindedly. Matt and I often talk about things we're going to do with her, show her, teach her. I feel so lucky to be able to have all this.

We've picked out her names but we'll be keeping these schtum until she's born I'm afraid. We've told both sets of parents and a few friends and the majority have loved her name. My Dad and Stepmum didn't seem too enamoured with it but there we are, I tried not to be too hurt- what a luxury to be able to be brutally honest eh?

We're slowly building our stash of stuff up, although I'm yet to buy anything pink or girly, mainly due to lack of funds :(. People have been so generous though and bought lots of lovely baby things so I am really pleased. I've been spending far too much time trawling through Etsy.com (like an eBay but for wonderful handmade products) for those gorgeous big headbands you see little American babies in. I haven't seen any over here and I don't want to put the baby in regular headbands because their heads are so delicate.

Anyway, have I rambled on long enough? haha. No snaps to share this time, hope you can forgive me :)

Are any of you pregnant/trying/had a baby? I love hearing other people's stories. Orrr do any of you make/sell those lovely baby headbands? Do let me know.

Lots of maternal love,

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Ages and aggeess ago, I was very kindly sent a couple of bits from Mac and since I've now had a good amount of time to give them a whirl, I thought I'd tell you my findings. I was sent the Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun (from the Venomous Villains collection) and a mascara which we'll no doubt talk about another time.

What MAC have to say about it:

"A silky, feather-light powder, formulated with 70% water, dusts on to the skin as a cooling mist to set and enhance the look of any foundation. Beyond sheer: light-reflecting and translucent. A virtually invisible way to add luminosity and a soft radiant glow to the skin. Limited edition."

I have always been a pressed powder bronzer kind of a gal, so when I opened this, I was a little worried. I tend to make a total mess of loose pigment products and having a white carpet, this is a problemo. There's no way round it other than a careful hand and a lot of tapping-off-excess-ness really- any other suggestions, I'll be glad to hear them!

I apply this bronzer with my (fake- I was swizzed on Ebay dagnamit) MAC due fibre brush in a swirly motion to the apples of my cheek, temples and a smidge on my forhead and nose. When you first apply it, it really does feel cool in temperature, almost wet even, which was quite a surprise. I've not come across a product which has that effect. I think this coolness will feel amazing in the summer- what a winner.

The formula is VERY concentrated, so a teensy weensy bit goes a reeeaaallllyy long way. This comes as some consolation for the fact that it retails at £23.00, which I believe to be a bit steep for a bronzer that wouldn't last as long as this baby.

This incrediably finely milled bronzer is a medium-dark brown with a very, very slight hint of shimmer. It's a tiny bit too dark for my pale complexion but if used sparingly and buffed in well, it looks nicely natural. It has a decent staying time and is easy to remove- bonus.

This isn't a product I use daily because of the mess, but it's one I bring out for nights out and special occasions. I hope that come summer, I can make much better use of this.

Have you tried or would you try this? What do you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

Christmas Crafts :: Chic Garland

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With winter well and truly here (as I type, my windows are about to be blown in by gale force winds and also, veering of course a bit here, my 60 something year old neighbours are having some shockingly loud 'couple time' if you get my jist- erlack), I felt it time to crack open the craft box and get busy.

As previously mentioned, I am currently rich in time but poor in mula, so this Christmas is going to be inspired by vintage, handmade and upcycling- very fashionable dontchya know? I've set myself the challenge of using up all the copious supplies I have and will not, not, NOT go to HobbyCraft under any circumstances!!

So, one of the first things I have made was inspired by my Ideal Homes (I think) Christmas magazine which Matt bought me at an M6 service station, I do love that man. Basically, it's a paper garland that you can adapt to however you like and hang pretty much anywhere- versatile oui??

I would described the skill level of this project as- superduper basic. A monkey could do it I would think.

What you need:

1. Paper. I used paper from a music book jobby that I bought at a charity shop last year (gawd knows why). 2. Scissors/Stamp cutter. I already have a circle and heart cutter from HobbyCraft, but you could just use scissors to cut whatever shape you like. I suggest using a template for accuracy though.

3. Ribbon or string cut to whatever length you want your garland (remember to leave a little bit at each end to loop or hook.

4. Glue. I used kiddy type PVA, just because that's what I found first :)

5. Gems/Glitter/Embellishments. This is optional. I used hot pink crystals. Ohh yeeaah.

Cut/stamp out your shapes. I went for circle and then heart alternatively. Next time I'll do just hearts but you live and learn.

Squeeze out your glue into something. That pot is an old nailvarnish wipe pot. You seeeee crafts and cosmetics go hand in hand. Ho ho.

On one side schmear (mm love that word sscchhmmeeaarr) you glue and lay the ribbon/string on it. Then, take another shape of the exact same size and lay it on top, to make a ribbon/strong sandwich if you will.

To add a bit of festive sparkle, embellish however you fancy. I stuck on little gems. I used the end of a plastic fork to splot the glue on so that I could make a small gem sized blob and prevent a glue related nightmare!

Leave to dry and voila, a very unique garland that you can hang from the tree, mantelpiece, banister or wherever you fancy. You could also adapt this for other occasions- pink hearts on red ribbon for Valentines, orange pumpkin shapes on green ribbon for Halloween etc. I may even make some for the nursery in girly shapes and colours of boyish ones. It's a nice easy project that you need very little for. Super.

If you would like to buy a kit for £3.50 (inc P&P anywhere) pop your paypal email in the comment box and I will send it out to you. Kit will include 32 hearts or circles or a mixtures (please specify) which is enough for 16 shapes on the garland, 100 crystals in clear (which is enough for 6-7 on each shape) and 125cm of fairy pink wrapping ribbon (you know like the type you can curl). All you'd need to sort out yourself is your glue, and voila- Your Own Chic Garland Project Kit :)

What do you think? Is this something you might try?

Toodlepip!

xx

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Do excuse the title and unrelated images, I'm just in that merry wintery christmas kinda mood- oohhhh yeeaahhh :)

As you may have noticed, I have been a bit slack on the old blog front of late, so I thought I would fill you in and give you a bit of a chatty post, as these seem to be rather popular. I luurvvvee chatty posts because I feel like I'm off loading my thoughts and find it really theraputic.

(I want trot through here in a nice dress and heels. Mmmm heels, the bump puts paid to any thoughts of sexy high shoes nowadays. Roll on March!)

Well, in the last week or so I have been tres busy. I signed up to a recruitment agency because the job search was going nowhere. They send me on various assignments and my most recent has been at a very well known cosmetic surgery clinic. It's a lovely place, very swish and my main roll (brace yourself) is to label the pictures of ladies boobies, before and after the surgery!! Basically, every man's dream job. Mwahaha.

I've also been temping at my Dad's office, which involved phoning around various international holiday resorts and taking a few details. Out of about 100 calls, I found the American's the best and luurvveedd how they all wished me a good day. I know it's not sincere but I do wish us Brits could share the love a bit. What do you think?

(J'adore wrapping presents and making gorgeous Christmas cards. Pretty pretty)

In pregnancy news I am officially five months pregnant now and blooming! I have a full on bump and am thouroughly enjoying maternity jeans. I am seriously questioning why I have spent my life agonising over jeans shopping, when I could have just bought these beauties and been done with it. Sod dignity, I'm NEVER leaving the bliss of stretchy waist bands. NEVER!!

I can feel him (I think it's a boy) moving about and have had a few light kicks which feels amazing. My scan is this Friday and providing bambino is laying in the correct position, we will see if it has a winky or fairy and can get cracking on painting the nursery- wahoo!!

Being as I'm not working full time, I have found myself rich in time but poor in mula, so this Christmas will be handcrafted as much as possible. I have some super ideas up my sleeve and will be giving you a few tutorials on how to do these too. None of them will be difficult so you will all be able to give them a whirl!

(I want to sit here -on a waterproof somethingorother- and drink hot chocolate and smooch Matt. Tehe)

Our lounge is finally, after 18 months, decorated so I have a "Home Corners" planned for you.

I am love love bloomin' well loving the wintery feel nowadays. I live for this time of year and will literally die with joy if it snows!! There's nothing better than being ll cosy in doors, eating chocolate and snuggling the cat.

I haven't taken any snaps in about 50 years, but I promise I will get cracking and and whip up some homey and crafty posts for you, unless you have any other requests?

Let me know how you're getting on, I love hearing from you all.

Toodlepip!

xx

All images from www.weheartit.com