Ondine

Wedding planning so far

2010-12-19T12:02:00.004Z

Bad bad blogger.

It would appear wedding planning takes up rather more time than anticipated.

I have already had that moment where I thought "Sod it! Let's just run away and get hitched, just us two". Not because anyone's putting demands on us or trying to take control, but simply because the idea of being the centre of attention is really freaking me out. I guess it's something all brides have to get used to.

So - let's focus on what I have achieved so far...

1. We've booked the church, and my godfather is going to marry us.
2. We've booked the organist and choir (again, all close friends)
3. I've bought the bridesmaid's dresses
4. I've bought MY DRESS!!!!!
5. I've designed, had printed and sent out Save The Date cards
6. We've booked the reception

Yet to do, and worrying me slightly
1. Music
2. Hair and makeup
3. Shoes and head....veil? Headpiece?
4. Flowers

On we go. My last Christmas as a Miss is just around the corner..

Wedding dresses I love but can't afford Part 2

2010-10-27T22:16:00.003+01:00

All hail, Oscar de la Renta

Turns out I love lace. Who'd have thought it?!

Shout out to some great wedding blogs

2010-10-27T22:09:00.004+01:00

I have entered a whole new world - it's like knocking on a door...someone opening it and finding a huge noisy party going on on the other side that you didn't even know what going on. My goodness - the wedding scene is massive - whether you're talking dresses, blogs, decorations, DIY, whatever.

So - in case there are any other brides out there - these are a few of the blogs that I'm loving. Most feature real weddings and provide great inspiration. Funny to see the trends - I wonder if 5 years ago people know that so many weddings would feature homemade photobooths (complete with moustache on sticks!) and artfully mismatched plates! Love it all. And it's a great place to see some wedding dresses 'in action'

Snippet and Ink

Green Wedding Shoes

Once Wed

100 Layer Cake

Dress heaven

2010-10-10T19:35:00.005+01:00

I can't and won't spend a fortune on a wedding dress - I'm not sure even if I had thousands at my disposal I could bring myself to, but today I saw my first desirable big bucks frock.

99% of the other wedding dresses I've seen so far have left me cold, but today I stumbled across Alice Temperley's wedding dresses, or rather 'Temperley London' ones which are right up my street.

Behold - the Jean dress

image courtesy of this site

Potential dream dress alert!

I love slinky and retro looking. My ring is antique and I would love a similarly old looking dress to match.

The Mrs among you - what style was your dress? The Misses - what would you wear?

This blog is changing...and so am I....

2010-10-05T19:58:00.005+01:00

A quick update about some upcoming changes and the upcoming metamorphosis of this blog..

So, I've been away.

I went here:
and here:

and here:

and had an amazing time.

We ate great food, we saw beautiful things and we met lovely people.

And most excitingly of all, near the end of the holiday he asked me a question...which resulted in some shopping the weekend we got home. For one of these:

Yes, I'm getting married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <-- it requires a lot of these, there's no getting round it.

So I'm thinking of trying to keep track and making this into a wedding blog. Bit specialist, but why not.

And now to catch up with all of you!

A few things I'm loving right now

2010-07-24T12:22:00.006+01:00

Nails Inc

As I think I said before, the naff packaging always put me off before, but it turns out they're rather great. I also love the way they name their shades after London streets. Latest addition - Warwick Avenue (and for the americans out there...that's 'warrick' if you're in London!)

Here's a rather slapdash application of 2 coats:

Lavender

I bought a bunch the other day which looked and smelled beautiful. Now it's shedding vigourously so I've taken all the little dried buds off and am going to make some little pouches filled with them for drawers. It just smells gorgeous

Bourjois liquid gold eyeshadow

I received this in a swap with a friend - not sure if I'd have ever bothered buying it, but it's turned out to be a winner. I've run out of eyeshadow primer and every Boots I visit is out of stock so I gave this a whirl. It's received bad write-ups I notice but I find a few dabs on the eyelid, then you work quickly and add a beautiful subtle sheen. It also stopped the shadow I then put in my crease from creasing (!) at all - all day long.

Gardening

Well - living in central London you can't hope for much garden unless you're loaded but this summer I planted up the long neglected window boxes for the first time and they're now flowering beautifully. Look at my geraniums!

I feel like a proud parent! Just wait until we move further out and I get my hands on a whole garden! They're just beautiful.

Things I'm loving right now

2010-06-25T07:11:00.007+01:00

Macarons

I was a lover of Laduree even before they hit the big time in England and became fashionable, and there's very little I wouldn't do for a salt caramel or blackcurrant violet piece of heaven from them, but while at the Taste of London festival this year I discovered someone else who makes them - a company called Bougie. Macarons - delicious, packaging - gorgeous.

Peonies

My two favourite flowering things in the whole world are peonies and cow parsley. Not that they really go together, but there you go. Anyway - I finally got round to buying some the other day and am loving watching the slow unfolding of them. Mother Nature really was on top form the day she made them

New shoes

Who'd have thought M & S could churn out such a beautiful, fashionable and comfortable pair of shoes? Never overlook the old favourites - they actually have a good selection in there at the moment. There was a beautiful pair, similar to these but even higher heels. Again they were wonderfully comfortable but I was getting to be "transvestite tall" in them and I don't want to tower over every man in the room. So, this pair I'm very pleased with

How cute?

Weather

This glorious weather is making me very happy indeed. The thing about living in a country with such unpredictable weather is that we're thrilled when the sun comes out for two consecutive days in summer. More please!

The lovely weather also means I'm currently walking 8 miles a day (the journey from home to work is 4 miles - I google mapped it!) which has to be a good thing and means I avoid the sweaty grimness that is the tube. Mr C has downloaded a cool app to his iPhone meaning I'm always trying to take arty photos - here's a lovely one from our walk in yesterday morning. Times like this I realise how much I love London.

Bank holidays rock

2010-05-31T20:43:00.005+01:00

In the style of one of my very favourite bloggers, loveaudrey I feel a lovely bank holiday weekend is best summed up in list form:

- cooking polenta for the first time. And not the last!
- strolling through Green Park - still lovely even amid the gathering storm clouds (and feeling smug for missing the rain!)
- sweet smelling freshly ironed bed sheets
- making peanut butter swirl chocolate brownies (courtesy of the Barefoot Contessa - someone I fell in culinary love with while living in the US)
- spending time with one of my oldest, best friends and her family - this includes 3 gorgeous children. Broody? Who, moi?
- too many G+Ts
- hoovering, washing, tidying - worth the hard work to finish the weekend with a lovely tidy home
- having three lie-ins. What a treat.
- dancing like an idiot on friday night and then..
- ...having my saturday hungover somewhat softened by being brought breakfast and a trashy newspaper in bed (Mr C really is a diamond)
- booking a trip to Paris for my birthday. How has it been 2 years since I last went to Paris!

Claus Porto soap

2010-05-25T07:02:00.003+01:00

I'm a sucker for an expensive soap. If it's genuinely good quality then I don't mind paying. I thought I'd found one with the Iris soap from the Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, however shortly down the line I found that it really didn't have much oomph and it's beautiful just didn't last longer than a week or so.

Latest discovery? Claus Porto.

I lobbed this in the shopping basket on our final sweep of duty-free on our way home from Lisbon. Mr C gasped at the price but it's proven to be money so well spent:

Violet soap. Violet has to be one of my favourite fragrances of all time (I've considered trying to track down a Violet perfume) and this soap smells very strongly. And what about that beautiful packaging.

The first day I reverently unwrapped it I admired it, of cousre, but then when I came home from work and found the whole house smelling of it I was thrilled. And, weeks later I can report that it still smells lovely and is in turn making me smell lovely. I'm using it all over, and it's not drying at all.

The website for Claus Porto tells me it's been around since 1887 and has many more lovely looking products to discover, and I intend to find out a little bit more.

Nails Inc - what a pleasant surprise

2010-05-24T20:15:00.005+01:00

I've been incommunicado on the blog front so I'm sure this freebie has been done to death but I felt it was worth a mention.

The prospect of a long train ride home + the promise of a freebie saw me picking up a magazine on Friday. Something I never do these days. Anyway, as you'll know In Style is giving away one of 3 shades of Nails Inc nail polish at the moment.

I picked up Mink

Très Chanel Particulière, non?

So I tried to take a photo on my way home
..with the Eye in the background....but as you can see without much success. So here's another more successful one:

I thought I'd hate it as much as the grey one, but I actually love it. It's strangely flattering on my skintone, which is a surprise as I thought it'd be one for the tanned ladies only.

I'm also impressed with the formulation - just thick enough and it's lasting very well chip-wise. Nails Inc are onto a good wheeze with this (and the Coke give away they did recently) as it's a brand I would never have considered buying before - probably if I'm honest because I think the packing is so naff and cheap looking - but now I'm definitely going ot investigate the range further.

Do you have any Nails Inc favourites?

Clarins Everlasting foundation - HG?

2010-05-24T20:03:00.001+01:00

So bumbling round the duty free on my way to Lisbon I was browsing foundations. For some reason I find the staff in airport makeup counters are incredibly snooty and unfriendly but the girl at the Clarins counter was a sweetheart. And so I ended up buying something - their Everlasting Foundation (SPF 15)

My initial thoughts about this:
1. I can't believe they have a shade that matches my pale skintone
2. This smells lovely!

I'm now a good few weeks into useage and feel reasonably comfortable with saying that I truly love this foundation.

Things I like:
- I have shade 103 - Ivory and as you can see it blends into my skin really well.

- It gives quite full coverage, which I like, but it does depend a little on your method of application.

- It has a strong fragrance -very similar to Bulgari's eponymous perfume, which incidentally I have, and like - but this might put some people off.

- Price - I believe it was around the £20ish mark which I think is fine for a foundation if it's a good one

- ..and finally its name! Silly I know, but 'Everlasting' - very fairytale!

The only slightly critical thing I have to say is concerning one of its big selling points - the supposed everlasting-ness of it. I find unless I finish it with powder, I do end up a little shiny faced in the afternoon, but perhaps that's just my skin. Otherwise, a big smiley thumbs up from me

Closed for holidays

2010-04-29T22:11:00.003+01:00

I'm off to Lisbon!

Happy Bank Holiday weekend everyone!

Revlon 3 for 2

2010-04-27T20:50:00.007+01:00

I'm almost down to the bottom of my "I love it but it's not quite the right colour" Estee Lauder foundation. Though I love everything else about it I'm reluctant to buy another bottle as it doesn't match and required endless custom mixing with other foundations every morning to get the shade right.

So, since it's 3 for 2 on Revlon in Superdrug at the moment I thought it might be a good time to give the fabled PhotoReady a go. I'm a little - no make that very - wary to try it after how much my skin hated ColorStay but lots of people seem to have liked one and hated the other so I'm giving it a whirl. And I they seem to have great shades. Better than any other drugstore or high end foundation.

Anyway, I shall report back after I've used it a while.

I also picked up one of their new lipglosses - no.170 in Coral Reef

I just couldn't resist as it's such a beautiful shade...

The consistency is not too sticky and I love the colour but as ever, I'm regretting my hastiness and remembering how I don't really like lipglosses very much. Hmm, we'll see.

I was all set to pick up another black GOSH eyeliner but since the Revlon was 3 for 2 it made sense to make my third item an eyeliner. How exciting can eyeliner be? It's ok.

In other news I've decided to be brutal and purge a some blogs from my reading list. I found myself increasingly disappointed at the number of reviews that either started or finished with a disclaimer - "this product was sent to me for review purposes.." etc etc. I know many people are sent the odd item and I don't mind reading a few freebie review, but some now seem to be made up of nothing but and so it's those I'll be removing.

Having just been out and blown 20 hard-earned smackers on this Revlon mini-haul which I shall use, scrutinise, and then carefully write about I find that I want to read about people who do the same. People who've spent their own money on something. It means they've put thought into it and invested usually money (and therefore probably more thought) in the purchase. Does that make me a bit dull and self-righteous? Yeah, perhaps. But I feel like some blogs have drifted away from where beauty blogging originally started.

Am I on my own? Thoughts welcome.

Tag - 3

2010-04-07T20:21:00.003+01:00

d I nI do love a questionnaire, and I nabbed this one from the delightful loveaudrey - one of my favourites. Hop on board and give it a go.

Three jobs I have had:
1. Picking ragwort from fields on a farm. I actually got an amazing tan that summer
2. Pot washer in a cafe
3. Data Analyst

Three places I have lived:
1. Dorset
2. Bristol
3. New York City

Three favourite drinks:
1. a very dry Martini
2. Elderflower cordial
3. Red wine

Three shows I watch:
1. Damages
2. Mad Men
3. Glee

Three places I have been:
1. Japan - my brother lived there for a couple of years so I was able to visit - it was amazing.
2. New York - living there was the best time of my life.
3. Malaysia - beautiful place, beautiful people, delicious food - I love it.

Three places I would like to visit:
1. Nepal
2. USA roadtrip
3. Always reamed of taking the trans-mongolian express one day

Three people who text my regularly:
1. folks
2. bro
3. Mr C

Three favourite old TV shows:
1. Seinfeld - Best. Show. Ever!
2. Arrested Development
3. Sex and the City

Three favourite dishes:
1. Greek yoghurt and honey
2. Steak frites
3. Creme Brulee

Three Makeup products I can't live without:
1. Foundation
2. I could live without the rest, but I must have a perfect smooth canvas or I'm just not happy!
3.

Three things I'm looking forward to:
1. Having a lie in at the weekend
2. Going to Lisbon at the end of the month
3. On a more long term scale, one day buying (and more importantly decorating) a flat with Mr C

Cheap treats

2010-03-29T20:02:00.007+01:00

I braved Westfield at the weekend. Let's break it down...

The Good
- threading - I've been dying to get my eyebrows threaded for ages and finally got round to it. I am hugely impresssed - they've been subtly and beautifully reshaped. I'm a total convert. However, I need to find a non-mall place to get them done. My friend at work who's Indian fell about laughing when she I told her how much I paid.
- a few purchases..a little beauty, bit of clothing and some jewellery.

The Bad
- the crowds...oh my goodness the crowds. I think though if you can be in and out by early afternoon you'll miss the worst of it as it seems to peak 3pm-ish
- queues - why don't shops build more changing rooms? They don't need to be big.. I'm happy to try something on in a cupboard if it has a mirror - I don't need to swing a cat but seriously - I just don't have the patience to queue
- Inglot sales staff (some). Some are lovely but there's a guy in there who stalked me and my friend round the entire shop, even after we politely said we didn't want any help

I bought this ring (which Mr C hates, but which I adore)

Cheesy I know, but oh how I love it.

Also, some of the ubiquitous grey nail polish

Hmm. Not sure about this trend. Perhaps beige/taupe is better. That said, while watching Sophie Dahl's cookery programme I've been loving her simple french manicure. It's been an age since I got out my bottle of Chanel ...er....Mademoiselle is it? Anyway, a nice pale nude pink one.

Photos of my rather lovely but vile smelling Inglot lipstick coming soon, I promise.

Also - review of Revolutionary Road (the book, not the film) also coming soon.

Tag - Literary Geek questionnaire

2010-03-25T21:05:00.003Z

I love to read, and I can get really evangelical about books I love "go one, read this - you'll love it, go on, seriously - borrow it or else!"

Anyway, nice to do a non makeup tag for one - give this a go!

What author do you own the most books by?
I own everything Truman Capote ever wrote. And a lot of Jack Kerouac, F Scott Fitzgerald and Nancy Mitford

What book to you own the most copies of?
I have a couple of copies of both The Great Gatsby and The Catcher In The Rye

What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Edmond Dantes - tres sexy!

What book have you read the most times in your life?
I've read all the books in the Tales of the City chronicles by Armistead Maupin over and over. They're my comfort books and have seen me through some miserable times.

What was your favourite book when you were 10 years old?
The Adventure books by Willard Price - Whale Advnture, Amazon Adventure etc I wanted to marry Hal Hunt when I grew up.

What is the worst book you've read in the past year?
Chick lit in general - can't stand any I've tried

What is the best book you've read in the past year?
The year so far? This is tough - perhaps Sarah Water's Little Stranger and I just loved Nightingale Woods by Stella Gibbons which was a treat I know I will reread time and time again.

If you could force everyone to read just one book, what would it be?
Can I have two? Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo because you'll thank me for it and St Expury's Petit Prince because I think it has some important messages in it.

What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
Restless by William Boyd is just crying out to be made into a film

What book would you least like to see made into a movie?
Same as above..if they dared mess it up

What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?
I have a deep love for gory crime thrillers

What is the most difficult book you've ever read?
I tried so hard to battle through Martin Amis's London Fields but it got the better of me.

Shakespeare, Milton or Chaucer?
Shakespeare

Austen or Eliot?
Jane Austen. Love her.

What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
Tons. I haven't yet read anything by Dostoyevsky, Henry James, Thomas Hardy, DH Lawrence, Edith Wharton....

What's your favourite novel?
I can't pick just one - but a handful of nearest and dearest would include Kerouac's On The Road, The Great Gatsby, Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote, The Count of Monte Cristo, lots of Nancy Mitford and The Invisible World by Stuart Cohen.

Favourite play?
Far too long since I went to the theatre. One of my favourites is This Is Our Youth which I saw many years ago (nothing to do with Casey Affleck being in it, of course..)

Favourite short story?
I loved reading Guy de Maupassant

Favourite work of non-fiction?
I hardly read any non-fiction..a couple of biographies.

Who is your favourite writer?
Truman Capote and Nancy Mitford

I tag YOU!

Cream blush and BooHoo

2010-03-25T19:20:00.007Z

So a little while back I picked up a cream blush on a whim while browsing Space NK. There was just something so delicious about the NARS ones that it was clearly the perfect time to give it a whirl as I've never tried one before

Do you have a preference with cream vs powder blush? I've been using the NARS multiples a fair bit recently so have become a little more accustomed to using something non-powder but it does take some getting used to. I think I kind of like it!

NARS Penny Lane

The colour looks vastly different in these two photos, and I'd say the reality is somewhere in between - kind of a dirty taupe-y peach-y pink

I've blended the swatch out a little to try and show this

Payday is looming at last thankfully so I dipped my toes in the waters of a new internet shop this week - BooHoo . It's very similar to ASOS - lots of cheap and cheerful clothes, accessories and footwear. Just like ASOS a lot of their clothes have a catwalk video which is so helpful to get a real impression of the item of clothing. So I bought some jeggings (urgh, how I hate that name) and this vest top

I love the studding all over it and it fits beautifully -the back even has a little detail

I love it. I definitely suggest checking out the site if you want a few affordable fashionable things to perk up your wardrobe!

Review: Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick - Latino

2010-03-11T13:31:00.005Z

I went into my nearest Superdrug, armed with a list of makeup that I wanted to pick up, and as is so often the case, not a single thing on the list was stocked - grrrr!

So, I picked up this lipstick instead. I've heard good things recently about Rimmel lipsticks but never actually tried one.

Latino is a quite a bright blue-toned pink

The scent is very familiar - I can't think what it reminds me of - lipsyl perhaps? It's nice though. The consistency is creamy and it seems to last pretty well.

It's a touch brighter than I'd hoped, probably because my lips are so pigmented naturally, but I like it. And - I think I'll be back to try more from Rimmel.

Do you have any Rimmel lipstick favourites?

Tag - 40 questions

2010-03-10T19:53:00.003Z

I love a tag, and here's the one that's doing the rounds right now..

SKINCARE
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Morning and night, but I must admit morning is a very pefunctory affair - I'm much more thorough in the evening.

What skin type do you have? (dry, oily, combo)
Probably best summed up as oily-ish combination

What is your current facial wash?
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Do you exfoliate?
I gotta say... I don't. I just scrub a little hard with the muslin cloth from time to time. But perhaps I should be doing it properly

What moisturiser do you use?
I'm still waiting for my Darphin wonder cream to arrive so currently using Neal's Yard Violet Day Cream which I bought, didn't like, and put to one side. Having given it another proper go I'm rather liking it now.

Do you have freckles?
Yes, and I love them. I used to have tons more but they've faded a little as I've grown up :-(

Do you use eye cream?
Yes - a Garnier one which I can't remember the name of. I don't think it does a thing, I hasten to add.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
No major acne thank goodness, but the odd little breakout here and there when I was younger. These days, pretty good on the whole.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
No. I don't think it's very readily available in the UK either.

MAKE-UP

What foundation do you use?
MAC SFF and Estee Lauder Double Wear

How about concealer?
Babara Daly from Tesco. Keep meaning to give the MAC studio finish a go

Do you know your undertone colour?
Hmm - this one has always confused me. Pinkish I guess - I'm a classic 'english rose' colouring

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I marvel at how beautiful they look on other people, but never had any success with them myself. Recommendations for affordable fail-safe ones please!!

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes - I'd heard that. But there's a lot of things I'm *supposed* to do and don't. So there.

What brand of mascara do you use?
Living in New York I became a huge fan of cheap and cheerful Maybelline Full+Soft - I heart it big time. Didn't realise until I moved back to London that it doesn't seem to be available in the UK. A friend's american girlfriend is hopefully bringing me some over when she visits next week!
High end - nothing beats Lancome.

Sephora or MAC?
I love MAC, but I have BIG love for Sephora. If only there were branches all over London. Despite my pleas, they won't ship to the UK either. Meanies.

Do you have a MAC Pro card?
Nope

What makeup tools do you use in makeup application?
I could live with 3 brushes if necessary - 187 for foundation, and angled blush brush for sculpting and blush and a fluffy eyeshadow brush. Also fingers!

Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?
Yes - Urban Decay primer potion - long since de-potted by my dear Pa into a little jar.

For the face?
First outing into the world of primers (GOSH) was not successful. I'm mulling over trying a different one.

What is your favourite eyeshadow?
All That Glitters

Do you use pencil or liquid?
I've toyed with liquid in the past but now am firmly pencil only. Liquid just doesn't work on me

How often do you poke your eyes with eyeliner pencil?
Only when jogged!

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I have a few MAC ones that I was given - but I don't think I'd ever go out and buy any.

Do you use mineral makeup?
I tried Lilly Lolo which I know many people love, but it just didn't work on me. However - I've found it makes quite a good concealer.

What is your favourite lipstick?
Clinique waterviolet or MAC Patisserie

How about lipgloss?
Barry M toffee no.2

What is your favourite blush to use?
MSF in redhead is probably the one I use most often

Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Nope, never - it just seems a bit risky, especially for something you're putting on your face.

Do you like drugstore makeup?
Yes - I wish you could combine the best of UK and US drugstores into one almighty affordable shopping haven - GOSH, Sleek, Wet'n'Wild, NYX, etc etc

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I don't think we have them in the UK do we? Do we? I'll be thrilled if you tell me yes!

Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?
No. Toyed with paying for one of those MAC makeovers where they supposedly teach you stuff, but I've heard such mixed reports. I'd pay a lot for someone to tell me how to make the best of myself though.

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not especially, but I can't be bothered to spend too long doing. I think we get efficient and making it work don't we?

Name a makeup crime that you hate?
I'm not mad for lips so nude they disappear into the face. I know lots of girls love that look so I don't hate it - just something I see a lot that's not for me.

Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Mostly neutral. I would love to learn to embrace colour more.

Which celebrity always has great makeup?
I've long been obsessed with (and I think blogged about) Whitney Port and Leighton Meester as Blair. Both look so perfect.

If you could leave the house using just one makeup item, what would you use?
I was pondering this one the other day funnily enough. Eyeliner, without a dout.

Could you ever leave the hosue without any makeup on?
Yes of course. I try to do so at the weeekends. I never wore any makeup until a few years ago.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
I just look like me. I'm a lot more comfortable with myself now than 10 years ago.

In your opinion, what is the best makeup line?
I guess you can't beat the sheer variety offered by MAC

What do you think of makeup?
It's a wonderful diversion. It can transform the way someone feels about themselves and it's great that such a community has sprung up surrounding it. I love that I talk to girls all over the world about makeup through blogging!

Things every home needs...

2010-03-09T19:43:00.002Z

.. a drinks tray. I'm gradually becoming more organised and tidy at home and I'm pleased to have finally gathered a lot of the drinks supplies so there in one place.

What I really want is one of those wonderful globes with a bar hidden inside, but for now I'll happily settle for having everything up together where I can find it when I need it:

I just need to lay my hands on some sloe gin for the decanter.

5 Favourites in heavy rotation

2010-03-06T10:32:00.004Z

A little round up of the things I find I'm reaching for every day and loving

1. GOSH velvet touch eyeliner -
I have smallish eyes, and I find liquid eyeliners and very precise lines just make them look even smaller so I prefer a softer smudged look and this eyeliner is so soft and creamy that it's perfect. I'm on my second and off to buy my third today!

2. NARS Multiple in Copacabana -
close to perfect as a highlighter and so easy to just swipe and smudge. I use it along the top of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose and just under the arch of my eyebrows on my brow bone. I just love the chunky matte packaging too.

3. Estee Lauder DW + MAC SFF -
Ok, so I think I have finally found the perfect shade of foundation for my skintone and it's a squirt of Double Wear in 1C1 Shell (too pinky white on its own) and a squirt of studio fix fluid in NW15 (too dark orange on its own) and combined they're pretty much spot on. Tedious to have to mix them every morning but it's definitely the best match I've come across, and my skin is happy with both brands.

4. Diptyque Philosykos perfume -
I got through several bottles of Jo Malone's wild fig and cassis, and several Philosykos candles from Diptyque but I've now switched the the actual perfume. The smell of just fig (no cassis) is purer and cleaner and fresher and I much prefer it. My only gripe is it's poor lasting power. I've used other Diptyque perfumes in the past and they've lasted on the skin very well but this one is dreadful. Nevertheless, I love it.

5. MAC lipstick in Patisserie -
this isn't one I've ever heard anyone get excited about at all. I don't think I've ever noticed anyone reviewing it on a blog but I stumbled across it and it's the perfect neutral shade for my lips. To be honest the selection of lipsticks leaves me feeling a little over-awed - so many to go through so I'm glad I found this one quite early on in my swatching!

What are your current beauty top 5?

Making your home your own

2010-03-05T22:06:00.006Z

We live in a rented flat. The upsides are just being able to call someone whenever anything breaks or goes wrong and not having to pay for it.

One of the downsides is not being able to feel like you can truly make the place your own - usually you're not allowed to make any major changes like painting, changing flooring, putting up pictures etc.

So, I have become somewhat obssessed with dreaming about one day having a place of our own. And too many hours spent wallowing in the interiors heaven that is Apartment Therapy have got me way too full of ideas that I can't yet use. I've started to keep track of things/websites/ideas that I one day want to use, and I just found another...

These wonderful, bonkers Jeeves and Wooster lampshades are going on my list

from Leigh Harmer

...aren't they wonderful?

My first primer

2010-03-05T21:29:00.003Z

Some weeks back I bought the GOSH primer. I'd browsed reviews on MUA, of which it has a huge number so I know this has a lot of fans. I love the idea of something that will make your makeup 'better' and longer lasting.

Here it is:

I gotta say - I really hated it. On their website GOSH say that this will create a "uniform, matte and unique, silky soft surface". One of the promises it makes is that "your foundation will never again look dry or patchy".

Unfortunately dry and patchy was exactly what I got. For starters I just hate the feeling of it - that weird liquid/powder touch - I suppose this is what's necessary to fill in all those pores and lines and provide the smooth base for makeup.

But as I said, the major gripe I have with this was that it seemed to actively dry my skin out. I moisturised first - but soon as I applied this is accentuated any dry patches. Really disappointing as this wasn't that cheap.

So, it's going on MUA to swap.

Any other primers you can recommend that you've loved?

Brrrrr (still)

2010-02-23T19:02:00.004Z

For for being lax on the blogging front - I'm pleading little the 'fingers of ice' defence.

We're still without heating or hot water, 7 days after the boiler broke, so it's all I can do not to fill a hot water bottle and dive under the duvet as soon as I get home. The end is hopefully in sight though, and I am crossing fingers that regular service will be resumed by the end of the week. All very dull I know, but it's all I can talk about at the moment.

I'm considering subscribing to Tatler as they're offering a free gift of Darphin Stimulskin Plus Firming Smoothing cream with the subscription - which seems like an amazing deal.

The blurb sounds amazing (of course) - and the MUA reviews are pretty glowing. Has anyone tried it? Or any other Darphin products? I'd love to know your thoughts.

Yummy nails

2010-02-17T19:33:00.005Z

Slipped into Superdrug on the way home this evening to pick up the GOSH primer. I've debated buying this for a while. Anyone who reads me regularly knows I have foundation issues, and I feel it could perform better so I though it worth giving a primer a go, having never tried using one before.

Of course on my way to the till, two more items miraculously hopped into my hand

Can you argue with earrings that are less than a quid? I don't think so. And I've been wanting an orange nail polish for a while - behold Rimmel's Orange Bliss!

I'm sure over the years various people have tried tinkering with the brush in nail polish bottles but I've never found they're much cop. This one however, the 'new maxi brush' is really great

Flat and wide and tapered nicely at the end so it fits your nail. I think I even do a good job several G+Ts down the road with this brush. And look at that colour - orange bliss? Tangerine Dream, surely!

I need these treats to take my mind off the fact we have no heating or hot water at home. Apparently, a new boiler could be quite a few days away yet, so I best put another jumper on and fill the hot water bottle. Brrrrr!

EDIT: I now have a stiff Martini, a bobble hat, and a hot water bottle. I shall survive until the mister gets home!

City or Country?

2010-02-16T17:33:00.007Z

I love living in London, I really do, but I find I feel intensely claustrophobic when I get back to town after visiting my folks, who live in deepest darkest countryside.

I miss the space, the silence and the earthy smell of growing things everywhere.

It takes me an age to put my hard shell back on adjust to the jostling and the bustle. I suspect I'll always remain a country girl at heart.

Besides, where else do you get to wrestle over the morning paper with a handsome cat?

Still - for now - London isn't half bad as an alternative.

How about you - town or country?

Homemade cards

2010-02-16T10:19:00.004Z

I spent some of yesterday with a cutting mat, a craft knife and huge concentration getting Mr C's valentine's card ready (we're celebrating - in the loosest sense of the word - tonight)

So thanks to Martha Stewart (can't find the exact link) and my dad's art supplies I have a card to hand over:

Not perfect by any means, but homemade.

How was your valentine's day?

News of the World + Barry M

2010-02-10T21:38:00.007Z

I'll admit, I like a bit of salacious gossip with my breakfast on a Sunday so I'm a regular buyer of the News of the World (or News of the Screws as it's also sometimes known - which gives you an idea of the sort of paper it is if you're not from the UK).

I really like their little magazine "Fabulous"; it always has nice cheap and cheerful fashion and makeup ideas, and in line with this they've had an offer on for the past month to collect a token each week and after four weeks collect a Barry M special collection from Superdrug.

Ta-daa!

Worth £20 apparently, but free with 4 tokens!

A pillar box red nail polish, one quick coat rather haphazardly applied:

A black eyeliner, a charcoal eyeshadow, and a Glossy Tube lip gloss

The eyeshadow has a slight silvery sheen, and the lip gloss is a very pigmented nude - miraculously not sticky at all either - which is a revelation!

So, all in all - not a bad haul. I think I've been pleased with everything I've ever tried from Barry M, and it's funny to think about the (well deserved) love and recognition the brand is now getting after languishing on the outskirts for so long.

No. 17 - you've surprised me!

2010-02-07T21:33:00.008Z

I don't usually take much notice of No.17 makeup, but Friday I took refuge in Boots while in an insanely crowded Euston station. I noticed some solo eyeshadows on special offer. At £3.49 each they're hardly expensive full price, but they're currently £6 for two.

I quickly swatched a few and grabbed two me (ie neutral) shades. I've been very pleasantly surprised by these. It's a small thing, but I love the way they finish these - like a fan of pleated fabric - so beautiful

L-R: Statuesque, Mardi Gras

Statuesque is a peachy gold colour, and Mardi Gras is...well - Satin Taupe, but cheaper - a nice walnut brown.

I can't believe how pigmented they are, and how soft and creamy in texture. I don't know whether I got lucky with these two shades, or whether the rest are equally good but I urge you to check them out for a cheap treat.

L-R MAC's Satin Taupe, 17's Mardi Gras and Statuesque

These are just one swipe, no primer or anything - look how strong the colour is. And look how much more pigmented than MAC's Satin Taupe.

Bingo!

Have you found any gems in the no 17 range?

Grumble

2010-02-02T19:59:00.005Z

Everything and everyone is irritating me for some reason.

1. I need a haircut and I HATE getting my haircut. I've had maybe 3 haircuts in my life that have made me beam - the best I hope for is generally that I don't hate it and have murderous feelings towards the stylist. Seriously - I'm hard to please. I hate booking them, I hate having to spend the time on it and I hate having to spend the money on something 'ok'. That said, I'm looking like a scruff and even a bland trim will probably perk up my hair (and me).

2. Chivalry. Or lack of. Finding this is men in England is rare - especially men under 40. I'm not sure how far back you have to go to reach a time where they would help you with a heavy suitcase up some stairs, hold a door open for you, step back to let you get on the tube first etc. When you do come across this, it's wonderful. Mostly though the men in London just push you aside and trample over you.

3. The cold and the rain. I'm now bored of wearing my warm coats and boots/Converse and would like to get back into jackets and flats please.

4. The tube in rush hour. Nuff said.

5. Having to deal with estate agents. Every time I have to do so, I wonder why I didn't become one as I have yet to encounter one (and before you shout at me, yes I'm sure they do exist but I just haven't met one yet) who isn't idle, inefficient and economical with the truth.

Aren't I an ungrateful wretch today? There must be something in the air. What's irritating you?

On the upside, there are a great many things I am grateful for - regular paycheck, a prince of a boyfriend, red wine, wonderful family, cupcakes, fresh flowers, scented candles, beautiful handbags and Glee.

:-)

Anthropologie - you're expensive, but I do love you

2010-01-31T10:41:00.009Z

I paid my first visit to the the first London branch of Anthropologie yesterday. I was a regular visitor when we lived in New York - often just to ogle and admire so I'm thrilled it's reached the UK.

Less impressive though, are the prices. Though they sell lovely stuff, I think a lot of what they sell is over-priced, and if you then translate those prices into £, and jack them up a bit because it's London, then a lot of it is very expensive.

Plain cotton cushion - £65?! And that's the cheapest..most cushions are nudging three figures, or well over. It's quite an inspiration to get the sewing machine out.

Despite all my griping, there is some really lovely stuff there. We picked up some wine tumblers. My french penfriend's family always used small chunky tumblers for wine, except on special occasions. I don't know if it's a particularly French thing, or just a them thing but I like it and I've been searching for ages for some I like. Et voila!

and in daylight:

£6 each for pressed glass. I bit my tongue and coughed up because I love them.

The shop is a joy to wander round - spread over three floors (and two mezzanine levels) with one a 'living wall' made up of various grasses and plants. And the staff seem to be friendly and knowledgeable.

The branch on Kings Road is due to open in about 7 weeks and will be more focused on purely homewares they told me. I can't wait as it's much closer than Regent St.

I'm considering gradually replacing all our crockery which is super cheap stuff and not particularly special.

I'm in love with this dinner service. Simple, a little French and antique looking:

And wouldn't having your Coco Pops from a bowl like this brighten up your morning?

The main reason for going there was to buy my brother this birthday present...

"covered with vintage French book pages", don't you love it? Alas, none in the shop - gutted!

Look up!

2010-01-24T17:39:00.003Z

You know what they say about looking up, or you'll miss the best things?

Well, it turns out it applies even when you're somewhere you know well. I've lived here for a year and never noticed the beautiful golden ballerina, forever doing an arabesque on top of this theatre just round the corner from us.

Isn't she gorgeous?

Foundation Nightmares!

2010-01-24T13:45:00.005Z

I thought I'd take an audit of all the foundation I've bought over the past few years. I managed to lay my hands on 6 bottles of it. So a little swatching and comparing and is it any wonder I consider tearing my hair out with frustration at how I can't find one that matches my skin? Look at the huge variation in colours below:

In case those labels aren't big enough to be legible, we have from left to right:
MAC Select Tint - NC20
MAC Select Tint - NW20
Estee Lauder Double Wear - 1N1 Ecru
MAC Studio Fix Fluid - NW15
Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid - Ivory 010
Revlon ColorStay Combination/Oily - 150 Buff

To my eye, none of these comes close to a perfect match for my skin. Now - I know it's my arm not my face, but they're not that different in colour, I promise you.

The ironic thing is, the worst matches are the Estee Lauder, and the Studio Fix (er, my current orange-face foundation) both of which were matched by a supposed professional!

The ColorStay is easily the best match for me, but a week of using it left my skin in such a bad state that I just don't dare risk it again. If only......

It's strange too how NW15 in SFF is actually darker than NW20 in Select Tint. What's up with MAC and their colours- why is there no regulation of shades across the different formulations? Also, I wish they had a wider range of shades.

Are there any other pale skinned ladies out there who have the same problem? Have you managed to find a foundation that matches you? If so - please share!

5 things making me smile right now

2010-01-21T19:10:00.009Z

Radio 4
It would be a gross exaggeration to say I simply couldn't exist without Radio 4, but I'd be less well informed, more boring and I'd miss it dreadfully. For any US readers, Radio 4 is a radio station with purely spoken word programmes - from art and culture to current affairs to drama and comedy. And, I'd be lost without The Archers, its daily rural soap that's be running for 60 years! My ipod is never without a ton of radio 4 downloads.

William Eggleston
I went to see an Ansel Adams exhibition in the Hayward years ago, and included in the entry fee was a smaller exhibition - William Eggleston. Though I loved Adams work, Eggleston's photos grabbed me the second I walked in and wouldn't let go. I ended up spending far longer than I intended and when I was about to leave couldn't resist touring the whole lot one more time.

He has a way of photographing the ordinary and somehow creating an atmosphere. I have a couple of books of his work. The wonderful thing is he's still working even now and has a show on in London at the moment, details here. I'm really bad at putting it into words, but here are some of my favourites:

I hope I'm allowed to post these - all images copyright of course, from http://www.egglestontrust.com/

Are you in awe?

Uncle Ben's microwave-able rice
This stuff is wonderful - I take some steamed vegetables and tofu into work, then at lunch microwave some of this, combine and ta-daa delicious and reasonably healthy and cheap lunch! Uncle Ben - thank you for feeding me these past 2 weeks

Chanel Coco
My Ma has worn this scent forever, and I've always loved it, but always thought it was too 'grown-up' for me. She very kindly gave me the dregs of her current bottle and I tried it and fell deeply in love.

It doesn't seem to ever be discounted anywhere though, surpise surprise, so I'll have to cough up full price some at some point.

Laphroaig single malt (quarter cask)
Again - I feel like I'm a *proper* grown up now I like scotch, and boy do I like this scotch. Seriously..nice heavy glass, couple of ice cubes and a decent measure of this and I'm in heaven. Smokey, spicey, delicious!

Tag - Products I'm loving right now

2010-01-13T18:50:00.003Z

Following Muhsine's example and doing an update on this tag as it's always a fun one

Shampoo:
I alternate between Tresemme 24 Hour Body and MOP Lemongrass - I have a horrible feeling they don't make this one any more which is a shame if so as it smells divine and gives me a bit of volume.

Conditioner:
I'm afraid I still don't. Perhaps that should be one of my 2010 beauty resolutions

Shower Gel:
Iris soap from Farmacia Santa Maria Novella. Unfortunately it doesn't smell nearly Iris enough for my liking, but it's nice nevertheless.

Styling Products:
Charles Worthington volume boosting mousse. So long as you blow dry the hell out of your hair after applying this, then it works very well. And seems to maintain a bit of volume the next day too.

Body Moisturiser:
Aveda Replenishing body moisturiser or Nuxe Huile Prodidgieuse - both smell gorgeous and do the job very well.

Deodorant:
Vaseline active fresh

Fake Tan:
None. Pale and interesting

Foundation:
MAC Studio Fix fluid in NW20. Still not the right damn shade though. I loved Estee Lauder DW, but they didn't have a perfect shade either. And so the hunt goes on... Anyone else super pale had the same trouble finding something that matches? Best I've found is a Revlon Colorstay one, but my skin freaked out with that.

Powder:
MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural

Concealer:
Barbara Daly one for Tesco, or Sleek Hide It

Blush:
Milani Luminous, MAC Redhead MSF or NARS Orgasm multiple. After years thinking I couldn't wear blush, 2009 was the year I finally started to embrace it.

Bronzer:
Barry M Natural Dazzle or MAC Strada for contouring

Highlighter:
The lightest strip of the Redhead MSF or NARS Copacabana multiple

Eyeshadows:
MAC and Inglot are mostly used. I'm having a bit of an about turn on Retrospeck - I've tried using it wet and am much more pleased with the results.

Mascara:
Clinique High Impact. I know it's lots of women's desert island essential, but - admission here - I often don't bother as I hate taking it off.

Lipstick:
MAC Patisserie or Stila Ariel

Lipgloss:
Barry M toffee

Nail colour:
OPI Cajun Shrimp - normally I'm all about the dark colours in winter but this perfect splash of colour.

Perfume:
I have a vast collection of perfume - I just love to buy it. But - this winter you'll smell me wearing Diptyque Opone or Chanel Coco (original, not Mademoiselle).

I tag you if you haven't done this for a while!

Craft delights

2010-01-12T20:36:00.006Z

So when I'm home alone I basically hook myself up to the internet and wallow in all my favourite websites while my eyes become ever squarer and squarer. With nobody about at the moment to scream 'Bedtime!' at a certain hour I just lose track. I could read till dawn if I wasn't careful. What a geek.

Anyway - I found myself on Chrisine's wonderful blog Jane Avion the other night. Lots of wonderful ideas for things to make very helpfully explained with instructions and diagrams. I urge you to go take a look for yourself.

So, the sunday papers were lying around, waiting to be recycled so I thought I'd have a bash at making the recycled paper basket.

1. Required...

2. In progress...

3. Ta-daaaaaaa!

Mine's a little flimsy, as I made it with newspapers and not something sturdier, but it makes a very good catch-all area and our dining table is looking a lot tidier now all the odds and ends that were previous scattered about are sitting in this.

So, when I need to find say a pair of mittens, a small makeup bag, hand cream, sock rings, a necklace, hairbands or an unopened pack of dusters then I know where to come!

Incidentally, this is the third pack of dusters I've bought in as many months. Whenever I see them they seem like a good idea. The fact I haven't so far used any speaks volumes to my idleness!

ELF goodies

2010-01-12T19:39:00.013Z

A parcel arriving from ELF in the middle of a hectic and slightly lonely week is a very welcome surprise.

I dashed off an order the other day, without paying too much attention - I find this is the downside of such low prices - I do more impulse ordering. I bought:

- brush shampoo
- Mineral lipsticks in Nude Delight and Rosy Raisin
- Studio High Definition powder
..and got a freebie mini makeup collection palette.

My thoughts...

BRUSH SHAMPOO

I bought the brush shampoo thinking (despite the word shampoo..I know - I'm not very bright) that it was some sort of daily cleaner I could use without going the whole hog and washing brushes.

I am L-a-z-y...with a capital L when it comes to looking after my brushes - cardinal sin, I know but I tend to just wash them with normal shampoo. However, I've just washed the gang with this and it definitely gets them a lot lot cleaner than ordinary shampoo did. Especially my foundation brush which I just couldn't seem to get completely clean. Thumbs up for this one!

MINERAL LIPSTICKS

Both top and bottom photo: L - R Nude Delight, Rosy Raisin

I don't know why I bought something with 'nude' in the name - I haven't yet found a nude lipstick that doesn't make me look grim, and this one continues the tradition.

Rosy Raisin however I do like. It turns out I have rosy raisin coloured lips - this is one of those MLBB shades and matches mine precisely but it's nice.

Theyre both curiously odourless - I suppose that's a good thing, fewer ingredients and all that but I quite like it when lipsticks have a feint fragrance, but hey ho.

THE FREEBIE - mini makeup palette

Pow!

Some close-ups. The 10 lipglosses:

Bronzer and blush, 9 eyeshadows and 1 cream eyeshadow:
The 'tools' section, and the brow powder:

I haven't spent long with this, but I'm pleasantly surprised after a quick look. The whole contraption - although a nice idea - is pretty clunky and I have a feeling it wouldn't take much to break it, but the colours are pretty neutral and use-able and the pigmentation seems good.
More thoughts once I've had a proper look.

I can swatch the whole lot if anyone's wants to see them. Let me know.

As for the fabled High Definition powder from the Studio line, I haven't had a chance to use it. I can tell you it was a real mess when I took it out the box though - loose powder everywhere, tut tut. Anyway, I'll give it a go tomorrow and will let you know what I think.

Gulp!

2010-01-11T19:34:00.003Z

Some proper (probably make up orientated) posts coming soon, but in the meantime a story that might amuse you:

Mr C is overseas on business - Brazil to be precise, and he left on Sunday. In a nutshell he's there to big up a system he's created, so lots of presentations.

They're only 2 hours behind us, so this afternoon I was thrilled to see him sign in to yahoo messenger.

I messaged him some loving abuse (we're very childish) and he quickly wrote back "Hey. I'm on the projector"

Turns out he was just starting up one of his presentations, so he'd signed in and messenger had loaded automatically. Attendees were treated to a large onscreen greeting from me.

I'll admit I blushed....even though I was thousands of miles away. Gulp!

Super healthy, super easy, super cheap

2010-01-06T19:53:00.007Z

Mr C and I have been sick as dogs the past few days - let me tell you, there's nothing like a bout of food poisoning to counteract any extra poundage caused by Christmas over-indulgence.

Since we're both still so delicate and still lacking in any decent appetite I've been making some warm and cosy soup. Super healthy, super easy and super cheap and a very small bowl is just what's wanted in our fragile state.

Wonderful Vegetable Soup
3 large carrots
1 parsnip
1 leek
1 sweet potato
2 sticks of celery
750ml ish of decent vegetable stock (I use Marigold)

Chop that lot, then bubble in the stock until soft then whizz in the blender (or rather with a hand blender...our kitchen being too petite to house large lovely appliances like blenders)

I end up topping up with extra liquid once I've whizzed it, as it's usually super thick so just dilute as much or little as you like, tasting along the way.

It's seriously one of the simplest most delicious soups I know.

This seems like an opportune moment to post a clip from THE GREATEST SHOW OF ALL TIME (which is, of course, Seinfeld). Behold...the soup nazi

Tag - getting to know you...

2010-01-03T15:46:00.005Z

Shamelessly stole this quiz from Lipglossing - a wonderful blog I just discovered today

1. Mood - relaxed

2. Left or Right handed - I'm leftie!

3. Where do you consider home - this is a tough one. I still find it hard to stop calling my folks' place home..but I do very much also think of home as in London, with Mr C

4. Three things you're grateful for - my family, my boyfriend and my friends. Cliched? Perhaps, but very true.

5. Eyes/Lips/Cheeks - nada. Trying to go without on lazy weekends. My skin deserves a couple of days off too.

6. Have you ever studied abroad? - if only..

7. Do you collect anything? - old cigar boxes, handbags (both vintage and new)

8. Last text you sent... - to my brother.

9. Outfit - cashmere v neck (good old Uniqlo, making cashmere affordable) and jeans

10. Weekly goals - quite a few: get into work early rather than scraping in at one minute to 9, restrict Mocha consumption to once a week, remember to make and take in lunch every day, tidy up a bit, continue the wardrobe purge of clothes I no longer need/wear. Well, that's enough to be getting on with for now.

Happy 2010 everybody! Now, I tag you...

Miss Selfridge code

2009-12-24T09:12:00.001Z

For free shipping (in the UK only) on the Miss Selfridge website use MACXMAS at checkout.

Travelling home and some Christmas In & Outs

2009-12-23T08:05:00.006Z

I switched on the TV this moring to be told gleefully by the presenters that today will be the busiest day for travelling and will bring nightmare conditions (weather and over-crowding) to all those heading home for the holidays.

Pah, you miserable lot!

I'm heading back home in a couple of hours - suitcase is full to bursting and I'm sure I've forgotten something. I can't wait to see my family - especially at the moment, we're all looking forward to being together. I'm looking forward to being by the fire, cat on my lap, glass of port in my hard. Bliss.

Hope you all have a safe journey home for Christmas if you have any distance to travel.

A few roars and raves (both beauty and otherwise) to finish the year...

RAVES:
1) MSF Natural - this is truly a revalation as it really does smooth the appearance of my skin
2) My new job - a friend recommended the most wonderful temping agency. They're small, delightlfully bonkers and most importantly found my some great assignments including the one I've been doing for six months that has just turned into a 'real' permanent job. I'm so grateful to have a job at all in this climate, let alone one I really like.
3) Presents - I'm feeling quite smug about all the presents I've bought this year - there truly is more pleasure in giving them then receiving them when you know you've bought something that someone will love.
4) The weather - thank you, thank you for all this sunny cold weather. Beats the hell out of the grey skies and rain we have so much of the year here.
5) London - as I blogged before, I am really loving London at the moment. It rocks.

ROARS:
1) Public transport - expensive, crowded...please all cross your fingers that my train home gets there and that it has space for me. Or even - dare I hope - a seat..
2) Retrospeck eyeshadow - I had such high hopes for you, but you've disappointed me deeply
3) So much rubbish on TV. The Christmas schedule seems to be full of cartoons and rubbish - where are the old classics?

That's all folks. Tell me yours

xo

Review: Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Cream

2009-12-22T07:24:00.005Z

When I was in Sephora the other day I was given a sample of this, along with a rave review from the sales assistant who gave it to me:

Fresh's Black Tea Age-Delay Cream (with collagen boosting lychee)

I took all this raving with a pinch of salt, but duly gave the cream a go.

A couple of weeks later I've desperately squeezed the last little drops of this from the sample sachet, and I love it.

Fresh say this cream is:

"an advanced skin perfecting moistirizer that combines natural ingredients with cutting edge technology proven to strengthen the skin's structure, firm the complexion and visibly reduce the appearance of lines.

The sophisticated formula contains black tea to refine the complexion and enhance lustre and lychee to promote collagen synthesis, helping to maintain the skin's elasticity and resilience"

Agreed, this sounds like a lot of nonsense, but there's no denying that my skin has really loved this cream. It feels smoother and more even and the smell of lychee is gorgeous so it's really a pleasure to apply morning and night.

My love of it, is only engulfed by horror when I checked online to see how much it costs.....£80-£90 for 30ml/1oz! Ouch. Watch my inner turmoil as I try and justify spending quite so much.

Have you ever shelled out big bucks on a skin cream?

Love London

2009-12-21T20:44:00.005Z

I feel it doesn't hurt to big up London once in a while and remind myself what a wonderful city it is to live in. It's been my home for 10 years now - who'd have thought a country mouse like me would be happy in the city? For now, I am.

At this time of year so much of it looks particularly lovely - we've had some snow and some crisp sunny days and relatively little rain

I walk down Bow Lane every day on my way home and the Christmas lights never fail to lift my spirits.

The statue outside Buckingham Palace

Green Park

It's not half bad, London.

A little MAC..

2009-12-21T19:20:00.006Z

I can't make head nor tail of the MAC foundation numbering system and their 'warm' vs 'cold' colouring etc.

I went through a phase years back when I wore their Select Tint in NW20...I felt this was a little orange and switched on a MUA's advice to NC20 which seemed to even out my skin tone a lot better. But, it didn't offer enough coverage and I switched to something else (a YSL one I think,but that's another story).

Then when in the store the other weekend buying something else I got talking to a MUA about needing some new foundation and she sized me up, and gave me two Studio Fix (fluid) samples NW20 and NW15. It turned out the NW20 was waaay to dark and NW15 seems to be spot on! What's with that? I don't know whether my skin colour is changing or whether there's discrepancies between the types of foundation and the colours...has anyone else found this? Anyway, my super sensitive skin seems to be happy with the Studio Fix - I'm hoping a good week's trial is enough time to see if it's going to freak out and break out and so far so good.

I also bought a Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium while I was there which has exceeded all my expectations. Studio Fix + MSF Natural = pretty damn near perfection. The MSF evens out my skin and gives it a really beautiful finish despite. I love it.

For anyone not familiar with it, the MSFs are described by MAC as providing low coverage, and a "dimensional yet natural-matte finish". And it does exactly that.

I also bought Retrospeck which I've ogled online for a while, but I'm rather disappointed by it. You work hard for very little colour pay-off. I think perhaps I'm too pale for it to do very much on my skin, but it's a major disappointment. If I could return it, I would.

It actually looks ok on my fingertip but on my eyes it's next to invisible.

Anyone else been disappointed by an eyeshadow recently?

Back soon

2009-12-19T12:43:00.003Z

On Thursday we lost my grandmother. She was the grand old age of 93. And they were 93 happy, fulfilling years full and I feel lucky to have known and loved her for 32 of them.

I'm grateful her life was so full and that she never lost her marbles. She slipped away pretty quickly in the grand scheme of things which is something to be thankful for I know as I couldn't have watched her suffer.

So, I've been absent for a bit because of this, but will be back soon.

She was a beautiful person on the inside and out and someone I've learnt a lot as her outlook was always positive, wise and above all she had a sense of humour about everything.

Here's a treet (!) for you all..

2009-12-14T21:05:00.007Z

Usually I like to get our tree as soon as they start selling them. You have to buy your tree where you can in London if you don't have a car and you're going to carry it home, and that means exorbitant prices, so I like to get my money's worth. However this year what with being away on holiday it's only just gone up, a little later than usual.

I love the fact that Mr C and I are already growing our collection of tree decorations, and hopefully over the years we'll add to our collection. I love anything simple, sparkly, rustic on the tree - I think that about covers it. So, here she is, in all her glory:

And here are a few of my favourites...

a sparkly cupcake with a golden cherry on top

little rustic wooden hearts with polka dots and antique looking glass baubles

And...what's that on top of the tree? A star? A fairy?

Well there's a garden centre near my folks' place that has an amazing winter wonderland display that goes on through room upon room each Christmas. Last year I went with Mr C and cooed over all the beautiful birds (I love all things bird-y) so I went this year on my own, under strict instructions from him 'no birds!'

So, what could I come back with but a bird? He now sits proudly a-top our tree looking beautiful:

Just because...

2009-12-14T19:30:00.004Z

Posting this photo just because I like it.

We went ice skating at the weekend at the Natural History museum which after dark is a beautiful twinkling magical place (if you can ignore the heaving crowds...). They've done away with the faux German Christmas market in favour of one stall selling oh so Christmassy pasties and chips. But - they do have this beautiful carousel there now.

The Natural History Museum is one of my favourite places in London (how amazing is it that it's free???) and is beautiful whatever the time of day or year but here's a fuzzy photo that gives you a small idea of how pretty it is at Christmas, with the ice rink

I do love Christmas. Even when it comes with crowds.

Are you skating this year?

New York beauty shopping

2009-12-13T14:54:00.023Z

So as promised earlier on, here's a little more on the few things I bought on holiday.

First up -

Sephora Star Gazer Palette:

It's from their 'Pure' collection, and is free of various chemicals presumably usually present in lots of makeup. The palette itself is made of bamboo.

Thoughts: much as I love the idea of a bamboo palette..it's not actually that great as it feels little brittle, doesn't shut that securely and the inserts don't fit that tightly and I can imagine them coming loose unless I treat this one with kid gloves.

That said, the colours in it are good and pigmentation seems strong:

Blush: Soleil | Eyeshadows (top L-R): Aurora, Galaxy, Polaris (bottom L-R): Heaven, Jupiter, Orion

I've used all of them and find the shades really wearable (though the glitter in the top centre and bottom right shades might restrict how often you use those two!) Aurora is a shimmery silver, Galaxy a dark matte grey with fine silver flecks of glitter, Polaris is a matte charcoal. Heaven is a shimmery very light heather colour, Jupiter a similar tone just darker Orion is a matte deep blue-y purple with pink fine glitter.

NARS Silent Night single eyeshadow:
Well this one was an impulse purchase - $9 at the till. They really know how to suck you in don't they? It's a beautiful rich gold colour in the pan:

Thoughts: Once you try using it you find there's some really chunky glitter in it and pigmentation is a little weak. You really have to get stuck in to extract much colour. I've found it works better wet. I actually don't mind the glitter too much - especially at this time of year I'm just about going to get my money's worth from this bad boy, so overall I'm happy. Had I paid full price - I'd be less happy.

Wet 'n' Wild Idol Eyes in Techno and Pixie:
These were something ridiculous like $1.99 each I think. Quite soft and creamy consistency. I like 'em.

Thoughts: As you can see, the colour payoff isn't bad either and for this price, you just can't go wrong.

NARS mini multiples set
This is limited edition available only from Sephora.

Now, these really are mini at only 0.14oz compared to the usual 0.5oz so $ for $ it's not technically great value ($40 for this limited edition set compared to $37 for a full size multiple), but it does offer an affordable way to try out three of the most popular shades.
You have Copacabana, Orgasm and South Beach.

(L-R South Beach, Copacabana, Orgasm)

Thoughts: I've mulled over getting one of these for ages so was excited to finally have three in my possession. They're all very shimmery and the shades are beautiful.

To be honest it's taking some practice applying these. As opposed to using a powder highlighter/bronzer/blush you have to take more care as to where you put them on your face. I'm just not used to using cream blush etc. But - I ike them and can see myself ending up buying one or more full size ones once these run out.

Neosporin Lip Health:
This is something I read about on Belle's wonderful blog before I left for holiday, then spotted in Duane Reade and remembered her rave review:

It's super cheap - a couple of dollars and is an 'overnight renewal therapy'. It claims to reduce/heal dry or chapped lips in 3 days.

Thoughts: well, this stuff got a real road test while we were on holiday - the wind in New York in winter is biting and it's very hard to avoid getting dry or chapped lips. So I duly slathered this on at night and it really worked! By morning they were miraculously restored. So, a big thumbs up from me for this beauty bargain as I'm sure it's one I'll be using throughout winter.

And finally...

Revlon's Silver Screen nail polish:

Excuse the sloppy manicure - to be fair to Revlon it's been over a week since I painted my nails..

Now, I don't know if you remember me raving about their Steel Her Heart which is a dark pewter/steel colour, and how I wished they did a pure silver one? Well, it turns out they do! I don't know whether it's not stocked in the UK, or whether it's just that I haven't yet come across it but imagine my squeal of delight when I saw this in the drugstore!

I bought two bottles, just in case. And - British ladies, get this - it's $4.70 in the US...compared to something like £7 over here. Not fair!

Thoughts: I can't get over how good Revlon nail polishes are. And that it's taken my this long to discover them. Even one coat is almost passable if you're in a rush and they seem to have really good lasting power. Love it.

So there you have it. Sorry if the post ended up waffling on too long for your liking!

Dance with me...

2009-12-12T21:18:00.003Z

Oh man I love dancing (watching that is....if only I could dance..). Any film with dancing in it is a treat in my book - from 42nd Street to Singin' In The Rain to Take the Lead.

So here's the first of a few of my favourite dancing scenes...

Festive Tag!

2009-12-11T21:04:00.007Z

My little haul post is coming but taking a while as I haven't been able to take photos in daylight since I've come home.

So in the meantime, a fun, vaguely festive survey I found on Look Ma No Patterns! (a lovely craft blog I enjoy reading).

Anyone reading - I tag you!

Favourite colour:
Green, silver and gold

Facebook?
Yes. I need to prune though.

Favourite Christmas song?

Christmas Tree - real or fake?
It's got to be real. I LOVE the smell of them too

Hottest Celebrity?
I still have such a soft spot for Mr Big (or should that be Detective Mike Logan)

....and should I confess to a secret crush on 'George Costanza'?

Favourite Restaurant?
I'm going to be pretentious and say a New York one - Marseille on 9th. We had all our special meals there when we were living round the corner. It's beautiful, dimly lit and the food is gorgeous.

Favourite magazine?
Vanity Fair. This was the first issue I bought (I can't think why the cover caught my eye) and I've subscribed ever since. I love it - I read it from cover to cover. And I've saved every copy. I couldn't possibly admit to going through a weird phase where I catalogued the articles..

Favourite holiday drink?
Mulled wine or sloe gin - glass of either one by the fire back home at my folks' place is perfection

Favourite Christmas movie?
No question, White Christmas. Family tradition to watch this on Christmas Eve

Back to Blighty

2009-12-09T18:11:00.005Z

Our New York 5 day fairy tale is now over and we arrived back in London this morning. The rest of the day has been largely spent dozing and doing some very light unpacking and laundry. Oh the glamour.

We had a wonderful time and while we were there New York had its first snow of the year - it was so magical! I'd forgotten how often you get blue skies there...the dreary grey of English skies can feel a bit bleak at times.

Our time was largely spent prowling round our old neighbourhood, checking out old haunts and finding new places. Lots of walking, and eating and drinking. I do love a long cosy wood panelled little bar.

Although I live with my boyfriend, when you both have busy jobs it's surprising how little you see can each other what with working late and heading off to work early, so having 6 whole days to spend together felt like a real treat. And, in my opinion if you're going to mooch around somewhere hand in hand then I can't think of a better city to do it in. Bliss.

I managed to get a fair bit of Christmas shopping done for family, but apart from that, I was restrained on the shopping front, and makeup-wise I came home with the modest haul you see below...

I'll do some thoughts and swatches in another post

New York, here we come!

2009-12-02T19:04:00.004Z

So tomorrow is the long awaited return to New York..and I'm so over-excited about it, I'm realiably informed I'm being a real handful.

All that's left to do, is pack. My packing is always done at the eleventh hour.

Hopefully I'll have a few haul-type posts for you all when I'm back.

Have a lovely weekend

5 things making me smile right now

2009-11-27T18:59:00.003Z

1. Christmas lights!

I wish this crappy photo taken with my blackberry did justice to just how pretty the lights in Sloane Square are. And the lights on my walk home from work are finally switched on - it really does make me smile to see them. Photo coming soon...

2. Guava juice. I love love love it, and could drink it all day.

3. Steel Her Heart nails by Revlon. Finally someone has learnt how to do shiny shiny nail polish. I love this pewter colour (just wish they did a pure silver coloured one that was as thick and glossy)

4. My phone. Went we temporarily moved overseas I went onto a pay as you go mobile phone to keep my number and I've only just got round to going back on a contract, and I love now having endless minutes so I can gab on the phone however long I want, whenever I want. My folks are used to the daily phonecall as I walk home in the evenings.

5. The crisp sunny weather. It should be cold this time of year, and I'm glad it finally is. Dust off the gloves and hats!

Happy weekend everyone

Quiltastic

2009-11-25T19:15:00.008Z

No blogging of late, as every spare second I've had recently has been spent trying to finish my 3 year old godson's Christmas present which I need to have finished by this weekend when I'm seeing him.

It's a quilt. My sewing machine packed up on me and so I've had to do the whole thing old skool..by hand. I really love sewing by hand, but it does mean you need longer to get things finished if you're not going to let a machine speed things up.

I'll tell you a secret - I already made another one, almost entirely composed of fabric from Mr C's old shirts. And then I looked at it, and I realised way deep down, in a secret place, I wanted to keep it, in case I one day have a son to give it to.
But shhh - that's just between you and me ok? We don't want to go scaring Mr C.

So, this is round two - patchwork of a little Cath Kidston, some scraps (again from old shirts) and some new cotton on one side, and gingham on the back. It has a very loose western/cowboy theme (or that was the intention at least)

I'm nearly thereI only have 3 more evenings to finish it - panic!

The Countdown begins..

2009-11-18T21:30:00.004Z

It's over a year now since we moved back to London following what's officialy known as "The Best 6 Months Of My Life" living in New York. Now I would hate to think there's not better to come, and I really am very happy with my life right now, but it was an amazing time. And also, we realised in retrospect, a real test of our relationship - just the two of us moving to a country where we didn't know anyone.

Anyway, it's now only 2 weeks until we go back for a little visit!

After spending ages wondering whether yo try staying somewhere different, we thought 'what the hell', we're going back to 'our' old neighbourhood, so have rented a little studio just a few blocks up from our luxurious (corporate, I hasten to add) apartment we lived in last year.

I cannot wait!

And so begins the shopping list...MAC - I'm talking to YOU! Not to forget all the drugstore delights. Jokes aside, I'm going to try not to go overboard with the shopping, but any suggestions for things I should be buying that I can't get in Boots of Superdrug gratefully received.

Good old Sleek

2009-11-18T20:02:00.006Z

A quick dive into Superdrug on the way home is very hard to resist on a gloomy evening after a hard day at work.....the result? Some Sleek treats:

I've read a lot of people talking about these relatively new Pout Polishes - they're around the £4 mark I think and come in 4 colours. I got Electro Peach

Though it looks very orangey in the pot, it just comes out pretty red. It's a lot more pigmented than you might think, so I'd advise applying it carefully (if you slap it on like a lip balm without using a mirror, you risk looking like a kid who's eaten too many strawberries!). It has a slightly grainy texture to it but it's not unpleasant. It smells just like creme caramel - a mixture of vanilla and caramel.

Though the shallow wide pot is quite attractive I find it not the most hygienic way of having lipgloss as whenever you take the lid off, you have this huge sticky expanse of lipgloss just waiting for dust/fluff/dirt to land on it.

As I was saying to Anna after her brilliant post on all things concealer, I've been looking for a new one, and I thought why not give the Sleek one a go - again, it's nice and cheap - I think around the £2-4 mark (I must keep note!)

Anyway, I like it. Seems to do a good job evening out redness and also concealing shadows. I'll report back if my opinion changes after more extended use!

Hurray for discount codes..

2009-11-14T21:53:00.003Z

I didn't manage to find anything nice in my brief shopping trip today so hit up ASOS when I got home instead and put a little order in.

In case you fancy doing the same, don't forget to use the code CHRISTMASCRACKER2 from now until Tuesday 17th November and get 15% off!

Butternut squash and cannellini bean soup

2009-11-14T14:11:00.003Z

Ok ladies, as requested here's the recipe for the soup. It's a real mainstay of my winter cooking repertoire as it's cheap to make, filling and has to be pretty damn healthy, right?

So, you will need..

- a butternut squash
- some stock
- a tin of cannellini beans
- curry powder (optional)

...and that's it!

> Peel and dice the squash into 1-2cm cubes, then put in a pan with some stock and bring to the boil. I'm a bit haphazard with quantities, but I tend to err on the side of caution as you can always add more liquid, but having too much is trickier to fix. So I put enough stock to cover the squash.

> Keep checking it and when it's soft (again - you start to see the scatty cooking style here, but I imagine it's about 20 minutes) remove from the heat.

> Drain and rinse the beans and add half to the soup

> Whizz in a blender until it's smooth. I have a cheapo hand blender that likes to try and spatter the walls so I find it easier to use a potato masher to mash everything first then use the blender.

> Add curry powder to your taste - depends on how spicey you like it, and the remainder of the beans and put it back on the hob. At this point you want to add more liquid to thin it down a bit - taste it, if it's pretty concentrated just add some boiling water, otherwise add some more stock until it's at a consistency that you like.

> When everything is nice and hot, including the beans, remove and serve!

5 things making me smile right now

2009-11-11T18:41:00.003Z

1. Barry M toffee lipgloss - it's official, I'm in love. I've even grown to love the smell.

2. My Longchamp le pliage - my friends bought me this one for my birthday and it hasn't been off the crook of my arm since. Sorry other bags - I still love you dearly, but I'm in the midst of a steamy affair here.

3. The City - I used to work in the distant reaches of south London, and now I work in the City and I love it. Love the buildings, love the lack of tourists, love the busy atmosphere and love the little side streets you stumble across with proper old fashioned pubs - it feels all Dickensian. I'll take and post a photo soon of my favourite little street

4. My sweet potato and cannellini bean soup - quite delicious if I say so myself, and great for taking into work for lunch. Makes me feel smug on two fronts - not spending money on buying lunch and the minimal calorie count and healthy nature of it!

5. The This Amerian Life podcast - how great is this? Does anyone else know it? It's a freebie stumbled across it on iTunes and is a collection of stories and thoughts on a different topic each week. It's fascinating.

Link me to your 5 favourites things, folks!

youtube magic

2009-11-08T09:40:00.001Z

Wish I could remember where I read about this... anyway - enjoy!

What a revelation!

2009-11-06T18:40:00.004Z

Confession - I sneered at skinny jeans when they first arrived on the scene. I just thought they made your legs look stumpy, they weren't elegant and I did not get it. (I am a self-confessed fashion fuddy duddy).

I finally realised I was the last girl in town clinging onto bootlegs (or so it felt) and I trotted to good old New Look to try on some black skinnies.

What do you know? They are SO flattering, it's insane. I hold my hands up and freely admit - I was wrong! Skinny jeans - I love you deeply - you make me look so tall and slim, and I don't know why I ignored you for so long!

I've always found New Look's shoes to be great - a surprising number of them are leather, or at least leather lined, and the prices are very reasonable. Let's face it - flats aren't going anywhere and New Look always has an amazing selection, from quilted to sequined to pleated to be-jewelled.....
Picked up this cute little quilted pair with patent toes and trim

And I'm deeply in love. They're also sturdy enough to stand up to a bit of bog standard english rain (I don't think they'd survive a proper downpour, but on a miserable evening like this, they did just fine).

Have you found any good bargains recently?

Vitamin E = glowing complexion...

2009-11-04T18:44:00.003Z

I do my best to drink the prescribed buckets loads of water a day - the fact I sit close to the water filter at work no doubt helps me out with this, but like most girls I always feel my skin isn't quite good enough.

The other day I visited a friend I hadn't seen a while, and she was positively glowing.
Pregnant? No.
Amazing new foundation? No, no make up at all actually.

So why was she looking so gorgeous? She told me she'd been taking Vitamin E tablets for a while - no other change to her diet or to her skincare routine and she put it down to this.

So - I followed suit. And, do you know what - I really feel like it's doing my skin some good.

Sifting through the internet to try and find out more on the benefits and dangers of taking vitamin E, brings back all sorts of encouraging (and scary results) but as far as I can tell so long as you don't take more than the recommended dose and are healthy then it's ok.

Anyone else take it? Heard anything about it?

Beauty Raves and Roars

2009-11-02T20:03:00.001Z

RAVES (Yay!)

1. Maybelline Full n Soft mascara - had this one knocking round in my collection for ages, but I've come to reaslise that after Lancome, it's probably my favourite. It gives me thick lashes.

2. Barry M lipgloss in no.2. I know, I know - I'm a lipgloss hater, but yet again I decided to try another...and this might be the one that sucks me in. Gorgeous natural colour.

3. Aveda Replenishing body lotion. Bought this last year and I thought I had a mild reaction to it so put it to one side, but recently I've given it another go, and I kind of like it. It's doing a good job until I buy more Nuxe. Which leads me on to...

4. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. Best dry oil ever. I've used this for years and years and I love it - it has a very distinctive smell which lingers which I think you either love or hate but I love it. Moisturises my skin beautifully. They say it can be used on the face and hair too, but I've never dared.

ROARS (Boo hiss!)

1. L'Oreal Telescopic - big disappointment for me. I know I'm probably on my own here, but I hated what it did to my lashes - big spider-y clumps, which isn't a look I like.

2. That nasty nasty 2True Plumptious Lipgloss I bought - you very much get what you pay for - nasty gunky sticky colourless.

3. Sure Crystal deodorant ok, this isn't beauty, but seriously, if your USP is that it doesn't leave white marks....then make sure it doesn't!

Barry M lip loving

2009-10-31T11:55:00.004Z

There's a lovely big Superdrug near work so I popped in at lunchtime yesterday and picked up these two. They were £4.19 each so pretty affordable and despite being cheap, the packaging is great (Rimmel, No 17 - take note!)

Lipstick no. 146 - Dolly Pink, and lip gloss in no. 2 - Toffee

They're the first Barry M lip products I've tried, and overall I'm impressed. The consistency of the lipstick is lovely - I have the say the colour is BRIGHT..I'm not entirely sure how often I'll find myself reaching for this one, but nevertheless it's a fun addition.

You may already have noted my deep hatred for lip gloss but I'm determined to find one I like. This one falls very much into that 'my lips but better' category - and the effect is pretty. It's not as sticky as some, which I like. The overpowering toffee smell is a little off putting as I'm not sure I like feeling as though I'm smearing toffee sauce on my lips!

So, I'm going to try some more soon I think - which Barry M lip paints and glosses do you have? And do you like them?

ubi ibi libris....

2009-10-28T19:20:00.006Z

Reading this great post from the wonderful Amanda made me think how much I'm enjoying the book I'm currently reading - to the point of letting my friends go off to lunch without me so I can spend a blissful solitary lunchtime reading instead of being sociable. I've read quite a few of Paul Auster's books, and loved them and now it turns out I love his wife's writing too, or certainly this book...

It's What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt

I wish I was clever enough to write a review that would enthrall you, and tell you how much I love it and make you want to read it too. Instead I'll quote from the Guardian's review:

"Siri Hustvedt has written a novel of ideas, in which she tackles questions of how much of what we perceive is personal, how much shared, how much is fixed for all time and how much is liable to shift."

To be honest, I'm loathe to read to the end of the review in case it reveals the ending.

It's set in the 70s and onwards and is the story of an art writer, his family, his friendship with an artist and his family, and how things change over the course of time. I love the snapshots of a New York from another time and I just love the way she writes - she has just such a beautiful, spot on way of phrasing things.

Give it a go.

p.s. the title of this post...I studied classics, and my dad is a classics teacher - and this quote is close to my heart - "ubi ibi libris, ibi libertas" where there are books, there is freedom. Great words.

Sunday afternoon chores

2009-10-25T17:58:00.002Z

Spent the afternoon doing the unenviable task of sorting through all my clothes and shoes deciding what to keep, what to charity shop and what to bin. Dull but essential, and it seems a good time of year to get the job out of the way.

Obviously this job can't be done without something interesting on TV - so I had a retro moment with one of my favourites....who remembers St Elmo's Fire?

I can't tell you how much I was in love with Rob Lowe when I first saw this film. Has he aged at all?

Anyone else love the brat pack films?

More Inglot treats

2009-10-24T17:43:00.012+01:00

We ploughed our way through the crowds at a heaving Westfield today so I could go coat shopping. The effort was worth it, and I now have a lovely new winter jacket -and a purple one at that!

I made a quick stop at Inglot to pick up a couple more eyeshadows. They're a wonderful alternative to MAC - cheaper at £11 for 3 eyeshadows and as far as I can tell so far the pigmentation is almost if not as good as MAC. And they fit into the Pro palettes.

From left to right we have:
a matte neutral shade (390)
a pearl finish pink-y mauve (445) (a little like MAC's Trax crossed with Satellite Dreams?)
a pearl finish deep red-ish purple 452 (similarish to MAC's Cranberry?)

swatched without any primer:

Love them! What do you reckon?

A trip to Westfield is complete without a) a trip to Inglot and b) a cupcake from Buttercup (I ate it far too fast for a photo!)

5 Loves, 5 Hates

2009-10-23T21:27:00.009+01:00

LOVES

1. My Diptyque John Galliano candle. One of my birthday presents - it reminds me of home as my folks always have one on the go. It smells of incense and wood and is a lovely cosy winter-y smell.

2. What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt. It's been on my reading list for years now, and I stumbled across a copy in my local charity shop last week - joy! I'm so engrossed.

3. Corn on the cob. I never ate corn actually on the cob until we lived in NYC and I bought some at one of the street fairs that seem to spring up every month. And, wow, how much do I love it. I could eat it every day.

4. ELF Studio Warm Bronzer. Thankfully it turns out I'm not dangerously allergic to this and I love it. Great product at a great price.

5. Tunnocks Tea Cakes. These are THE BOMB

HATES

1. Capers - urgh. Root of all evil. It almost creeps me out too much to post a picture

2. 2True Plumptuous Lip Gloss. Yes, granted it's cheap lip gloss to probably not the finest quality, but it reminded me of why I HATE lip gloss and stopped wearing it. Sickly smell and too sticky. Yuck.

3. Temping....I've been at the same company 6 months now - hopefully soon to be made permanent but until then it's temp wage, no holiday allowance.

....Do you know what? It's a good week - I'm stopping at 3!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Do you want to see something beautiful?

2009-10-21T07:10:00.004+01:00

I couldn't love Strictly Come Dancing any more if I tried

I sometimes think dancing doesn't get any better than watching Vincent and Flavia.

On a more banal note, had a random little spot (or "blemish" in euphemistic beauty speak) or two pop up in the past week - I couldn't find any of the usual zappers - Body Shop Tea Tree, Mario Badescu or Liz Earle so I just applied...nothing.

And do you know what? They've never cleared up so quickly.

Any er - beauty secrets you've stumbled across?!

Christmas hols!

2009-10-16T21:08:00.005+01:00

It's a year since we moved back to London, from New York, and though London's great, I still miss New York an awful lot.

But, we've just booked a little trip back to visit in a couple of months time, and I can't wait to revisit old haunts.

This was the view from our apartment

..though I do love living in Pimlico now, nothing beats being able to see Central Park from your window (yes, squint...you can see it - just to the right of the Hearst building!)

Roll on Forever 21, Sephora, a Duane Reade raid and lots of delicious food!

Are you off on hols anywhere interesting before the end of the year?

Rose & Co Apothecary

2009-10-14T19:33:00.005+01:00

We took a trip to see Mr C's folks the other weekend, who live "oop north" and while we were there, we went to visit Haworth - famous for being the home of the Brontes and now also home to Rose & Co Apothecary and a more gorgeous old fashioned chemists, you've never seen. I don't know whether time has stood still, or whether it's all contrived to look very old but either way the effect is charming.

How lovely is this?

I left with a bag of rose (natch!) bath salts - I find it hard to find nice bath salts, and I HATE bubbles in my bath! Does anyone else agree?

Where have I been?

2009-10-14T19:10:00.007+01:00

It's been so long. Too long.

The holiday was bliss. Absolute bliss

Need I say more? Lots of Milo, nasi lemak, tiger beer, sunshine, tropical fish, monkeys and cats. And by the end of two weeks even I had got a tan.

The inevitable catching up at work after a holiday has kept me very busy.

Had my first ELF order the other day. I suspect it would have arrived quickly if all the postmen in England weren't striking (don't get me started...)

So, Pink Ice custom eyeshadow, eyeliner brush from the Studio line, and Warm Bronzer, also from the Studio line.

Had a scary allergic reaction where my face puffed up and I had to go to A+E, and the doctor floated the idea it was a reaction to any new makeup I had..argh - was it the bronzer? Well, I can report a few days later I used it again, totally forgetting what the doctor had said, and I am fine. So phew - I'm not allergic.

So yes, the bronzer is lovely. Give it a go if you haven't already.

Hope you're all well. I'm off to take a tour around all my favourite ladies blogs now!

This time in 24 hours..

2009-09-01T19:22:00.006+01:00

...I'll hopefully be browsing the duty free, about to hop on a flight to....

The difference between me and my boyfriend become evident at packing time. His rucksack is packed and propped by the front door. Mine open on the sitting room floor, surrounded by heaps of stuff and scribbled lists.

Let's be honest though, this lot + a bikini is really all I need

Sunnies, hat, books and sunsreen. I'm hoping this Piz Buin spray will be as good as my beloved Neutrogena ultra sheer sunblock spray which I discovered when we lived in New York. Supposedly its another clear one you just spray everywhere and don't have to rub in.

I can't decide whether to buy some more Estee Lauder Double Wear, this time in a better shade, or whether to branch out and try something by Bobbi Brown.....?

Any Bobbi fans here who can tell me what rocks?

Tag time

2009-08-26T20:29:00.003+01:00

Thank you to the gorgeous Shifa over at Get Gawjus for the tag! Go check her out.

I feel like I did this one yonks ago, so it's high time for an update. If you haven't yet done this one, you must (and tell me in the comments!) Let's get cracking:

SHAMPOO: I have a feeling it's something cheap and cheerful like Pantene or Tresemme...I can't remember though - shampoo gets decanted into my Hello Kitty shampoo pump from Japan!

CONDITIONER: I don't condition..is it very wrong? Always found it made my find hair lank.

STYLING PRODUCTS: A VO5 volumising spray thing. My poor hair's been very neglected recently.

SHOWER GEL: Iris soap from Santa Maria Novella

BODY MOISTURISER: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

FACE MOISTURISER: Liz Earle

DEODORANT: Dove

FAKE TAN: I don't have the patience for it

CLEANSER: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

EXFOLIATOR: I don't.

PRIMER: I don't

FOUNDATION: Estee Lauder Double Wear. I love it, but I don't think they have a colour that's perfect for me though, so the hunt is on again.

FOUNDATION BRUSH: MAC 190

CONCEALER: Barbara Daly from Tesco!

POWDER: Clinique Soft Finish pressed powder

BLUSHER: MAC MSF Redhead

BRONZER/CONTOUR: Barry M Natural Dazzle / MAC Strada

HIGHLIGHTER: BeneFit High Beam

EYESHADOW BASE: UDPP. Now living in a clean little jam jar - ha, foiled you Urban Decay - I didn't throw mine away half full as you hoped I would!

EYESHADOWS: a mix of MAC, NYX, Inglot and others. Currently loving my Sleek Storm palette though - it's what I reach for most often at the moment.

EYELINER: GOSH Velvet Touch and Sephora.

CURLER: Rarely bother. Got a Revlon one though.

MASCARA: L'Oreal Telescopic or Clinique High Definition

LIPSTICK: Stila Ariel, Clinique Waterviolet

LIPGLOSS: Hate hate hate sticky lipgloss!

NAIL COLOUR: silver uber cheap one by 2True.

Last weekend

2009-08-26T20:17:00.007+01:00

Home. Well, my folks' place - which I probably should have grown out of calling home, but haven't. Well, it's their fault for making the place so bloomin' warm and welcoming and relaxing and perfect isn't it?

This stack of logs makes me very happy. Though I am a dab hand with an axe, let me reassure you, should you have any that need chopping!

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-08-19T19:19:00.004+01:00

It's my _th birthday today. I would say it's felt a little unbirthday as I was at work, where nobody knows it's my birthday because I haven't been there long. But, Mr C made up for me, meeting me for lunch and handing over all my cards and pressies this morning!

Among my presents, treats from two of my favourite places in Paris (now thankfully both with branches in London)

A John Galliano Diptyque candle one of the lovliest smells I know. It smells of incense and woodsmoke. And a boxful of Laduree macaroons - the most delicious treat I know.

Yum to both!

Mr C - how well you know me!

Reviews - new bits and bobs

2009-08-18T20:46:00.007+01:00

Rubbish posting of late - I am in awe of all you ladies with busy jobs who still manage regular wonderful posts. I'm struggling to keep up at the moment.

Anyway, a few recent purchases (all very cheap and cheerful I hasten to add)
Pink wallet - now, how cute is that bad boy? My regular wallet is huge - mum sized - and I love it, but sometimes I want to be a bit more lightweight so I spotted this in Matalan. Who cares if it only lasts a year - at £4 I can't complain.

I bought a couple of things from Boots 17 range - I really am going back to school with my shopping at the moment. A nail varnish so vile and middle aged I've binned it already. And that 'green glimmer' eyeshadow. Beautiful consistency and pigmentaion. But no - I just have no idea how to wear this without looking like I'm about to take a leading role in Wicked. I wish I could. Any tips?

So I got the 'Bronzed & Gorgeous' palette for free with those 2 purches. Containing:
1 lip colour (it's pants. Just ignore)
2 eye colours - 'ivory coast' a good highlighter colour and 'statuesque' an Ondine-alike (yay!). Both are again beautiful consistency and pigmentation
1 instant glow bronzing powder - actually, this isn't bad. Needless to say use the brush at your own risk - but with a proper brush, it's quite a nice contouring colour.

So overall, not bad for a freebie.

And - something I've never looked at before, a bit of M+S make up. This is what lunch hours working in the city do to you - you're left to browse M+S as there are no other remotely fun shops nearby. Just Pret. And Eat. And Itsu. Not much lippie in any of them.

Anyway, it's an Autograph Sheer Gloss Lipstick. And I like it. Very creamy, feels nice on and a good selection of shades. And for £7.50 I might investigate a few more in the range. Oh, and I LOVE the packaging. Simple and beautiful and expensive looking.

And, after intially adoring my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in Ecru, I became increasingly convinced it's not the right shade for me. My face is a distinctly different colour to my neck, which is awful. Apparently it's the lightest shade they do, but I'm giving a sample of Shell (more pinky toned) a go to see if that's any better. So far...so good. Fingers crossed.

Anyway, holiday is not too far off so soon I shall be thinking about tropical island make up!

Some recent disappointments

2009-07-31T18:38:00.006+01:00

A quick rundown on a few things I've bought recently. I'm sorry to say, most of these have disappointed me, but perhaps you've found differently?

Group (fuzzy) shot:
Barry M Natural Dazzle, GOSH velvet touch eyeliner in black ink, MAC Eccentricity quad and Bourjois blush in Rose d'Or.

So, one by one

Well, I read the raves, I loved the swatches and so I went out and bought the famous Natural Dazzle. I don't know I've just got a bad one but it's incredibly hard to get any colour from this. I have to literally scrub it with a fingertip to get any colour, so as for managing to load anything onto a brush - fugeddaboutit! At a tenner I'm reluctant to shell out for another on the off chance I just got a bad one... had anyone else had this problem?

The Bourjois blush
So, Rose d'Or - golden pink - sounds perfect right? But again, it's very hard to get any colour from this and oh, the smell of it is disgusting - kind of powdering and old...like make up that's been festering somewhere for far too long.

Colour Craft Eccentricity
Pretty colours - I really love this selection a lot. And I love getting four colours so much more use to me than a single and not much more expensive. But - the glitter fallout on these is really tiresome. With I'd been more diligent with my research and hadn't bought this in such a hurry.

As for the GOSH eyeliner - I love it. Despite it's waterproof claims, it doesn't stay on my waterline for very long at all, but then I can't imagine anything would. Otherwise, big thumbs up.

Anybody else hate (or love?) these products?

20 Questions - Tag

2009-07-29T20:25:00.007+01:00

Thank you my lovely Rocaille for tagging me on this one - I do love to answer questions for some inexplicable reason!

1. What is your favourite item of clothing?
It's an accessory - is that cheating? My Rebecca Minkoff bag - I love her so bad. Birthday pressie from Mr C last year when we were living in New York.

2. What are your biggest obsessions?
I am currently loving alfafa sprouts, beat authors, elderflower gin martinis, Seinfeld, jasmine green tea and scarves

3. Who inspires you?
The people I know and love inspire me to be better.

4. Who is your favourite designer and why?
I've loved Chanel since aged 12 I found a dusty biography of her on the shelf at home. I love the classic Chanel touches - piping, camelias, black and white

5. What is your favourite song ever?
Oh my goodness - how could I pick just one? I am an obsessive list maker though (listography, I love you) so let me give you three from my top 10 - Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark,

6. What is your favourite song right now?
Geraldine by Glasvegas. A year after buying it I still can't get enough of the whole album

7. If you were a sweetie, what would you be?
a violet creme (dark chocolate, mind)

8. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet - what words would you use to describe your rainbow?
Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain. it's the best I can do!

9. What's your favourite film?
Some Like It Hot. Perfection.

10. Who's your favourite actor?
Well, Gene Kelly was my first love actor-wise and I love to watch him dance.

11. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
No question - New York City.

12. What are your three favourite smells?
aside from my favourite people and my cats (seriously - my cats are fragranced like you wouldn't believe) - ground coffee, rain on a hot pavement, lilacs

13. What are your three favourite tastes?
elderflower, marmite, a really peat-y malt whisky

14. What is your most treasured possession?
My violin and my Rebecca Minkoff handbag

15. What did you always want to be/do when you grew up?
My brother and I wanted a farm and lots of horses.

16. If you were an ice cream, what flavour would you be?
I'm not much for ice cream but pistachio is a good flavour

17. If someone made a short film of your life, who would play you?
Maggie Gyllenhaal

18. What would your perfect afternoon consist of?
Lying in in the sun in central park with a cherry italian ice

19. If you were a flower what would you be?
A peony

20. Tell me a random thing - a quote, a line from a song, book, movie
'his soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe'

Tagging all those who haven't done this! Tell me comments if you're going to do it - I love reading these.

Advice needed!

2009-07-29T13:34:00.000+01:00

A quick poll as I need advice....

I'm wearing this dress from good old M+S (who'd have thought it?) to a wedding soon.

Can I get away with black tights at a summer wedding? I'm more comfortable in them and the weather is hardly summer-like at the moment, but I'm still wondering if it's ok.

Thoughts ladies, please!

(sorry for a link instead of a picture - work constraints..)

Romantic gestures

2009-07-28T19:40:00.006+01:00

In my neighbourhood (and throughout all of Westminster) we have lamp posts that tell a story. Each one has two curly 'W's and two double 'C's

You'll recognise the Cs - (Coco Chanel of course) and the W represents the second Duke of Westminster who was in love with her and put their initials together on every lamp post in Westminster.

A little unconventional granted, but how romantic.

Hell yeah!

2009-07-26T17:23:00.004+01:00

I know this has been all over the internet, but just in case you missed it have a watch of this wonderful wedding entrance video. What a happy way to start the day. I'm such a soppy cow, it really brought a tear to my eye

Color Craft here I come

2009-07-17T19:08:00.002+01:00

Poor blogging on my part recently - comes with finally having some gainful employment. I can't seem to find time for anything else other than work at the moment. I'm not complaining though, let me make that very clear!

So, tomorrow I'll potter (or rather squelch if this lovely rain keeps up) to MAC on Kings Rd to raid the Color Craft stocks.

I definitely 'need' an eyeshadow quad - can't decide on whether to get Eccentricity or Odd Bits...any thoughts?

And perhaps Made with Love lipstick. (Can't do glosses - they drive me mad)

New dress!

2009-06-26T19:11:00.005+01:00

I have a couple of weddings to go to over summer. Last 5 (yes, 5 count 'em) weddings I've gone to I've worn the same dress so I'm overdue a new one.

Times are tight, so behold Haute Couture de Matalan - what you reckon of this for under 30 quid?

Not sure if I'll wear that belt or the skinny black patent one that comes with the dress. Think I'll wear some more glam shoes too, but not bad for a bargain eh?

p.s. Yes, the pose is ridiculous!

This and that

2009-06-23T19:08:00.004+01:00

I've been so busy with work I've been wickedly neglectful of this blog recently. Being back hard at work, nose to the grindstone is taking some getting used to be as my work has been sporadic recently.

Perhaps most challenging of all is running the gamut of the tube everyday - a smellier hotter more crowded place I can't think of. I'm going to have to do a little shopping soon with some of my hard earned cash so a haul post will hopefully be along soon.

Anyway on to nicer things - the lovely Nelle from Lady Tells All gave me this cute little award
so before I start catching up on what everyone's up to I must pay it forward. Apologies if you've already received it, but here are some lovely ladies whose blogs I always enjoy reading
Tabitha
Miss Adorably Distracted
Shifa
Rocaille
Llyangel

Loot!

2009-06-16T14:40:00.008+01:00

I have a few weeks work starting tomorrow, so I went on a premature spending spree. Well - Primark, so that's allowed, since it's so super-cheap.

A cute pair of quilted ballet flats with patent toes. A little (and I use the term very loosely) Chanel-esque. Hey - anything quilted you can pretend is Chanel inspired, right?

I imagine they'll stay cream for about a day before they start to look slightly grubby, but I like them nevertheless. And they make my feet look tanned.

Another little Chanel inspired goody:
Tell me ladies, can you tell the difference between that and the Chanel Fil de Camelia original?
Ok, I exaggerate, but it is sweet isn't it?

This weekend I'm seeing the little birthday girl I made some presents for recently so they need to be wrapped up. I found this gorgeous wrapping paper to do the job. I feel sure I'll end up going back for another sheet as I can think of a million crafting uses for such lovliness.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

2009-06-15T10:19:00.008+01:00

After 2 weeks of using this every day, I am hoping it's safe to give it a review. First up big thanks to Gail for alerting me to how great it is!

First off, if you're interested I'd strongly recommend going to an Estee Lauder counter, asking them to colour match you and then asking for a sample to take home and try so you can be sure of the colour, and sure that your skin isn't going to react. It's something I used to be reluctant to do, but if you're going to spend £20+ on a foundation, then the least they can do it let you sample it first.

So - it's considerably thicker in consistency than previous foundations I've had, but then the coverage is of course more thorough. I know others have success using a 187 brush to apply this, but I haven't tried using mine yet as I've been happy using the 190 foundation brush. After applying I buff it in a little with a kabuki - it seems to just make sure there are no streaky bits and it generally 'softens the edges'.

The one thing I have found with this is that you need to make sure your skin's really well moisturised before applying. I found I had a few slightly dry patches I hadn't taken much notice of until I started using this, however E45 cream has worked miracles and everything works very well together now.

It gives a matte finish, and my skin really has never looked so perfect. I did find the first few days I was appallingly vain and kept examining myself in mirrors.

I'm also very happy to report that (touch wood) I've had no adverse reactions to this - no breakouts or anything else - and my skin really can be a little sensitive which is why I was reluctant to try MAC's Studio Fix as I'd heard of so many break out horror stories.

So, overall a big thumbs up from me for this. If you want a medium to full coverage foundation, definitely give this one some consideration.

Tag!

2009-06-13T10:41:00.006+01:00

Tagged by the beautiful and oh so knowledgeable Hele

What's your favourite makeup look?

I summed it up the other day I think - Blair Waldorf. So subtle eyes, with perfect eyeliner and mascara, a touch of blush and highlighter and coral/red-y pink lips. I am still trying very hard to learn how to emulate this look. If and when I finally go to MAC for that makeup lesson I've been banging on about I will be taking photos of her with me and asking for help. Sad but true.

Do you have a beauty vice?

To be honest, the thing I've unnecessarily bought most of over the years has been perfumes. I have way too many and flit between them all. I rarely buy one I end up disliking, but I do go through phases. I manage to stay fairly even-handed in my makeup buying.

What part of your body do you love?

I have pretty long legs which I am grateful for - I hate wearing short skirts with no tights though so the pins don't come out much in summer but in winter they get a lot of opaque tights and leggings exposure. I've always been obsessive about looking after my hands too - I used to play a lot of music so was always very conscious of people looking at my hands so they've been moisturised to the max all their life!

Who is your beauty icon?

Not one in particular. There are many women whose beauty I admire though - Erin O'Connor, Natalie Portman, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Tatou

What beauty product makes you feel instantly sexy?

I suppose these days a slick of eyeliner is something I love.

How do you look after your skin?

I drink a ton of water. I always wear sunscreen. I always take off my makeup in the evenings. And I try to 'listen' to it when it objects to something! I'm thinking it might be time soon to enter the world of preventative wrinkle measures...

What is your signature scent?

As I said I have way to many, but there a few core members of the gang who've been with me for years. I can't imagine being without Chanel's Cristalle, Jo Malone's Wild Fig & Cassis, Michael Kors and Lolita Lempicka

What are your hair care secrets?

I've never had my hair dyed as I like my natural colour which is dark with some coppery type highlights. I've also learned to love and cope with it's natural personality, which is a bit wavy. I don't straighten too often which I think it thanks me for.

How do you pamper yourself?

I love having massages, but they're way to expensive to be a regular thing at the moment. Same goes for manicures (London - why can't you be more like New York?). Both those are a lovely treat.

What is your beauty pet peeve?

I'm not mad keen on stripey chunky highlights, too much orange fake tan or really long nails.

What would your desert island must haves be?

Lots of sunscreen, Nuxe's huile prodigieuse, lip balm and a moisturiser.

Finally, do you have a beauty philosophy?

Do the best with what you have!

Ladies, if you haven't done this one - do it now!

Cocktail of the week

2009-06-11T18:19:00.005+01:00

I feel my favourite cocktails are seasonal. I find classic gin martinis very winter-y (this isn't based on logic - just personal history) and I can't imagine a long hot summer without lots of mint juleps, but I'm always ready to try something new.

My cocktail of the moment - and I feel like it's a spring cocktail since the weather's still pretty spring like - is the Elderflower Martini. Yum.

There seems to be disagreement among all the recipes I found online as to the quantities, but the one that works for me is simple 1:1:1 - nice and easy to remember!

The cast:
Elderflower cordial, Tanqueray gin, dry vermouth and some lemon juice.

Put equal measures along with a squeeze of lemon and lots of ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake it baby, shake it and then.....
The Final Cut:

I like to top it up with a little tonic water - I'd prefer soda water but I'm all out.

Give it a go.

What's your favourite cocktail?

Tag - The Omnivore's 100

2009-06-11T09:57:00.005+01:00

A fun foodie tag to start the day.

Bold the items you have eaten, and put into italics the ones you would never consider eating

1. Venison
2. Nettle Tea
3. Huevos Rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hotdog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn or head cheese
26. Raw scotch bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat's milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald's Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S'mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs' legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blinis
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom Yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at 3 star Michelin restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

Well, 37 things I haven't so far tried, and only 1 that I don't think I'd ever eat.

What can we deduce from that? I fear it makes me more of a gourmand than a gourmet...

Why not give it a go if you haven't already?

A life without power

2009-06-10T16:33:00.002+01:00

We were without electricity for two entire days recently. While this made me furious (I don't even want to get in to the 'work ethic' of the hilariously named emergency engineers who eventually turned up Monday morning and who interupted their playing with their mobile phones, smoking cigarettes and chit chat with the occasional bit of work) it also was an interesting little experiment in doing without.

No cooked meals, very brief very cold showers, going for a walk in the dusk and playing backgammon in the fading light while drinking red wine (instead of watching rubbish on TV) made for unusual activities, but some of them I think we should do more often. There was something quite nice at going to bed when the sun finally did set - I suppose it's the way we ought to be operating.

And......the power cut defrosted my freezer for me rather nicely and efficiently - a job I'd been dreading for weeks!

Review: L'Oreal lipstick and Prestige blush

2009-06-09T17:39:00.008+01:00

Two little items of makeup hopped into my shopping basket on the weekend:

Firstly the L'Oreal Color RicheShine Gelee in Shiny Grapefuit (what a mouthful). I've been eyeing this one up for ages, and discovering that Boots is selling them for £5-something at the moment (£2 off RRP) was the final push I needed.

I know everyone talks about 'my lips but better' as the holy grail of lip colour and it's generally a nude colour they talk about. I guess I have quite highly pigmented lips and is much more similar to my natural colour, which is something I like. It feels a bit like a balm and seems to last well.

The formulation is very creamy and has a faint fragrance that's not offensive at all. There are a few sparkles in it, but it looks and feels very natural on. The only thing I don't like is the ugly tube it comes in. It's bulky and I don't like it!

Secondly, a blush by Prestige - Skin Loving Minerals Baked Mineral Blush in 01 Pink. I seem to remember Prestige being a bit of a bargain grab in Duane Reade, butover here it seems to be towards the upper end of 'drugstore cosmetics' in price. This was £7 or £8. Bit steep.

That said, I still like it. It's very subtle and gives a very true light pink with a pretty sheen. You can layer it up of course for a stronger look. I'm cautious with blush though - I fear looking like Aunt Sally so this is fine by me. Cute packaging which I like a lot, and a strange smell..not unpleasant at all - it kind of reminds me of a.... photocopying shop? Hmm, well it's unusual, but I don't mind it.

Tag!

2009-06-05T13:04:00.009+01:00

I love tags, so thank you to Winter Blossom for this one!

Where I Blog
I'm not sure about posting a photo of home - perhaps one day. I will say that it's at a table, by a window, overlooking lots of gardens.

What I'm wearing..

Just got home from a chilly day outside, so I changed into cosy clothes - a Mets t-shirt and Mr C's tracky bottoms

Last thing I read...

I have the luxury of time at the moment so I'm immersing myself in books. Most recently I finished Kill Your Friends by John Niven. It's viciously funny...but not for those with a sensitive disposition, I warn you.

Do I nap a lot...

Only when I'm jetlagged - I feel like it's a dangerous habit to get into otherwise. Sleep is one of my very favourite simple pleasures and I could get very used to a siesta, but then I'd be heartbroken when the opportunity was taken away

Last person I hugged...

Mr C

Current obsession/addiction...

Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.Review to follow shortly - I'm just giving it a full week first. Also, I'm currently obssessed with interiors and design websites - Apartment Therapy, The Storque, The Selby, Design Sponge. Hugely inspirational.

Dinner...

Now me and Mr C are a couple of old fogeys, Saturday night is no longer 'going out on the lash night', it's Seinfeld and pizza night.

Last thing I bought...

A new blush and lipstick (details to follow)

Listening to right now...

Vampire Weekend

A superpower...

The power of flight. It's a classic for a reason.

Favourite weather and why...

Sunshine. It cheers everyone up.

Time I usually get up...

7.30 at the moment.

Most challenging goal right now...

Finding a job I like :-(

Something to the person who tagged me...

I love the mix of clothes and makeup on your blog!

Favourite item of clothing...

Can I choose an accessory? My Rebecca Minkoff MAM - I am so in love...

Favourite pair of shoes I go back to over and over again...

Too many to chose from. An ancient pair of havaianas, silver flats from Century 21, some ancient (bit of a theme..) snakeskin 4 inch slingbacks from Kurt Geiger, Frye campus boots

One thing I can't live without...

I couldn't possibly chose one. Family, Mr C, friends and Marmite

Bedtime...

10.30 - I told you I'm an old fogey..

Wake up anywhere it would be...

New York, with Mr C

I tag...

Rocaille
Just Playing Pretend
Molly
Adorably Distracted
Zoella
Tabitha

Apologies if any of you have already done this and I missed it!

'My' makeup

2009-06-04T21:36:00.005+01:00

I've been thinking about shelling out for a makeup lesson at my local MAC store. From what I can find out online it looks like it costs £50 and I believe (you would hope, wouldn't you?) that that fee is redeemable against anything you buy.

Though youtube has been a revelation in terms of teaching me a huge amount about how to apply my makeup, I still feel I'd like to know more. And I feel I need help in terms of the colours to use. If at the end of it I have a better understanding of how to make the best of myself, then I think it would be money well spent.

Have you ever paid for a makeup lesson?

In my eyes, the picture of perfection is Blair Waldorf (and I do mean Blair, not Leighton Meester, who though jaw-droppingly beautiful, never looks quite as perfect in real life as when she's being Blair). Ideally I need to kidnap the Gossip Girl makeup artist and hold him/her hostage until they've taught me all their secrets. But that could be tricky.

This makes me sew happy

2009-06-03T10:25:00.004+01:00

I've just finished making presents for my best friend's daughter whose birthday is coming up soon. Seeing as it's her 1st birthday I had to rely on her Ma for suggestions and she duly requested a pyjama case or a quilt for her doll.

I'm feeling smug as I've had time to make both! They've been half done for ages now, but I've been lacking a few essential things needed to finish them so I headed town to the huge John Lewis on Oxford St and then round the corner to MacCulloch & Wallis on Dering Street. Haberdashery Heaven, the pair of them. Though M&C is perhaps more charming - it reminds me of the shops I used to spend so much time in, in the garment district near our apartment in New York. Little bit run down but stuffed to the gills with everything you could possibly want.

So, finally we have one patchwork quilt for a doll's pram. Won't she be cosy with that keeping her warm?! I'm going to try and bribe Isla into naming the the doll named after me. Let's see how far I get!

and one giant envelope style pyjama case (lined, I promise - you just can't tell in this photo). I'm not thrilled with the way the colour combination turned out. Though it's pretty I feel I should have chosen a different fabric, but hey ho. It will hopefully do the job and I think it's quite pretty in its own way.

New foundation

2009-06-02T14:16:00.006+01:00

I am in need of a new foundation. I think I've whinged about this before. Then the other day I watched Gail's Ode to Estee Lauder Double Wear and realised after hearing such deep love from someone for a product I had to give it a try.

So today I coerced a very grumpy and reluctant sales woman in House of Fraser into finding a shade for me and giving me a sample to take home and try for a couple of days. Her attitude wasn't great, then she amused me when colour matching me, when she sighed and said "I'm afraid you're going to have to be the lightest shade".....should I be ashamed of my pale skin?!

Trying a new foundation really terrifies me - the prospect of it breaking me out is a scary business, but so many work for some people and not for others. You can read reviews until you have them coming out of your ears, but the only way to really know is take the plunge. Hopefully I will love it and soon be back handing over cash for a proper bottle of it. I will report back.

So, Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecru........here I come. Please be kind to me. I feel like we could become great friends.

Lunch!

2009-06-02T13:31:00.005+01:00

There was a wondeful little series of articles in the Times online called Meet The Food Bloggers, which I was reading avidly the other day. Among them was Orangette whose blog I've stumbled across before and enjoyed reading very much. The article asks all the bloggers a few questions about what their readers like and dislike, what type of articles garner the most comments and what other blogs they read.

She mentions how her husband's chickpea salad which she posted a few years ago has been one of the most simple, but most loved recipes she's posted.

So - high time I gave it a try. It is indeed somehow (magically?) greater than the sum of its parts and more delicious than you could even hope. And so simple even an idiot could throw it together. Whether you're and expert or an idiot in the kitchen, I recommend you try this. It's perfect for summer.

You will need:
a tin of chickpeas
olive oil
salt (must buy some Maldon..)
parmesan (or if you're me, substitute grana padano)
lemon (missing from picture - where did it wander off to?)
and I added some pepper because I add it to almost everything.

Check Orangette's blog for exact measurements but basically you just throw it all together and are rewarded with a bowl of deliciousness.

Les fleurs

2009-05-26T17:09:00.004+01:00

I was back home in the country this weekend at my folks' place - it's a time of year I really love as there's cow parsley all over the place. The banks along the lanes are thick with it.

If I was ever to get married I will have to do it in spring as there needs to be a LOT of cow parsley involved. No question.

I adore it. Along with peonies it has to be my favourite flower.

What's your favourite flower?

A soppy smile

2009-05-20T23:55:00.004+01:00

Watching this made me inordinately happy. Silly isn't it - it's only a TV show. And yet it makes me smile, how ever many times I watch it.

Warning - do not watch if you haven't seen the Gossip Girl season 2 finale...