Beauty bargains

Exciting news! A new Make up shop has opened and it’s walking distance from my house, less than a mile away! (0.8 to be exact.) It’s also very close to the train station- I can see my daily commute becoming very expensive.


It only opened a few days ago and I popped in today and picked up some real bargains.

I got Urban Decay surreal skin mineral makeup, Urabn Decay delux eyeshadow, Benifit creaseless cream eyeshadow, Cowshed lippy cow balm and a cheapy eyebrow pencil. Everything was at discount for example the Urban Decay surreal skin mineral makeup was a steal at £7 when its still avalible in Debenhams for £20. They only had a few shades but I was lucky becasue the shade they did have in blends in perfectly with my newly bronzed skin.

Have you got any bargains this weekend?
xx

Spray tan before and after.

As I promised I thought I would share with you some before and after spray tan pictures. I love getting spray tans, naturally I have pale freckly skin and I’ve never felt comfortable with this.I envy the girls who look flawless with porclin skin but I'm never going to be one of those. (I don’t suit being pale I think I look like a Moomin!) My mum has always warned me off sun beds because of the damage they could do despite this a few years ago I had to have a patch of freckles removed off my back after advice from a doctor. I still love sunbathing but now I slather on the sun protection and relay on the fake stuff to get the colour I like.


Before:

After:

They Top is by Tee and Cake via Topshop it says  “A girl should be two things classy and fabulous”  I think I’m still a little off achieving that!  I few posts ago I mentioned that I had fallen for a dress from Asos Curve. It arrived last week and it’s a little loose and not as fitted as it was on the model but a expected that. I’ve added a waist belt and I’m really happy with it.

The dress was £14 and the bracelet was £3.

I’ve been doing the 30 day shred for 16 days now and I’ve only missed two days both down to being super busy. I’ve lost 7 inches so far 3 of which were from my tummy. However this week I don’t think I’ve been doing very well I’m not eating enough fruit and veg, I can see myself falling back in to old habits.  This has to stop.  I did a guest post a few weeks ago for Where are my knees all about my life dieting you can read it HERE. Its pretty personal but I’ve loved the comments I’ve recived it seems lots of people have a difficult relationship with food.

On a positive note I'm appearing in 'FRESH' a creative show case by selected Salford University graduates – at the Anthony Burgess Foundation, Cambridge Street, Manchester - Friday night 6.30pm. I will be doing a reading of my work. It’s free and there is a bar so if you’re in the area feel free to drop in.

Xx                                                                                                                                                                       

Ps. Is anyone having issues commenting on blogger. It seems I can only comment on other peoples blogs if they have a pop-out comment window. Strange.

Swirl nail art using water

I first tried water nail art last year after watching people do it (with varying degrees of success) on you tube. I braced myself for failure but it turned out rather well and every time I’ve tried it since I’ve been pleased with the results. I made a how to guide which  I posted on cutoutandkeep it was really popular so i thought I'd share it with you on here. Click here for the original post.

I used Models own for the colours and Revlon for the white base coat.You need water, a needle or dotting tool, cotton buds and nail varnish remover to limit the mess. I used (Disney princess) plasters and tape to mask of the skin around my nail but I have used masking tape and bandage tape before.

I used a white base coat so that I gave the colours the best chance of being bright and not washed out. ( people who dont use a white base coat tend to get a pale uneven result.) Then I covered the skin around my nail leaving the nail exposed.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Then I carefully dripped some nail varnish in to the water. Don’t to it roughly or from too high up or it will sink. When to droplet expands do the same with another colour in the centre. Keep going till you have a few lovely rings.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Now drag the pointy tool quickly and smoothly through the varnish creating a pattern. It will take a little while to get good at this but its fun.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Now dip your finger in to the prettiest ared of the swirled varnish. leave you finger under the water and wait.Then use the cotton buds (q-tips) to gather up the varnish left on the water.
 

Now remover your finger and take off the plaster

I’m not going to lie this isn’t a quick nail art but if you put a dvd on, all your nails could be done and you could have applied a top coat by the time the credits roll. It takes me about 40 min to do them, then I like to apply a clear top coat to make my nails last longer.

Sometimes I like to paint my fingers 4 different colours then do my thumbs in the water with all the colours swirled together.

xx

What do you think? Let me know how you get on if you give it a go! Also did anyone notice my new header ^^^ big thank you to the lovely Rosie at A pocketful of Rosie who came to my rescue, She’s brilliant at all things blogging and has an awesome wardrobe!

Eyeko surprise gift bag

Its more of a box really I told you Id ordered in THIS POST. 

(also a few of you asked about the glitter polish I was wearing in that post, it is by W7. Its a super cheap make but I’ve found it much better and longer lasting than any other brand I've tried. They had it in Peacocks over Christmas, I get it from Leigh Market, classy! Or you can get it from Amazon.)

Eyeko liptastik, Eyeko cheeky colour make blush, Eyeko polish, Eyeko graffiti eyeliner, Eyeko tinted cream, Eyeko london lips all for £15. The tinted cream was an extra gift because I used an ambassador code.

As soon as the package arrived I had to try the glow cream. I really like the texture and only had to use a tiny bit. I also tried out the ‘lipastick’ The colour is a little brighter than I would usually go for but its growing on me and the blusher is great, it’s very pigmented but blends in well. This is  what I looked like after applying the glow cream, blusher, eyeliner and lip colour!

My freckles don't usually show up on film!

What do you think of the lip colour? Its a step out of my comfort zone!

Chi Chi Polish

I’m happy with everything I received especially considering that I got it all for £15. I think my favourite thing is the tinted cream but as you may have noticed I do have a slight obsession with tanning/bronzing products. Speaking of tanning I have a spray tan booked in for tomorrow and I plan to do a before/after post if only for your amusement. I’ve also decided to do a nail art tutorial for Water marbled nails That look like this

The first time I tried water nail art a few months ago.

 I did it yesterday and I plan to upload the pictures and type it all up in time for the weekend!

Hope you are all well and having a nice week?

xx

ps. Thanks for all the great comments Ive recived on the last post I think this is and issue that many people seem to understand.Since writing this post I have been noticing how my outfits are often made up of several sizes, today for example I have been swimming , I have worn

Tanikini bottoms size14, tankini top 20, track pants 16, vest top 16, hoodie 18 and Im now in PJ's 16. Oh and a Wonder woman dressing gown size M !

Not right but from the comments I have received I suspect its vey usual!

What size are you?

I wish I could answer.
I’ve read quite a few articles over the past few months about the discrepancies in sizes in which people state that the sizing varies greatly from shop to shop. Now I’m not too bothered by this. I have learnt that I am generally a 16 in new look that is unless it’s a top made of stiff fabric around the bust ten I should size up. I have learnt not to go near jeans in Topshop at all unless I want to leave the store wishing I could shave the fat off my thighs. I am of the understanding that every woman has had to learn these rules but my mum talks of a day when you learnt your size and that was it? Now is this her looking back and forgetting or did this magical day really exist?

Now I admit I am an ‘unusual’ body shape but a quick look at my wardrobe would think it contained the clothes of 3 different people. Sizes 12 – 18 with the occasional 20. Some are even from the same shop! For instance I own clothes that all fit me perfectly in sizes 14 – 18 from River Island, 12 – 16 Topshop, 12 – 16 Dorothy Perkins and 14 – 20 Primark. I’m not a 12 not even close I read an article HERE about shops Upsizing to Flatter are egos.


I think its along off rubbish, I’m not bothered about the number on the label but I am bothered about how the clothes look and it would be nice to know what size I was in a certain shop. This is the main reason why I normally avoid ordering online.

Now on to the thing that really annoys me S M L. It’s like guess work! I own a dress that I love very much I ordered it in XL (Which is a 14, utterly ridiculous I know) and fits perfectly around the bust and the waist but the tulip shaped skirt is so tight around my legs at the bottom I can hardly walk. I’ve had to leave the bottom open fold it up and wear it as a top. So I have a XL bust, XL waist but clearly huge elephant legs.

I just feel a little continuity wouldn’t go a miss? I have so many complaints about sizing, I understand we all have different body shapes but it would be nice it shops kept the same measurements across all there items and come on the average uk dress size is a 16 and some companies are selling a size 14 as XL. Surely that’s not on?

What do you think? Do you find you vary from shop to shop of even in the same shop? Do you think sizes are getting bigger or smaller?


xx

who wears short shorts

Don’t you just hate it when your digital camera looses all your pictures. I don’t know what happened but there all gone. Bllaahh. Angry.


The pictures where of Friday night it was my friend’s birthday we had a fun night of fancy dress food and games. There was a cracking picture of me (Cave girl) chilling with Batman and Spiderman. There were also some great pictures of me and my friends with fake moustaches. Huge photographic loss I’m sure you will agree.
Last week I finished university afterwards my boyfriend met me in Manchester for a little shopping to cheer me up. I thought I would share some of the things I bought in manchester and afterwards when I got home.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Shorts - New Look Tights-Primark Top - H&M via Ebay ]
All new apart from the shirt which is super old and almost like a comfort blanket! I throw it over anything. It was from New Look2008. I love the red shorts they are avaliable HERE and are not too short, unlike the title of this post would imply!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I love them to bits and they have led me to the decision to take out my Snug piercing. I’ve been in five months and it’s not healed at all. I’m pretty sure my body is rejecting it and I haven’t been able to sleep on my left side since I got it done.  I’ve taken it out and it already feels much better , soon I will be able to wear my headphones pain free!

I’ve also decided to treat myself to an Eyeko surprise goodie bag. Its £15 and you get £30 worth off stuff and if you spend £15 and enter an ambassador code you get the Eyeko tinted cream for FREE.My code is: E15680 feel free to use it (obviously if you do you get the free gift and I get commission.) Or join up as an ambassador yourself.I’ve only ever tried the tinted cream and the Fat balm before and I can’t wait to try some more things, I love the cute packaging too.

These are my nails at the moment I might do some stamping over the glitter I just can’t make up my mind.

I'm holding my poor regected piercing!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I want a new snazzy banner /header thing for up there ^^ but as you may have noticed I’m not very/ at all good at Photoshop style things, I don’t know anything about sizing! Any help or advice would be great?



xx

Big hair and black eyes.

I wanted to share with you a few products I love. My usual ‘look’ tends to be either big messy hair loose or up in a bun/quiff with a head scarf or flowers. What’s ever the hair do my makeup is almost always the same and that means thick black eyeliner. I have “rocked” variations of this look for a good five years now and I must have tried every (exaggeration) big hair or black eye product going so I thought I would share with you the products that I love at the moment.


Hair

[As well as extensions and dye I use a lot of product in my own hair so I make sure I always us good conditioning sprays and conditioning treatments.]

V05 OOMPH powder

The little pink tube contains a powder that you sprinkle in to your roots and RUB HARD ( to avoid the dandruff look) and magically it lifts the roots and gives you big bouncy hair. It makes your roots slightly stiff and a little dry a definite matte finish so it might not be for everyone but I really love it. It says OOMPH and I think that’s exactly what it delivers plus its tiny and very light so its great to chuck in your hand bag to revitalise your hair whilst out.

Its £4.09 but Superdrug have it on offer with lots of other new V05 products for 2 for £4.50. ( I think Boots are doing a similar offer too.)

Umberto Giannini Backcomb In A Bottle

I honestly believe all hairspray does the same job. I’ve had pound land hair spray and very expensive stuff and I don’t think there’s too much difference but if I had to choose a favourite this would be it. I love the smell in comparison to other hair sprays its really nice and it has just the right amount of hold for my bushy yet fine hair.

TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

Smells all fresh like lemons. It’s in a bigger spray can than some other brands and it doesn’t seem to leave as much build up in my hair.



Maybelline Gel Liner

I've seen a ton of reviews for this online so I don’t think I need to tell you it’s pretty good. It saysit lasts for 24hr which is a lie, well for me anyway my face never lasts 24hrs. I’m not one of those perfectly made up girls, I rub my eyes, I have hay fever and I’m generally messy but it has got good staying power. It’s thick, black and comes with a brush. Can’t complain really.

Mac Gel Liner

Just like Maybelline but I little better. Yes I think it’s better because in my opinion it dries faster so you don’t get the annoying line if you blink too soon. Is the difference worth paying a fiver more and not getting a brush, I don’t know. What I do know is I will be buying it again at duty free before I go on holiday.

Colorsport 24 Hour Black Eyeliner

Not a very well know brand but I think it’s really great. Without a doubt the best felt tip type liner I’ve used. I often find the felt tip liners fail the give an even solid line and dry up quickly but not with this one. My mum bought it just before Christmas and she uses it every day plus I steal it quite often but its still going strong. The only place I’ve seen it is Boots.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I have officially finished university and I’m very sad, however I’ve also received good news, I am performing at the Antony Burgees centre in Manchester as part of a university show case and there is going to be an exhibit of my work mid July!
I have also encouraged my lovely friend of mine who has been reading blogs for ages to start a blog of her own which you can check out talesofalittlehazzelnut .


How has your week been? Looking forward to the weekend? I’d love to hear your beauty recommendations?


xx

Tattoos and pretty shoes

I didn’t mean to buy them I was just walking through Debenhams to shelter from the rain but when I had seen them I knew I just couldn’t walk by.

Faith and Dune via Debenhams

I think the jellies are super cute and surprisingly comfy and the skull gladiators are leather so they will last forever. (My theory anyway)

I like to get my feet out in to a nice pair of sandals because of my tattoos. Yes I have tattooed feet and ribs and thighs, I can’t really count how many I have because I see some as pairs and the one on my ribs took 2 sessions but to give you a better idea I have been tattooed for about 9 hours.

I genuinely love tattoos pretty much all tattoos even the ones I’d never in a million years dream of getting myself if the ‘wearer’ is happy then that’s great. I see tattoos as expression like little bits of a person’s insides leaking out (in a very pretty way.) I couldn’t imagine not having mine and there’s no doubt I will add to them in the feature. Maybe people who don’t have tattoos don’t feel the same urge to change themselves and if you’re happy then that’s cool too but I have always felt the need to “customise” myself be it with my hair, my piercings, my makeup, or my tattoos. Hears just a little peak at some of mine

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[[Warning: funny shaped toes coming up, close your eyes if you have a foot phobia!]]



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have lots of ideas to develop in to new pieces but I’m in no rush.

Did you notice my toenails? I know there a little messy but I’m pretty chuffed. Here are a few more nail art designs I’ve been trying out.

Have you found anything you couldn't resist? As always a read all my comments and if you ask anything I will reply either in the comments section of on twitter. Hope you are all having a nice week.

xx

Smarty pants

How has everyone been coping whilst blogger has been playing up? I’ve only been blogging a few months and I missed it greatly. I’ve got so used to reading other peoples blogs and replying to comments or updating mine that it has become part of my daily routine, I lovely fun part. I lost a few comments but apart from that my blog remained pretty much fine, I’ve heard on twitter some people are missing pages?!



So this morning I logged on to see this :

What on earth happen yesterday at 5 O’clock that made my blog so popular! That’s a leap to 148 page views in one hour – unheard of on my humble little blog. Also I seem to have had more views from America over the past few days so a big hello to any American readers!



Does anyone else religiously view there stats, I think It’s really interesting?

Anyway if you read often you will know I recently had my hair cut. So *drum roll please..* here it is.

I’m really pleased with the cut. I plan to get it coloured when I get back of my holiday and the sun/sea has stripped the colour back a little. On Saturday I went for a meal with my family and my OH I decided to wear something a little smarter than my usual get up of an oversized t-shirt and my faithful leather jacket. I bought the shirt recently from H&M and aside from those I wore in school it’s the first shit I have ever bought! I usually avoid them because they tend to gape or hang off my boobs and make my shoulders look enormous! However I love the print and this shirt fits just lovely.



This is about a smart as I get.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sorry about the quality
Im not an OOTTsorta gal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After the meal we had a little walk around the local shops and my OH was thrilled to discover The Sun is giving out FREE LEGO all this week.  Yeah we are both big kids but  yesterday he made (what I have been told is) a Lego death star and today a pirate ship complete with Lego Jack Sparrow.

After my last successful Asos order I couldn’t keep my mind of a dress I had seen on Asos curve. If it’s possible to fall in love with a print I think I have. Well obviously being Asos curve it starts in a size 20 but love knows no boundaries and I’ve ordered it regardless. Firstly it was in the sale, secondly im a 16 usually but sizes vary so much these days often I’m an 18 and 18 is very close to twenty, thirdly I can take it in and I also have a lot of waist synching belts that need a dress to synch, finally its beautiful. Case closed. So I’ve ordered it along with my best friend birthday present and I’m excitedly awaiting its arrival! I will keep you posted.

xx



Loan in Loan out

Never has the phrase been more apt after putting a little money aside in savings for my holiday and paying for my Greek and Criminology lessons I was left with some money which I should have sensibly rationed out over the summer, but where’s the fun in that.
I’m good at saving when I have too and I can kerb my spending and I will soon but I’m also amazing at spending money like its going out of fashion.

I like to think I have spent my money wisely I have invested it in things that will sem me through summer and in to winter. I have invested in my health with a work out DVD, my hair with some new conditioning products and a hair cut and my complexion with enough pre-pay spray tans to see me to autumn and I have invested in my happiness with clothes and jewellery .
Perfect sense.

I’m not going to flood you with a million images of everything I bought but I thought I would show you a little selection

Me&you,Asos,H&M,Me&yu,Asos



Fortunecookie necklace, anchor bracelet and little mermaid studs
all Asos

















I have to admit i haven't ordered anything from Asos in years I was practically an Asos virgin I don’t like ordering online because I’m a funny body shape.( I’m all shoulders, boobs and tummy but I lack a bum.) However I went for it and everything fits! I also got my mum and OH some presents but I’m still waiting for them to arrive. I ordered all this then the day after I found out about the discount code in Look magazine- it would have saved me a pretty penny.


Anyway here it is - 20% off with code expires 16th may ‘ASOSLOOK'

Does anyone else vary in size a huge amount depending on the style, fit and where they shop? Have you INVESTED in anything this week?
Would anyone like my to post about anything in particular nails, sales a whats in my bag post....I have a giant list of things to post about but I have no order in which to do them?!

xx

ps. I will post a photo of my new hair cut shortly, i did opt for a fringe in the end and I love it.

Oh I do like to be beside the sea side

I thought it was about time I addressed the name of my blog I chose ‘a blog from Blackpool’ because well I’m a straight forward kind of girl and a blog from Blackpool is exactly what this is. I’m so proud to come from Blackpool.


For those who don’t know where or what Blackpool is good old will fill you in.

I’ve split the post up in to little sections which best illustrate why I love my home town so much.

LOCATION

For me Blackpool is ideally located 17.5 miles northwest of Preston, 30 miles north of Liverpool, and 40 miles northwest of Manchester. I commute to Manchester by train for university and it takes me an hour. Oh the other hand if you where to drive north for an hour you will find the beautiful lake district which is England's largest National Park. I can’t imagine not living next to the sea, all be it the very cold Irish Sea is lovely and I’ve spent many summer days walking along the beach and promenade. Also Blackpool is not as built up as you might expect if you venture out of town the surrounding villages and hamlets are full of parks, steams and greenery.

REGENERATION

Whilst I have always loved the town even I admit that towards the end of the 90’s and early 00’s Blackpool was looking tiered the package holiday had seen a drop in tourism and in turn the seaside industry had suffered. Over the past few years Blackpool has been undergoing huge regeneration which has made a gigantic impact and the work keeps on going.

Blackpool has street lights that do fancy light displays.

HISTORY

The more I find out about the History of Blackpool the more I become fascinated with old buildings scattered around the town. I was lucky enough to help write a book with Blackpool Heritage society along with some other writers and we got access to Blackpool’s achieves. Imaging walking in to a warehouse sized room full of files maps and objects illustrating the history of a town and the people who have lived, worked and performed there. It was pretty magical.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHOPPING


Blackpool isn’t a city but it still manages to pack in most of my favourite high street shops and they are all super close together which is great for lazy people like me. Everything is in or around the Hounds hill shopping centre and when you are done with shopping there’s tons of places to eat and drink. Not just the usual fast food chains and seaside eateries but there are also lots of little independent cafes too including a Cupcake house and an Ice-cream parlour.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ATTRACTIONS


Now you might think that because I live here I will have become jaded to all the tourist treats on offer but it just isn’t so here is a rundown of my top 10 things in Blackpool. ( I tend to do everything out of season when its less crowded!)

1.Blackpool zoo
2.Blackpool pleasure beach
3.Madame tussauds
4.Adrenalinezone
5.Stanley Park
6.Blackpool grand
7.Sandcastle waterpark
8.Blackpool illuminations
9.Winter gardens blackpool
10.Funnygirls

CULTURE
Yes Blackpool has culture other than the binge drinking stag and hen kind.

It has two festivals each year ‘Wordpool’ in autumn and ‘Showzam’ in spring. Wordpool is a week long literary festival of events all ver the town including performances, work hops and readings. Showzam is a cabaret festival showcasing the best of Europe’s side shows normally hosted in the Winter gardens the week accumulates in a procession of performers and fire sculptures. (The town also hosts a punk weekend and a fabulous gay pride event in the summer.)  The Blackpool tower has its very own museum inside with information of the resorts showbiz past and the Grundy art gallery has new exhibits every few weeks ranging from fine art to modern interactive pieces.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Finally I’s sorry this post has been so long and wordy and only very slightly shopping related but I wanted to share a little of me and my world with you lovely people. I like to keep my eyes open for ‘Blackpool’ themed items I happen to own a Blackpool charm necklace (ebay) and  a Blackpool vest top (Topshop) and last night I came across this beauty on Asos i couldn't resist its golden tower and it should arrive at my door in the next few days!

by Red Or Dead. (They also do bags)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Have you been to Blackpool? Would you like to go? If you have taken the time to read all or some or even a tiny bit of this long post I would be please to hear about it.
 
xx
 

Hair cuts and discounts

My final student loan is in and It couldn’t have come sooner. It seems to be a case of loan in/loan out but I do have enough left to treat myself to a well over due hair cut.


My hair has been the same for the past six months which is a long time for me but I like it. 
I will have it coloured again but I am going to wait till I get back from my holiday. My has been bleached and dyed badly and without care many times over the years which has damaged it greatly and it’s only now starting to recover.


This is my hair now:

Please ignore my face/oddsmile.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I’ve been told I have fine hair but lots and lots of it, I’ve booked an appointment for Tuesday and I’m not too sure what I want. I have an undercut at the moment but when my hair is down you can’t tell I’m always in two minds over getting a fringe, I love them on other people but I just can’t imagine having one plus I like wearing my hair up in a quiff. I desperately need a trim but in the long run I would like to grow it so I don’t want too much chopped off.

So what should I have done? I have huge hair crushes on Paloma Faith, Jessie J and Rhianna but celebrities always look so groomed and I don’t?!
I’m really fickle and I tend to change my mind all the time some days I want a huge change and other days I don’t, some days I want a full fringe some days a side fringe and some day nothing at all. If you have any knowledge of hair/face shapes etc please tell me what would suit me.
Today I fancy something special and daring, today i want a whole new style tomorrow who knows...

If you read my blog often you will know that I love meandyu, a store in Manchester that can be found in the Wonderful Afflecks palace and online.

This week meandyu turn five years old and to celebrate they are offering £5 off everything in store and online. To get the online discount code all you have to do is sign up for their newsletter. Offer endson the 10th. They have also been running lots of competitions on twitter and facebook check out their site for more details.I'm going to drop in tomorrow after handing two assignments in at uni and before starting my Criminology course in Blackpool. Busy day ahead!

Any hair advice at all would be greatly appreciated, would I suit a fringe? What should I ask for?

xx