NYE NOTD

Happy New Years Eve!!

Thought I would post a quick NOTD, Nails Inc - Park lane is a lovely lilac glitter.

I'll be posting my NYE make up soon, I'm not actually going out tonight though, im in my PJ's already lol, drinking hot chocolate with a full face of sparkly make up! Im planning to make a Veggie roast soon (Quorn roast, roast pots and veggies), toast the new years at midnight with my bf and then go to bed haha! 

I hope everyone has a lovely new year! x

Shopping Finds #1

While visiting my boyfriend in Orlando, his sister introduced me to a resale and vintage store called Dechoes. From the moment I walked in, I was in love. It's like a hipper Plato's Closet that holds brands like Anthropologie and J.Crew instead of Hollister and American Eagle (at around the same prices if not usually cheaper). I could've spent a whole day looking at everything, but I was a little short on time. I still managed to pick up quite a few nice pieces for myself and my sister though. $90 later, I had bought my sister a vintage leather pencil skirt, a pleated silver H&M skirt, and a speckle-patterned Express dress; for myself, I got a pink Betsey Johnson belt, a vintage plaid wool skirt, a pair of J Brand jeans, and a black and silver Michael Kors dress. Not bad. I can say, without doubt, that I will be back here next time I'm back in Orlando.

Top 5 of 2011: TV

I started out writing a Top 10 list, but it quickly turned into a “List of Shows I Had Time to Watch this Year,” so I cut it back to 5. As expressed in my Top 10 Movies list, this has been a busy year, and that doesn’t bode well for tv-watching - which is why I’ve come to favor half-hour shows over hour-long fare (they’re so much easier to watch during a quick meal between classes or meetings). Here’s what has not only managed to find time in my schedule, but kept me eagerly anticipating more:

1. Community
2. Hart of Dixie
3. Parks and Recreation
4. New Girl
5. Game of Thrones

Note: Doctor Who and maybe Supernatural would definitely/most likely be on the list if I were caught up with them.

Honorable Mention: Modern Family

Oldies but Still Goodies: The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother

Biggest Disappointment: Glee :(

What were your favorite shows this year?

Top 10 of 2011: Movies

I didn't see as many movies as usual this year. My trip to Europe during the summer and my busy spring and fall semesters didn't help. However, when I did get the chance to head out to the theater, I was usually pleasantly surprised by what I saw. There were quite a films that proved you can be loved by both audiences and critics. Now without further adieu, here are my top 10 favorite movies that were released this year. 

1. X-Men: First Class
2. Midnight in Paris
3. Jane Eyre
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
6. Captain America: The First Avenger
7. Crazy Stupid Love
8. The Muppets
9. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
10. Bridesmaids

Note: I'm pretty sure Thor would have been on this list but somehow I still haven't seen it =( Some movies that may have been contenders on the list, but I couldn't find a theater playing them were The Artist, A Dangerous Method, and Melancholia.

What were your favorite movies this year?

Christmas Presents!

Happy Boxing day! 

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, I spent mine with my family, Indulging in chocolate, surrounded with amazing presents and drinking asti! My little brother woke me up just before 6am yest so I'm spending today vegging out on the sofa, putting my CD's on my Ipod and waiting for my clarisonic to charge!

I thought I would show you some things I got yesterday, I was definitely spoilt, so grateful for everything I got! 

Pictures - 

*Clarisonic Mia Lavender - I wanted this soo much! Although I'm not sure which cleanser to use with it?!

*Simple Products and Good things Body moisturiser

*Trevor Sorbet round brush & Dove conditioner

*Origins Ginger Float and The perfume shop refill spray

*Nails inc all that glitters gift set

*Land before time box set! Rio DVD, Sarah Millican DVD, Ed sheeran CD and Now that's what I call Disney CD - (3 CD's 67 disney songs!)

*Soap and Glory Mighty Mouth lip balm in Naked pink, Rimmel Spice lip liner, MAC Snow season eyeshadow, Ladyblush blush and Power surge eyeliner.Blue nose reindeer

Instagram Diaries #2

I am finally home for the holidays - yay! It feels so good to be back with my family. After this crazy, non-stop whirlwind of a semester, I am looking forward to a relaxing two and half weeks of sleeping, eating homecooked meals, playing video games, catching up on TV shows, and obsessing over Pinterest.

My journey home was a little delayed, however, due to a little excursion. After my short and stress-free finals week, I headed off for the quiet and tranquil beaches of St. George Island before coming home to the loud and crowded ones. My boyfriend, Chris, and I stayed at his family's super cute beach house where we watched Disney movies, cooked salmon, and gazed at the stars in between walking on the beach and exploring the island and its many souvenir shops. Apparently, the island gets super busy during times like the Fourth of July (understandable), but, during our stay, it literally felt like there were no more than a dozen people in that whole 28-mile stretch of land. It was quite nice if I do say myself. And you couldn't beat the gorgeous night sky. Of course, I Instagrammed like crazy :)

1. Chris and I decided to be cliched and wrote our initials within a heart in the sand.
2. The peaceful St. George Island beach. Barely a person in sight.
3. Chris and mine's footprints. I like how mine looks like it's rising out of the sand.
4. Walking on the beach - the weather was just chilly enough for me to wear my Express jacket.
5. Some cool circular mirrors in the beach house (reflecting two framed shell collections).
6. So there are other people on the island...somewhere.
7. The reconstructed St. George Island Lighthouse.
8. Looking back after saying goodbye to the beach.

December Glossybox

I always have a sneek peek of other blogs to see what the products are before I get my glossybox, so I was really excited about getting my festive red box this month!

I was most excited about getting the Deborah Lipman Nail in Razzle Dazzle, I'll be painting my nails this colour for Christmas day - It's so sparkly!
I really wanted this Eyeshadow and blush from blink & go, in the reviews that I read on other blogs, the colours were more neutral - the colours in mine are a bit bright for everyday wear! I would have preferred the neutral palette but I can use these colours in Make up looks and the blushes look more wearable.

Really happy with this months box, it was nice to get a full sized rituals shower gel and I feel there are a good selection of products this month!

x 

Happy Birthday, XOXO, Amanda!

Wow!! Has it really been a year since I've started this blog? Time sure does fly. I regret that I didn't have time to write more often, but hopefully that will change this next semester. I really do enjoy blogging - I've learned and gained a lot of experience through it - but it always seems to find itself being pushed down on my list of priorities =/ One of my New Year's Resolutions is definitely to be consistent with my posts and, of course, post as much as I can. I always have so many ideas and things I want to post, but never get around to it - not anymore. 

Thanks to all those who have ever visited my blog! It really means the world to me. Please come back (and comment! I love those ^_^). This past year was a crazy one, but I'm looking forward to see where this blog will be this time next year (especially since I'll have just graduated FSU after doing my internship in hopefully New York or London). 

Photo manip credit: HERE

Winter Lip care

• Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant - This has to be my favourite of the bunch. This is an intensive treatment and is also multi use as you can also use this on dry, cracked and chapped skin. My lips have been so dry recently as It's been soo cold, I found this product has been the best at restoring them!

• Lush Whip stick lip balm - This is full of great, moisturising ingredients and oils such as Honey, Almond oil, Oatmilk, Organic virgin olive oil & Shea butter. It also has Sweet Orange oil, Tangerine oil, Vanilla absolute and Dark chocolate! It smells amazing. Just like orange chocolate. This comes a close second for me, I use this in the mornings just before I go out to protect my lips and to keep them moisturised.

• The Body Shop Coconut lip butter - I use this before I go to bed as this is quite thick and really moisturising. It works well for me to leave on overnight to sink in and when I wake up my lips feel completely moisturised, plump and smooth!

• Nivea pure natural Milk and Honey - I keep this in my bag to re-apply throughout the day to keep my lips moisturised.  

I love trying lip balms as my lips seem to suffer the most in cold weather, I've just recently bought Burts Bee's Honey lip balm which I absolutely love and really want to get a Korres Lip Butter but im not sure which flavour! 

What is your favourite lip balm?

xx 

Instagram Diaries #1

I’ve had it for a while, but it’s just recently I have realized the amazing-ness that is Instagram. For those who don't know, it’s a free app (click HERE to download) that allows you to take pictures (reminiscent of polaroids), apply a filter, and then share them on various social networking sites. I've decided that every so often (hopefully once a week), I'll give you guys a sneak peek into what I'm up to via Instagram. Here's the first batch of pics, enjoy!

1. My sorority had a Secret Santa gift exchange at our Christmas potluck. My Secret Santa knew me all too well and got me a pink leopard print shower wrap and mini cupcake forks.
2. My Big saw this Audrey Hepburn-cat journal and thought of me <3
3. My boyfriend and I went to Kiku’s for sushi. I ordered my favorite - sweet potato sushi with eel sauce.
4. I loved this skull-shaped glass bottle.
5. It can be so hard to study when all you can hear is your adorable snoring kitty next to you.
6. My little, Jillie, made me this amazing Tiffany’s-inspired paddle.  

My 2011 Christmas Wishlist

My dad texts me nearly every day for me to send him my Christmas List (otherwise, he has no idea what to get me). With so much going on these last weeks before winter break, it wasn't exactly a priority, but now with exams over (WOOT!), I was finally able to sit down and compile my annual list of semi-affordable sought after items. Here's what my most fashionable and practical list to date consisted of:

1. Crosley Portable USB Turntable (Urban Outfitters, $160) - saw this at Urban Thread and fell in love - with this I'll be able to finally listen to all my dad's old ABBA and Beatles vinyl records, as well as my iPod (and it's portable!). Love.
2. Wispy Pointelle Cardigan (Anthropologie, $60) - so pretty and feminine, I can see myself matching this with everything from dresses to jeans.
3. Red Rose Patch Dress (Topshop, $100)- this is one of those dresses that can easily transition from season to season - just throw on a coat and tights and you're ready for the winter!
4. Camino Metallic-Knit Sweater (Marc by Marc Jacobs, $138) - I love the neutral colors on this sweater, and I can definitely dress it up or down.
5. Naked2 Palette (Urban Decay, $50) - speaking of neutral colors...I'm jumping on the bandwagon here, but after seeing the gorgeous colors in the set my Big had, I could care less.
6. Kindle Fire (Amazon.com, $199) - my sister has an iPad and while she loves it, I'd be perfectly content with a Kindle - nothing beats a real paper bound book to me, but it sure is a lot easier to carry around.
7. Day Ladies Black Quilted Victoria Rain Boots (Kembrel, $90) - ever since I moved to Tallahassee I've been looking for the perfect rain boots for me...and I think I finally found them - love the classic black, quilting, and ribbon lacing!
8. Salmon Ballet Pumps (Topshop, $32) - it is so difficult for me to find a truly comfortable pair of flats and Topshop's are like heaven to my feet - I've just about worn out the ones I got in Dublin, so it's about time for a new pair.
9. Community Season 2 on DVD (Amazon.com, $22) - probably one of the most underrated shows on TV right now, every episode surprises me with its sheer creativity and originality. Plus, I love Joel McHale.
10. JewelMint and ShoeMint pieces ($30 and $80, respectively) - just as I got hooked on Kate Bosworth's JewelMint (looking forward to my Nordic necklace in the mail), I learned about the launch of Rachel Bilson's ShoeMint (who, as most of you guys know, I'm obsessed about). Last time I checked all the shoes were sold out, but I seriously can't wait to get my hands on a pair of Rachel-designed, Steven Madden-made shoes.

What else made the list?

1. A good trench coat - this is one thing sorely missing from my wardrobe. Since I can't exactly shell out $1,000+ for Burberry, I've been looking at alternatives. I really love Anthropologie's Elevenses Pansy Corset Trench - it's so unique and lovely with the print and lacing!
2. Jeffrey Campbell Taupe Suede Litas (Urban Outfitters, $160) - I've heard nothing good things about these shoes, and I can't wait to own a pair myself. Yeah, they're a little pricey, but they're definitely worth the investment!
3. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception for PS3 - because this is probably my favorite PS3 game series and you can expect me to devote a good chunk of time towards playing it - and my sister is right, the guy from Psych does look like the game character.
4. Art of Catwalk 90-Day Membership (Art of the Catwalk, $180) - my old membership expired this semester (I remember when it was only $300 for a whole year) and I miss it so much. Two of my littles have recently started going and it's made me realize just how much I miss it. I only have about 3 months left here anyway and I'll have a lot more free time next semester, so why not?
5. Supernatural: The Anime Series on Blu-Ray (Amazon.com, $32) - it's Supernatural and anime - how do I not already own this?

What's on your list this year?

Gift Guide: Cat Lovers

I am a self-professed cat lover. They have been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember and, at one point, my family had 10 of them (and only 1 was an outdoor cat). I know I’m not the only one obsessed with these adorable creatures, so I’ve put together a gift guide that will make the cat lover in your life purr.

1. Angel Eye Print Dress (ASOS, $45)
2. Measuring Cups (Urban Outfitters, $24)
3. Paul & Joe Lipstick (Urban Outfitters, $25)
4. Peter Jensen Sweater (Urban Outfitters, $59)
5. Height of the Morning Mug in Cat (Modcloth, $28)
6. Cat Pillow (Urban Outfitters, $19)
7. Intarsia Sweater (ASOS, $136)
8. Cat & Mouse Scarf – (ASOS, $89)
9. Dolly Cat Sweater (ASOS, $72)
10. Beanie (ASOS, $22)
11. Soap Dispenser (Urban Outfitters, $14)
12. Cutting Board (Urban Outfitters, $16)
13. Necklace (Forever21, $8)
14. Pillow Pet (Target, $13)
15. Mini Print Scarf (ASOS, $33)

Birthday!

Eeeeeeek Birthday! I Loooove Birthdays! 

It was actually my birthday in November but I thought I would show you some of what I got! I went to Pizza express for my birthday to celebrate, still can't get over the fact i'm 25 now!!!!!

- Benefit Powza Wowza, Hula, Bella Bamba and Coralista. - I wanted this so much to test the shades before buying a full sized one. I've heard such good reviews about Hula and Coralista.

- Harry Potter Film Wizardry 

- Macaroons

- Origins Ginger Souflee body lotion - The most AMAZING smell ever! I've asked for the bubble bath for Christmas!

- Vera Wang Lovestruck - Top notes of manderin and pink guava, heart notes of tuberose and lotus blossom and base notes of precious woods and sheer musk. Love this smell.

- Mac Eyeshadows - Bisque, Patina, Naked Lunch, Quarry, Jest.

- Me - Wearing a combo of the Mac eyeshadows, Nars Orgasm Blush and Revlon Just Bitten lip stain in Forbidden.

Barry M Blue Glitter

       ...It's that time of year when you can justify wearing anything that sparkles...

I picked this up the other week in superdrug, It's such a gorgeous sparkly blue! 

This needs a couple of coats on the nails and then the blue sparkle payoff is so pretty and glittery!

I also have the Red glitter Barry M Nailvarnish which is a stunning deep glitter red and reminds me of Dorothy's shoes in the Wizard of Oz!

I hate the feel of glitter polishes - ew sandpaper anyone? - so I only really paint them on my toes. I will be Definately looking for some more colours for christmas, I'd love it if Barry M brought out an emerarld green or plumb purple one! 

xx

Throughout November

Photos in order:

- DVD's, Mcintosh Spice Yankee Candle and Whittards Caramel Hot chocolate 

- Shiny Conkers!

- November Glossybox

- River Island Make up bag, Marks and Sparks Mini Macaroons

Appologies for the lack of posts recently - I've not been very well and spent pretty much the whole past month in bed sleeping, watching DVD's, drinking hot chocolate and eating Macaroons which my boyfriend has kindly brought me!

I'm sure theres lots of reviews on Novembers Glossybox by now so thought i'd just say a bit rather than dedicate a whole post to it. 

I was especially grateful for this months Glossybox. It cheered me up so much to receive a box full of goodies. It really felt like a 'get well' package! I could pamper myself with the variety of products for my hair, nails, feet and face! Normally I think I would find this only an average box this month but I so appreciated it due to the cicumstances! I can't wait for the December Glossybox, I hope its good for Christmas!

I bought this cute little River Island Make up bag in October but as I haven't worn make up in such a long time I haven't yet had the chance to sort all my make up into it! They do fluffy ones too which look so much better but this one seems more practical as I can wipe it clean - Sure i'll get make up all over it!

I'm nearly better now and so want to focus a lot more on my blog. I feel a bit out of the loop and so want to catch up with a lot of blogs and to start posting more!

I haven't bought anything this past month so neeeed to get out there and do some Christmas shopping, I love Everything about Christmas and so cannot WAIT to get out there and see the Christmas lights and Decorations... Tis the season!

xx

 

Wild Purple

Hello everyone,

it seems that lately, I need to start every post with apologizing for being absent for such a long time... and it will probably happen again, because recently, I have started writing because I have this story in my head and it won't let me go, so I have somewhat neglected my make-up and spent more time with my notebook. I remembered though that I still had this look that I had done some time ago but never got round to actually posting it. Please don't ask me what I used, I cannot really remember - but I hope you still enjoy it!

NYX Glitterati Glitter Cream Pallette

 

I saw this in River Island and thought that it would be perfect for Halloween! It was £14 which I dont think is too unreasonable, the colours are beautiful...

 

...and you do get a fair bit of product. I applied the green, gold, blue and white/silver shades, some seemed to blend more than others but I felt as the cream shadow warmed up on my eye it became easier to blend. I ended up packing/patting some of the product on, it took a while to reach the desired effect but once on it looked pretty!

 I'm glad I purchased this as I know I will use this pallete for make up looks and halloween, I'm not majorly impressed with the application however I did use this over the top of my everyday eyeshadow which I think made it quite patchy and difficult to apply. I feel on a clean, primed lid it would work much better, and im looking forward to testing out some of the other colours in Make up looks!

Mac Collective Haul

As you can probably tell, im a BIG fan of Mac. Nearly every payday I treat myself to something from MAC. These are the bits I've chosen over the past few months...

* Mac Brave - A satin finish pink-beige lipstick, this is definately a 'my lips but better' shade for me, I'm always hesitant to buy MAC lipsticks as I feel they are so expensive at £13.50 but when I swatched this in MAC I fell in love with the colour and thought I would treat myself :)

*  MAC Quad Palette - £6.50 - im hoping to keep 4 everyday nude staples in this, I want to get a highlighter colour, all over lid color and maybe brow colour to put in this too. If anyone has any suggestions of 4 staple eyeshadows that I could put in this I would love to know below please!

* MAC Sable £9.50 (pro palette refil pan) - 'Gold-Plum with pearl' - Its a lovely Taupey brown/bronze/purple colour that I think I would use in the crease or under the eye. I prefer a lighter colour for all over the lid but I can imagine this would also really work well as a lid colour for a lot of people.

* MAC Shadesticks-

'Butternutty - 'Frosted light natual beige' - This is a lovely champaigne highlighting colour and is so quick and easy to apply. The packaging feels a bit plasticy but I love the product.

'Heirloom' - 'Light icy Pink' - This is a beautiful pink/violet colour. I love the names of the shadesticks!

I think next payday i'll invest in some more eyeshadows!

What are your fave MAC products?

xx