Lush's Lip Scrubs - Review

Just a quick, 'OMG HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?!' post. This pot of goodness it ticking all my boxes: Sugar, caramel and super soft lips. Where can a girl go wrong?

As per usual, I'm 2 hours late to the party on lip scrubs - I have too many lip balms to justify more lip things. Alas, 4 hours of a really unsuccessful shopping trip drew me towards Lush. Obviously. And the lady who served me was too nice to turn down. Obviously. And obviously, 24 hours later, I'm obsessed by it.

The trick with this scrub is to just pat your finger on the sugar and then massage it into your lips. You need the tiniest amount, but more can be applied. Then (which is by far the best bit), you lick it off. I think for the price (£5.25 each) this is really amazing stuff; usually I would spend no more than £2 on lip balms, but the scrub works well and will last me a while - if my mum doesn't get her hands on it first.

The flavour I picked up was the popcorn one, quite simply because the shop assistant said it was like a salted caramel taste. If you haven't tried salted caramel or fudge where have you been?! It's God's gift to Earth. The Scrubs also come in a Mint Julep (think After 8s) and Bubblegum (which is hot pink).

Finally, a product that really gives me the softest lips AND tickles my sweet tooth. YAY!

Oh the temptation I resisted whilst taking this photo...

Topshop Make Up - Glitter Eyes

It's been a while, hasn't it? I mean since my last beauty post, but oh my gosh it's worth it. For one, it's glitter and that's reason enough to shout out your own window to the rest of the street at how light reflecting and flipping amaze balls (cringe all you like, it's a thing I'm now saying) it is.

Anywho, this glittery goodness is from good old Topshop, the holy grail of highstreet brands. It's got a built in primer in the lid (with a tiny mirror too) and on the bottom is the glitter in a pot.

Let's begin with aesthetics: the packaging of the product is compact, simple and true to the rest of the Topshop make up range. Bottom line: it fits it's purpose and that's all I can ask for.

The glitter and the primer combination work well together; the primer is has a harder, tacky consistency which holds the glitter on reasonably well. The glitter itself is finely ground and not itchy like I expected, and feared.

I wore it for my birthday festivities: winged out on my eyelids and also on my lower lash and dusted on my cheekbones. My mum used it dusted on top of her bronzed smokey eye, too. I think the product has great versatility, and I've got my eye on the silver one too for the winter. *swoon*

Glitter Eyes in Sprinkles
Topshop £7 

Monthy Round Up | July

Oh shoot me, there's another picture of a glitter ball. I know, you don't have to tell me again - I need to take pictures of more things. Yadayadaya. But on a more topical topic, hasn't July been an eternity?

Most recently it was my birthday, and if you couldn't tell from the blogpost, it was a super fun, festival themed affair. True to 18th birthday form I was well and truly spoilt by my family and lovely friends - complete with no holds barred playlist (made with the help of Becky) which included the likes of Snoop Dogg, Wham! and The Arctic Monkeys - I know what you're thinking and no, Wham! wasn't a dare. And to no surprise the glitter ball has remained a permanent garden feature. YAY!

Rewind to the beginning of the month I packed the cider and onesie (the 2 things this girl really needs in life) and headed off to the gorgeous county of Herefordshire with a whole bunch of friends for a alcohol fuelled week of bliss - complete with swimming pool and sunshine. With a lack of wifi and TV and phone signal, the feeling of being isolated was so calming, and a nice change from the usual stream of consciousness that is twitter. I think drinking games and/or card games are now a solid skill on my CV - my mum is so proud.

One night at home, then I strapped on my Doc Martens for 24 hours of camping, solid awakeness and activities at Gilwell 24 with two other lovely girls. Ok, so I cheated and lasted until 3 in the morning, but I learnt my lesson last year - I'm the angriest, most vile human being when I haven't slept. Urgh. But I had a crack at white water rafting at Lee Valley. For the adrenaline junkie in me it was amazing, soaking and tiring, but amazing.

Also, I should probably mention the belly flop that was 'Music Month'. Due to the for mentioned lack of internet in Hereford, its was extremely difficult to upload that week... and then I kinda dropped it. However, blogging every day was fun. Just spending time writing constructively and sharing experiences was a good change and has helped me be a tiny be more creative. So, every cloud eh?!

BIRTHDAY!!

It's safe to say I take my birthday VERY seriously, It's no holds barred affair. This year was a bit of a milestone: my 18th. However this hasn't stopped me in the past from going all out despite the 'non-milestoniness' of my age...

My second birthday was a cat party. Yes, you heard right, A CAT PARTY. I not sure whether it was my idea or my mum's, but regardless, it was the best. My dad dressed up as a mouse, huge ears and all, and petrified my friend Caitlin - of whom still has a problem looking my dad in the face because he gave her nightmares for 3 weeks.

I've had Pirate parties - of which palm trees and pirate ships were made from wood and placed around my garden. I've had knights and princess parties, and not to mention a couple of fairy parties (glitter included), and bowling parties. This year, obviously, I had to do a theme: festival.

Discoballs, gold body paint, glitter, floral head bands and of course tequila. And for the last 3 days I've been cake for every meal. NUTRIENTS!

Birthday cupcakes, made by Mum.

I don't understand why the British Government haven't made the 25th of July a national holiday, or international even (I'm looking at you, U.N - Make it happen).

Also, here's the goofiest face I've ever pulled.
It must be a birthday thing. 

Justin Timberlake | My First Gig | MM DAY 7

I think my first gig aged 11 was more for my mum's benefit rather than my own. At the time, I was listening to Green Day and Nelly Furtado (a mixture of influences from my way cooler than me cousins and my primary school best friend, Lydia), evidently not Justin Timberlake.

I was given the tickets for my birthday, and felt super accomplished telling all my new school friends in year 7  that I was going to see 'Justin!!!!' *cue hysterical screaming and jealously* - both of which I didn't really understand.

Anywho, my mum, her friend (at my birthday?! I know, I'm still confused now) and I settled into our seats in the Gods at the O2 awaited Justin.

I don't remember a whole lot from the concert, but vividly, burnt into my memory forever is my mum screaming Justin's name whilst I was trying to video the concert on a shitty little Nokia camera phone in order to prove to my new friends that I was kinda cool. I failed.

This concert is possibly the only cool thing I've ever done in the last 17 years of my life. Ever since, I've been pretty much in love with Timberlake - who isn't?!

Have a lovely Sunday,
Josie xo

Do I Wanna Know? | SOTD | MM DAY 6

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

In the space of 40 minutes on Thursday, I transformed from a messy 17 year old who, for all intents and purposes was going to stay in bed for most of the day (because you know, it's hot and that) into the best sister my brother could have asked for.

For those living outside of my mundane twitter feed (which you can feel free to laugh at here) you may or may not know the trials and tribulations that I endured yesterday morning whilst trying to obtain 2 Arctic Monkeys tickets, which obviously, I needed.

40 solid minutes of refreshing pages, tweeting my equally stressed friends, repeatedly typing in the 'robot proof' codes, ringing my mum and almost crying when finally : Josie, you're going to The Arctic Monkeys, standing! THANK YOU LORD.

Bring on October, when I can bounce around Earls Court like a lunatic with my brother. It's in the genes.

Song of the day is Do I Wanna Know? by The Arctic Monkeys.

Have a lovely day, 

Josie xo

Because Of The Times | Album | MM DAY 5

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

My favourite album of all time is undoubtedly, Kings of Leon - Because Of The Times.

3 reasons why, I hear you ask? 

1. Charmer 

2. On Call

3. Ragoo

Have a lovely day,

Josie xo

Oh La La! French Toast Breakfast

Picture this; 9am, sunshine and waking up to a sea of white duvet. Glorious. It can only be topped off by a delicious breakfast of French toast - which by the way is totally my favourite thing before 11am and makes me feel far more accomplished despite my Hagrid hair and band t-shirt pjs.

To make the Batter (per 2 slices of bread) :
- 1 egg
- A drop or two of Vanilla Essence/Flavouring
- 2 tbsp of milk

Thoroughly mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and dip the bread, a slice at a time, into it until it is covered entirely.
Grease a frying pan with a bit of butter and set it on a medium/high heat.
Fry the soaked bread until it's golden brown on both sides.
Serve immediately with berries (mine are frozen) and a dusting of icing sugar.

Hope you enjoy,
Josie xo

Black Skinhead | SOTD | MM DAY 4

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

As per usual, I'm two weeks late on this hype. It's a curse. Regardless, I've finally got round to listening to Kanye West's new album, Yeezus. I'm not a die hard fan of Mr West, but the obnoxious music he makes puts me in a very very good mood - circa every time Gold Digger comes on anywhere, that's my time to shine. 

Black Skinhead, the first single of the album, is right up my street; in fact, it's so my my street it's permanently residing on my iPod as a neighbour. An angry, gnarly, neighbour. This is like listening to Stomp! and leather - I know it's an odd description but it makes me want to goth-up, stomp about and destroy shit. Kanye, you have done a top job with this one. 

Have a lovely day, 

Josie xo 

The MOM Jeans

Jeans: Topshop

Top: Primark

Shoes: New Look 

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Nails: Barry M Gelly Nail Effects in Papaya

I don't remember the last time I wore jeans, or owned a pair. Me and jeans aren't really friends, me and Cigarette trousers however, BBFs. Anywho, finally I've found a pair that actually fit me; I've got odd legs - ankles like and anorexic, thighs like an elephant. WOO! THANK YOU TOPSHOP!

Mom jeans: slightly skinny legged, super high waisted and turned up at the ankle (which'll make my legs look a bit longer). I think these were sent from heaven specifically for me, we are feeling good. Very good.

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo

Blogging Soundtrack: Kanye West- Black Skinhead

The Strypes | MM DAY 3

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

Photos courtesy of the lovely Becki Pearson

With the average age of about 16, already these boys behold more talent and coolness than I ever will in my entire life time. GAH! I'm jealous and I'm not even going to try an hide it any more. 

So, after spotting them on Later... With Jools Holland a couple of months ago, my family have been obsessed on the verge of fan-girling upon their every appearance. It was only right that we went to go and see them in the flesh to properly bounce around in public instead of our front room. 

*Cue gig at O2 Academy Islington*

My Brother, his mate Felix, the lovely Becki, and I tottered off the tiny venue for the under 18s show, and true to form, the band were amazing. Granted, I was more or less the only one who was comfortable enough to just loose my shit ( and necklace - due to excessive bouncing) to every song, it was a great concert. I would go as far as wicked. 

If you haven't heard of this Irish lot, I guarantee you soon will. They've got the backing and management of some serious music industry legends, and not to mention they were all over Glastonbury this year *swoon*. 

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo

Train In Vain | MM DAY 2

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

This song has been whirling around my head ALL WEEK. A hidden track from their 1979 album, London Calling, it's The Clash's Train in Vain. It's perfect; it's even got harmonicas - something of which I've recently become an obscure fan of (what has happened to me?!) and it makes me want to dance like my dad - you know, the kind that only shows it's true colours at weddings and involves all the hands and feet and bouncing around all at the same time. 

 I work in a charity shop and it's a kind of  an obligation to be  friendly and some what approachable to humans (something I occasionally lack), I play this song on repeat on my walk to work and I have to hold back on the skipping and smiling at strangers, it puts me in that great of a mood. I know I'm odd, but it's difficult trying to convince others that you're not when you're grinning ear to ear like a fruit cake. 

Regardless of my weird habits, have a listen, tell me what you think of it; maybe you hate harmonicas, and the oddly miserable lyrics. and be sure to let me know what your song of the day is!

Have a lovely day,

Josie xo

Welcome to Music Month! DAY 1

Sue me, I've been inspired. 3 days of watching Glastonbury on the telly box on the comfort of my settee  has reminded me how much I really love just listening to music, and need to expand on my musical, hypothetical, horizons.

So, starting today on this blog there will be 31 days of music related posts in conjunction with, you know, the usual ramblings that I post. You'll be seeing my song of the day (SOTD), gig memories, playlists, guilty pleasures and plenty plenty more. AH I'M EXCITED! I'm also trying my best to persuade my brother to film a video for me too; he's an amazing guitar player and I like to show off his talent despite my lack of.

If you want to keep my with the posts, I'm on Bloglovin' which you can follow by clicking here or the picture of the arty naked lady on the right. I'm also on twitter  and will be posting a couple of links on there too! Keep you're eyes peeled!

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo

Monthly Round Up | June 2013

Wasn't today blissful?! For those that don't live in South London's suburbs, the sunshine finally emerged and by God, I didn't miss a second of that vitamin D all day. In deckchairs whilst drinking Kopparberg, and reading Gatsby is my idea of heaven. And despite the sun cream, on the scale of one to lobster on the burnt scale I'm a solid salmon, not too bad but no doubt I'll be lathering on the after-sun lotion later tonight to be extra sure. Joy.

Anywho, my posts have been a bit thin on the ground this month but I've been a semi-busy girl. you know, semi, meaning I've basically downed all tools and revised for a change. Here's the monthly download:
- A-levels along with all school is finally done and dusted and now a long delicious summer awaits, bitter sweet, drunken celebrations ensued.
- PROM! For once I was organised: dress was brought in February, shoes brought in May. Obviously something had to go wrong - my bag broke as soon as I walked into the venue. Just my luck! Regardless, It was night to remember, or at least to be documented on instagram to say the least.
- Redecorating my room - 2 weeks of utter havoc but now it's done, quite ugly but done and I'm no longer unexpectedly finding paint on my arms and legs.
- The Strypes gig in Islington, I'm not going to lie I've been obsessing (borderline fangirling) over this band for a little while now. Post to follow I promise!
- Glastonbury dreamer, every year my family has a 'Glastonbury night' which entails copious amounts of beer and watching the coverage on the telly box (1. because I don't have the money to actually go and 2. there's no cue for the toilet). If you haven't seen it yet, check the Arctic Monkey's set. FLIPPING UNREAL.

I think that's just about covered all of these last 30 days, I think. So, I'll give you some teasers for what's coming soon on the blog; festival inspired fashion, summer playlists, bargain buys, that Strypes post, and finger's crossed, lots more!

Have a lovely sunday,
Josie xo

A Fault In Our Stars | Oh John Green, How do you do it?

On a whim I brought the treasure that is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I don't know what it was, maybe it was the undecided weather that fuelled my spontaneity. Or my desire for a collection of books that'll one day line my walls. Either way, it ended up in my basket and I've never been more grateful for an author to write such truly beautiful words.

I don't want to talk about the story or the ending or whatever because that's already been written, I want to talk about its effect on me which I feel I need to vent. maybe not vent, maybe 'share' is a better word?

Unexpectedly, I invested so much in the characters. I wanted to simultaneously be them, and not be them, for very obvious reasons which you'll discover when you read the book. They were beyond small talk and silly conversations, and spoke with intelligence and personality beyond their confines of 'faults'.The unity and spirit, and also the unexpected turn of events, showed the unconditional emotional support and protection we try and offer one another and yet fail to out manoeuvre the inevitable - 'oblivion'. I liked that reminder, it's how my mind works and how I think.

Tears I shed - on numerous occasions - was not a pitiful affair, but more of a genuine sense of identification and love. Dammit, John Green, how have you fashioned such a convincing set of characters? Maybe my tears were because I thought I knew the story before I'd finished it; making assumptions on the first few pages or drawn similarities between the sub-plot and main plot line. I don't know, but I felt an overwhelming sadness which has left me in a lull in my own existence. Pondering.

I was left concerned about the things that are most important to me. I thought about unity, the fragility of life and love. It's a strange thing, well, not anything in particular in that list but all of them, individually - I think about them often but separately. The Fault In Our Stars seeming brought them together all at once in a kind of upheaval of emotion.

However, that may have been due to the time frame I read it in: a 5 hour bath. It wasn't intentional I just couldn't stop my self, I didn't want to let go and be in the real world whilst I was so absorbed in Hazel's. It's pretty rare that I start something and actually have the motivation and desire to complete it; especially as the majority of books that I own and have read cover to cover have had to be forced for educational purposes -  would you have believed I was an English A Level student?!

But, being a -former- English student I'm a real sucker for descriptive embellishment, its why I liked Dorian Gray, and Green is the embodiment of perfection in this. Sometimes I walk though places and think like the way he writes, for example: on my walk home from work though woods. I want John Green to document that for me. Maybe I'll write him a letter with a request.

Without sounding ridiculously cliché I just want to scream, 'READ THIS BOOK!' to everyone I know. It's a bitter sweet heartbreak and beautiful is too tame a word for it.

Ps. I owe it to Konnie for her recommendation. I don't know whether she'll read this post but I hope she knows she's shaped my life by just chatting to me in psychology one time about 'some book' she read and was going to lend me. I beat you to it, girl. And thanks, big time.

Putting The 'Mental' in Experimental - Macaroon Edition

A spurge on cook books this week lead me to believe I was Heston Blumenthal. I was adding all sorts of things into a bowl and blitzing it up -  assuming I could wing it in the kitchen like I do in the majority of other areas of my life. But oh no, cooking is all science and no fun, dreams and rainbows; at least on this occasion. 

The plan was 'summer berry macaroons', I hasten to add there wasn't a recipe - I was making it up as every good chef/poisoner does. I got a bit heavy handed with the juice, and almonds, and sugar. And broke too many eggs. Did I mention the oven wasn't hot enough? And I put them in for longer than needed (hence the orange/burnt tinge to some of them).

This attempt had been a disaster from the start but they still tasted edible, not like summer fruits, but edible. So, like all of my other baking failures, they went onto ice cream and were fine. Ok, fine-ish.

Never mind, lesson learnt - always follow a recipe.

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo

A Better Blog

I don't know how it's taken me this long, but I've come to the conclusion that I like reading beauty blogs not actually writing them. I'm pretty awful at reviews of beauty related things as I have the tiniest ounce of knowledge and not even on the same wave length as other bloggers out there; who's real passion is make up - unlike mine.  

So, in the not too distant future you'l be seeing a change in the things that I post, now that I've finished school FOREVER, I have a hella lot of free time that I've got to fill - hold on to your hats ladies and gents. 

I'm most likely to be posting about fashion styling, life bits and bobs (or my lack of) and a tonne of bad baking - I know, I can tell you're as excited as me.

Have a lovely day, 

Josie xo

Birchbox May 2013 - Unboxing

My love affair with Birchbox is fading, I've tried very hard to love it unconditionally, but the products don't really cut it for me any more, quite irrelevant to my tastes - too much skin care and not enough make up.   Any way, onto this month's box...

Kusmi Tea Detox Tea 

So random, but just what I needed. I'm up to my eyeballs in stressful revision, 'detox' tea is right what I need. Smells like lemon grass, we'll see how this works out...

WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads

This half term leads me onto late nights, hopefully this can revive me for school on Monday morning! 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Pompeii Purple

Barbie pink is not quite my style, but it's certainly pretty.

With a purple sheen to it, it catches the eye beautifully.

Laura Geller Beauty Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner in Black

Woah, product rehash?! I got this in March, and was somewhat impressed.

But again in May? I didn't like it that much. 

Murad Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture For Eyes

An eye cream - something that I feel totally indifferent to.

But it feels nice, and like the Buffing beads, I hope it makes me look half presentable. 

Electric Hair Intense Treatment Masque 

Truly this is the only thing that got me excited in the whole box. I've never heard of this brand, but I am a fan of hair masks. Gimme gimme! 

For more information about Birchbox click here

Oops... May 2013

In my last post I aired my one of my many weaknesses, Boots. So obviously I went to fulfil my material needs and ended up picking up a few things.

Bourjois Cream Blush in 04 Sweet Cherry

I'm quite excited about this. The packaging is simple, effective (the little mirror is so handy) and the colour range is a small one but with very good variation. 

Boots Natural Collection Powder Blush in Peach Melba 

I've heard about this for AGES. Now I've finally got my hands on it I'm pleasantly surprised,

I definitely underestimated these! 

Real Techniques Blush Brush 

 Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous

This is my first orange lip product, and I like it. It lasts for ages, and the colour is just outstanding.

 Rimmel Kate Nail Vanish in Soul Sessions

Simple lilac toned nude. Another like. 

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara in Black

Nothing can ever replace my love for YSL mascaras, but this will have to fit the bill for now. 

My lashes look super long, but doesn't hold a curl for long enough for my liking. 

 

Seventeen On The Spot Foundation in Fair

I regret buying this. BIG TIME. My skin's been under it these last few weeks (exam stress and the like) so I thought I'd give a budget anti-spot foundation. I hate it. It's sticks to dry patches on my face like no tomorrow, and it's probably a bit too dark for me. But it does last for a substantial amount of time and has a half decent coverage. Maybe I need to stick with it and see how it goes.

There we have it, a couple of things. This is why I shouldn't go shopping on my own, I get far too carried away. 

My Kryptonite

In no way am I saying I'm superman;
1. I'm don't own a cape (secretly, I want one, but we'll keep that between you and I)
2. I don't have an alter ego
3. I don't wear my knickers over tights, but then again my attention span does last for about 3 seconds, so one day it will happen. Put a wager on it.

But what I will say is that I have weakness, my Kryptonite: a trip to boots after payday. For some people, its ice cream or I don't know, shorts maybe. Or more specifically, nail vanish. But me, oh give me the whole hog. I'm not picky.

Its like I'm uncontrollable. I'm like an animal, I rage through the store, basket in hand filled  with random, unexplained items. All of which I don't need and will rarely use.

I have a problem, but I've heard I first steps to recovery is to admit it.

Look at me, trying to justify my greed to materialistic things as an addiction. I'm a horrible person. It's just a habit, an expensive, inefficient habit. Urgh.

So tell me I'm not the only one, what's your Kryptonite, your weakness?
Or alternatively, if you had the opportunity to tell superman that humans do not wear pants over tights, would you?

Have yourself a lovely day!

Homemade Iced Coffee | May Bank Holiday Madness!

I woke up in a VERY good mood this morning; it was one of those mornings where you instantly forget that you have 3 exams in less than a month and that you have a huge bruise on your face (I raced my friend across a field last night and me being me, tripped and fell straight onto my face).

Anywho, it seemed like a perfect morning to make my own iced coffee because quite frankly, I'm not going all the way to Starbucks and paying for something I can make just as good myself - also I fully  intend to spend the entire day in my pjs. So, here we go!

Ingredients:

1 Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

1 tsp of instant coffee granules (or to taste)

A cup of luke warm water

A drop or two of vanilla extract 

1 tsp of sugar 

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Blitz the ice cream, coffee, water together. It should turn all frothy.

Transfer into a glass (mine's from Ikea)

Add a dash of vanilla and sugar and stir

Add a couple of ice cubes (crush them if you fancy the proper Starbucks treatment)

And enjoy! 

Obvs mine didn't last too long!

April 2013 Favourites

What a hectic month! I feel like I haven't sat down for longer that 10 minutes, and that's why there's been a significant lack of posts this month. Honestly, I've just been overwhelmed with trips away, and coursework. What a combination. So lets get into this...

TV: The IT Crowd
The nerd in me wants to be in the IT Crowd. I don't even care. I want the Roy shirts and I want Moss to be my answer phone message. What I've found with the IT Crowd is that the audience can go either way with it, it's a Marmite programme. However, I'm quite clearly in the 'love it' corner; clever and witty writing, sweet casting, and the fact it's all on Netflix makes me all the happier. Also, it's so 'quotable' it makes cry with joy.

Film: Almost Famous
I watched this at the beginning of the month, but it's a film genre I really like. Set in the 70s, the film sees a high school boy begin to write for Rolling Stone Magazine and follows an up and coming band on their american tour. I really enjoy music films in general  and this movie just has a beautiful juxtaposition of naivety and reality of the music industry. I like it, and plus the cast includes the beautiful Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel and the simply great Jason Lee, I don't really know where you can go wring with this. I wouldn't say this is one of my favourite films, but I did enjoy it rather a lot and that's something.

Music: The Strypes
Can we talk about my obsession with the Strypes please?! Even if you say no, I wouldn't listen. I first saw them on Later... with Jools Holland and I was in awe. These boys are 16 and 17 years old and already are talented, tight musicians - Also, how much do they look like the Beatles?! With 60s/70s blues and rock influences, I'm jealous of everything about them. BIG TIME. I guarantee them world domination - after myself of course.

Make up: BeautyBlender
Granted, it's a tool and not a make up product but oh well. Since it turned up in March's Birchbox I've used it every day to apply my foundation. I'll write up a review in the next couple of days, but what I will say is that now I totally understand the HUGE hype over this sponge. Pricey but worth it; you can grab it for £16 pounds each or £24 for 2 on BeautyBay.

Skin Care: Bioderma
Maybe this is my purchase of the year. It's flipping brilliant. a couple of drops on a cotton pad and my entire face of make up has been wiped away, even the stupidly tough mascara. Unfortunately, it can only be purchased in Europe at the minute, however, I've been doing a bit of research and allegedly Bioderma will be coming over to the UK very soon, but there is no set date or designated store just yet. Dammit! I know this bottle is going to last me a long time, but it looks like I'm going to have to take a quick trip to Paris to get some more when it runs out, oh what a shame!

The Reeve Guide To... Paris - Day 4

There is nothing quite like waking up to fresh coffee in the morning. Honestly, I think if every person had a pot brewing in the morning there wouldn't be war. Anyway, off the point there. This coffee this morning was particularly special; we had breakfast in the The 2 Moulins Café. THE CAFE WHERE AMELIE WORKED. Being one of my top 5 favourite  films ever I think it would have been near impossible for us not to go there, especially as it was 5 minutes from our apartment. In the cafe itself there was a huge movie poster signed by the director/actress (I can't remember, I think my eyesight or memory is going, to be honest, probably both) and aptly named dishes such as the 'taste of Amelie' which consisted of coffee and crembrule. Charming.

After a massive breakfast, and after Alex has suitably demolished the left overs on everyone's plates, we had to pack up and leave. Even now, I have the strangest feeling I've left something behind...
And so we began the trek, cases in hand, to the Gard du Nord. Obviously, making detours in various bolongaries to buy gifts of macaroons for relatives (you can't beat them, I promise you) and more of the delicious tiger buns for the train journey.

Then, oh and then, my mum found the most amazing fabric and habbidashery emporium I have ever seen. Material in every colour and  texture, and for every occasion. How could I resist? (Side note - it was mega cheap and I'm easily persuaded) I ended up buying some ridiculous satin, pattern wise think Hawaiian shirt. Who wears satin any more?!  Let alone Hawaiian prints?! Well, me shortly, once I've worked out what I'm going to do with it. A skirt? Maybe? I don't even care. I'll wear it as a head dress if I have to. 

With gleeful faces we walked the last leg of the journey. An hour early, we stopped at McDonald's. French McDonald's is properly fancy. Coffee in actual cups and saucers and a box of macaroons (which quickly became McMacoroons, my dad, full of puns). I think its definitely the little things like cups and saucers in fast food chain restaurants that make me a little over excited. Oh Paris, you bring the best out of everything.

Departure. Urgh. I'm writing this on the Eurostar as we speed through miles and miles of flat fields and farmland. It's a bit odd, thinking about it. In less than 2 hours I'll be in Ebbsfleet and everything that has happened in the last 4 or so days won't be daily occurrence any more but an anecdotes or photo.

I think I've worked out what I left in Paris. I left my heart in Paris.
Until next time,
Josie

The Reeve Guide To... Paris - Day 3

 Covered passages

A cane seller's window (one of the original shops) / one of the many gorgeous patisseries 

La Galerie Lafayette

Stained glass dome / Jelly shoes / 101 top class make up counters / designer clothes

Arc de Triomphe

How could we possibly leave Paris without having a proper look at the Eiffel Tower by night?

I'd 100% recommend.

The Reeve Guide To...Paris - Day 2

I'm starting to think the aim of this trip was to wear me out as much as physically possible and it hasn't been done better than by the Eiffel Tower itself. Amazingly we managed to walk up it or at least as far as we could go, to the second floor. still, over 700 steps is nothing to be laughed about. My mum was gasping, I was nigh on crawling up the iron stairs. My Dad and Brother, however, seemed to be just fine. I clearly need to do more exercise.

The tower is spectacular, just catching a glimpse between buildings it enough to get me a little excited. But when you're standing under it, it simply blows my brains out. It's inconceivable that in 1889 such a structure was opened when the rest of the world was still trying to catch up, It's no wonder Mr Eiffel turned it into a permanent structure. Also, great fact: amongst royal families that came to view the structure in the opening year, along so did Buffalo Bill the bison hunter. Random.

The top was something not for the faint hearted, level 3 was only accessible though a lift which had approximately 10-12 people in it. Cramped to say the least. But once you are out on the viewing platform, you can see for miles. Unfortunately on the day that we went up it was overcast, a grey misty fog covered most of the city but we could still see large landmarks. But, regardless it was spectacular.

Tourist tip: When buying tickets for the Tower, if on the signs it says the top platform is shut, chances are it isn't. Ask for a ticket for the top, they're just reducing the queues down and the interest of tourists.

After grabbing the lift down to the ground we headed towards the Latin Quarter of Paris. If I'm honest this was pretty uneventful for us; it was raining and there were police everywhere. Although, there are so many churches to duck into in the event of a down pour and each one contains some serious works art. I don't think you can go to Paris and not look at religious art, it's on every corner and in every museum, drink it in. I know, maybe you don't want The Crucifixion in gruesome detail in stain glass or oil paintings, it's not necessarily the content but the skill of the art is special. Again, drink it in.

That brings me on the the next event: visiting the Notre Dame. I think we timed this perfectly, as we were looking at the famous stained glass, the choir to walked into their seats/pews and mass began. When you go from land mark to land mark I think as a tourist you forget that these places are part of every day life for people too. When the choir sung, It reminded me of that. Their voices also gave the church a truly beautiful atmosphere, I'm not going to say spiritual  but it helped me understand exactly why so many artists devoted their time to furnishing it to perfection.

Our final stop off the day was a walk though the back streets past the Moulin Rouge. I can assure you, it looks far better at night when it's all lit up, the dusty red windmill looses all of it's 'spectacular spectacular' romantic charm in the day light. But still, it's a sight you can't got to Paris without seeing.

The Reeve Guide To... Paris - Day 1

 

Maybe, just maybe I've had he busiest day ever. Ok, maybe not ever, but I feel like could now  probably sleep for 3 days, after all, I do get worn put like a toddler.

Finally I'm back in Paris! The home of art, romance and great coffee and cake. Why wouldn't you want to be back here?! This time, instead of a school trip I'm going with my family, so I might actually get to see Paris this time and not just Disneyland and odd shopping centres. Not that I didn't enjoy the last couple of  times I've been here, but its completely unstructured this time. And I'm excited about that.

The Eurostar journey flew by and before we knew it there we were in the wildest taxi ride. If anything would want to put you off driving ever again it's a taxi in Paris. Cutting corners, running though red lights, narrowly dodging pedestrians and watching car scraps left right and centre. In hindsight it made me realise that not everyone is the same as London where you wait for the green man before crossing the road, in Paris you run for your life.

As the taxi was speedily winding around the roads, an artisan district emerged with cobbled streets. There were shop stalls of cheese, fish, meat, 101 bakeries and cafes all companied with bustles of people weaving their way around the stalls. It felt like we were in a bit of a time warp, 50 years behind the rest of the world. It was pretty beautiful.

Up a little hill and there's our apartment with the slightly very eccentric owner. Everything in the apartment is a little 'temperamental'; the locks on the bathroom, the keys in the front door, the boiler, the satellite on the telly. But to be quite honest, I'm going to be sleeping under a chandelier and that's never happened before, so already I've decided I may never leave.

Suitcases down, and we're out the door again. I think that's what happens when I go on holiday with my Dad, he's got this ridiculous habit of not being able to stay still for longer than 20 minutes or so.

After some exploring of the local area around Montmartre, and quick view of the Eiffel Tower through the mist, we headed for the Louvre and went via the tube, or the metro, which sounds far more French and fancier. Obviously, we headed straight to the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci like every other tourist that goes into that art gallery. Maybe this is me being a bit young and very naive to the ways of art, but I found it somewhat underwhelming considering you have a painting of the last supper which is bigger than my house on the adjacent wall. I can appreciate art and the skill of Ms Lisa, but with all the other beauty in other pieces around the gallery and exhibitions I think to go only to that painting you would seriously be missing out, as I know a lot of tourists do. I don't know, maybe I need to research it before I slate it.

At this point of the day, I think it was safe to say we were exhausted and hungry and began to navigate our way back to our tiny apartment and more importantly, dinner. From the metro we ended up walking everywhere. I mean the Sacre Coeur is set on the highest point in Paris. We walked up that hill. I'm telling you, I looked like a wreck; out of breath, cold but over heating and without doubt starving. Thankfully we found a restaurant, Chez Eugene in the square near to the church. Hearty traditional French food, cheesy cabaret (who sung Robbie Williams and The Carpenters, what a winning combination) and deranged décor. I'm talking confetti on the ceiling and merry go round horses.

A strange day: waking up in suburban London and about go to sleep in the heart of Paris was only  topped off by a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower all lit up in the night sky. Which was something I won't be forgetting in a long while.

March 2013 Favourites

March, it's such a middle of the road month. Granted, there was Mother's day and my brother's birthday, but it doesn't mean it was totally great (sorry, Alex). It's this time of year I begin to loose my attention span for most of my school work, anyone who knows me is undoubtedly familiar my ability to find random games to avoid coursework deadlines. It's a skill that's on my CV. So in March I have a tendency to delve into all sorts of other things, so here are a list of my favs of this month...

TV: The Village
Granted, this aired on the 31st of March but seriously, aside from watching The Office all month on Netflix, this is the only series on the telly that actually got me excited. It's about a man, Bert Middleton, retelling his memories of the village in which he grew up from 1914 onwards. The cast is pretty special; Nico Mirallegro especially. He's working his way up my 2013 hot list, BIG TIME. I saw him in My Mad Fat Teenage Diary, and he was featured briefly in the ASOS magazine. I think it's his eyebrows or his accent, but he's effortlessly cool. Either I need to be married or best friends with him. That's the deal.

Game: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
I've really nerded out over this game over this last month. Seriously, I've even embarrassed my brother. Maybe it's because the character wears a cape or jumps building to building - both of which I do not own/am capable of, and that's fine, and which is why I've played it all month long.

Music: Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Finally JT is back! Super high notes, clean tailoring with an odd pinch of Jay-Z in the mix. It makes me very very happy. I went to his last tour way back in 2008 with my Mum and I kid you not she was screaming louder than I was. With any luck she'll buy me a ticket to the tour, fingers and toes crossed.

Make Up: Maybelline Expression Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow
I brought this about 2 weeks ago in On And On Bronze, and to every social occasion I've worn this. It's super simple and gorgeous, and has really pretty golden shimmer. I just love it, and there's definitely going to be a review in the up coming days.

Accessories: Leather Vintage Clutch Bag
I'm going to label this bag as vintage, it is kind of. Brought from a charity shop, it's old, worn, and it was a right bargain. How could I resist?! It's pretty small, it only just fits my purse and phone in, but it's quite nice to just carry about if I'm just popping out to get a few things and and be easily dressed up with it's classic style.

Jewellery: Black Faceted Bead Statement Necklace

What a mouthful, and what a necklace. Again, I brought it from a charity shop and it's really inspired me to *possibly* make my own version. A ribbon is attacked tie into a bow at the back of your neck, gives it a bit of decadence and fanciness to a very simple outfit. A wardrobe staple.