Recently I've been reading..

I felt like I haven't done a book review type post in aaages! Since finishing uni, I've found it quite hard to get back into reading non uni normal books as I hadn't in so long. In the past month though I've managed to get through 3 which is pretty good for me!

Richard Matheson ~ I am Legend

I'm sure many of you will have seen the film with Will Smith in? Well I only found out 2 months ago that it was adapted from a book written in the fifties. If you haven't seen the film and want to, STOP READING NOW! The film is about a virus that spreads across the world, with only one survivor- Robert Neville. The virus makes zombie like humans that only come out at night. After reading the book, I now understand that the humans are not 'zombies' they are vampires. However Matheson's book was revolutionary in the Zombie genre as it was the first of it's kind and sparked the topic among horror enthusiasts. The vampire virus spread, in his book, as a zombie virus might, with only one survivor Robert Neville. The ending of the book is different to the movie so I won't give too much away. But I really enjoyed and now believe the movie ruined and changed far too much of Matheson'sgreat novel. 

Aravind Adiga ~ The White Tiger

The story is about Balram- the White Tiger. who works in a teashop, in a banal mind numbing job. He was removed from school early by his parents to work in the tea shop and see's a way out as a chauffeur to a rich man in his village. From this job he discovers New Delhi and keeps wanting more and more and begins to think comitting the odd crime worn't hurt anyone. This gets worse and worse untill the ending which I won't give away. I really enjoyed this story, I thought it was different and can see why it won a Man Booker prize.

Markus Zusak ~ The Book Thief

This has to be one of my favourite books that I go back to again and again. It revolves around nine year old Liesel, who lives with foster parents in the time of the third Reich after her parents were taken to a communist camp and after he brother's funeral she comes across a book. Following this she comes acoss many many books that she steals. All becasue she loves her step father reading to her at night. The story is narrated by 'death' and talks of the horrors of the world wars, but it is well done. I'd recommend this to people who enjoy books like 'a thousand splendid suns', 'the kite runner' or 'the fault in our stars'.

What have you all been reading lately? Do you have any recommendations- I love hearing about new books I wouldn't otherwise have come across?

I'm going on holiday...travel essentials

Hopefully, the blogger schedule thingy should have worked an you'll be reading this while I'm away(yay). I'm going on a proper holiday for the first time in ages! And I thought it might be interesting (I find it interesting on other people's blogs as I'm nosy!) to see what some 'essentials' are.

So first up, hair/face essentials: Moroccanoil, Etat Pur micellar water, Ojon damage reverse shampoo + condiioner and Nivea Daily essentials express hydration primer.

For the hair- I picked these Ojon minis as I'll be in the swimming pool, sea and hopefuly the sun will ve out loads, so these sounded perfect for my dyed hair. Same goes with Moroccanoil. I love this stuff and think it does so much for my hair for heat stlying and helping dry ends, plus it smells amazing.

And also make up essentials, Collection Lasting perfect ultimate wear powder, Collection longer lashes waterproof mascara, Revlong lip butter in Candy apply, Boots eyelash curlers, Real techniques buffing brush and Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.

For my make up- I chose the powder, for the obvious reason of getting rid of shiny sweat face, and waterproof mascara 'cause of the pool and sea. Eyelash curleers because lashes look so much better when curled. Candy apple as it's such a pretty bright colour, great with a tan! And lastly my new fav-Naked Basics palette as it will have all the shades I need in.

What are your travel essentials? Is there something you can't live without on holiday?

Summer = Festivals, Part 3

Sorry its been sooo long since my last festival post! But here's my final one, and it's about Festival fashion. With Reading, Bestival, Green man and many others round the corner, I thought I'd better hurry up and get this one posted!
When I got to festivals, comfort (and warmth!) is usually key; in the UK this means wellies and pack-a-macs as you can guarantee an English summer will include rain at some point! I like to be comfy and warm, able to carry around all my things (alcohol, money and toilet roll!) and to still look good. I may as well face it I will never look as fashionable or as glamorous as the celebrities!
So below I though I'd show some of my essentials for festivals- other things I'd consider essentials would be leggings/tights/socks, a hoodie, jeans and some light tops t-shirts to layer underneath- oh an maybe a beanie or two!

1)  High waisted vintage hotpants £28- Topshop, 2)  Knitted rib crop sweat £32- Topshop, 3)  Printed pac-a-mac £20- Warehouse, 4)  Sunglasses £17.99- Zara, 5)  Love heart shopper £15- Topshop,  6) Original tall Welly £85- Hunter,  7)  Ditsy Collar dress £22- Dorothy Perkins

Blogland hyped up products- skin/hair care

This is the second post about some of the hyped up products when they hit the blogosphere. The last post covered beauty and make up etc. Whereas this one covers skin care and one haircare essential that I think is hyped up: LaRoche Posay Effaclar Duo, Nuxe Reve De Miel, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Bioderma Sensibo H20 water and Moroccanoil Hair oil.

LaRoche Posay Effaclar Duo
I had previously written about about it 'here' so I won't bore you with the details, but basically, I didn't like it and didn't feel it worked for me. In my opinion the hype is not worth it: 1/5
Nuxe Reve De Miel
I bought this product just before Christmas last year, after suffering chapped lips all winter and willing to try anything. I bought it for the costly price of £10, which I thought was a bit steep. But now, after using it almost everyday and (I put it on before I go to bed) I can say that it is definitely worth it in my opinion. It's really thick and the scent reminds me a bit of chocolate orange, but it stays on for sooo long and isn't sticky at all. Win :) 5/5
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
I got this about a month ago now, after hearing all the hype last year over summer, I thought it would be nice to try. I know many bloggers are on the fence about this.. I think I am too: I do quite like this and like the effect- especially the cooling effect in summer, but I do feel it's ridiculously expensive for what it is, and the results are not great, more temporary. So this one gets a 2/5
Bioderma Sensibo H20 solution
I've tried Micellar water before- the Etat Pur product and I really loved it, it's the best and gentlest way of removing make up- particularly eye make up- in my own opinion. Bioderma works pretty much the same as the other Micellar water I've used and I haven't seen anything amazing about it to make it work the price, £3 more than the Etat Pur water I believe. So as much as I love Micellar water this isn't anything special or an amazing one, so I'll be sticking to other (cheaper) brands for now. 3/5

Moroccanoil Hair Oil
I love this product. I find it is definitely worth the money, as this bottle has lasted me about 7 months of pretty constant use. Its so much thicker than any other hair oil I've used and sinks into the hair so well- plus it smells amazing. I usually use it mid to ends on my wet hair when blow drying or just on the ends, when its already dry. I think this 100ml bottle cost about £28, which for 7 months I think is totally worth it. favourite of all the hyped up blog products probably. 6/5

What are your favourite products? Did you get them becasue of any blogger hype?

Summer = Festivals, Part 2

Festivals, in the UK, are not generally associated with being clean and pristine looking. In fact most people, by the third day (some the second day.. euw) will stink, have greasy hair, and have 3 day old make up and facepaint on. The trick is to not smell as much as the people around you.. ergo you smell better! Nah I kid, the trick is to not smell/look greasy at all!
First off, if you are not one of the lucky bastards camping in luxury, then you will have to face facts that it will be very difficult for you to have a shower. As mentioned in the last post, baby wipes are your best friend! next up you want a long lasting strong deodorant  not something usually talked about on beauty blogs, but you need it! I'd recommend this Mitchum one, as it lasts a long time, and isn't too hard on your pennies.
Now for your face, you need to remember a face cream that has SPF in it, as you will be outside, literally ALL day. And don't bother with face wipes, baby wipes should do the job. A good SPF moisturiser is the best bet. I like this Boots Vitamin E with SPF 15, as again it isn't too expensive so if you did happen to lose/damage it, it's not the end of the world!

Onto Hair essentials, one, would of course be: dry shampoo. If you are not a fan of Batiste as I know some people aren't, they are a few good ones out there, such as the Umberto Giannini dry shampoo, or the Trevor Sorbie dry shampoo. A final hair essential would be a hair oil or serum, to combat the drying effect of the dry shampoo, but on the ends of course- not the roots! For cheapness and still generally still quote good results, love to carry around this travel size Tresemme Liquid gold, Argan oil.

Finally- make up essentials, after the first two days, I find I become lazier with my makeup and a smokey eye is what I end up resorting to, so what ever look you normally do, take make up for that- don't take a whole kit with you, for one thing you won't have time to do it (well I definitely didn't!) and you will regret carrying it all around. Take a few essentials that you know work: lipbalm, and an allrounder lipstick/colour, an eyepencil/liner, one or two eyeshadow shades, a mascara, and one powder, maybe a BB cream if they work fir you- I like Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB cream. A few brushes and you should be good to go. The only other thing I would recommend it a primer, they are definitely worth it, when it comes to keeping your make up in place, and not needing to reapply it so often! My favourite is the Benefit 'That Gal' brightening primer.

What are your beauty essentials for festivals? Anything you could recommend?

Blog hyped up products? Beauty

I'm sure if you read blogs, or write a blog, you'll know about getting caught up in the hype of some products when they hit the blogosphere. I too have been drawn in by the great photography and kind words, when really some of these products aren't that great! Here I'm going to do a run down of the hyped up beauty products (that are in my price range) I can't afford the luxury hyped about products (sob).

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
This is a bit of a hit and miss for me, in the summer I love it! It goes really easily onto my skin and covers any imperfections and lasts almost all day, but in the winter we do not get on, at all. For one thing it's a bit too orange for my pale pale skin in winter, and way too drying. my skin is dry at the best of times in winter, but this dries it out even more. So this gets a 3/5 as (to me) it's a great summer product.
Maybelline 24 hours Colour Tattoo
This was another product that I took some coaxing into buying, but once I did I was so pleased with the results, I wouldn't say it last 24 hours, but it definitely helped my eyeshadow last longer in the day, and I love using it a tiny bit of shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes to brighten them up. I have the rose gold shade, and it's definitely my favourite and looks the most natural on me. This one receives a 4/5

Rimmel Apocalips
Another lip product that was very hyped up in bloggyland. This one, however, is more of a liquid lipstick, than a tinted lipbalm. I love the shades that are available, and i love the colour pay off. You don't need a lot to colour your whole lips in. As with most lipsticks this can be drying, but I found a tiny amount of lipbalm on first and you're good to go. 4/5
Revlon Lip butters
It took me a looooong time to finally give into this hype and buy the product, I wish I'd done it sooner- for once the hype is correct. This really is such a great product, it gives a great build-able colour-with so many shades to choose from- and moisturises your lips at the same time. It doesn't feel cakey or sticky, and it lasts quite a long time. 5/5

O.P.I Nail Envy
I have been wanting this for months! Ever since I started wearing nail varnish a bit more often, and despite wearing a base coat, my nails have got in terrible flaky, breaking, chipping condition. Sick of my nail varnish only lasting a day before my terrible nails start flaking off I made an impromptu purchase of this. I've have now been using it for the past two weeks, and can honestly say that I don't really see a difference... disappointed is not the word! The search continues! 2/5

Thanks for reading, what products do you think are hyped up by bloggers and do you think they're worth it?

Summer = Festivals Part 1

I love going to festivals, and as it's approaching summer (one would hope!) I thought I'd do a little three part series on what I'd take to festivals, one is life essentials- and the other skincare/makeup, and then fashion essentials.
In the past I’ve been lucky enough to go to Reading, Glastonbury, Wireless, and Bestival. This year I tried to get some Glasto tickets, and didn't :( Hopefully next year!

Bestival, 2010

A few book reviews

Since I've had my nexus (nb. 2 months and already addicted to it :s! ) I've been reading a lot more books. I swore I've never get a kindle or an e-reader as I love the feel of a new book, and the smell! But with some of them being as low as 20p on the Kindle app I downloaded and not having to wait for days on end for the postman to finally trundle up to my letterbox with my book- I was sold!

In these 2 months I've managed to read 4 books, not gonna lie, most were cheap crime thrillers but some were better than others and have now gone up massively in price (£4.99!?)

The Hundred year old man who climbed of the window and disappeared ~
I loved reading this book! It begins with Allan Karlsson, a centenarian climbing out of the window of his care home, in his urine splattered slippers, on the morning of his 100th birthday. As the story develops from this point- his escape, an adventure unfolds as Allan makes new friends (and enemies) and tells his amazing life story parallel to this real time one. In his lifetime he encountered Stalin, Mao, Truman, Churchill, and a young Kim Jong Il, among other people. Jonasson's way of writing was original, funny and a bit different; showing a centenarian to be somewhat of an escape artists and criminal, but all in good spirits. I couldn't put the book down, so to speak, and finished it in a few days. I'm looking forward to his next book already!

Safe House~
This was bought on a whim, in the kindle store as it was so cheap and had great reviews. A thriller set on the Isle of man with many twists and turns: it begins as Rob Hale meets Lena when he is called out to fix her boiler, and is then thrown off his motorbike which he was riding with her. But she is nowhere to be seen. As he looks for her, the plot thickens ('scuse the pun!) with the untimely death of his sister, the woman his parent's have hired to investigate it and the shady characters that emerge around Lena's disappearance. I really enjoyed reading this too, it took a while to get into but once I did I found the story quite interesting, especially on the unusual setting of the Isle of man for a crime thriller.

Little girl lost~
This books follows the story of Lucy Black, a police detective in Derry, who is looking for a girl called Kate McLaughlin. The book is set in the cold winter in Derry, and Brian McGilloway paints a vivid description of the icy streets and freezing cold conditions, as a young girl is found that they all believe is Kate, wondering around some woods, covered in blood. She isn't, and won't talk to anyone; Lucy then attempts to find her family, look after he father who has onset Alzheimers, and look for Kate. The story, again, takes many twists and turns and is really well written. 

Dark Winter~
Another crime thriller (sorry!), this time set against the backdrop of Hull and the Humber in East Yorkshire, a man dies on a fishing boat off the coast of Norway, after telling a reporter his story about surviving in the same situation 40 years before, a girl is murdered outside a church, and a junkie is burned alive in a house. All these deaths have a connection, and DS Aector McAvoy attempts to uncover the truth before this mysterious murderer finds his next victim. A great story, as with Safe House it did take a little longer to get into than some of the others on this list, but I enjoyed it all the same.

White Bones~
The last crime thriller, and last book in this list. I both, liked and disliked this book. It was so interesting and gripping to read, another book that I felt I couldn't put down. But on the other hand, the story was so gruesome and the descriptions so good that I didn't like reading them, as they described murders and rituals, there is so much horror and sadness in this story  It tells of a farmer digging up 11 skeletons on his far who are believed to be 100 years old, and part of a ritual killing, after this, similar killings, and rituals begin happening, as DS Katie Maguire tries to find out what they mean, and who is behind them.  A good story, but just keep in mind the vivid descriptions if you read this!

What have you been reading lately? Any recommendations? Do you read on an e-reader or prefer the real deal?

Summer time with The Body shop

As uni is over(!!) I'm properly back- and it finally seems to be summer (yay) I thought a good idea for a post would be my favourite summer skincare/ beauty products, as most of them are from The Body shop that seemed like a good place to start.

First up my absolute favourite: coconut body scrub which I was kindly sent by the body shop. It smells amazing and does the job well,- I think it's one of the best scrubs out there! It's one I've been always going back to and repurchasing over the years. This seems like the perfect way to kick start summer and help get a great tan (by removing all those dead skin cells)!

Next up for summer are these brighter than bright Colour Crush eyeshadows which are new to The Body  and not ones I've tried before, again I was sent these by The Body Shop (for disclosure!). They are little pots with big colour, there are 30 different shades, ranging from shimmer to matte, some are as bright as those two above! I think the photo above just about captures how bright they are! These two aren't personally colours I'd go for (I'm more of a green/brown/purple kinda gal), but the colour pay off is really good and long lasting. I think I'll still use these as more of an eye liner 'pop' during the summer months.

And lastly for getting ready for summer I'd be lost without my Mango Body oil- again a product that smells amazing, last for ages and one I constantly use all summer, both for moisturising and a bit of a 'shimmer'. It says on the label (excuse the fraying label- it keeps peeling off from the oil!) that it can be used on hair and body, but I'm not a fan of it on my hair, it smells lovely but doesn't sink in as well as 'proper' hair oils. But this isn't the case on the body, it sinks in after a few minutes and leaves skin feeling lovely and smelling mango-ey!
Thanks for reading- What are your favourite 'getting ready for summer' products? Or The Body Shop products?
P.S There's 35% off http://thebodyshop.co.uk/ with the code HOLIDAY until 7th may

Travel Destinations: Rome

I’ve been lucky enough to go to Rome three times, and I love it: the constant buzz of the city- especially in the summer; the mix of old and the new; the mopeds driving around the Colossuem; pizza; pasta… Parmagiano!!

There are 2 airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino, the latter is closer to the city. From there the main way of getting to the city is buses. Or if you decide to go via train, Termini is the main train station, located to the South East of the city, North of the Tiber. The language spoken is, of course, Italian and the currency is the Euro.

 The Colosseum is a must,the last time I was there it was around €15 for this and entry to the Forum. Its best to have a decent camera and go on a sunny day if possible. The buildings look beautiful in the sun and I find I could picture the fights and audiences clearer… I guess I've probably seen Gladiator too many times!

 The Forum, located between the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hill (there were seven ‘hills’ of Rome), used to be the centre of Roman life. And they have recently unearthed part of what was believed to be Emperor Augustus’ Villa, which had really old interesting paintwork that they'd recently uncovered.

One of my favourite places in Rome is the Trevi fountain (above). I think the sculptures are beautiful and love the atmosphere around, and the cute little shops- it also has an amazing Gelateria (to the left when you're looking at the fountain) which I go to every time! The 'legend' says that if you throw a coin in the fountain with your right hand and your back turned to it, that it will ensure a return to Rome.

Other 'must visit' places are Piazza Navonna, where there are artists selling their pictures, entertainers, cafes and restaurants all around (although if you eat in the square you're going to pay more).

For all the shoppers out there you can’t go wrong with all the designers near the ‘Spanish Steps’, so called triangular ‘square’, is named after the Embassy to the Holy See...

And lastly there is of course, The Vatican, a huge city or even county in it’s own right, in the heart of Rome (well, North West) and home to the famous St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, numerous paintings, sculptures and even an Egyptian section with a mummy. Its best to leave a whole day for this, as whatever time of the year, it tends to be full of tourists. There is a dress code, no short sleeves, shorts etc. Best to check before you go.
A map was my best friend! Never eat near squares, the Colosseum, or major churches, Pantheon etc if you can help it as prices will normally double. Be prepared to haggle, and watch out for the odd pickpocket! But this really is a lovely city!

Thanks for reading, have any of you been to Rome? Or are planning on going?

Also I had a little play around with the blog design, what do you think? yay or nay?

Easter Creme Egg Brownie recipe

I love chocolate brownies, they're also about the only cake/ dessert thing that I can consistently (fingers crossed) make well every time, so I thought I'd try a little twist after seeing a photo of Creme Egg brownies on Instagram and thinking they look amazing!
I find them so simple to make once you know how.

If I was a rich girl... Na Na Naaaa

Basically I've put together a list of things I really want to buy and have been on a wishlist/bookmarked for a long time but I either can't bring myself to buy them or can't afford to!!

1) Pearl Jacket £95- Toppers, 2) Nars Sheer Glow in Deauville £30.50 SpaceNK,  3) MK Rose Gold watch in MK3181 £143 Amazon,  4)Rayban aviators in RB3044-L0207 £90 Smartbuyglasses  5)  Bowie pink high top wedge trainers £149  ASH,  6) Ella Black Scallop pinafore dress £64- Dahlia

There we have it, I want all these lovely wonderful (expensive) things but I don't see me buying them any time soon!!
What do you have on your wishlists?

P.S. anyone remember the rest f this Gwen Stefani song? :)
PPS. Dahlia have a competition on a the moment to Win a Whole Season of Dahlia clothes (five pieces of your choice)! All you have to do is like their FB page (here) and comment on on of their blog posts (here). Easy peasy