April Favourites

Liz Earle- Cleanse & Polish: Rose & Cedrat (Limited edition)

After about a month of trying out another cleanser I reunited myself with my most trusty Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I’ve rambled about how much I love this product in previous posts, so I won’t go on too much, but this limited edition fragrance is wonderful! Don’t get me wrong I love the original eucalyptus scent but when Liz Earle release limited edition fragrances they are definately worth picking up.

Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick: 1995

Oh boy! This lipstick has been on my wish list for ages and as April was my birthday month I finally treated myself to it and have been wearing it nonstop ever since. It’s such an easy colour to wear, you know the typical brown nude. I’m impressed with the formula of these lipsticks its creamy yet is completely matte once on the lips and provides a long lasting coverage.

‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ by Matt Haig

I am a big fan of Matt Haig’s books (Check out ‘The Humans’ for a lighter read!) This book is first non-fiction novel and reveals his mental health struggle with depression and anxiety. He takes us through coming to terms with his depression and provides insights and hope along the way. This book isn’t all doom and gloom, Haig doesn’t take himself too seriously and makes light hearted and witty comments throughout. An interesting and worthwhile read that I really enjoyed.

Cowshed: Cow Pat moisturising hand cream

I found this hidden gem in TK Maxx and have been thoroughly enjoying it ever since. First of all, I am in LOVE with the fragrance of this, it’s so fresh and uplifting with essential oils grapefruit, coriander and lavender. It does a great job of keeping my hands soft and moisturised as it’s packed full of shea and cocoa butter. Also, it’s handy pocket size means I can throw it into my bag for the day and use it on the go.

What have been your April favourites?

Carly x 

Top 4 Scary Halloween Reads

Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

This is a great read for vampire lovers! It's a swedish fiction novel that has been made into two film adaptations (that are definately worth checking out!) The story centers on the relationship between a 12 year old boy and a centuries-old vampire child. It is set in Stockholm in the early 80s- it is a disturbing tale between this unlikely friendship. It also delves into some pretry heavy issues such as social isolation, school bullying and existential anxiety. A great atmospheric read for the mature vampire lover! 

30 Days of Night (Graphic Novel)

Another vampire themed book! Yay!

30 Days of Night is a well known film starring the 'swoon worthy' Josh Hartnett, this film is based on a 3-issue horror comic book mini series, written by Steve Niles and illustrated by Temple Smith. The series takes place in Barrow, Alaska. Every winter the sun doesn't rise for 30 days, the vampires then use this a good excuse to go on a killing spree on the local townspeople. The illustrations are beautifully creepy and a must have if you like a bit of gore in your comics!

Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin

This is one of the best selling horror novels of the 1960s, which has also been adapted into a well known horror film. This book centers on Rosemary Woodhouse, a young woman living in New York City with her struggling actor husband. After becoming pregnant with their first child, Rosemary becomes mysteriously ill and discovers that her neighbours are the leaders of a satanic coven. A chilling read about what can go wrong if your neighbours are satanists! 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

This is one of the first horror novels that combines sci-fi, the gothic and the romantic movement. It tells the story of a young science student who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in a science experiement. It is a heartbreaking and unnerving tale that brings up the question of what it is like to be human,loneliness and being rejected by society. 

What are you reading this Halloween?

Carly x

September Favourites

1. No7 Stay Perfect Foundation

This was a new purchase in September and have been wearing it on a daily basis, it provides long lasting coverage and is great for dehydrates skin!

2. Eau des Missions Cologne

This was a great find this month! I found this in TK Maxx and couldn't believe the price, £7 for 250ml!! It is a beautiful vanilla cologne which I have been wearing non stop, perfect for chilly Autumn days.

3. My ever growing Tsum Tsum collection

Yes, I am 5 years old, but look how cute they are!!

4. Caramel Nut Delight Coffee

This tastes...amazing!

5. Home Sweet Home by Yankee Candle

This is my 'go to' Autumn candle, it's the perfect cinnamon and spice scent and does a great job of making the whole house smell great!

6. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Tales of Terror by Robert Louis Stevenson

I always like to read a few good horror stories during the months leading up to Halloween. This is a classic gothic novel, it's wondefully atmospheric and does a great job and leaving you feeling uneasy and creeped out. I highly recommend!

What are your September favourites?

Carly x

August Book Wishlist

How To Build A Girl by Caitlin Moran

 I recently finished reading How to be a Woman by Caitlin last month and really enjoyed her style of writing, humourous while still discussing serious topics in modern feminism. I'm interested in reading some of her other works and this is next on the list! How To Build A Girl seems to be quite similar in theme to How to be a Woman but instead of Caitlin recalling her personal teenage years it is through a fictional character. Will be picking this up soon!

The First Bad Man A Novel by Miranda July

It seems everyone and their dog has this book! It has been all over Instagram, wondering what all the fuss was about I looked into what this book is actually about and thought it was something I would actually read, hooray! Miranda July is an artist, filmmaker and writer and has successfully published short stories in the past. After reading some mixed reviews on The First Bad Man, some claiming it to be strange and some stating it is something that is completely new to the book world, I was sold. I love strange! 

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf

This has been on my Amazon wishlist for months and I hope to eventually get around to buying it this month! This book discusses the culture around beauty and the role it plays in todays society, how the media can play a big role in pressuring both sexes into looking what they deem as 'acceptable'. The Beauty Myth has been reviewed by the New York Times as "Powerful... No other work has...so honestly depicted the confusion of accomplished women who feel emotionally and physically tortured by the need to look like movie stars" 

I am excited to read this.

The Human by Matt Haig

Something of a lighter read is work of fiction by Matt Haig. This tells the story of a nameless alien who takes over the body of a mathematician who's discovered something the alien civilisation doesn't believe the people of Earth can yet handle. So he comes to Earth with the mission to destroy the evidence of the discovery and to kill everyone who knows about it. There is romance and an insight to the quirks of human nature along the way. Sounds good to me! 

The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli

This book is a bit of an educational, light read in something that I am interested in learning more about: cognitive science theories. Dobelli translates them into understandable terms and illustrates various biases that govern human actions and everyday behaviour. I would love to learn more about how we think and reason in day to day life.

What's on your reading list this month?

Carly x

July Favourites

Hi folks! I hope you all had a great month!

Here are a few things I have been loving this month.

I picked these up on a impromptu trip to Boots and got roped into their 3 for 2 deal. I wanted to give their hot cloth cleanser a go to see if it matches up to the much loved Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser (i've yet to try it) I also got the melting gel cleanser which I have used a few times and have really enjoy using it so far, it leaves my skin really soft after. Then for my free No7 product I picked up the early defense eye cream, just because I've ran out of my regular eye cream and wanted to give something else a go! I will report back on what I think in a future post!

TK Maxxs candle game is strong at the minute! I picked this up just because of the packaging, but i've been burning it non stop since! It's highly scented and smells earthy with a hint of ginger- perfect.

 

Paperchases silly postcards. Love them.

I've been reading The Girl on a Train this month and can't put it down. I'm only half way through and find the story compelling, a real page turner if you like thrillers. I won't say too much as it may give away the story, but it is worth picking up if you are looking for a new read. 

What have been your favourites this month?

Carly x

A Week in Photos #3

1. My lovely boyfriend surprised me with roses and lush goodies :)

2. Relaxing in my new coffee PJ bottoms I picked up in Forever 21 when I was in Amsterdam.

3. Discovering a new coffee shop while on my way to work, I will be revisiting this cute cafe soon!

4. Frozen Yoghurt date night! A new frozen yoghurt place has opened up in our area, so once every week we take an evening trip and try out some new flavours! This week I tasted their mocha and vanilla cake batter flavoured frozen yoghurt. Oh so yum! 

5. I love having a noisy in TK Maxx home section every now and again and found this lovely candle. I love the packaging and it smells wonderful! A bargain for only £6! Hooray!

6. I finished reading Caitlin Morans ' How to be a Woman' this week and really enjoyed it! It's written perfectly and includes hilarious insights into her teenage years, while making some incredibly thoughtful observations on modern feminisim. 

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend! 

Carly x

June Favourites

It's that time again! Seriously, where is this year going? Here are a few bits & bobs that I have been loving recently. 

Rituals 'Happy Hands Hydrating Hand Lotion' in mandarin and mint.

This is a lovely hand cream that I picked up on a bit of a whim while browsing in Rituals. It has an uplifting citrus and mint scent and is really hydrating and doesn't leave a sticky residue like so many other hand creams.

Revlon 'Colourburst Balm Stain' in Honey

This has been my go to everyday lip colour the past month, it has buildable colour and leaves a natural pink/mauve look on the lips. As it's a balm, it's really hydrating and doesn't dry out the lips at all. Also, it has a lovely peppermint scent which leaves the lips with that menthol tingle after applying.

MUA Makeup

I had a little splurge in Superdrugs MUA section a few days ago and picked up these gems (all for under £7!) I am enjoying using all of them so far but my favourite by far is the Matt Black Eyeliner. I think it maybe the best eyeliner i've used too date; easy application, matt black and the staying power of this eyeliner is amazing! 

Whistles slogan tee

My first ever Whistles purchase and i'm in love! 

Clarins 'Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil'

I recently picked up a trial size of this facial oil and was so impressed I had to get the full sized bottle. This is a great smelling oil that helps dehydrated skin, I tend too use this in the evening after my moisteriser. It's a real treat to use and look forward to this step in my evening routine.

Book i've been reading this month.

I've been meaning to read this for a few months now and have finally gotten around to it. I'm really enjoying it so far (i'm only 4 chapters deep) The story follows the story of seven generations of the Buendìa family and of Macondo, the town they have built. An insight of Colombian life, secrets and mysteries. 

What are your favourites this month?

Carly x

A Week in Photos #2

1. Picked up the Happy Buddha shower foam and Fortune shower scrub from

Rituals at a 50% off sale. These smell so

good- refreshing with a citrus zing!

2. Finally got my hands on two of my favourite films on dvd- 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' 

3. Checked out the degree show at University of Ulster last week, there was a lot of great work on show. This students work consisted of a large studio floor covered in fake flowers, it looked amazing.

4. My very talented bestest buddy painted me this great water colour portrait of Bill Murray from the Wes Anderson film 'Moonrise Kingdom.' I have it framed in my sitting room, love it!

5. H&M have some beautiful minimalistic jewellery in stores at the minute. I haven't taken off this rose gold layered necklace, it goes with everything and anything!

6. How cute are these mason jar candles? I picked up the scent Lemon Pound Cake and Pancakes & Maple Syrup. My house smells like a bakery now :) 

7. My first ever Whistles purchase. I will get a lot of wear out this top, it's soooo soft!

8. New Book. These little penguin classics are only 80p in Waterstones!

9. The weather has been great here so a lot of coffee has been consumed outside in the sun.

Favourite Books: Part One

I am an avid reader and love books- I have far too many if you ask me, I just can't bear to part with any of them! In today's blog post I will be discussing five of my favourite books in my collection. Hope you enjoy!

The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Written in 1928 by Russian author, Mikhail Bulgakov, it is one of my all time favourite reads. If you enjoy a great novel with dark themes such as good vs evil this could be one for you. It is heavily influenced by Goethe's 'Faust', part of the brilliance of this novel is that it can be read as hilarious slapstick, deep philosophical allegory, a biting socio-political satire critical of the soviet system at the time but also deals with the superficiality and vanity of modern life.  It includes appearances from a vodka drinking black cat, a promiscuous witch and the devil, quite the mixture!

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

I'm sure you have heard of this novel before, if not, where have you been? It's one of the most popular sci-fi novels of all time. Written in 1949, Orwell writes of a dystopian future- 1984, the world is under a constant state of war, the government has become an omnipresent oppressive force that has made independent thinking a 'thought crime.' This is a great book if you enjoy sci-fi novels with an politically charged edge.

Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski

As an avid fan of Bukowski's poetry work I also enjoy his novels, this one in particular stands out among-st the rest. It's a semi-autobiographical novel featuring Bukowski's alter ego ' Henry Chinaski.' It follows him through his childhood into his teenage years, growing up in Los Angeles, dealing with his abusive father, his trouble with sports, high school and girls. It is a novel about the coming of age and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. A must read for any Bukowski fans.

Notes From The Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Written in 1864 by Russian novelist Dostoyevsky, this novella is considered by many to be the first existentialist novels. It presents itself as an excerpt from the rambling memoirs of a bitter, isolated, unnamed narrator (generally referred to by critics as the Underground Man) who is a retired civil servant living in St. Petersburg. The first part of the story is told in monologue form, or the underground man's diary, and attacks emerging Western philosophy. The second part of the book is called "Àpropos of the Wet Snow", and describes certain events that, it seems, are destroying and sometimes renewing the underground man, who acts as a first person unreliable narriator.  A great book to start with if you are interested in existentialist literature.

Last but not least!

Ways of Seeing by John Berger

Having studied fine and applied art in university this book became by bible. This wonderful little book is based on a 1972 BBC television series criticizing western cultural aesthetics by raising questions about hidden ideologies in visual images. John Berger's scripts from the series was then adapted into this book. Ways of seeing is divided into seven essays each dealing with different topics from the female nude to has photography become the new painting. This book has contributed to feminist readings of popular culture as Berger discusses depictions of women in advertising vs those in oil paintings. A really interesting read in our perception or lack of perception in day to day life.

I hope you enjoyed reading about a few of my favourite books, keep your eye out for part two! What are your favourite books? 

Carly x

New York Cult Recipes

Happy Monday everyone!

Todays blogpost will be a mini review of one of my favourite recipe books. The New York Cult Recipes cook book.

I picked this up a few months ago and I love it! I'm an avid fan of New Yorks famous foods; bagels, cheesecake and pizza. (What's not to like?!) 

The photography alone is a reason enough to pick it up- it's beautifully layed out and would make a great coffee table book.

 It includes 130 recipes of some of NYC's cult food establishments. The recipes are divided into 7 chapters including recipes for breakfast, brunch and snack time!

One of my favourites, is 'Home-made Oreos.' These little chocolate treats give your store bought Oreos a run for there money! 

Another favourite is the classic 'Grilled cheese sandwich.' This is one of the cult snack sandwiches in NYC and is so quick and easy to make and it tastes great!

You can purchase this recipe book on Amazon for under £20 and if you love American junk food as much as me- you may need this book :)

Lazy Sunday Routine

"A Sunday well spent brings a week of content."

Firstly, Coffee!
After a nice lie in, I like to make myself a cup of coffee (loving salted caramel flavoured coffee at the minute...yum!) which I like to drink back in bed and read a book. This is something I always enjoy doing if i'm feeling particularly lazy!

After I've spent (far too long) lounging in bed reading, I finally get around to my quick and simple 3 step cleansing routine in the morning. 

I start of my using the Simple Micellar water on a cotton pad and sweep this over my face and neck. This is a recent purchase and so far i'm impressed! It's a gentle formula and is great for sensitive skin  like mine.

Next I use another new purchase the Balance Cosmetics hyaluronic 554 youth serum. It's far too early to let you know if I am noticing any difference in my skin from using this, but i'm enjoying using it so far. This little bottle of clear like gel  claims to give 'immediate hydration and is clinically proven to give 24 hour non-stop moisturisation.' Well! Anything that is claiming to boost hydration is worth a try in my books! 

My last step is yup, you guessed it, another Liz Earle product. This moisturiser is nice and light and absorbs quickly, making it a nice base if you are planning on applying makeup.

After making myself feel more human, I'll treat myself to a nice breakfast. I've opted for the healthier option today- strawberry yogurt with blueberries, chopped up banana and strawberries. 

If i'm feeling like more of a treat, i'll whip up some poached eggs and crispy bacon on a round of toast.

 

Fast forward through one Netflix binge, copious amounts of coffee, lunch and dinner, this is when the real pamper for me begins! I love having a bath on a Sunday evening, it's one thing that I feel relaxes me and prepares me for the work week ahead.

I use a Lush bath bomb (if i'm lucky enough to have any!) If not, I make do with a good old Radox bubble bath. I like to apply a face mask too while relaxing in the tub, i'm currently loving the Lush 'Mask of Magnaminty.' 
If you haven't tried it already, I recommend picking it up, you won't be disappointed!

What's your favourite things to do on a lazy Sunday? 

February Favourites

It's hard to believe we are already into March! The thought of Spring fast approaching is making me very happy- there is only so much cold weather you can take!

I have rounded up a few favourites of mine from February included makeup, skincare and books.

Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in shade 007 'Asia'

I've been on the hunt for the past few months for a natural everyday shade of lipstick and I finally found it! After browsing in Boots I spotted this little gem, it's a lovely 'your lips but better' shade, not too pinky and not too brown, just perfect! 

The formula itself is well pigmented and also adds a touch of moisture to the lips. It also has a pretty decent lasting power (as the name suggests) I find it stays put for about 3 to 4 hours (not including minor touch ups after eating or drinking) Also, you can't really go wrong with this lipstick as it's at the very reasonable price of £4.99. 

Laura Mercier 'Eau Gourmande EDT. Fresh Fig

Next up is this dinky little bottle of Laura Mercier perfume in the scent fresh fig.

 I don't know where to start when it comes to expressing my love for this range of perfumes- they all smell amazing!

 I received this as a gift and I was pleasantly surprised (as i'm not a huge fan of the sometimes too strong fig scent) 

It is a fresh and light perfume with top notes of juicy citrus, apricot nectar and ylang-ylang combined with the base notes of warm vanilla, sandalwood and fig musk.

You should probably go and give this a sniff yourself though- I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

No7 'Beautiful Skin- Dry skin rescue and Origins 'Drink up-intensive' face mask

These two have been serious saviors to my skin not only last month, but over winter in general. My skin when it gets cold, gets dry and I mean seriously dry. To battle this I use the No7 

Dry Skin Rescue on flaky dry patches before I apply makeup, this allows foundation to glide easily over dry areas and provide a flawless base. The consistency of this is a thick balm like cream, unscented and comes in a handy tube which make it easy to throw it in your bag and use on the go. 

Next up is the much hyped up product of 2014- the Origins Drink Up-Intensive face mask. Believe the hype, not only does this product smell amazing (think peaches & cream) it leaves your skin glowing and smooth. I would usually use this product after my evening cleansing routine and before I pop into bed, leaving this on overnight to work it's magic!

'The Prisoner of Brenda' by Bateman

Lastly, a book favourite! 

I was recently introduced to Batemans work and I haven't been able to stop reading them since! Combining crime and humour is Batemans forté and it makes for a truly enjoyable read. I finished his novel 'The Prisoner of Brenda' last month and i'm already onto another one of his novels. Each of his books is set in my hometown of Northern Ireland and contains hilarious and typical 'Belfast' characters. If you are interested in a crime novel that doesn't take itself too serious, then I would definitely recommend giving Bateman a go.

What have been your February favourites?