Is there anyone out there?

I'm back! Life just got a bit busy ya know? Here's what I have been up to and some things I have planned for my little spot on the big ole internet.

- My laptop got stolen. Someone broke into my flat and robbed my beautiful Macbook Air i'd saved for and some birthday money. Not cool.

Food Festival - Egg shaped toilet pods at Sketch London - Menu & cuppa - View in US on the way from San Francisco to LA - Hard Rock in Tenerife - With the Pixar lamp & Ball - Duck & Waffle

- I went to San Francisco & LA with work. Cool levels balanced back out. I got to visit Pixar, Lucas Film/ILM (made Star Wars, E.T, Men in Black, the list goes on) and Atomic Fiction who made Looper and work on Transformers. I also ate a lot of bacon. Winning.

- I moved flats. I now have a much nicer and much bigger flat with the 'rents (cheap rent, thanks rents) in London.

Hair done - Pimms - Pixar - View of London at Duck & Waffle - Villa in Tenerife

- Been busy doing fun London stuff. I went to some food festivals, drank Pimms and cocktails with my friends, ate at Duck & Waffle, ate at Sketch Afternoon Tea (highly recommend) and all the usual shopping, eating, got my hair done (although going blonder again soon) and other relaxing type things.

Obsessed with lace bras (Urban Outfitters) - Trying some Bobbi Brown bits - Ah-mazing candle from TKmaxx, pure heaven - Skincare moved into my new flat - Topshop Bikini - Holiday pose ASOS top - Holiday pose 2, Topshop shorts, Zara Top.

- Finally, I just got back from a week in Tenerife with all my friends which was too much fun.

Due to all my gallivanting I have loads of clothes, skin care, make up, home ware (so many candles and cushions) and such, so lots of blog posts will follow if anyone is still out there?

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Life Lately...

Liberty - Brunch at Balthazar - Lunch at Bob Bob Ricard

Quote along Clueless at Prince Charles Cinema - London Marathon - Cocktails at Wahaca - Shopping in topshop (wearing Zara)

Since moving to London, I've been trying to make the most of all the cool places available on my doorstep and so far I have been having a wonderful time falling in love with this city. Some highlights you ask? 

• Liberty. I love this store. I walk past it every day and it's just as beautiful outside as it is in.
• Definitely treat yourself to brunch at Balthazar, it is expensive but so worth it. 
• The food at Bob Bob Ricard wasn't that amazing and v.expensive, but it's a good experience and I loved the champagne button.
• I went to see Clueless (As if!) at the Prince Charles Cinema. Hold up! A quote along screening people. It was brilliant. They also have a sing along screening of the Spice Girls movie coming up that has my name all over it. When two become one....
• The London Marathon was so inspiring and also so emotional. I saw a very old man running it (amazing) who had suffered from a stroke in the past and was raising money for stroke victims (even more amazing) and I just wanted to be his best friend. Everyone who ran - bravo. 
• Cocktails with my mum and dad and lots of Mexican food. It was my birthday last week, so some of this was bday related including a mid week visit to Wahaca courtesy of my rents. 
• Shopping! Enough said. 
• Finally, I went to see Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly theatre and it was so amazing. By far the best musical I have seen and I just wanted to stay and watch it over and over again. A real must see. 

Hope you are all having good weeks, any plans for Easter?

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American Girls.

Jacket - H&M

Jeans - Topshop Leigh
Shirt - H&M (old)
Scarf - Gift from Italy

Shoes - Gordon Scott
Bracelet - Miss Selfridge
Ring - Primark

I've finally decided to post an outfit of the day here, despite the fact that I don't really consider myself particularly fashion forward. I've been wearing some of the new pieces I bought in this haul quite a lot recently and I thought it was probably good to showcase them in action. 

This blazer from H&M only cost me £30 and I have definitely already got the moneys worth out of it. I've had loads of compliments too and have been able to wear it in the day like this and in the evening too, so it's become a very staple item. I got the shirt quite a while ago too and again, I have 100% got my moneys worth by being able to wear it in the day and evening too. 

These jeggings/jeans from Topshop are my favorites and I keep thinking I need to get some other pairs. I have practically the same pair from Zara, but they go so baggy after being in the wash. These babies however never seem to change at all, totally recommend. 

My shoes are like slightly platformed loafers by Gordon Scott and oh my gawd are they comfortable. They also look really 'cool' with pretty much everything too. I decided to invest in a pair of shoes because I was getting a bit tired of feeling like I was walking barefoot everywhere with all the thin soled cheap options available on the high street. 

Now, I don't know about anybody else, but since the weather has got colder I think I have subconsciously been munching my way toward a 'winter coat' without realizing. In a bid to get my thighs a bit smaller I have been doing these Youtube videos (ok, once so far) by Tiffany Rothe with my sister (personal fav here). On top of this, one of my colleagues has given me the Insanity Workout on DVD (if you don't know what it is click here), which i'm thinking of giving a go, but i'm scared ha! Has anyone tried it?!

Finally, I rediscovered Counting Crows this afternoon and started listening to their Hard Candy album. I used to listen to American Girls on repeat when I was younger, but haven't thought about the song in years. Good old bit of nostalgia on a Friday!

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Trends I wont be wearing #2

Trends I wont be wearing #2 by emma-handley featuring h m jacket

This is a post I did a little while back - here - that was pretty popular, so I thought I would do a haphazard series (i'm not good at doing it on particular days I have discovered!). Let us begin!

I won't be wearing...

Hawaiian Print - I'm not saying i haven't tried with this one. I checked out H&M's Conscious Collection a little while back and although I didn't full on hate it, the print just reminds me of blokes on stag do's when they think it will be hilarious to wear matching shirts (good one Bazza). To me, there are just much nicer prints to choose from. 

Pastel Lips - I love a bit of pastel, in fact my nails are currently rocking Models Own's 'Utopia', which is gorgeous. However, I don't look at it and think I want to put that colour on my lips. Nope, no I don't - soz Nikki I will let you work that one. 

Colour Block Leather -  Colour blocking does work and it does look really effective, but i'm not loving it with leather for some reason. I don't really like the look of the same textures in one outfit and there is just something about all leather head to toe that makes me feel uncomfortable...next trend please!

I will be wearing...

Pop of Neon - I mentioned how much I adored this pop of neon trend (not a beanie though, see other post here) and Henry Holland has brought out these bralettes and briefs recently that i can't wait to get out this Summer. I must mention that I don't intend to flash the brief part, just the bralette. I think the particular colour and shape featured above is a little different from the other brights available. I'm picturing a sheer top or low armed tank and some denim. I think Henry is a great designer, I once tweeted him because my beloved HH leather shoes had finally broke and I thought he might have a spare pair - no luck!

White - I've already gone with this trend a little already since I've been flirting with the Monochrome trend that was big news. I bought a white blazer from H&M last month, which I think is this one and I cannot recommend it enough. It fits so good, looks amazing with everything and is great quality - all for £25.

Tribal Gathering -  Name thanks to a recent Vogue mag, I see this trend as a classier and more wearable print than the Hawaiian one mentioned earlier. There's loads of different takes on it, but I love the Moroccan  Aztec tribal vibes and this bikini from River Island is a beaut. I don't know if you guys saw my Birthday Wishlist post, but I featured this amazing jacket from Zara that my boyfriend got me in the end. I literally wear it all the time and get compliments every time, so you just have to get it too (twins). 

Let me know which trends you won't and will be following in the comments below. Of course, feel free to disagree with me too, just don't blame me when your Hawaiian print shirt gets you scooped up in a Stag Do on the way to Malaga. 

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March beauty favorites

As my brother just put it "It's like we've just gone straight from Winter to Summer and skipped spring" HELLO SUNSHINE! As the sun made an appearance, I took the opportunity to use my new camera (still practicing) and catch some rays - let's jump into it...

There have been quite a few beauty favorites I have been loving in March, so I will keep them as short and sweet as possible:

Lady Million Perfume by Paco Rabanne
It just smells so good. It's like the right mix of girly and edgy and it lasts really well. I mentioned before that two of my friends from uni Jess & Fran used to wear this all the time, so it reminds me of them and good times at University which makes me instantly happy. Does anyone else have fragrances that you go back to because of their nostalgic qualities? or just me creepily smelling my friends...

Max Factor Smooth Effect Foundation - Buff Beige
Always in my make up bag as its great for when I don't have much of a tan and need something a little more subtle. It has quite a matte finish I think, so it's good if you have oily or combo skin types. Only downside, its pretty small so I get through it quite quickly as it's not a very heavy coverage. It's only £7 ish though and if you shop in Boots every week like me you get money off and vouchers all the time anyways.

Benefit Erase Paste - No 1 Fair
I've only had six hours sleep can you tell? oh no you can't my friend. Still loving this, click here for more deets as I have over talked it already!

Topshop Ooh La La LipstickI mentioned this here and here as it's a recent purchase. It's so summery and just the right shade of coral that isn't too in your face - perfect for daytime and nights out!

MeMeMe Fat Cat Mascara
I got this mascara in a Glossybox a while ago, but only just needed to use it and I have to say I was really impressed. I was coming to the end of my mascara and thought it would be good to take a new one with me to Berlin. I was worried that I would regret taking a mascara I haven't used before in case I was disappointed, but I have to say this mascara made my lashes look super long and it didn't need a thousand coats to do so. It also managed to withstand the snow in Berlin sticking to my lashes without running a single bit - thumbs up.

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream
Purchased a while back now and still going strong. Really love this cream as it dries really quick and hydrates my skin so well. I have hands like a lizard from being in Berlin at the moment so this is getting even more use than normal.

Real Techniques Stippling brush
Made it into the March favs as well as February's. No need to explain this to my fellow bloggers, but it's a great brush. Sturdy, no loose hairs, compact and leaves your foundation flawless - totes recommend.

The Body Shop Eye Shadow Blending Brush
A #TreatTuesday treat, this brush blends your eye shadow incredibly well. The bristles are super soft and it's a really good size. I use this all the time, especially when my smoky eye has gone a bit smoky face and I need to blend it all together.

Lee Stafford Hair Treatment
If you read my blog already or follow me on Twitter then you will know that I long for long locks. I bought this on one of my many #TreatTuesday 's and have been using it as much as possible to keep my blonde hair looking as fresh as possible. I definitely think it's helped with the ends of my hair especially and it also smells really good. I don't think I will be tripping over my hair anytime soon, but I am glad I chose to try this out.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair
More of a life long fav this one as I have used it for a long time now. I really rate this stuff because my hair is so knotty and has the ability to break hairbrushes if it's in a real tangle. My Grandma actually told me about this a while back and I have to say my hairbrush glides through every time I use it AND it's only £1.99 from Superdrug or Savers.

Phew! Those are my March Favorites, leave me links for yours as I will need to explore some new stuff this month of course :)

 My cat was pretty interested in what I was doing...

 

Until she realised you couldn't eat it. Catching some rays was a better plan!

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The 100 Club

So, I reached 100 followers! Whoo-hoo, yessss, get in!
WAIT.
Why?!
They are getting rid of Google friend connect and you only have 30ish followes on Bloglovin because you forgot to add the button to your blog, you idiot.
Oh gawd dayummm.

So, yeah I did reach 100 followers on the day they decided to scrap Google reader and potensh Google friend connect. With that in mind, I will start this post by saying please follow me on Bloglovin just in case here and leave me your links too. If you are reading this and thinking 'I've actually decided I don't like this kids blog, so nah' I would just say ' But, we've come so far, don't leave now Google friend' and if you do SHAME ON YOU.

Now that is all out the way I will indeed be doing a pretty epic giveaway, which I'll be sorting out over the next few days. I can't do it just yet because I have been majorly busy sorting a charity event for this eve (still don't wanna follow huh? I help charities, what more do you want?!).

Also, I took a few snaps of my new Topshop makeup I mention here for ya'll (the photos aren't amazing, I am asking for a camera for my birthday next month. Trust me these items are so worth getting!!). I'm wearing the amazing Vans top I bought and mentioned in the same post too, so you can see that.

Nice Armpit

 

 

Topshop 'Head over heels' cream blusher



Topshop 'Ohh La La' Lipstick

 



What do you all think about the latest Google news then?

#TreatTuesday No.6

Hello nighttime bloggers (if you are reading this hot of the press), how good/naughty am I? #TreatTuesday is still going strong my friends. I'm going to keep this short and sweet because I'm sleepy and I don't want to bore you, these are my cheeky #TreatTuesday treats this week...

Excuse the quality of my phone photos (downside of blogging at night!) the swatch is the lipstick on the left and then the blusher on the right - such gorgeous colours!

Vans tie dye long sleeve shirt from Ebay here - How cool is this? I mean c'mon 'cool alert' is just ringing non stop. Okay, so actual cool people don't say cool alert, meaning I may not be cool enough to wear this tee...If you are legitimately cool though, check out the Ebay page, you can offer cheaper than what they are for sale (sweet) and it came in no time at all and looks COOL.

Neon detail statement necklace from Topshop - I'm all over the statement necklaces at the moment (check out my blinging chain here) and neon and statement combined is just amazing, so yeah 'hello, welcome to my jewellery collection babes' (just chatting to my necklace).

Topshop 'Head over heels' cream blusher - I'm usually all about the powder blushes, but I've seen some good reviews of this one and thought I would give it a whirl. It's such a gorgeous colour, which no joke sends you into trance about summer as it's just too summer it hurts.

Topshop 'Ohh La La' Lipstick - Major love for the names of these, so cute. This is another 'let's will the sunshine to come out through the power of summer themed makeup' item. Cannot wait to get a bit of a tan and whack this lipstick on!

I think I will do a beauty look with the blusher and the lipstick this week/weekend to show you them in their full glory, so stay tuned (cool your jets, I know it's exciting).

That's it for this week's #TreatTuesday what do you all think of these purchases? Please tell me you are joining in with my quest to make Tuesday's a better day.

Ps...I think nighttime blogging makes me crazy
PPs...I am like 7 fine followers away from 100 - "Shut the door! That is too cool" - so I am planning something pretty freeking amaze as a giveaway

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Lipstick Love

I've seen a few people posting their favourite lippies and so I thought 'Oh heyyy bandwagon, wait up there! I'm hopping on'. I intend to give you an idea about the lippies I have chosen via the following technical terms 'smudge-ability', 'pocket-emptier' and 'wow-factor'.

From left to right we have:

Kate Moss for Rimmel Matte No 107 - Everyone and their granny owns this little beast. It has definitely been difficult to get hold off since all the bloggers have been raving about it (I only just got mine, last week's #TreatTuesday). It's a raspberry/wine red colour, that adds a bit of glamour without being as bright as other reds. If bright did-you-know-im-wearing-lipstick-my-teeth-are-so-white-i'm-blind lipsticks aren't really your thang, then this would probably suit you well (just be prepared for the treasure hunt finding one).

smudge-ability: Like most reds, you can go from Hollywood starlet to the star of a zombie movie in a matter of moments. This lipstick isn't as matte as some out there, so don't kiss anyone too passionately before the end of the night! Having said that though, I think all the Kate Moss lipsticks are good at staying on without you having to re-apply a billion times, even after a few drinks
pocket-emptier: Just over £5 at Boots means your pockets aren't too empty, even if you buy the whole collection AND you get points - good times (I'm not encouraging that behaviour...)
wow-factor: The fact that everyone has this doesn't take away from the wow factor. It's perfect for the day or night and will definitely get some head's turning.

Topshop 'Hazard' - This is a classic sports car red that makes your make up pop with glamour. It's a matte lipstick, so you can go heavy on the highlighter elsewhere and not look shiny. This is one of my favourite Hollywood glamour lipsticks, which I would totally recommend.

smudge-ability: Again like most reds, it can be disastrous, but this one is very matte, so really does stay put. I do find that after a few hours it does start to go a bit funny, so you have to re-apply a few times.
pocket-emptier: It's priced at £8, which you can find here so not too pricey, but I'm not sure I would opt for the Topshop lippies over the Rimmel ones as all rounders.
wow-factor: Hollywood glamour at its best.

Bourjois Sweet Kiss lipstick in 'Rouge Intemporel/78' - Another Red! (I actually only had one or two reds and then got loads as gifts - from me to me - all in one go!) I have reviewed this one here. To recap, it is a purple kind of tone (i think so anyway) and really does look gorgeous on. It has a glossier finish than the other ones mentioned, giving a different look altogether. It also has beautiful packaging, which makes it feel very expensive.

smudge-ability: This one is a bit of a smudger as it's glossier, but it doesn't seem to loose its pigment (you might just have it round your face, reaaaaaally brightly).
pocket-emptier: I think the sweet kiss ones are £7.99, which again isn't too dear on the pocket. Plus, they feel like they are much more expensive in terms of packaging and finish.
wow-factor: I get loads of compliments when this lipstick is on and my friends always try and steal it, so it definitely has the wow-factor.

Natural Collection Sheer Natural in 'Sand' - This is a great nude lipstick for in the day when you want something really subtle. It has a touch of gloss and is super creamy, so it really feels like its nourishing rather than drying your lips out. I have re-purchased this one a fair few times, so that says something!

smudge-ability: It stays put and you only need to re-apply a few times meaning it lasts for ages.
pocket-emptier: 'SHUT THE DOOR!' this beaut comes in at just £1.99, absolute bargain.
wow-factor: I think this lipstick gives a different kind of wow-factor, as it enhances natural beauty and helps you achieve a polished natural look.

 

Same order, but from wrist upward!

Sleek 'Stiletto' - I got this in one of my GLOSSYBOX's (another red!) and I was really excited to try it, as I don't have much Sleek make up. It's a matte lipstick, in a really glamorous red called 'Stiletto' which makes me love it even more (it reminds me of a Louboutin shoe!).

smudge-ability: This has real staying power and just doesn't seem to budge or even need re-applying. If you need a red lipstick for a cocktail party or night out, this one has it covered.
pocket-emptier: These are £4.99 and there are 12 shades....amazing.
wow-factor: Like Topshop's 'Hazard this one projects classic Hollywood glamour.

Mac Cremesheen in 'Creme D'Nude' - I got this for Christmas and I really do love it. I think nude lipsticks are hard to get right because you don't want to conceal your lips completely (did anyone used to put foundation/concealer on theirs too?! The shame!). This is subtle with slight gloss and it smells amazing.

smudge-ability: Stays on great with only a few new applications needed. It also stays looking nice and glossy and doesn't dry out.
pocket-emptier: The most expensive of the lot at £14. I got my mum to get this during Debenhams 20% off sale, so make sure you look out for those throughout the year.
wow-factor: This lipstick makes you feel pretty and definitely gives a basic-natural every day look something extra.

 

A picture of my nan looking very Hollywood

 

Hope you all enjoyed this post, let me know some of your recommendations and what you think of the ones I have mentioned too!

Floral Boudoir

Despite not owning my own house, I am kind of obsessed with home ware and buying bits and pieces for my bedroom. My room is pretty small, so when I select colours and items I do have to remember that (back away from the ombre fake croc chest of drawers). Currently my room is a pale blue, with one feature wall - a swirly silver pattern on a pale blue back ground - and lots of white accessories/furniture.

When my room is tidier and sorted (ebay stuff everywhere at the mo!) I will probably do a room tour/guide to living in small rooms haha (my best friend also has a tiny room, but hers is very well organised and the layout is perfect, so I might see if I can show hers on here too!). In the meantime, I  thought I would show you some new purchases from TKMaxx that I got off the reduced shelf (oh yeeeeah).

Blue flower pattern cushion - Was £25.00 - £8.00

White flower names cushion - Was £16.99 - £5.00

Round vase with fake white flowers - Was £14.99 - £7.00

I had a bit of a gathering with my friends & used the flowers as a table decoration. The candles are 3 old salsa jars (yup, i love nachos) with tea lights in them and a yellow ribbon tied round. 

I also got these Topshop bracelets in the sale. The rose gold spiked one is deffo my favorite at the mo! 

If you have bought any new home ware or know of any great places, let me know in the comments. I know some of you are just as obsessed as me...gotcha!

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Christmas gifts

I've been enjoying reading what everyone got off the big man in red this Christmas, aren't we all spoilt! So, I thought I would share some snaps of what I received this Christmas, so I can look back and remember how lucky I am to have all these amazing people in my life, who also have amazing taste in gifts ;) (some of my photos are a little dark because I took them at night - not my best idea so far I know)

I got these cute lights from Wilkinsons - Kardashian top from DP - River Island earrings (I think they are the kids range which means they are only a few pounds!) - Lindt snowman & bear - Benefit Erase Paste - A romantic card from my boyfriend with a note saying tickets to The Brits! Eeeek! - A new book, which is good so far - Gorgeous bracelets on top of a thank you card - Last is the tag on my 'gifts from santa' (very similar handwriting to my mum...)

I didn't get this Chocolate log as a gift, I just ate it on xmas day and thought I would share! My aunty made it and it was soooo yummy - My dad now works in London & got us all a 'I Love London' tee - Hotel Chocolat chocs - A gorgeous Mac nude lipstick & red Topshop Lipstick - Funky tights - A big & little Fiorelli handbag - More chocolate!! - 1001 cocktail book, Topshop chain belt, Topshop nail varnish & lipstick and the most amazing hairbrush...Tangle Teezer!

Because Dior should always have the spotlight, here is the beautiful gift I got from my boyfriends family (well i'm sure his mum picked it). I haven't actually used the bronzer yet because its so pretty I don't want to, but I will do a review soon!

There we have it! Give or take, this is what I got for Christmas off all my gorgeous family and friends. I had a really lovely day and have been well and truly enjoying a break from work. Hope you all had a magical Christmas, leave links for your Christmas posts for me. Wishing you a positive and successful 2013!

New threads.

I've been meaning to do a post with some of my recent purchases, but hadn't managed to get round to it due to one thing or another. So, here it is! These are some of my most recent purchases:

White crochet back barbie shirt, Never Fully Dressed

Olive Jones cardi, Never Fully Dressed
Black cotton barbie shirt, Never Fully Dressed
Earrings with cuff and spikes, Topshop
Chandelier earrings with small crosses, Topshop

Rose gold cross necklace, Topshop
'Let's Roll' tee, Topshop
Pastel print shirt, H&M

Gold stone pendant necklace, Topshop

I actually don't shop at Topshop much, but I do like their accessories and beauty section as it's pretty affordable so you can treat yourself. This pastel print shirt from H&M is really cute, its long enough to wear with leggings and I have had a bunch of compliments from my friends since getting it. I am a big fan of a shirt because you can wear them with anything and make it look dressy or casual and I think H&M do some great shirts that look like they are worth a lot more money.

Never Fully Dressed is probably my favorite place to shop (I know big statement!). I discovered their cool London boutique site whilst I was at university and immediately fell in love with every single item on their site. They have managed to create an effortlessly cool collection with pieces you can wear in the daytime with a knit or at night with a blazer. I think its really important to find items of clothing that are versatile and Never Fully Dressed have got this down to a T. Also, their model Kasia looks amazing in everything she wears which makes me want to buy even more!

I will do some outfit posts to show you how I have worn my new purchases, currently I have only worn the H&M shirt here (ignore the messiness of my room, I am in-between packing/unpacking/clearing/organising!)

Pastel print shirt, H&M
Black tank top (under shirt), H&M
Olive Ostrich feather gillet, Never Fully Dressed
Leggings, Asda
Boots, M&S