#TreatTuesday

Ok, so I know it's Wednesday, but I didn't have time to blog last night! (I'm not living a day behind the rest of the UK). #TreatTuesday is a post I did last week where I expressed my thoughts on Tuesdays and encouraged you all to treat yourselves each Tuesday to help make the day a little better and so I didn't feel so guilty! (you can read last week's post here). Guilty or not, I have decided to make #TreatTuesday a regular feature of my week and therefore my blog (naughty). I don't intend to buy Chanel handbags and expensive make up each week, as I save those sorts of things for the weekend (I wish!), but just some little pick me ups...

This week's #TreatTuesday came in the form of a cinema trip as opposed to physical products like last week. Me and Alex (Boyfriend) went to Empire Cinema in Rubery (Birmingham) to see Django, Quentin Tarantino's new flick. I don't know if this is the same at every single Empire Cinema, but it's only £2.95 each on Tuesdays which is amazing because it costs a small fortune the rest of the week. Me and Alex also buy the 'Sweet & Salted' popcorn from Morrisons with drinks, which I deffo recommend (I could go to the cinema every week, so I have to find the cheapest way to enjoy it! Tip: always take a huge handbag).

Onto the film itself now. It was amazing, one of the best films I have seen in ages without a doubt. It's classic Tarantino, so if you like his stuff (pulp fiction, inglorious bastards etc) then you will not be disappointed in any way by this film. All of the characters are well thought out and there is the right mix of comedy and distress that makes it such a great film. Personally, I like to do the Leonardo Dicaprio test with films aka if Leo is in it, then you know it's good. If you are planning a trip to the flicks, go and see this film.

(all images from weheartit)

Let me know if you have seen it and what you thought! Also, any other film recommendations are welcome - as I am a proud film geek.

The Liebster Award

I recently got nominated for The Liebster Award by Rina over here which is super cute of her. I actually was a bit like 'awwh, a what now?' at first because I wasn't too sure what it meant, but basically...

The Liebster Award is given to new bloggers with less than 200 followers to help promote and support new blogs (ooo lovely).

The rules:
- You gotsta link the gorgeous person who nominated you
- Write 11 random facts about yourself
- Answer 11 questions from your previously mentioned gorgeous nominator
- Make your own amazeball questions for your own 11 nominees
Not sure why it's 11, but we can roll with that...

11 random facts about me:

1. I am always cropping/angling my pictures to disguise my above average sized forehead (we measured it in school once and I quickly became a fan of fringes)
2. All my family have 2 middle names
3. I love Molly from the Saturdays
4. I wish I was in the Saturdays
5. I am musically challenged (I can't play any instruments and I can't dance either)
6. Every time I buy a lottery ticket I automatically decide what I am going to do when I win (still waiting...)
7. I have been with my boyfriend since I was 16 years old
8. I love baked goods. I am drawn to bakeries
9. I am an awkward hugger/greeter. Especially, with new people
10. Occasionally I wish I was born in a different era. The kind where everyone wore amazing dresses and you went ball room dancing instead of clubbing and doing tequila shots
11. I am always laughing. I'm pretty sure me and all my friends think we are hilarious

My questions from the lovely Rina:

1. How long have you been blogging and why did you start? I think I have been blogging for about 2 months now. I started because I was reading lots of blogs and felt like I needed to do something creative myself, so viola here it is.
2. How would you describe your style? Hmmm tricky question! Shirts and tailored jackets are a huge part of my style. I think I maybe have a classic meets casual style (basically, who knows!)
3. What/who inspires your blog? I read a bunch of blogs, so definitely fellow bloggers! I try to write stuff that I think I would want to read or know about
4. What's the most memorable outfit you have ever worn? When I was younger I had this fleece with stars on that I decided was magic in some way (what a nutter!) and I remember being gutted when it fell apart
5. What one item couldn't you live without? There are loads of stuff I would love to say, especially make up! But, I think I would say my childhood teddy who takes residence in my room still
6. What is your favorite Fashion Magazine, and is there a specific reason? I am a fan of more mag, as their men overheard section is too funny. Also, they don't have such a big focus on designer goods which I can never afford!
7. If you could have any celebrity wardrobe who's would it be and why? Ahh so many people! I think I would say Lauren Conrad. I think she has serious style and she always wears things that I love
8. What are your favorite songs at the moment? I'm liking Gabrielle Aplin's 'Please don't say you love me' and The Tallest Man On Earth's 'King of Spain' at the mo
9 Cupcakes or doughnuts? CAKE
10. Early Mornings or Late nights? Late nights as I struggle to get up, but I love it when the day lasts forever because you got up nice and early
11. Describe your perfect day... All my friends and family, breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, cocktails, sunshine and some music

Good questions! My questions are (drum roll)...

1. If you could change your name to anything, what would you choose?
2. What is your favorite thing about being a blogger?
3. The classic, you are stuck on a dessert island. What 5 items would you take?
4. You can only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what do you choose?
5. What is your worst habit?
6. What is your favorite make up brand and why?
7. The best holiday you ever had was...?
8. What do you want to achieve in 2013?
9. What is your favorite film and why?
10. Who is your favorite celebrity and why?
11. If you could compare yourself to a tv character, who would it be and why?


My 11 nominees are:

1. http://eyelashwishes-x.blogspot.co.uk/
2. http://cllrs.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://zoelizabethxo.blogspot.co.uk/
4. http://vintagebeautyxox.blogspot.co.uk/
5. http://www.beautymilk.co.uk/
6 http://www.chicncoveted.com/
7 http://neachell.blogspot.co.uk/
8 http://little-dream-girl.blogspot.co.uk/
9 http://amstyleandbeautyblog.blogspot.ie/
10 http://otherinfinities.blogspot.co.uk/
11 http://jesssellen.blogspot.co.uk/

I love finding new blogs to read, so please leave your links below!

#TreatTuesday

It's Tuesday. Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday. As much as Tuesday may try hard to be the best day of the week, it usually let's us down.

My theory is Monday is horrific - long week at work, first early morning of the week, manic Monday etc. Wednesday is when it starts to get good - middle of the week/almost the end/must-get-through-today-then-I-can-see-happiness, Orange Wednesday's, your into the swing of things and generally less moaning is occurring. Meanwhile, poor old Tuesday is stuck between the worst day ever (Monday) and there is light at the end of the tunnel day (Wednesday), meaning Tuesday tends to just be a blur...

To help Tuesday to become a better day in my week, I tend to buy things. Nothing too fancy, just some little treats to brighten up a 'meh, Tuesday' kinda day. This has now led to me calling Tuesday 'Treat Tuesday' to which I will show you today's treats and urge you to treat yourself next Tuesday and let me know what you bought!  

2 x Malteaster Bunnies
One for me and one for my boyfriend, who has very kindly been giving me lifts and picking me up from work whilst I buy a new car. If you haven't had a Malteaster Bunny then 'sacre bleu!' which loosely translated in French means 'Are you freeking joking me?! You crazy mother trucker, these babies are the bombville!'

Kate Moss for Rimmel No 107
Heard tremendous things about this lipstick and it keeps selling out everywhere, which must be a sign that it's how the french say 'tres bon'. You've probably seen this everywhere already, but i'll put a snap up when I don't look so haggered

Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Wanted this for a while as heard good things also. One of my friends just told me she has it too and her makeup always looks gorgeous, so I am excited to test this one out!

I did actually buy a deodorant too, as it was 85p or something in Boots for Sure deodorants today. This kind of planning ahead/everyday essentials bargain helps to justify 'Treat Tuesday'...ish.

Let me know if I have convinced you and if you share a love of Malteaster bunnies too!

(Please note: The french translations in this post may not be accurate. I never really grasped French in school)

Snow way, it snowed!

Hope you are all wrapped up and enjoying the snow! I thought I would do a mini post with some snow snaps, enjoy! 

I just started uploading pictures to 'WIWT', you can follow me here for more outfit posts. Have an amazing weekend, stay safe. 

Benefit Erase Paste: Review

Nicely presented on my cocktail book 

I got the Benefit Erase Paste for Christmas from my rents and have been using it ever since. I cant actually remember where I heard about it from, but if you have read my blog (here) you will know that I have been struggling to find the perfect under eye concealer.

Having got this little wonder pot at Crimbo and using it every day, I thought I would give you all my verdict. Firstly, as always Benefit have concealed (see what I did there?) the erase paste in some very cute and nice packaging. The tub has a lot in it for a small pot and it's not bulky, so it fits in your make up bag/box/van/room (depending on how much of an addict you are) perfectly with room to spare - meet you in the shops!

It also comes with a set of instructions and a spatula to scoop it out with, all very handy. I got the "fairest of them all" with shade no1. I'm never sure with shades what to go for, but as I wanted it to act as a concealer/eye brightener, I thought the lighter the better.

So, what about the finish? It has great coverage, so say goodbye to those dark cirlces. You don't have to use much at all, so the pot will last forevs, which is always nice when it's cost you (or your rents) £19.50. It definitely brightens up your eyes and face and gives a real wide-awake look. I'm not sure if I have found the ultimate-i-will-not-buy-anything-but-this-ever product just yet, but this lasts really well and doesn't crease under your eyes. If you are thinking of buying, I would say 'go for it', make sure you get a colour slightly lighter than your skin tone if you want it to have that real brightening effect though.

Let me know if you have tried it or if you would recommend something else in the comment box below!

Follow me on Twitter here
Instagram @Emmylouisejane 

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!

You can follow me on Twitter here

Only boys should buy you perfume...

Hey everyone! I have been a little incognito this week, mainly because I have been busy catching up with things as we get into the new year. One of my new year resolutions is to make sure I make time to see all my friends from uni, as well as my usual homeboys. I think it can be easy to lose track of time and then realise you haven't seen someone for like over a year. With that in mind, I have been frantically txting and facebooking everyone I want to meet up with (don't do this all on the same day, it gets mental!), so blogging has taken a little back seat this past week. 

Along the lines of making time for people, I also went on a date night with my boyfriend Alex on Tuesday. We went to Frankie & Benny's for food, which I didn't notice that they play language cd's in the toilet before! For a brief second I thought someone was trying to purchase some oranges in Italian, whilst in the loo... 

We then went bowling, which I won (whoo-hoo) and then went to the arcades and spend a ridiculous amount of money on guitar hero and air hockey (which I won again). After all that, we went to the cinema (the original plan) to see Tom Cruise's latest flick 'Jack Reacher', which was really good and deffo worth a watch if you are thinking about going to see an action film anytime soon (about 8 of his friends turned up randomly to see the same film and ended up booking the seats right next to us, which was very funny but slightly manned up the date night vibe!).

I've kind of gone off the track of this post a little, so anyways during my week I did manage to find time to make a trip to Boots for some new purchases. I really cannot resist using those points vouchers they send you in the post. I did actually buy things I needed though (that's what they all say!) so I don't feel too bad. 

Paco Rabanne 'Lady Million' Perfume 

I didn't get any perfume for Christmas this year and had pretty much used all my others, so I thought I would treat myself to a new scent. Some of my housemates at uni had this perfume and I loveeeee it. I am useless at describing scents, so just trust me that it's lovely. The packaging is really glam, which is important as bottles kind of end up as a decoration in lots of people's bedrooms. I also like the advert, especially the bit where she gets given the diamond ring and makes the rock bigger - we would all do the same! 

Soap & Glory 'Flake Away'

This is a repurchase for me and I always make sure I have a tub of this in the shower. Like most of the Soap & Glory products this smells ahhh-maaazzee. I have tried quite a few exfoliators and this one is the best in my opinion. It lasts so long, smells great, does the job and only costs £8

The lighting was poor for some reason on this picture! 

Rimmel 'Wake me up' Foundation 

I have been using Max Factor's Smooth Effect Foundation (here), but as its pretty much run out so I thought I would try something new. I have heard SO much about this foundation on YouTube and some blogs, as well as knowing Tanya Burr is fan (love her #burrbears). I have to say that I was really impressed, it has great coverage and isn't too heavy (probably best for people who only need a light coverage, as it's not very heavy duty). It says it has a radiant glow effect, which is deffo true. I managed to get it for £4.99 on offer in Boots, but I think its only a few pound more normally anyway. Recommended! 

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner

I have been meaning to purchase a red lip liner for a while now. I kinda went from having no red lipsticks to about five all of a sudden and as you all know they can be a hard colour to keep off your teeth or the rest of your face in general. This lip liner was £3.99 and it does the job perfectly! It has a twisty applicator and an angled pencil making it very easy to apply, so big love for this. 

Leave your links below if you have purchased anything new with your Christmas money and if you have any new years resolutions, especially if they are a bit quirkier than the usual 'get fit' ones (failing miserably at this one already!!). 

You can follow me on Twitter here if you fancy it too.

Sale Shopping!

So, I haven't really done much sale shopping as I just can't battle all the people in the shops and I'm trying to be more 'selective' with my purchases (hah!). However, I did pop online on Boxing Day to have a little browse and I thought I would share what I bought...

High waisted black jeans - Urban Outfitters

Peace Ring - Urban Outfitters

Cest La Vie bracelet - guess?

Shirt - Urban Outfitters

Domestic Sluttery - Amazon

Fashion Illustration book - Amazon

Lauren Conrad Beauty - Amazon

Kardashian Konfidential book - Amazon

Kardashian Dvds - Amazon

All of my Urban Outfitters stuff came to around £65 which was amazing, especially the jeans as they were £60 down to £25 and they fit SO good. I love little bracelets and rings as they can really glam up any outfit, whilst still looking cool! I have a slightly unhealthy obsession for shirts and my wardrobe has a lot of different kinds in there. Personally, I find you can wear them in so many different ways in the day or evening and look as casual or as dressed up as you like. This one from Urban is really gorgeous and edgy, its a great length and has winged arms - amazing! Overall, Urban had a lot of bargains and was deffo worth checking out. 

The books and DVDs were purchased from Amazon as they had some great sales on loads of new releases and if you bought in bulk it was really cheap to get them delivered. As you can see, I love the Kardashians! (its actually on as I type this...) If you love them too, you should get the book as its full of very Kardashian style comments and advice. I also adore LC and have done since the days of Laguna Beach. I think she always looks amazing and effortlessly gorgeous, so if she can give me any beauty tips...I am listening! 

The Domestic Sluttery book was a bit of a random one, but it's also a really interesting read. It's full of room ideas, recipes, cocktails, vintage clothing and random advice of faking it as a domestic goddess. 

 A few pages from Domestic Sluttery 

I bought the Fashion Illustration book because I love to have a doodle (can't really call it drawing!) and I like how the fashion illustrations look. I'm working for a Digital Art company at the moment and I am surrounded by art and art books, so this seemed like a great way to unleash some creativity! (you can see my first attempt/doodle on my previous post here).

Drop your links below if you got some bargains in the sales, so I can be nosey and have a look!

My Top 5 beauty products of 2012!

Happy New Year beautiful people! Hope you all had a great evening and have started 2013 positively. I stayed in with my best friend, drank champagne, ate a lot of chocolate and watched 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' (eek kim is preggers!) which was really good fun.

I thought I would start 2013 by letting you all know which beauty products I loved over the year 2012. I have tried to narrow it down to a 'Top 5', I would love to know if you agree or if you've been thinking about trying any of these out. They are in no particular order, as I love them all - enjoy!

Quick little doodle for this post

My favorites

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
I love this primer. I got it for my birthday in April and it has literally just ran out, so for £28approx it's totally worth the money. They do different versions for all skin types, which you can check out at House of Fraser here As you can see, they all have really good reviews which I think reflect the quality of this brand and product. I have slightly oily skin and find applying a moisturizer can cause my makeup to look shiny or come off too easily, this is perfect for keeping it put and giving your skin the moisture it needs.

The Body Shop Baked to Last Bronzer: Warm Glow
As well as being a fan of their brushes this bronzer glides onto the skin without looking caked on. It is a great bronze if you have blonde or light hair as it doesn't make you look really orange and its ethically and naturally produced - bonus! It claims to last 8 hours and I think it lasts even longer than that, a great buy at £16. There are a few other positive reviews over at their site here.

Rimmel Clear Complexion Powder: Transparent
This will be a clear favorite of mine every single year! It is an absolute bargain at £3.99 from boots, it lasts a long time and keeps my makeup looking shine free and fresh. I use this one or the Stay Matte Pressed Powder (here) I think they are basically the same, its just the Stay Matte one tends to sell out of the translucent colour a lot of the time.

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour: Orange Blossom
I only started to use the Laura Mercier range in 2012 and this is another favorite of mine. The colour is really warming and different from others that I have used. Again, I think its a great colour if you have blonde or light hair as its not too orange or barbie pink (it would look great on everyone though). Its £20.50 from House of Fraser here Like the primer its still going strong from April and I use this one every day pretty much.

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Lip Butter
This is a life/lip saver! I don't really like wearing Vaseline or lip glosses as they look quite shiny, so if you are like me these lip butters are perfect. This one gives a really nice shimmer/nude effect on the lips and because its grapefruit it doesn't taste too great, so you don't lick it all off! It's £4 here and lasts forever, so I would definitely say give it a go.

If you drop by and have any new year/best of 2012 post then leave a link as I would love to have a read!

Happy New Year (My friend Lauren and I)

Ps. You can keep up with me on Twitter @Emmylouisejane