Saturday 23 March 2013

these are the things, the things we lost in the fire.

things have got a bit much again.

four evening shifts a week/severe lack of social interaction/crippled body/anything else. not coping. need change.

Tuesday 19 March 2013

playlist.

on my listening-to-over-and-over list atm:

"Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary" - Rihanna [this song may change your life a bit.]
"Dark In My Imagination" - ofVerona
"The Golden Age" (full album) - Woodkid
"Save Me" - Bo Bruce

Monday 18 March 2013

nostalgic music hour: Sugababes circa Angels With Dirty Faces/Three

I'm not sure why, but recently I've been getting back into music from my childhood, such as the once-brilliant Sugababes. "Angels With Dirty Faces" and "Three" were two fantastic albums back then and remain fantastic to this day. There's a lot to be said for pop music of a certain era - it wasn't all a cheese-fest!

My personal highlights - AWDF:
"Blue"
"More Than a Million Miles"
"Just Don't Need This"

My personal highlights - Three:
"Whatever Makes You Happy"
"Situation's Heavy"
"Million Different Ways"
"We Could Have It All"

Back then, Sugababes were angsty without being try-hard, full of soul, with tracks of pure gold, littered with oriental sounds, plenty of bass and lush harmonies. In my opinion, the blend of Mutya, Kiesha and Heidi's vocals was really stunning, each bringing their own unique sound. With a team of brilliant writers, the result was quality pop music, worlds away from the 'bubblegum', meaningless sounds of their rivals. I've thought for a long time now how disappointing it was to watch their disintegration into bland, 'sexy' pop. "Taller In More Ways" probably marked a step in the wrong direction, although there were still touches of genius ("2 Hearts", "Gotta Be You", "Bruised"). Anyway, it'll be interesting to see what the reunited "MKS" bring to the table. With a bit of luck, something harking back to their original brilliance.



if there's any justice in the world.

The media has been bowling me over recently. Last week came my battle with the most irksome tabloid of all, the Daily Mail. Or rather, the hothouse that is the Daily Mail Online. I'm the first to admit to shamelessly browsing the right hand column of the page quite regularly; the renowned 'Femail' section consisting of, you guessed it, hundreds of pieces of female-based celebrity gossip. This is something which I don't take too seriously, more for my own sordid entertainment when I'm feeling down on my luck; a picture of Britney Spears in unflattering trousers is just the ticket. But let me be clear: I don't in any way wish to condone the kind of crap they come out with. Perhaps unsurprisingly, worse than the appallingly-written stories and attitudes conveyed by the 'writers' themselves is the abhorrent species of folk that take time to comment on these articles. For the Daily Mail allows anyone and everyone to write a comment underneath almost all their online articles, supposedly 'moderated' before posting. I can only imagine that this moderation consists of merely checking that there are no 'swear words' in a comment, as there is very little else that fails to slip through the net as far as I can see.

What I witnessed last week was nothing short of bullying targeted at my favourite artist and friend Bo Bruce. A crude article to start with, reporting on a so-called 'wardrobe malfunction' of hers, which, thanks to the bitter low-lifes who commented on it, turned into a full scale attack on everything about her. Perilous insults were thrown at her via the comment box - 'she's on drugs', 'she's anorexic', 'she's ugly' to name but a few. Call me biased and over defensive, but I was completely gobsmacked that people were taking their time to sit behind a computer and fearlessly insult someone they know nothing about. To make matters worse, the outfit in question was worn for a charity event - rendering the whole debacle completely and utterly disrespectful not just to Bo, but to the charity. Bo has, extremely bravely, battled through a life of turmoil to come out the other side and prepare to launch her dream career, at last. How anyone can sit there and say such disgusting things about someone like her is beyond me. I only hope that these trolls eventually find a way to deal with their issues in a more effective way than anonymously bullying others over the internet.

Amen.

Saturday 9 March 2013

Miles and miles to go: before I sleep.


As a handful of you who read this blog will know, I have a small obsession. That obsession is with the enigmatic rising star, and former contestant of The Voice UK, Bo Bruce. Pictured above is her behind the scenes of the video shoot for her new single, "Save Me", due for release on April 29th, the same day as her much-awaited first LP, "Before I Sleep".

Bo has a small, but growing, following, all of whom eagerly await what the future holds for such a talented individual. As the clock ticks towards her big release, Bo has stepped on-board the promotional train to get her music heard, just as she deserves. Having listened to the previews of every track on iTunes, it is obvious to all what a magical record we are being blessed with. It makes a refreshing change to hear such honesty in popular music, but that is, of course, what Bo does best. Personal highlights of "Before I Sleep" include "Echoes", "Lightkeeper" and "The Hands I Hold", but every single track has a touch of magic.

Perhaps I'm biased, but Bo has a sparkle that is difficult to ignore. It's in the way she presents herself; her magnetic personality and stage presence, the clothes on her back and, of course, that spine-tingling voice of hers. Not only this but, having met her myself, I can testify as to just how lovely she is as a human being. I can only pray that Bo receives the attention and praise she so desperately deserves; that the rest of the world sees what we see.

"Before I Sleep" can be pre-ordered via iTunes or, for a signed copy or exclusive VIP package go here: http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/mercury-records/bo-bruce/icat/bobruce/?__utma=215265419.1934788158.1361871358.1361991813.1362826818.5&__utmb=215265419.2.10.1362826818&__utmc=215265419&__utmx=-&__utmz=215265419.1361871358.1.1.utmcsr=t.co|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/Gr5Ch4ybyd&__utmv=-&__utmk=91758297

Thursday 21 February 2013

easy for a good girl to go bad.

hi there.

ok, it's been such a while. i expect that gives you a good idea of how m e n t a l life has been in recent weeks. life is literally work, eat, breathe. my hours have changed massively and it's something i'm none too happy about, but there's little i can do. working for two different branches was always going to do more harm than good; where my happiness lies with one branch, my deep sadness lies in the other. this job has been a fairly shocking and revelatory introduction to the working world and how things go so wrong. gradually i'm gathering knowledge and evidence which i hope will earn me successful revenge when i do leave. it's been a massive eye-opener about unprofessionalism, bullying in the workplace and just downright nastiness. all i can take away from it is knowing i'm not in the wrong; my head held high, i've achieved a great deal on my own and no one can deny that.

i suppose it really isn't long now until i'm flying the nest again for my second attempt at university. that's another terrifying thought, but somewhat less terrifying than the prospect of living like this any longer.



just because, she is like so fucking flawless.

Friday 25 January 2013

whoaaah + beauty treats

i've not posted in a while, have i?

hello. actually, i'm not sure i have anything interesting to say :\ i've just been bumbling around as usual, working, shopping. this time last week i went into my old school to see the english department and it was lovely. wow. a week ago already.

er, beauty reviews it is then.

Look Beauty

"LOOK" Beauty is a really lovely make-up line from the people at LOOK magazine (also one of my favourites) and recently they have offered really good reductions on their products.

"Flawless Fix BB Foundation"


let's get one thing straight: i have an eternal battle with foundation. i currently own at least four, and that's not including primers and another BB cream. i'm always searching for something new and better, sometimes purely for the thrill of a new product, but sometimes because it is difficult to get it absolutely right. other foundations i own include Vichy Norma Teint, and Revlon PhotoReady, both very good foundations. however, i am fascinated by BB creams and the idea that a foundation-like product can be good for your skin, too. like i said, Look products have been on promotion recently and i took this opportunity to buy the "Flawless Fix BB Foundation" whilst it was at a reduced price. well, i certainly wasn't disappointed. looking at the product, you wouldn't be certain that it is anything special. the texture is certainly nothing mindblowing - not particularly matte, nor overly soft and refreshing. however, somehow, it works! a small amount seems to spread over skin effortlessly and instantly neutralises my red tones and covers patchy areas. you do need a reasonable-sized blob to cover a whole face, but, as i said, it seems to spread very well. the very best thing is, besides a bit of powder (which i always, always use for good measure), i didn't need to add any extra foundation over the top! result! all in all a lovely product :) £10.00 full price, currently on sale at £6.00


"Fresh Cheeks!"


ngl, i am hopeless with blusher. still figuring out how to apply it effectively, but i couldn't resist this. i've always, always wanted a nice cream blusher, but usually they're too expensive for me to bother. well, on sale this one was a mere £2.50 so i knew i had to go for it! i can't really say much about it, as, obviously i'm still figuring it out, however, i thought the colour was fabulous (this shade is called 'melon') and the texture seems pretty good :) £5.00 full price, currently on sale at £3.00

"Stretch Factor"


my mum recommended this to me as we're both always looking for good mascaras. i've not used it yet (borrowed hers in the past though..) as i'm still working my way through my Lancome Hyponose Star, but i know for a fact it's a great mascara and i can't wait to use it :) £6.00 full price, currently on sale at £3.00

all in all, "LOOK" Beauty is really a great brand which does some lovely nail varnish and lip colours, too. i only hope it continues to sell, because it would be a shame for it to not be successful.



Wednesday 16 January 2013

Monday 14 January 2013

this is the rhythm of my life.

what a strange few days.

joined an online dating site. regretting majorly. really cannot be bothered with small talk, insane nerves, stupid dates. feel bad because i agreed to meet up with someone on there at some point. he seemed quite nice but. i don't know. maybe i'll just pretend i died. yeah i'll be single forever but i honestly think i can cope. so long as i have plenty of challenges to keep me moving forward. who needs the bother.

in other news, i got my university offer. so that is both wonderful and terrifying, and i would quite like time to fast forward so i can just get on with it. wow though. wow.



this song is too incredible.

anyway, life has been a whirlwind as ever. at work rather a lot, and when i'm not, just hazily walking through life, not blissfully happy but not unbearably sad either. just being. and that's ok.

there is some lovely snow outside, at last. farewell x

Thursday 10 January 2013

is something different?

hello. don't seem to have blogged in a few days.

life is a really weird continuum at the moment, whilst i wait to hear if i got into uni for the second time in two years. it's a really strange situation. i'm not just nervous about the news i will hear, but what will come after it. namely, i don't have a plan if i get rejected. but i don't really have a plan if i get accepted, either. having a positive experience this time is fundamental, and i can't help but be scared that i'll be plagued with the same horrendous feelings i suffered from throughout my one year at the other uni. the loneliness and homesickness is a feeling which still haunts me to this day. so who knows. this year out has been both positive and negative. i needed the time to breathe and be away from certain environments, and my lifestyle right now isn't so bad. i have a reasonable amount of hours at work, and when i'm not there i'm enjoying relaxing, shopping, seeing the odd friend and so on. i only hope i haven't become too attached to home life again. i've definitely become closer to my mum, which will prove difficult when i set sail again. but it was the uni that did that to me. i was at the loneliest point ever in my life, and i turned to the two people that i'd pushed away for so long. i'd had a boyfriend, friends, teachers that i could confide in and get along with wonderfully. what did i need my parents for? i will always, always owe them for welcoming me back, putting up with the endless tears, driving me back home and so on. i will stop this train of thought now because, quite frankly, the emotions there are still too raw.

anyways, it's interesting thinking about our desires. when people ask you what you want, idk, there are too many different types of answers. what do i want? i want chocolate, i want a boyfriend, i want lots of nice clothes. what do i want in life? well, who really knows. i know i need money to be comfortable, unfortunately. then there is the major clash in my head. one part of me yearns to explore, make a name for myself, reach for the stars. the other part of me says, realistically, if i have a nice partner and a dog, i could be happy with just that. in conclusion, i don't think we ever really know what we want for certain, until we've tried it. far too much pressure is placed on us from a young age - what job do we want, what do we want to study at uni, what kind of person do we want to be. maybe if we all just waited to see how things panned out and stop making such a big thing of decisions, idk. that's what i'm going with. -bye-

Sunday 6 January 2013

Bona Drag: new obsession

http://www.bonadrag.com/

aw man, want everything from this place. found it through tumblr whilst i was searching jewellery, and wow.

here are a few highlights.






wow, i'm so in love. the themes running through it are everything i love about fashion: eccentric, romantic, punk-rock, gothic, just beautiful. if only it wasn't an american site, all in dollars, oh and also so hideously expensive. :(

Thursday 3 January 2013

treats: new things i love

because i am such a fashion/beauty/general stuff lover, i thought it only right to do a bit of reviewing of products i love! so here goes.

17 Photo Flawless Primer from Boots, £4.99


ok, so i've been desperate for a new primer for ages. i've got pretty rubbish skin - greasy AND dry, with am uneven tone and so on. after a bit of researching (Boots website, i salute you) i came across this beauty. i was the first to be sceptical - generally don't put much trust in cheap make-up brands like 17, other than for things like nail varnish and eye shadow. but the reviews were so positive, and at such a good price i felt it was worth a go. all i can say is £4.99 well spent - this is definitely worth a go. plus points about this product: it has the most matte finish EVER. really, really impressive! when you put it on (you only need a small amount), it INSTANTLY smooths over your skin. feels kind of dry, but that's the point - it completely smooths over uneven patches. although i never notice any vast improvements to the overall look of my skin, i do believe it reduced redness a small amount, and also think my pores looked a little reduced. i've only worn it for one full day so far, and, whilst it didn't eradicate grease completely, my t-zone area, which gets very oily, was definitely LESS greasy at the end of the day. negative points: hardly any so far, but i suppose the tube is quite small. also, as the primer is colourless, it can be difficult to see where you've applied it, and it can't be mixed with foundation to alter the colour (something which i do with another, coloured primer that i own). other than that, a really impressive product which i'd give a 9/10 :)

Korres Mango Shower Gel, £8


not much to say about this beauty other than that it smells f a b u l o u s! got it as a christmas present and it's definitely one of the nicest shower products i've ever had. also lathers really well :)

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, £21 or as part of gift sets


i was first introduced to this mascara last summer when they were giving away sample sizes with a magazine. all i can say is, thank you Vanity Fair (i think that was the magazine)! i have always battled with mascaras - i've never found one good enough to tackle my fair-coloured, short lashes until now. i was fortunate enough to discover the gift sets that Lancome did for christmas - which consisted of the mascara, make-up remover and an eyeliner all for £21, the RRP of the mascara alone! i only wish i'd invested in more of those sets now! the tube itself is gorgeous enough, with sparkles all down the side, but the product itself is very good. it's all about the brush with mascaras - most cheaper brands use thick, clumpy brushes which are useless at grabbing the lashes properly. the brush on this one is, actually, surprisingly thick, but somehow it works so well. it is almost pyramid-shaped, which makes angling it really easy. anyway, to cut it short, really does draw out my lashes in ways never before seen, making them longer and curly but without looking over-the-top. a must-try :)

Wednesday 2 January 2013

radioactive

hiya. FYI, my blog post titles will frequently be song lyrics. often with no relevance to the post. just to clarify :) i am sleepy, weary from post-christmas fever. actually quite sad that it is all over so soon again, really. what do we get excited about now? i never really know. about to head out to see a friend who has been somewhat engulfed by new relationship disease for the last few months, hence, i haven't seen her in a while. really is difficult managing to see friends these days. difficult not to feel a little bit poor-me, why-do-i-always-make-the-effort, but eh. i'll write something better later. x