April Beauty Favourites

It's that time again - a beauty summary for April. I've been a little adventurous this month, and I'm feeling rather proud of myself for getting some whole new types of products in my routine!

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Vintage Cosmetics Brushes:  

Now I'm not a brushes kind of girl, I like a minimal look when it comes to my make-up, and I find it quicker to use a finger to blend my concealer than go to any effort washing brushes. I've had the same blusher brush for about 10 years, pretty much unwashed for its entire lifetime (Ahem). I'm just not good at brushes.

But then I saw these lovely, pretty things on Georgina's blog Fox on the Hunt, and I just really wanted them in my life.

I'm so glad I got them because, not only is the pale pink/silver combo making my dressing table look all kinds of great; they are also pretty much the softest things I've ever had touch my face in all my life. I will have to update you on whether or not I clean them - or they just get relegated to the bottom of my make-up bag in exchange for my much easier to wash hands, but I really hope it is the former!

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Bobbi Brown Blush: 

Now, this one technically may be cheating, as this blusher is not mine, but my mum's. But let me tell you it is great (evidenced by the fact that I steal it every morning). It is Bobbi Brown's in 'Nude Peach' and it is a great natural shade for anyone pale like me, who also likes a natural look and is a bit afraid of contouring for fear of looking like a Picasso! It's not too shimmery, and it would be hard to put too much on. Basically it just helps make me look a little bit more alive, and a little less 'are you feeling ok? You look very pale'.

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Lush Eau Roma Water Toner:

Now on top of never really owning brushes - I've also never really owned a toner before. I don't believe in buying things if you aren't sure of their use, and to be honest I've never really understood what the point of a toner was. But, when I was perusing the new, incredible Lush Flagship store on Oxford Street, (go, go, go!) I came across this bad-boy!

I read - 'calms sensitive skin' and 'aromatherapy' and then the very short ingredient list and decided it was for me. Anything that can calm my skin and my nerves is going to have to make it into my all time favourite things on this planet. Not only that, but it actually works as well. My redness and rosacea are almost gone, and I have never used a product that worked this well so quickly, and without causing some kind of pimple break-out or strange rash!

The lavender scent and I think also the action of spritzing water onto my face is actually quite relaxing, and awakening (obviously if you spritz any kind of water in someone's face it will awaken them so that's probably nothing to do with the formula).Now to be honest, I still don't really know what a toner is meant to do - but I like this product, and as it's under a fiver, I think I can forgive that!

So there we have it, my April favourites are in my opinion some real hum-dinger's! Have you tried any of them?

Shout out to May's Vogue as well for all the pretty pictures!

Show of the Month: Everyman

Everyman at The National Theatre

 This week, I booked a seat for a preview for the hotly anticipated Everyman at the National Theatre. I took my £15 Travelex seat in the back row and watched with anticipation as a cleaner swept the stage for a good half an hour before the auditorium closed. Everyman was written in the late 15th Century, a morality play that has been adapted many times in the last few centuries, and has most recently been re-written for today's audience by Carol Ann Duffy.

I must say, she has done an incredible job. The script could be compared to Shakespeare the way it combines poetry, humour, and profound metaphor to the perfect balance. It is a masterpiece of writing, and I feel confident in saying so, as I was backed up by the queue of people waiting in the National's bookshop after the play to pick up a copy of the text - only to be disappointed as it is not available until the previews end.

My favourite line is still clear in my mind three days later - and no I didn't write it down:

'My mother used to watch the news, then the weather, and I have watched the weather become the news' 

It is spoken whilst money is being blown into the audience, and around the theatre, by a giant fan, as journalists struggle to stay standing in the background. Everyman (the protagonist) lies at the front desperate to find something, or someone to help him defend himself at the doors of heaven, as death looms behind him.

The play itself was great at times, the message was strong and clear - never subtle, but it doesn't need to be. At the end of the day, it is timeless, as relevant to today's world as any other. And I suppose if it wasn't, the National wouldn't be programming it. The message is - in essence - that 'everyman' is selfish, and puts his wants and desires above good-deeds. The play asks whether it is only through death that we appreciate life - and tells us that regret is often the most prominent emotion of all at that time.

Chiwetel Ejiofor (of 12 years a Slave fame) gives an impressive performance as Everyman. The party-boy lad side of his personality is believable, his regret and fear sometimes a little less so. But we aren't supposed to sympathise, we are supposed to recognise the flaws in the character so we can address them in ourselves.

The images throughout are strong, and demonstrative in a Brechtian way.  After a slightly long and tedious opening party scene, we quickly learn to realise that it is the images that are important. This play isn't about a story, character or individual performance. The play is just a message, and it is an important one. It isn't subtle because it shouldn't be, there isn't time to be subtle. Seeing a personification of Good Deeds lying, sick and dying,  on a bed of rubbish, is something that will stay with me for while.

We are all responsible for this world, and each other. Be kind, be generous, share your love with those who need it, and those who love you. Do what you can, whenever you can. And if you aren't sure why - go and see Everyman!

Everyman will be at The Olivier Theatre from 29th April

A View from The Thames

Shaken, not Stirred

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This week I was invited to a James Bond themed boat party on the Thames. I mean, it's not exactly the sort of thing I would normally go to, but since I'm trying to be a bit more adventurous I put my glad-rags on and journeyed up to Temple pier to board the Golden Jubliee.

It's pretty fun to get dressed up and go and make new friends! I had a lovely time, and met some beautiful new people (Shout out to Jaye for the outfit shots). AND I got to bring out one of those 'only worn once to a special occasion' outfits and get some more wear out of it! Huzzah! There was prossecco involved too, which is never a bad thing, and I even got the chance to learn roulette at the mini casino that was set up on board. (We played with fake money luckily as I wasn't very good!) There was also a magician, and a little bit of dancing at the end of the evening.

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Dress and shoes both old all saints numbers. 

 A New Perspective

I'm rather glad I decided to go, as seeing my home city from a new perspective really helped to re-ignite my love for ole Mr London at a time when it was beginning to wain a little. I know the whole 'if your tired of London your tired of life' saying is often batted around at people like me, but if I'm honest, I am a little tired of the extortionate rents, travel costs, low wages, and general globalisation that's bringing my beautiful city to it's knees.

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But when you see it like this. You can't help but feel proud, and honoured to be surrounded by such beautiful architecture, and I'm glad to be lucky enough to have access to all the cultural joys of London.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world...yet, anyway. If you want to catch this glimpse of the city you can hop on a Thames Clipper quite reasonably and easily, and stand out on the deck, where the views are just as epic, but a lot more frequent...as James Bond parties don't roll around that often do they!

Thank you to Ladbrokes and BBB for the invite. 

ASOS Wishlist

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I mean...payday isn't good when you are trying not to shop! But at least I restrained myself a little, and instead of buying just put together a little wishlist to tempt all you lot instead (muahahaha).

Dunga-Love = Black Shorts / Denim Dress

I've really got a thing for a dunga-dress at the moment! (although top-left is technically shorts). 

Co-ords = Sailor Print / Blue Wonder

I am also a bit obsessed with Co-ords right now. This sailor print skirt/top combo's print is just SO great. The blue shirt/trouser-ness - well - frankly just sums up how cool I wish I was.

Suede Biker Chic = Suede Jacket / Bandana?!?!?

The suede jacket is by Mango, and frankly needs no justification. The bandana is a little random, but I think it would look great with a stripy T and my ripped Mom Jeans.

So there we have it! What do you think of my choices? Had any great ASOS buys recently?

Thought of the week: Staying creative when working full-time

As I've kind of been doing this anyway, I thought I'd make a little feature out of my slightly ramble-y posts on life. 

 Life, eh?

It's pretty blooming difficult to get your cake and eat it too. However - I think it probably is possible. I mean, I'm not saying I've figured it out yet - but there are some people out there who have!

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Jobs

We all need to pay the bills, and most of us will worry about how we are going to make sure we can. Now - I don't know about you, but I find it is almost impossible to make a stable living working as a performer, or artist of any kind, without taking on some kind of extra work. I'm lucky enough to still work within my industry when doing the 9-5 but before I got where I am I had a string of part-time jobs that I found so boring they brought on full-on anxiety, and panic attacks. Not really a good fit for me, huh?

Some people are able to work part-time jobs they aren't that attached to in order to have flexible hours and be able to run off to audition at the drop of a hat. I however, am not able to do this. Perhaps my motivation isn't strong enough.

It's hard though, whatever job you are in, to stay creative and keep practicing your art when you are short of time thanks to work commitments, and are unlikely to be able to fully commit to any opportunities that would enable you to keep both your job, and your art afloat.

At the moment I'm happy where I am, and thanks to the Arty Project (which you can catch up on here and here) I am (sort of) able to get a bit of both in my life. I'd rather feel stable than go back to feeling like I was wasting away behind a till - which is generally what most of my anxiety stemmed from.

To be honest, I don't really know where this is going now, because I don't really have any answers or solutions for the problem. All I will say to any fellow artists reading this is that we all need to try and keep our creative juice's flowing as much as possible. It will help keep us happy, and it will stop us resenting our jobs so quickly.

Do you have any thoughts on this topic? I'd really hear what you think about this issue?

The Blue Leather Jacket

You may have noticed the so-called 'heatwave' of 7th March - you may not remember it however, as it was so freaking long ago. Well this post has been sat in my drafts since then as I've been too scared to post it.

Anyway, on that day I did a lot of rather summery activities in what was - well - not actually quite that summery yet weather.

I didn't mind of course as it gave me the perfect opportunity to whack out this bad boy of a leather jacket that I've been desperate to wear since I spent far to much money on it back in January.

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The opportunity has only presented itself once before this day, back right after I bought it, and was too excited not to wear it. Frankly I ended up pretty blooming freezing whilst walking along the River Thames. It has since been relegated to a very visible hanger where I can stare at it often and dream of warmer days, where I can walk the streets of London in all it's blue leather glory.

Hopefully this newfangled thing we are having at the moment called 'Spring' marks the start of a whole season of blue leather jacket wearing bliss. Huzzah!!

In the meantime - I promise to practice my posing to save us all from the awkward 'I'm not used to this and feel uncomfortable' shots.

Leather Jacket: All Saints, Shirt: Equipment (Similar Here) Jeans: Topshop, Sunglasses: Ray Ban (Similar Here)

#ArtyProject - Inspo

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Arty Inspirations. 

So a week on from my first post on the #ArtyProject (which you can find here) today, all participants are posting an update on their projects.

I mean...I'm probably not as far along as some of the other lovely artists but I have had far too many ideas to get my head around, and pin down to just one at this stage. We all work differently right? I guess my creative process is just a little bit of a mind-mess right now...

Anyway, I thought I'd try and give you an insight into that little mind-mess of mine by sharing some of the things that I've looked at and thought were beautiful this week. (beauty is theme - FYI)

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 Empty Glass Bottles 

There is something about an empty glass bottle that is just quite fascinating. Sure the big one is a pretty perfume bottle, and quite obviously beautiful. But - to go a little pretentious -  I find it interesting to think about all the things the bottle might have had in it at some point.

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Images

A postcard is possibly the most classic inspiration tool there ever was. I like these one's for the simple blue background,  and Frida Kahlo because it is a) Frida Kahlo and b) It is Frida Kahlo in a sparkly hat. I think that needs no more explanation.

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Journals

These are a few of my old choreographic journals from various past projects which I've been looking through in an attempt to get my head back in it's dance-y zone and also get some movement ideas. P.s you are free to laugh at my ridiculous stick men drawings.

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Skulls

Bare with me while I go a bit deep into my head here. These skulls are made of precious stones, they are made to look pretty. but they are skulls. Skulls we associate with death, and fear. But maybe we should just associate skulls with our heads? Because, that's like a tiny purple version of what we all look like under our faces you know...and face's are the place on a human with what beauty is most associated...?

Ok I'm gonna stop there before it gets a bit weird up in here (oh I think probably a little too late). Anyway, so that's a few items that may or may not influence my final piece, but they are certainly getting me thinking about all the initial ideas right now. I guess at the moment I am somewhere around thinking about why we subconsciously categorise certain things as good - why we like to have things we find attractive around us, and what is it that makes things attractive in the first place? But I basically need to find out if this is interesting enough to explore further - my questions may all be answered by google in 5 minutes time....we shall have to wait and see.

Check out the other ladies posts here

Vicky / Zoe / Uli / Clara / Maryam / Sarah / Danielle / Manny / Emma / Annabel

And if you want to follow my #ArtyProject Pinterest board where I'm getting lots of ideas you can do so here.

Your Vote Matters - 5 reasons why you should use it!

Change

You have basically one chance every five years to affect change.  Here are a few reasons why you might want to register to vote (and then subsequently vote on May 7th).

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1. You can make a difference.  -  If all the young people who don't vote did - we would have the power to change the outcome of the election. Your one vote may seem insignificant, but if everyone thinks like that - then a huge swathe of people who aren't voting could be changing the country's political landscape. What if there is only one or two votes in the race, and you don't vote....


2. A vote is a privilege in this world  - It shouldn't be, but unfortunately there are still millions of people who do not get to exercise the right to vote in a fair election. Show all those who have fought, and continue to fight for their right to vote, some respect, gratitude, and solidarity by using yours.


3. You deserve to be counted -  No one will know who you voted for but they will know you voted. They will know that you care about the country and how it's governed. That puts pressure on politicians to act with the interests of the many, rather than 'the few who bothered to turn up and vote'.


4. You and your opinion's matter  - Don't let anyone tell you they don't. Whoever you choose to vote for, let yourself be counted, and let your voice/vote be heard.


5. You won't regret it - If you vote for someone you believe in you can be proud knowing you stood by your convictions. You may regret it if you don't vote and someone you can't stand is running the country come May. Like I said, we have one chance every 5 years to elect our MP's, and low turn-outs are proven to benefit extremist parties!

You have until 20th April (Monday) to register to vote and you can do so using the below link. Registering does not commit you to voting, but if you don't do it you won't be able to vote full stop.

• Register to vote HERE. (It only takes a minute).


• If you want to vote but can't decide who for, try this policies over personalities quiz HERE - it's pretty interesting to take the personalities out of the equation!

Do you vote? What are you reason's for turning up, or not turning up on polling day?

Coping with Stress and Anxiety

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Life these days

Life these day's is stressful. We are surrounded by propaganda about how the NHS is going to be shut down, we'll never have a house or a good job, and we will be forced to work into our mid seventies -  that's if we don't all die in a nuclear war, or get taken over by Isil before then.

The generation just entering work have been hit hard by the recession, and now will bare the brunt of the aftermath for the foreseeable future. Our live's and our futures are uncertain, and this causes increased anxiety around everyday life.  I thought I'd share a few of the things I do to help me get to grips with stress and anxiety.

Goals

This is a big one for me. My new years resolution was to make weekly goals for myself. (Not to brag or anything, but I'm still doing it - waheyy!) They are normally small, achievable things. For example -make my bed every morning - which is something that has probably only happened twice ever before this year (ahem!). Although that may not sound like a huge life-goal, I feel a lot better for having a tidy-room, and now that I've made it a habit, it feels strangely like a big achievement.  More often than not my achievement's that week will be much greater than what I set out to do. If not, at least I'm making my bed every morning like the real life adult that I am!

Yoga and Mindfulness

There's been a lot of hype around Mindfulness recently - living in the present rather than the future to decrease anxiety. Most of it is based around meditations, and I find the easiest way to practice this is as part of a yoga programme. That way, I still feel productive as I'm exercising, I'm getting endorphins to aid stress-relief and happiness, and I find it just comes more naturally as a result of focusing on the yoga postures.

To Do Lists

The satisfaction of crossing of an item isn't the only thing To-do list's are useful for. I often keep several going at a time. one for work, one for personal life, one for chores, one for blogging etc. It helps to keep things separate, meaning I get more balance if I prioritise 1 or 2 things from each list. I also like to add normal things that I do anyway, like 'shower' or 'have breakfast'. This way, even when you haven't got a lot of work on, if you are feeling down about it or have little energy, you can still get the satisfaction of that little tick next to an item on your list.

Does anybody else use these tools? I'd love to know if you have any coping strategies you'd like to share?  

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#ArtyProject

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What it is

A slightly different type of post today! I am very excited to be getting involved in the #ArtyProject!

It was an idea thought up by the marvellous Zoe and Vicky, who, after missing being able to get creative and put their talents to good use, decided to collaborate. They got a group of bloggers together and came up with this! The Arty Project!

How it works

Basically we will all have two months to produce a finished project (using the term 'finished' loosely - as we can all set our own goals and targets for how far we want to be at the end of those two months). There is a theme - and as we are all bloggers - 'beauty' was deemed most appropriate for the first batch of work produced! (Batch is a terrible word to describe art - I apologise!) We will post updates every two weeks on our progress. (hopefully!)

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My Idea

As the above pic suggests, I will be utilising my skills as a dancer in this project, and making my first attempt to produce a short dance film. (eek...) Now, I may well only get as far as the storyboard by the June 4th deadline for the first Arty Project - but I am very keen to get going! (Although inspiration and subject matter escape me at present).

How you can get involved

This project is open to anyone who wants to get involved, whether you are an experienced artist or just want to try something new! Like I mentioned already, the art form is completely open and free, meaning you can be as creative as you like with what you make! If you want to get involved, just contact any of the bloggers involved and we will answer any Q's, and can put you in touch with the group! Check out my contact page for my deets!

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You can check out the other bloggers involved below! I'm super excited to see what everyone comes up with, and be able to watch their process and progress on their blogs! What insight - aren't we lucky!!

Zoe / Vicky / Annabel / Danielle / Maryam / Clara / Sarah / Uli / Manny

Five New Beauty Staples

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My first beauty post

I've been putting the same five things on my face for a while now - and I just can't get enough of them! As it's my first beauty post, I thought I'd let you know about a few of my new staples. [embed]https://www.flickr.com/photos/129641544@N07/16402893953/in/photostream/[/embed]

Eyes

There's been a lot of hype about Roller Lash recently - so I won't go into too much detail. All I'll say is that I agree with all of it. (unless there is someone out there that doesn't like it in which case - no).

I've also just recently started wearing liquid eyeliner again - I wasn't such a fan of my last purchase which was the Rimmel Scandaleyes. It ran out in about 2 days, and had no staying power - and it kinda put me off buying a replacement to avoid the disappointment. This Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner has completely restored my faith and love for the stuff. It stays all day, is easy to apply, the line isn't too thick - and best of all - it's £2.99!

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Lips

The Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Petillante is my new go-to colour. It's a gorgeous reddy-pink, with a matte finish, and is a great alternative to red for Spring. If i'm completely honest, I don't wear it everyday. It would be hard to wear such a bold colour everyday if you aren't a lipstick person. (whatever a lipstick person may be?!) But as I am loving this colour so much, I thought i'd include it in my staples anyway!

Skin

Now I'm a Dermalogica girl through and through. My skin is hyper-sensitive - even a whiff of foundation and my redness inflames. I recently made a few new purchases within their range and this Ultracalming Serum Concentrate was by far my favourite. It works wonders as both a primer and a moisturizer and it's done wonders for my redness. I will post about the rest of the range soon if you are interested, as I feel some of their products are a little lacking in some areas so I wouldn't go out and buy the whole range without testing it first on your skin.

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Nails

This is from Barry M's new Quick Dry Range. Colour - pitstop. And no I don't have to look that up because so many people have already asked me what colour it is because it is PERFECT! It's not quite grey, not quite beige. Yes, I know that sounds weird and not that appealing and it even looks a bit weird in the bottle, but it really is a great nail colour, particularly for the transition into Spring.

Have you tried any of these products before? I'd love to know what you think and what products you use regularly? 

Roller Lash / Fast Stroke / Chanel Lip / Dermalogica Serum  / Barry M Pit Stop

Theatre themed chocolates...

Happy Easter

My final post in what I am now calling the Chocolate Series, in preparation for the most chocolate-themed day of the year. I hope you are all having a wonderfully, chocolately weekend!

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The Sweet Theatre

The beautiful packaging of The Sweet Theatre's chocolate bars has awoken my inner theatre geek. Each flavour has it's own's Shakespeare leading lady that it represents, and this makes me very happy inside.

Although I only picked up my six favourite ladies, there are twelve characters (or flavours if you must) available in total. I can't say that they are the greatest chocolate's on the planet (Getting a bit cocky after that tasting!) but the few I've tried are really rather tasty indeed and Miranda and Lady Macbeth were both shortlisted for the Quality Food Awards 2014.

But let's be honest - the quality of chocolate doesn't matter, we only want them for the wrapper's, and blooming great they are too! Find out more here. 

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Chocolate Week Part 2: A Chocolate Tasting with Cocoa-Runners

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The Tasting Zone

It was a little cautiously that we entered into The Tasting Zone at The Chocolate Festival not knowing quite what to expect. What we got however couldn't have been a better experience. An hour of trying different bean-to-bar chocolate's from chocolatiers across the world

The most useful thing I learnt was that the trick to finding a decent bar is to ask where the beans come from. If they don't know, it's made from Belgian Chocolate and that means bad. Belgian chocolate is bad. End of story. (I didn't know that before either, but the guy had reasons and it all made a lot of sense at the time!)

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Cocoa Runners

The tasting was led by Cocoa Runners, a company who offer a subscription box service for bean-to-bar chocolates. In the subscription you get four large bars of fancy chocolate each month, and it is all wrapped in incredible insta-worthy packaging.

They really seemed to know their stuff, and all the chocolate we sampled was delicious, so if luxury chocolate is your thing, and you fancy a present getting delivered every month, you can find out more here. 

(Please note I do not own the photo of the chocolate)