MAC // MY CUSTOM PALETTE SO FAR

Eyeshadows are my ultimate love in the world of makeup. I adore the different shades, formulas, types, brands... In fact anything I can get my hand on. And then I discovered MAC eyeshadows and I fell much more in love than I already was. 

I decided to create my own custom palette because that way I could choose the colours that I wanted, and know that I would 100% use them all. Don't get me wrong, the palette isn't cheap to put together but I would definitely say that it is worth it, and it gives you something to collect and put together yourself over a period of time. 

(I also own Satin Taupe but I still need to de-pan that one!)

These are the colours that I have accumulated over the past couple of months- and I love them all. All That Glitters must be the most used in the palette purely because I put this all over the lid before applying another colour to the crease. You can wear All That Glitters on it's own or as part of a dramatic eye for a night out, which is what I often do. Brun is my newest to the collection, but I didn't set out to buy this one. Cranberry was what I was hoping for, but unfortunately they didn't have it in stock at the counter so I will have to make sure to purchase it next time I visit! 

Do any of you guys have a custom MAC eyeshadow palette? What shade do you recommend me buying next?

MAC // LIPSTICK IN 'CRAVING'

MAC has always been one of my favourite make-up brands, and over the past few months I have seriously been obsessing over which product to buy next... So how can you go wrong with purchasing another lipstick?

Originally, when I walked over to the MAC counter it wasn't in my intentions to purchase this lipstick. I had my heart set on 'Twig', but when I went over to pay they didn't have that in stock. Instead, I was brought over 'Craving' and I instantly fell in love. 

The lipstick is like a red but it has a more pink undertone, which means you can wear this for either day time or night time. I like to wear this in a day time, but wear a lipliner underneath it if I am going to wear this on a night out as such.

This lipstick also has a satin finish. This means that it looks super shiny on the lips and doesn't leave them feeling dry if you keep on reapplying it. Although I do love the matte lipsticks from MAC, this just seems so much more moisturising and more satisfying to wear.

For £15.50 I don't think you can go wrong. The colour is super pigmented and it lasts forever on the lips... Even through eating and drinking!

2014 Christmas Antics

Hello lovelies. I hope that you had a great Christmas and had an amazing festive period.

Firstly, I can't believe that Christmas is over and done with for another year already. The whole build-up to Christmas came around so quickly for me this year, but I am putting this down to the fact that I am at university so I am constantly busy. However, the fact Christmas is already over and done with upsets me, because it is really my favourite time of year!

A lot of the country has received snow, but where I live when I am not at university, hasn't! I genuinely thought that living in the Lake District would mean we were in line for some white goodness, but unfortunately I was wrong and we have received zilch!

For Christmas, I got a new camera which I am so thankful for and very pleased about! It means no more out of focus phone photographs, and I can take some super snappy images to put onto my blog.

I didn't take many photographs from Christmas day because I had to wait to get a big enough memory card for my camera etc. but here are a few snaps of my Christmas Tree, decorations and a little hat that my auntie made. They are so cute and she attached them to the presents as little Christmas favours.

Over the festive period I went to my Grans house in the countryside and had lunch with her. She took me to her local church where she showed me her flower arrangements, and we went for a walk around her huge garden and I took some snaps. The image of the ducks always takes me back to my childhood days, because every time I would go to my Gran's I would stand at the gate over the path and spend hours looking at the animals in the field opposite.

We also had some family come and visit us who live down south. They are literally the cutest kids ever and they are so sweet. They were obsessing over playing football on the frosty grass, spending time with my pet rabbit and just constantly being cheeky.

Tonight I made a curry for my mum and her partner. I don't usually like to make big meals because I am not confident with the whole 'cooking' thing, but it was tasty even if I do say so myself. If you would like the recipe, comment below!

So my festive season was fun filled and full of family. I had the best Christmas and I already cannot wait for next year.

How was your Christmas?

Little Uni Posts: The Build Up To Leaving Home & Moving In Day

Even though I moved away from home and to university around 2 months ago, I thought now is the time where I can put together some posts to display on my blog about university life. This is purely because I have experienced a handful of things since being here, and I thought I could document some university ongoings here on my blog every now and then. What do you think?

So the week building up to moving in day was absolutely terrifying. I'm not going to lie about how I was feeling because at heart I am a home bird, and I love to be surrounded by my family and spend the majority of my time in their presence. So when my mum dragged the box full of kitchen essentials through to my room to start packing away, I did have a little sob at the thought that I wasn't going to see her everyday, and we weren't going to be a part of each others lives everyday like we used to be. Then, my nan surprised me with a bathroom hamper full of cute little things for my bathroom, along with towels, bleach, shampoo & conditioner and other necessities and then I thought "wow, I really am growing up."

So Saturday 20th September came around very very quickly and me, my mum, my nan and my brother all hopped into the jam packed car full of all of my belongings and set off to move to Manchester. The whole journey I felt so ill, because I had thoughts about the people I was going to be living with for the next year, if they were going to like me and what they were generally like as people. Mum kept on crying and my brother kept asking the most random questions but eventually we arrived at my halls and it was time to unpack. 

When I went to the reception area to pick up my keys, my aunty jokingly said to me "I would laugh if you were on the top floor with all of them stairs", and I just brushed off her little comment. Later did I find out I was on the top floor and the stairs were an absolute nightmare to keep on walking up and down to drag all of my stuff into the flat. That day I noticed how unfit I really am! But alas, I got everything set up, tried to work the internet, nearly broke the wardrobe door and then had to say goodbye to everyone. I knew I would have to do this at some point, but I just kept on brushing this off and when it came to face it I 100% was not prepared. My mum and nan were sobbing and my brother looked lost. I have never seen them look like that before, and top tip for you here guys- just hug it all out. I found that hugs bring everything to the surface and tears explode, and that weight that was sitting on your shoulders comes off and you know everything is going to be OK. When they eventually peeled themselves away from me, I didn't know what to do with myself. I sat in my bedroom with the door open eating cashew nuts, and then this little head popped around the door and said 'hi!'. This is Ali and she is the first person I met when I came to uni. We got out the vodka, and then the rest of the night was completely entertaining.

So there is my first little uni post, and there definitely will be more to follow!

Have any of you gone to uni this September? How are you finding it? 

Where Have You Been? | Meeting Special People & Get Togethers

These past couple of months have been some of the most hectic and emotional months of my life- purely because I am settling down into university and trying to come to terms with the fact I am away from family, friends and home.

I thought it would be best if I took a little break from blogging, to try and pull myself together and focus on getting into a pattern of doing the hefty work load and attending lectures/seminars. Although this is what I have been focusing on, I have also been having the time of my life, and I have met so many incredible people and taken part in the best opportunities.

Last night the whole of the block who I live with attended a meal at a Caribbean restaurant for Amie's birthday (girl at the front). It was an incredible night, and it was so lovely for us all to get together and celebrate a special occasion. Even though someone found a bone in their 'boneless chicken wrap' we all made light of the situation. The food was gorgeous and I would definitely go back there.

A few weeks ago it was my friend Gina's birthday and we went out for drinks to celebrate. We all had a really lovely night again- spending it together as a block. The venue wasn't to standard, but we moved on and had a good night somewhere else. People got a bit emotional throughout the night, but we still had fun and made it a night to remember.

When halloween came around, many people had gone home so there was only a few of us left. So what better than to go out? I dressed up as a mermaid (well tried to), and I created a candy skull on my friends face. All i'm going to say is not a lot of that night can be remembered, but doesn't that prove we had a good night?

Sunday night was Carnage night. Carnage is where you go on a bar crawl and get into all of the bars for free if you have a Carnage t-shirt. Again, it proved to be a messy night, but we had fun and made sure Amie's birthday started with a bang. 

Last week was one of the best weeks of my entire life. I attended a couple of things which made me s happy and content with life- I couldn't not share them! 

Firstly I went to see Miranda Sings/ Coleen Ballinger live!! She was incredible and made me laugh none stop. The whole crowd was in awe of her, and I would definitely go and see her again. No doubt.

Secondly... I WENT TO ALFIE DEYES' BOOK SIGNING AND MET HIM AND NATALIE. Words cannot describe how excited and giddy I was that day, and how lovely he is in reality. Some people think that he is only nice behind the camera, but truth is he is genuinely the sweetest person ever. He took time to ask how everyone was doing, gave out compliments and wished everyone a good day. He also allowed photo's to be taken with him, and apologised for the security that kept on rushing us to move on. 

So there are some highlights of my uni experience so far. I am loving every second of it. 

What have you guys been doing over the past couple weeks?

Autumn Tag 2014

Image taken from 'Makeup-Pixi3'

Autumn is upon us, and I can genuinely say that I am so so so excited for this new season. I love autumn and winter purely because of the spicy candle scents, new hot drinks, dark makeup and wrapping up all warm. Oh! And the fact christmas us also upon us.

1. Ok we're talking coffee's- what's your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks/Costa/Cafe Nero etc?

I only ever seem to drink coffee in the autumn/winter months. I don't know whether this is because I enjoy waiting for the new hot drinks to come out in my local Costa, or whether I just enjoy the warm feeling that they give me. 2 of my favourite seasonal drinks are both from Costa and these are the White Hot Chocolate and the Gingerbread Latte. Both as equally scrumptious, both as sickly, but both as more-ish as one another.

2. Accessories- what do you opt for? Scarf, boots, gloves?

All 3 accessories. I always grab my scarf and gloves and put on a pair of boots if I am going for an autumn walk. This way I feel so snug and put together for the chilly season. 

3. Music- what's your favourite music to listen to during autumn?

I can't really say that I change my music preferences depending on the season if I am honest. I do like to go for a more subtle type of music, like chill out music if I am trying to get things done. I am especially liking Lilly Ahlberg (check her out on YouTube) at the moment, so I think she will be the perfect pick for this autumn. 

4. Perfume- what's your favourite scent for this time of year?

I like musky perfume full of spice and depth. This is because it reminds me of the spicy candle scents you get in supermarkets or home ware shops, and I just think it is a staple scent for this type of year.

5. Candles- what scents will you be burning this autumn?

Anything autumn related will be having a flame taken to it's wick this autumn. I want my room/flat to be full of spicy scents and all of that autumn goodness. 

6. What do you love most about autumn?

It may sound strange, and I promise I do love the sun when it decides to make an appearance in the UK, but I love the dark nights and the slight chill autumn gives. I also love the tree's changing colour and long autumnal walks with family and friends. 

7. Favourite makeup look?

The makeup I wear during autumn is also one I wear quite often on a day-to-day basis. I love to wear a dark eye with a dark lip on pale skin. The products that I have been loving and will be carrying through to autumn are MAC lipsticks in Rebel and Heroine, Revlon Colourstay Foundation in Buff and MAC eyeshadows in Shadow Lady and Satin Taupe. They look beautiful on and are perfect for the autumn season.

8. What are you looking forward to most this autumn?

- Going to university and beginning my first year.

- Meeting all of the new people in my flat.

- Becoming independent.

- Bonfire night (I loveeeee fireworks!)

So there is my autumn tag! I tag anybody to complete this, but If you use the picture Makeup-Pixi3 put together then please reference her!

What do you love about autumn?

University: It Is All Starting To Get Too Real

So when I picked up my A-Level results on 14th August, I never thought time would go as quick as it has done. I thought that time would slow down as moving to university approached, and the apprehension I had/have would go away. But when thinking about moving to university in around 3 weeks, I still have that same apprehension and I do not feel prepared about going. I even thought about differing and taking a year out, but then I realised that knowing me I would never end up going to university and it would have been one big waste of my hard work that I have put in. 

During worrying about moving to university and whether or not I would enjoy my time there, I began to gather some pieces for the flat I will be living in, and for my new room. I don't think that I have got enough things for university, but there have been people that I have been speaking to and they haven't bought anything at all! I have done a lot of research of the different things that I should be buying, but this confused me a lot so I put lists together myself and with the help of my family I have managed to acquire a few different bits.

Kitchen

My mum decided to take on the roll of buying me things for the kitchen at university. Even though there will be appliances etc. in my hall, my mum wanted to make sure that I didn't starve so thought it would be a good idea to purchase some foods which would last for a few months. She knows I am a lover of mayonnaise and pasta so she made sure to buy those for me, and she also bought me tea towels, sugar, tea bags and scissors (I added the shot glasses ha!). There are still some things that I need to buy such as spatulas and things, but I can get them cheap at ASDA. I think my flat has crockery etc. so I will need to make sure before I buy something that I don't end up needing.

Of course I will do my own food shopping whilst I am there, and I won't be relying on my mum or anything to help me do so. I am beginning to learn to have independence on these types of things, but the one thing I need to learn is how to cook! I can cook the simplest of meals but there is a barrier between me and the more complex of meals, so this is something I will be asking my mum for help on! 

Stationary

Oh good old stationary. I feel as though I have been buying stationary for the past 14 years of life none-stop, and I probably will be buying even more of it over the next 4 years! So far I have bought a notebook and a pack of pens. I know that I will need a lot more stationary but I just don't know what to buy! I am definitely a writer and I love to take down as many notes that I can, but I just can't think of what to gather and take with me to university. I also ended up buying a Filofax. Some people may see this as something 'old people' buy to organise their extremely busy lives, but I looked at the content of them and they look so so useful. Inside you can swap and change where everything is, buy new things to put inside, there is a timetable section, an academic diary section alongside a standard 2014 diary, to-do lists and a lot more! I highly recommend one of these if you are venturing to university, because they will be so handy when you rock up to your lectures and have to take down important dates.

Many people I have spoken to are like "well can't you just buy it down there?", and that is a true point but I don't want to put that burden on myself when I will have books etc. to buy. I would rather buy the necessities up here at home, so that I am prepared for the 'Big Move' and breaking away from home. 

Decorations Etc.

This is something I am seriously lacking on. I have bought a vintage style cereal tin and 3 other tins which match together. I have no idea what I am going to use these for- probably not for their purposes but to store random objects and keep my room looking less untidy. I bought them because they looked pretty, and not because I had an idea of what I could use them for. As for the cereal tin, it is unlikely that I will be eating cereal at university so that probably won't have cereal stored in it, but something else like tampons or something shoved in the corner of my room or in the bottom of a draw haha. I want to get some fairy lights because they are cute and who doesn't enjoy fairy lights at night?! 

Bathroom

I have left my nan in charge of this job. Actually she chose to take on this roll, but I think this is down to her love for cleaning and organisation. She loves to buy things for personal hygiene, and cleaning supplies so I gave her the pleasure of stocking up on those for me. I know so far she has bought bleach, toothbrushes, toothpaste, flash, and towels, but I don't know if she has added anything else to the collection as of yet. I know it is only university and I am in halls for a year, but I want to make my bathroom look pretty also. I want to buy bright colourful things to store in there to make it look snazzy and less boring and white.

University Facebook Pages
When I found that my offer at Manchester Metropolitan University had turned to unconditional, I realised that a lot of freshers pages and MMU pages had sent me friends requests. Once I had, had a little nosey at the page I saw that there were little individual ones for the different halls of residents. Having these pages over summer has made life so much easier. I joined the Victoria Hall page and started speaking to a lot of other people who will be in that accommodation too. They all seem so lovely and genuine that it has put my nerves aside for meeting the people at university. Even though I do not know who is in my flat, many members of the group have been so talkative so it doesn't worry me too much (touch wood!).

I also managed to land myself a job at university through Facebook pages, as a club representative and promoter. This excites me because it is completely out of my comfort zone and the job that I do at home. It doesn't stop me from being excited though!

So there we have it! Less than 3 weeks to go is getting even more scarier by the day. Are you going to university? What have you bought so far?