I've been eagerly awaiting Snow White and the Huntsman ever since I heard it was coming out. I love fairy stories and legends, and I love them all the more if there is a dark aspect to them, so from the trailers, this ticked all the boxes, although I did have some reservations about the lead role.
I'm pleased to say, it didn't disappoint. There were a few aspects of the film that I really liked, but one in particular was that Snow White wasn't some girly floaty push over, she was a kick-ass knight in shining armour leading her army against the evil queen, and frankly, that to me is far more interesting than the old 'whistle while you work' girly of the Disney cartoon. There were certainly aspects of the film that were reminiscent of various other films, including Excalibur, Legend and Lord of the Rings, but those influences for me at least just added to how good the film was, and the whole legendy feel of the film. There was of course some CGI, but it wasn't over used, and so it wasn't too distracting. My one criticism of the film is how long it was, over 2 hours and my bum was numb. That said, I would still buy this on DVD when it comes out.
I am surprised I managed to enjoy this film so much given a young couple behind me spoke from beginning to end... loudly... I always get annoyed by other people in the cinema, maybe I should do a post on cinema etiquette!
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
Vintage Fairs, House Parties and Flea Markets
Folks, I'll apologise in advance for any spelling mistakes and random ramblings. I've spent the last 2 hours in the garden drinking wine. I wanted to let you all know about my fabulous weekend though.
Saturday there was a vintage fair in Coventry. We weren't able to get a stall, but even so we still popped along, left some flyers on the front desk, and perused the offerings. It was a nice hour out, and I managed to bag this gorgeous yellow 1960s dress while I was there. I never wear yellow usually because it looks horrible on me. I did try this on, and it looked nice in the mirror but the jury will be out until I see photographs of myself in it.
Saturday evening we were invited to a Eurovision housewarming party at Lauren's. I thought I'd pop this new frock on that hubby bought for me a few weeks back, purely because the weather is divine here and knowing British weather, it may be the only chance I get to wear it this year.
The party was lovely. There was lovely BBQ food, and c'est cidre and lovely people and Eurovision. What more could you want from a house party? We had a lovey time.
Sunday morning we were up really early and driving over to Malvern Flea Market. We'd never been before, but when we were at the antique fair last weekend someone told us about it, and we decided we had to go. The drive down through rural Worcestershire in the sunshine was divine, and as we pulled up on the makeshift car park I was in awe of the beautiful Malvern hills towering over us. The Flea market was huge, and as we were looking for different things hubby and I decided to divide and conquer.
I was so pleased with the things I came back with. Not one, not two, but four vintage watches at only £1 each. 3 of them work, but the gold one which reminds me of a watch my mum recieved for her 21st birthday (and which doesn't fit me) doesn't work, so I'm going to take it to my local watch repairer and see what he can do with it. A gorgeous gold and Amethyst ring, a vintage weekend bag which now holds all my evening bags, Royal Doulton crystal glasses, original vintage sunglasses, an ice tongs and a vintage oak and leather carver chair (my throne) and of course a new compact which can be seen in more detail here, along with a couple of other recent compact acquisitions I haven't yet shared.
Hubby bought a shirt too, a small lamp to match the one he got last weekend and a combi-compact for my Mum's collection too. It was a fabulous day out, but we were so hot from walking around all day that we couldn't wait to stop off in one of the country pubs on the way home, and when we did get home we were thoroughly exhausted. Despite that, we can't wait for the next one.
Saturday there was a vintage fair in Coventry. We weren't able to get a stall, but even so we still popped along, left some flyers on the front desk, and perused the offerings. It was a nice hour out, and I managed to bag this gorgeous yellow 1960s dress while I was there. I never wear yellow usually because it looks horrible on me. I did try this on, and it looked nice in the mirror but the jury will be out until I see photographs of myself in it.
Saturday evening we were invited to a Eurovision housewarming party at Lauren's. I thought I'd pop this new frock on that hubby bought for me a few weeks back, purely because the weather is divine here and knowing British weather, it may be the only chance I get to wear it this year.
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| Shoes - Long Tall Sally, Dress - Gift; Bag - Vintage Sunglasses - Givenchy |
Sunday morning we were up really early and driving over to Malvern Flea Market. We'd never been before, but when we were at the antique fair last weekend someone told us about it, and we decided we had to go. The drive down through rural Worcestershire in the sunshine was divine, and as we pulled up on the makeshift car park I was in awe of the beautiful Malvern hills towering over us. The Flea market was huge, and as we were looking for different things hubby and I decided to divide and conquer.
I was so pleased with the things I came back with. Not one, not two, but four vintage watches at only £1 each. 3 of them work, but the gold one which reminds me of a watch my mum recieved for her 21st birthday (and which doesn't fit me) doesn't work, so I'm going to take it to my local watch repairer and see what he can do with it. A gorgeous gold and Amethyst ring, a vintage weekend bag which now holds all my evening bags, Royal Doulton crystal glasses, original vintage sunglasses, an ice tongs and a vintage oak and leather carver chair (my throne) and of course a new compact which can be seen in more detail here, along with a couple of other recent compact acquisitions I haven't yet shared.
Hubby bought a shirt too, a small lamp to match the one he got last weekend and a combi-compact for my Mum's collection too. It was a fabulous day out, but we were so hot from walking around all day that we couldn't wait to stop off in one of the country pubs on the way home, and when we did get home we were thoroughly exhausted. Despite that, we can't wait for the next one.
Friday, 25 May 2012
Frock on Friday
The sun is shining, what reason could there possibly be not to wear a dress? Have a great weekend everyone.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Bailey's Day Out
It's been such a glorious day today, and I didn't want to miss it, so I threw on a vintage Dirndl dress that hubby bought me for our wedding anniversary this year, and took Bailey for a day out in Bourton-on-the-water in the nearby Cotswolds.
I won't bore you with prose because I've been there many a time before, but thought I'd share some photos from the day. What have you all been getting up to?
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
A Rant About High Street Shoes
It's not really that often that I'll get on my soapbox here on the blog, but after a wander around the high street shops yesterday looking at shoes, I really feel compelled to have this little rant.
As I stood in the shops yesterday perusing the shelves of shoes I was transported straight back to my angsty teenage years when, emerging from being a tomboy who happily lived in her kickers, I took my size 8 flippers and my poor mother around every single shop in town bemoaning the complete lack of anything remotely pretty or fashionable to fit my hideously enourmous feet, which naturally at that age were the bane of my life. Now, 12 years on, I realise that for a 6ft girl my feet aren't so huge and more high street shops stock larger sizes, even up to size 10 nowadays. No, it's not the size of my feet that makes me feel the odd one out in todays high street shops, but more the size of me.
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't have any hang ups about my height. I never have. I stand tall and proud and appreciate the definite benefits of being 6ft tall. I can always reach the top shelf in supermarkets, people never lose me in a crowd and I can change a lightbulb without having to resort to a chair to stand on. I am also very fond of a heel on a shoe. I have no problem with standing at 6'2" or 6'3", but there comes a limit. I really do not want to be towering at a further 4 to 5 inches over my natural height. I don't want to have to stoop so that I don't walk into doors when I go in places, I don't want to have to stoop right down to be included in a conversation, and with my wholly eccentric manner of dressing, I don't particularly want to be likened to Ru Paul as I totter down the street in a huge pair of heels. Why then is there such a dirth of what I would consider 'normal' heels on the high street, in particular at the inexpensive (Primark, New Look, Deichmann) end of the market?
It seems that I currently have two options in footwear, this:
Or this:
I want neither. I want a normal high heel, or a normal wedge heel, and I'm sure there's a place for them too isn't there? I'm sure that I'm not the only one who tries on a beautiful shoe on the high street and just wishes it didn't have the platform, who drools over an affordable retro looking shoe but knows she could never wear anything so high without looking completely ridiculous.
So, this is a shout out to shoe manufacturers and retailers. Yes, there's a place for the ballet flat, and a place for the platform shoe with the skyscraper heel, but please don't forget us tall girls. We want to look elegant too in a lovely high heeled shoe, but we need NO platform and a little less skyscraper please... oh, and if you could make the shoes look retro too then that would be a definite bonus. Thanks!
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| from http://www.fussfreeliving.com/ |
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't have any hang ups about my height. I never have. I stand tall and proud and appreciate the definite benefits of being 6ft tall. I can always reach the top shelf in supermarkets, people never lose me in a crowd and I can change a lightbulb without having to resort to a chair to stand on. I am also very fond of a heel on a shoe. I have no problem with standing at 6'2" or 6'3", but there comes a limit. I really do not want to be towering at a further 4 to 5 inches over my natural height. I don't want to have to stoop so that I don't walk into doors when I go in places, I don't want to have to stoop right down to be included in a conversation, and with my wholly eccentric manner of dressing, I don't particularly want to be likened to Ru Paul as I totter down the street in a huge pair of heels. Why then is there such a dirth of what I would consider 'normal' heels on the high street, in particular at the inexpensive (Primark, New Look, Deichmann) end of the market?
It seems that I currently have two options in footwear, this:
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| from http://www.niccishoes.com/ |
 |
| from http://www.riverisland.com/ |
I want neither. I want a normal high heel, or a normal wedge heel, and I'm sure there's a place for them too isn't there? I'm sure that I'm not the only one who tries on a beautiful shoe on the high street and just wishes it didn't have the platform, who drools over an affordable retro looking shoe but knows she could never wear anything so high without looking completely ridiculous.
So, this is a shout out to shoe manufacturers and retailers. Yes, there's a place for the ballet flat, and a place for the platform shoe with the skyscraper heel, but please don't forget us tall girls. We want to look elegant too in a lovely high heeled shoe, but we need NO platform and a little less skyscraper please... oh, and if you could make the shoes look retro too then that would be a definite bonus. Thanks!
Monday, 21 May 2012
Unexpected Antique Shopping
Saturday I was meant to be heading off to Cardiff with hubby to visit step daughter. Alas, when I woke up on Saturday morning I didn't feel very well at all, and certainly not up to the journey to Cardiff, so hubby set off to visit step-daughter and I stayed at home on the sofa. It wasn't nice, I like going out on daytrips, but there were some great films on TV including an Orson Welles adaptation of Macbeth, which was very dark and enjoyable. Hubby arrived home in the early evening and had bought me a little gift for my scarf collection, this lovely vibrant Cornelia James silk scarf.
Sunday, I woke up feeling a bit better and I was no sooner out of bed than my phone was beeping at me that there was an antique fair in nearby Ryton that day. With nothing better planned we decided that would be a good way to spend a few hours, and headed over. By the time we got there shortly after lunchtime it was packed. There were lots of stalls, but lots of people perusing too. It was a great fair and there was a really good mix of everything from jewellery through to homewares. I love perusing these sorts of fair, you find so many quirky and cool items.
At first I was being really good, and just bought this pretty little scarf. It's a souvenir scarf from Genova (Genoa) and has some beautiful pictures of the sights. It's very 1950s I think, and at a mere £4 I couldn't grumble.
As hubby and I circulated though we found more and more compacts. I was being really good, but then hubby spotted this. A Stratton gift set with a matching engine turned compact and lipstick holder. It is in perfect condition having never been used, it even has the original puff and I fell in love. Hubby was able to do a bit of Bargain Hunt style haggling and it was coming home with me. It was most definitely my favourite purchase of the day, and is added to my (now complete) vintage compact collection page.
Other fantastic purchases we made were these gorgeous crystal tumblers.
Something I've been wanting for a very long time, a vintage wooden clock for the fireplace.
This astoundingly beautiful bankers lamp.
I also got a new scarf clip, some green stemmed glasses and another King George coronation cup and saucer. All in all it was a pretty fabulous day out, and after all those hours spent looking at beautiful ornaments, compacts, jewellery and everything in between I got hubby to put my new spice rack up, then we just spent the evening relaxing. Sunday definitely salvaged what could have otherwise been a boring old weekend for me.
Sunday, I woke up feeling a bit better and I was no sooner out of bed than my phone was beeping at me that there was an antique fair in nearby Ryton that day. With nothing better planned we decided that would be a good way to spend a few hours, and headed over. By the time we got there shortly after lunchtime it was packed. There were lots of stalls, but lots of people perusing too. It was a great fair and there was a really good mix of everything from jewellery through to homewares. I love perusing these sorts of fair, you find so many quirky and cool items.
At first I was being really good, and just bought this pretty little scarf. It's a souvenir scarf from Genova (Genoa) and has some beautiful pictures of the sights. It's very 1950s I think, and at a mere £4 I couldn't grumble.
As hubby and I circulated though we found more and more compacts. I was being really good, but then hubby spotted this. A Stratton gift set with a matching engine turned compact and lipstick holder. It is in perfect condition having never been used, it even has the original puff and I fell in love. Hubby was able to do a bit of Bargain Hunt style haggling and it was coming home with me. It was most definitely my favourite purchase of the day, and is added to my (now complete) vintage compact collection page.
Other fantastic purchases we made were these gorgeous crystal tumblers.
Something I've been wanting for a very long time, a vintage wooden clock for the fireplace.
This astoundingly beautiful bankers lamp.
I also got a new scarf clip, some green stemmed glasses and another King George coronation cup and saucer. All in all it was a pretty fabulous day out, and after all those hours spent looking at beautiful ornaments, compacts, jewellery and everything in between I got hubby to put my new spice rack up, then we just spent the evening relaxing. Sunday definitely salvaged what could have otherwise been a boring old weekend for me.
Saturday, 19 May 2012
I Love Collectables
That's probably not a statement that I need to make, anyone who follows my blog regularly will know that I am one of life's collectors. On this occassion, however, I wanted to draw your attention to one of my new advertisers, I Love Collectables.
I Love Collectables is a website that is run by Walls, a chap who is passionate about collectables and collecting, and has been running since 2009. The whole site is a dedicated area for collectors of pretty much anything from antiques, to coins and stamps and everything in between. The best thing about the site is that it doesn't just provide a place for you to shop for collectables, but you can also list your own collectables for sale or for swap, which is a fantastic concept.
There's also a collectors forum where you can chat along with other like minded people, and who knows you may even find someone else on there who collects that wierd and whacky set of items that you thought no-one else even knew about.
The shop area of the website is fantastically affordable, and would be a great area to try to source gifts for friends and relatives, and the fact that you know you are dealing with someone who is as passionate about collectables as you are is always preferable.
So hop on over to http://www.ilovecollectables.com/ and see what treasures you can find.
I Love Collectables is a website that is run by Walls, a chap who is passionate about collectables and collecting, and has been running since 2009. The whole site is a dedicated area for collectors of pretty much anything from antiques, to coins and stamps and everything in between. The best thing about the site is that it doesn't just provide a place for you to shop for collectables, but you can also list your own collectables for sale or for swap, which is a fantastic concept.
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| Art Deco Half Doll £19.99 |
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| Lesney, 'Models of Yesteryear' tram - £15.99 |
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| Clarice Cliff Coffee Cup - £89.99 |
So hop on over to http://www.ilovecollectables.com/ and see what treasures you can find.
Friday, 18 May 2012
Review: Dark Shadows
On Wednesday evening we went to see the latest Tim Burton/ Johnny Depp offering, Dark Shadows.
I have to admit, I am a bit Tim Burton fan, but when I saw the trailers for this film I expected it to miss the mark, maybe for it to be a bit too silly and not quite dark enough. I'm pleased to say I was proved wrong and the film was fantastic.
The cast was great, of course there were the usual band of quirky actors that Burton always likes to use, Depp and Bonham-Carter, as well as Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green, but then there were some cameo appearances from the original vampire, Christopher Lee, and Alice Cooper. Once this film got rolling it was laugh out loud funny. It would have been so easy to have a vampire coming back now, but coming back into 1972 was inspired, not only did it provide for some pretty humorous bits but there was some good music and 1970s costumes too, which is always a bonus.
Throughout the film there are definite nods to the institutes that are Hammer Horrors, as well as a couple of my favourites, the Ray Harryhausen film, and the Roger Corman. Another thing I love about the Tim Burton films in general, te actors all look aneamic, and that's ok. It's a welcome relief from the tanned and beautiful people of Hollywood.
If you go to this film expecting a serious horror, you are going to be seriously disappointed. If however, you are a Burton fan who enjoys his dark brand of humour then this is most certainly the film for you.
The cast was great, of course there were the usual band of quirky actors that Burton always likes to use, Depp and Bonham-Carter, as well as Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green, but then there were some cameo appearances from the original vampire, Christopher Lee, and Alice Cooper. Once this film got rolling it was laugh out loud funny. It would have been so easy to have a vampire coming back now, but coming back into 1972 was inspired, not only did it provide for some pretty humorous bits but there was some good music and 1970s costumes too, which is always a bonus.
Throughout the film there are definite nods to the institutes that are Hammer Horrors, as well as a couple of my favourites, the Ray Harryhausen film, and the Roger Corman. Another thing I love about the Tim Burton films in general, te actors all look aneamic, and that's ok. It's a welcome relief from the tanned and beautiful people of Hollywood.
If you go to this film expecting a serious horror, you are going to be seriously disappointed. If however, you are a Burton fan who enjoys his dark brand of humour then this is most certainly the film for you.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Vintage Compact Collection: New Additions
This week I've applied to join the British Compact Collectors Society, I've got to such a stage with my compact collecting that I think I want to go to conventions and read magazines and do geeky things that serious collectors do. You might also notice that I've added a new page with my whole (well it will as soon as I get it all up there) compact collection on. When that one's finished I'll do a page with my silk scarf collection on too, although I don't think there's a geeky silk scarf collectors society for me to join.
Anyway, onto my new additions from recent weeks.
My first recent addition was this beautiful fan shaped compact for loose powder by Melissa. That's one of those brands that, although I've heard of it I don't really know that much about it, so if any of you can shed any light on the Melissa brand I'd be really grateful. Judging from the fan shape of this I reckon this is from the 1950s, and I have to say if I'm accurate in that then this is in tremendous condition. It's my current favourite and the one that I've been using most recently. It's recieved a lot of attention when I have taken it out of my handbag I must say.
Next up came this beautiful, weighty, princess shape one by Stratton. This was the first princess shape in my collection, and I find the brushed goldtone with the star in the middle very glamorous. This arrived in fantastic condition, and even had the original powder in it, albeit I had to throw that away. You should always throw the original powder out of your compact and clean it up with a soft dry cloth because the perfumes in the powders deteriorate the metal of the compact. Also, please dont ever use any powder you get in compacts, I saw one being advertised with the original powder in as 'ready to use' if that powder is about 40 years old then you are asking for all sorts of skin problems.
I seemed to have a run this month on princess shaped ones. None, then 2 come along at once... like buses. Isn't this one divine with it's white enamelled top? This one, and the one previous are what is known as 'convertible compacts' that means that you can use a solid powder in them, or fit a sifter and use a loose powder depending on you preference. I won't be using any in either at the moment as these are currently display, but I'm sure they'll end up in my rotation at some point. This one is a little less perfect as the mirror rattles a touch, but that's ok, it's still beautiful.
The last of my recent acquisitions is this beautiful enamelled green convertible compact by Stratton. Stratton is an English brand, and certainly seems to be the most popular to come by. I'd say about 90% of my collection is Stratton. This one was an absolute bargain, hidden away on the shelf of an antique centre in Evesham for a mere £5. Once again, it's in fabulous condition and could easily be fitted with a new powder and used.
So, there you have it, my recent additons to the collection. Check out my collection page if you want to see my others.
Anyway, onto my new additions from recent weeks.
My first recent addition was this beautiful fan shaped compact for loose powder by Melissa. That's one of those brands that, although I've heard of it I don't really know that much about it, so if any of you can shed any light on the Melissa brand I'd be really grateful. Judging from the fan shape of this I reckon this is from the 1950s, and I have to say if I'm accurate in that then this is in tremendous condition. It's my current favourite and the one that I've been using most recently. It's recieved a lot of attention when I have taken it out of my handbag I must say.
Next up came this beautiful, weighty, princess shape one by Stratton. This was the first princess shape in my collection, and I find the brushed goldtone with the star in the middle very glamorous. This arrived in fantastic condition, and even had the original powder in it, albeit I had to throw that away. You should always throw the original powder out of your compact and clean it up with a soft dry cloth because the perfumes in the powders deteriorate the metal of the compact. Also, please dont ever use any powder you get in compacts, I saw one being advertised with the original powder in as 'ready to use' if that powder is about 40 years old then you are asking for all sorts of skin problems.
I seemed to have a run this month on princess shaped ones. None, then 2 come along at once... like buses. Isn't this one divine with it's white enamelled top? This one, and the one previous are what is known as 'convertible compacts' that means that you can use a solid powder in them, or fit a sifter and use a loose powder depending on you preference. I won't be using any in either at the moment as these are currently display, but I'm sure they'll end up in my rotation at some point. This one is a little less perfect as the mirror rattles a touch, but that's ok, it's still beautiful.
The last of my recent acquisitions is this beautiful enamelled green convertible compact by Stratton. Stratton is an English brand, and certainly seems to be the most popular to come by. I'd say about 90% of my collection is Stratton. This one was an absolute bargain, hidden away on the shelf of an antique centre in Evesham for a mere £5. Once again, it's in fabulous condition and could easily be fitted with a new powder and used.
So, there you have it, my recent additons to the collection. Check out my collection page if you want to see my others.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Cocktail: Grumpy Old Man
I'm not much of a one for Bourbon, but it's hubby's drink of choice and I'm pretty sure a few of you guys will like it too. We were experimenting with cocktail recipes at the weekend, and this is one we mixed up, which was actually pretty tasty, especially if you're a fan of Bourbon.
Into an old-fashioned (whisky) glass filled with ice, add:
2 fl oz Bourbon of your choice,
1 fl oz of freshly squeezed lime juice
Top up with ginger ale (alcholic or non-alcoholic, it depends on the kick you want your cocktail to have)
stir and enjoy.
Into an old-fashioned (whisky) glass filled with ice, add:
2 fl oz Bourbon of your choice,
1 fl oz of freshly squeezed lime juice
Top up with ginger ale (alcholic or non-alcoholic, it depends on the kick you want your cocktail to have)
stir and enjoy.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Product Review: Lancome La Base
If you'd have said the word 'primer' to me a few weeks back, I'd have gone to the shed and fetched a pot of undercoat I've been using on the woodwork. Just before heading off to Dublin though, I was reading a makeup tutorial on Yesterday Girl's blog and she mentioned using a primer first. I was puzzled. You mean there's another step between moisturiser and foundation?
Anyway, with some time to kill at Dublin airport, I went for a wander in the makeup shop. I like Lancome anyway, I have painfully sensitive eyes and their mascara is one of only 2 brands (the other being Maybelline) that agrees with me. So, I had a peruse at the Lancome counter and found their primer, La Base. Still unsure of what it's purpose is, I asked the assistant who informed that it holds onto your makeup so that your whole made up face lasts much longer. Now, I have very oily skin, so ordinarily I put my makeup on and within an hour it's slid southwards, so a makeup magnet seemed a pretty attractive prospect. Despite the hefty 22.50 EURO, I bought it.
There's not really much to say about the packaging, it's typical Lancome minimalism, but when I used this product for the first time last week, I realised it was actually worth every penny. Firstly, a very little bit of the clear odourless gel goes a very long way. I was able to do my entire face and eyelids with only 2 small squirts. It glides on lovely and leaves your face feeling really soft like silk, and so smooth and ready to apply your makeup.
The day I wore it I applied my makeup at 12pm, lunchtime ready to go out. During the day I was out in rain, hopping in and out of supermarkets and suchlike and generally running all of my very unglamorous errands. When I went to remove my makeup at 8pm, everything aside from my lipstick was perfect and as fresh looking as if I had just applied it. This is totally unheard of for me, particuarly given that I hadn't done any touch ups throughout the day.
As expected with Lancome I had no irritation either. I hope that this bottle lasts as long as I expect it to, and I do actually think that the reduced need to touch up my makeup will reduce the amount of other makeup I use too.
At £27.00 from Amazon, it isn't the most affordable item in my makeup bag, but it's most certainly worth owning.
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| from http://www.amazon.com/ |
Anyway, with some time to kill at Dublin airport, I went for a wander in the makeup shop. I like Lancome anyway, I have painfully sensitive eyes and their mascara is one of only 2 brands (the other being Maybelline) that agrees with me. So, I had a peruse at the Lancome counter and found their primer, La Base. Still unsure of what it's purpose is, I asked the assistant who informed that it holds onto your makeup so that your whole made up face lasts much longer. Now, I have very oily skin, so ordinarily I put my makeup on and within an hour it's slid southwards, so a makeup magnet seemed a pretty attractive prospect. Despite the hefty 22.50 EURO, I bought it.
There's not really much to say about the packaging, it's typical Lancome minimalism, but when I used this product for the first time last week, I realised it was actually worth every penny. Firstly, a very little bit of the clear odourless gel goes a very long way. I was able to do my entire face and eyelids with only 2 small squirts. It glides on lovely and leaves your face feeling really soft like silk, and so smooth and ready to apply your makeup.
The day I wore it I applied my makeup at 12pm, lunchtime ready to go out. During the day I was out in rain, hopping in and out of supermarkets and suchlike and generally running all of my very unglamorous errands. When I went to remove my makeup at 8pm, everything aside from my lipstick was perfect and as fresh looking as if I had just applied it. This is totally unheard of for me, particuarly given that I hadn't done any touch ups throughout the day.
As expected with Lancome I had no irritation either. I hope that this bottle lasts as long as I expect it to, and I do actually think that the reduced need to touch up my makeup will reduce the amount of other makeup I use too.
At £27.00 from Amazon, it isn't the most affordable item in my makeup bag, but it's most certainly worth owning.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Evesham - The Return
So, a couple of weeks back I paid a visit to nearby Evesham, and I was so busy singing its praises that hubby wanted a visit too. Saturday, the sun was shining at long last, and so we made a trip over.
We arrived in the early afternoon and headed straight for a charity shop, where I bagged a load of knitting patterns, a red pencil skirt, a little white sweater and a gorgeous 1940s style tweed jacket.
As we left that charity shop I noticed something I hadn't seen on the last visit. Tucked away up a little shopping arcade there was a fabulous vintage shop called Ice Cream Soda. It was attached to a vintage Ice Cream Soda bar and was totally fab, it had a great range and was selling Vivien of Holloway too. There were some great dresses and even mens suits too, so hubby was happy. The girls in there complimented me on my 1950s look, which was nice, and then I stumbled upon the holy grail of vintage, a size 16 1940s deadstock dress in pristine condition. I tried it, it fit perfectly, it was coming home with me.
We perused more and more charity shops, and even found nik nak shops we hadn't found the last time. I bought some more glasses for the china cabinet and a lovely new compact for my collection, along with some knitting needles as I'm hoping to learn how to knit soon.
After a meander to the swollen river, it was time to head home. I think Evesham is one of those places where you find a little more on each visit. I can't wait to see what we find next time.
We arrived in the early afternoon and headed straight for a charity shop, where I bagged a load of knitting patterns, a red pencil skirt, a little white sweater and a gorgeous 1940s style tweed jacket.
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| 1940s dress; red pencil skirt; vintage stratton compact; white sweater; 1940s style jacket |
As we left that charity shop I noticed something I hadn't seen on the last visit. Tucked away up a little shopping arcade there was a fabulous vintage shop called Ice Cream Soda. It was attached to a vintage Ice Cream Soda bar and was totally fab, it had a great range and was selling Vivien of Holloway too. There were some great dresses and even mens suits too, so hubby was happy. The girls in there complimented me on my 1950s look, which was nice, and then I stumbled upon the holy grail of vintage, a size 16 1940s deadstock dress in pristine condition. I tried it, it fit perfectly, it was coming home with me.
We perused more and more charity shops, and even found nik nak shops we hadn't found the last time. I bought some more glasses for the china cabinet and a lovely new compact for my collection, along with some knitting needles as I'm hoping to learn how to knit soon.
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| By the River Dress - Fever (with crinoline under it); bag - Cath Kidston; Cardigan - Vintage; Scarf - Vintage Jacqmar |
After a meander to the swollen river, it was time to head home. I think Evesham is one of those places where you find a little more on each visit. I can't wait to see what we find next time.
Friday, 11 May 2012
Frock on Friday
Remember a few weeks back I went to Evesham? Well this lovely 1940s style tea dress is one that I picked up in the charity shop there. Combined with my T-bar heels, and the little cardigan which I'm not wearing in this photo, it has a real 1940s vibe. The perfect frock on Friday.
The weekend is now in sight, so I hope you have fun whatever you're doing.
(P.s. If your wondering why I'm laughing like a drain in the photo, hubby had just knocked a box of paperclips all over the floor... It was funnier than it sounds)
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Vintage Cocktails: The Martini
Today, our Liberty cocktail shaker arrived, so we wanted to try it out straight away. We opted for the classic Martini.
Originating in New York in around 1915, there's a constant debate over the proportions that should be used for a Martini, not to mention whether it should be shaken or stirred, but here's the recipe I used. Enjoy!
1 serving:
- Chill a martini glass.
- Into your shaker pour, 3fl oz gin and 1 fl oz dry vermouth.
- shake well and pour into your chilled glass.
- Add an olive or a lemon twist and enjoy.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Weekend in Dublin
Hello folks. I'm back! Our weekend in Dublin was fast paced, and I can't believe how much we fit in. So much that I didn't even get time to photograph bits of it, and certainly didn't manage any outfit shots. Nonetheless, make yourself a cuppa while I tell you all because this is going to be a long blog post.
We flew out to Dublin on Friday morning. We were dropped at Birmingham airport bright and early, and had loads of compliments on our 'retro' look at the airport (no I didn't get an outfit shot). We shopped around at the airport shops (I was very good) and before we knew it, it was time to board our the plane for our short journey to Dublin airport.
At the airport hubby's cousin, Mr. S, was waiting for us. Unfortunately however our flight had dropped us off at the wrong terminal, and so he was waiting at another terminal, but soon enough we were all united and heading off towards the house. Obviously hubby had met them all before, but I hadn't and everyone was so friendly we were immediately made to feel at home by everyone, even Rex the dog. (I'm so gutted that it was such a whirlwind weekend that I didn't get a photo of the whole family, but hopefully we'll go back to Dublin again and get one)
After a tasty snack, and some time spent rattling with everyone we headed off for a peruse of a local shopping centre, picked up some DVDs and then head out to a lovely pub for a beautiful feed of bacon and cabbage, before heading off to visit hubby's aunt and uncle. We had a blast, that night I was so tired from all the travelling and meeting new people that I struggled to keep up, and was glad when my head hit the pillow of our bed for the weekend.
Saturday morning we were up bright and early and getting ready to head into central Dublin for a day shopping and sightseeing. I had a disastrous morning that morning, and on the first wear of my cream coloured original 1960s dress I dropped my mascara wand splogging black mascara down the front of it. Thankfully some frantic dabbing with hot water and a sponge and it came out not leaving a trace, the day was saved and off we went into Dublin. First stop was for a snack, where I managed to drop tomato ketchup down the front of my dress... queue some frantic scrubbing with hot water and tissue and it was gone... again. Then we set off towards the famous GPO building.
Not only is the building famous in Irish history, but the architecture of it, and indeed of the whole of O'Connell street is breathtaking. I was constantly in awe of the imposing buildings and the statues and generally the whole large scale feel of that street.
We popped into Trinity College, which was high up on my list of places to see, and again I was in awe of the stunning architecture. It was really quiet in there and you, surprisingly, couldn't hear all the hustle and bustle of the big city outside.
We pressed onwards though as we were heading off in search of some vintage shops around Georges arcade. The vintage shop in there wasn't great, but there was another shop in there called 'Retro' that stocked all the brands like Stop Staring and other rockabilly brands. To a soundtrack of Imelda May I tried on a couple of beautiful dresses, finally settling on one red sailor dress. We talked for ages in that shop and the girls in there were in love with my red camera bag, in the end they even wrote down the brand name with the intention of stocking them. That was pretty good. Then it was onto (expensive) Harlequin and (expensive) Powerscourt Townhouse. Seriously, vintage dresses for 400 Euro and compacts for 70 Euro, that is expensive.
From here Mr. and Mrs. S took us off towards Temple Bar to see more of the touristy bits and seek out more vintage shops. I did manage to snaffle a new faux fur stole and a vintage Eastex dress in a charity shop on route, which I was really pleased with, and got to see the bustling Temple Bar area, and the Ha'penny bridge.
Then, it was time to head back towards the car park. We passed the GPO again, and laden with purchases that we knew we couldn't get on the plan with we stopped off and parcelled it all up to post back home. The GPO was full of tourists doing this, so it obviously makes sense and we'd definitely do it again sooner than pay for a baggage allowance. (It does, however, mean that I can't show you my purchases yet).
After a potter around town, we caught up with the rest of the family, and then headed back home via the green expanse called Pheonix park. That was pretty impressive, and we even got to see some deer, which were surprisingly tame and you could get quite close.
Then it was off to the takeaway for a mahoosive curry and rice. After that we all settled around the TV to watch Adam and Paul and Into the West.... which was really nice.
Sunday morning, after having indulged a bit too much the night before, I was feeling a bit delicate. After some TLC in the shape of strong coffee and some antacids I was ready to go. We were heading off to Kildare, and first stop was the shopping outlet village. It's the sister village to Bicester, and it was great. Mrs. S got some beautiful shoes from Karen Millen. I uhmmed and ahhed about dresses and different things, but in the end came away with a new weekend bag from one of my favourite places, Cath Kidston. The bargains were so good at Cath Kidston actually that I regret not buying more things, but I was really pleased with my new weekend bag, which I was going to use to get my belongings home.
After the shopping village, we set off to see if we could find the Kildare town where my grandparents originated from, but after a while spent searching and with hungry bellies we abandoned the mission. We did get to see Naas and the Curragh though, I was struck with how flat Kildare was... but that's good for horse racing I guess. After Kildare we set off to Meath to visit hubby's other cousin, stopping on route at a pub for a beautiful, huge meal followed by a beautiful baby Guiness. It was lovely driving out in the country, and seeing the Ireland I imagined, green and rural and spotted with beautiful little cottages, as well as some pretty imposing large houses too. It was a lovely visit though as once again we were warmly welcomed by hubby's family.
In the early evening we set off back to Dublin where it was time to pack (my new Cath Kidston bag) ready for the flight home the next morning, and then settle down in front of a DVD with some munchies and drinks.
Monday morning we woke up to a sizzling full Irish breakfast complete with white pudding, and then said our goodbyes to everyone. It was so nice to meet and spend time with some more of hubby's family, and we'd both had such a tremendous time with them all. I can't wait for our return visit to see them all again.
We flew out to Dublin on Friday morning. We were dropped at Birmingham airport bright and early, and had loads of compliments on our 'retro' look at the airport (no I didn't get an outfit shot). We shopped around at the airport shops (I was very good) and before we knew it, it was time to board our the plane for our short journey to Dublin airport.
 |
| Hubby enjoying a coffee at the airport |
After a tasty snack, and some time spent rattling with everyone we headed off for a peruse of a local shopping centre, picked up some DVDs and then head out to a lovely pub for a beautiful feed of bacon and cabbage, before heading off to visit hubby's aunt and uncle. We had a blast, that night I was so tired from all the travelling and meeting new people that I struggled to keep up, and was glad when my head hit the pillow of our bed for the weekend.
Saturday morning we were up bright and early and getting ready to head into central Dublin for a day shopping and sightseeing. I had a disastrous morning that morning, and on the first wear of my cream coloured original 1960s dress I dropped my mascara wand splogging black mascara down the front of it. Thankfully some frantic dabbing with hot water and a sponge and it came out not leaving a trace, the day was saved and off we went into Dublin. First stop was for a snack, where I managed to drop tomato ketchup down the front of my dress... queue some frantic scrubbing with hot water and tissue and it was gone... again. Then we set off towards the famous GPO building.
 |
| Me and Hubby at the GPO |
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| Me and hubby with Mr and Mrs S inside the GPO. |
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| The O'Connell statue |
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| Me and Hubby in the grounds of Trinity College |
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| The four of us at Temple Bar |
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| Ha'penny bridge |
After a potter around town, we caught up with the rest of the family, and then headed back home via the green expanse called Pheonix park. That was pretty impressive, and we even got to see some deer, which were surprisingly tame and you could get quite close.
Then it was off to the takeaway for a mahoosive curry and rice. After that we all settled around the TV to watch Adam and Paul and Into the West.... which was really nice.
Sunday morning, after having indulged a bit too much the night before, I was feeling a bit delicate. After some TLC in the shape of strong coffee and some antacids I was ready to go. We were heading off to Kildare, and first stop was the shopping outlet village. It's the sister village to Bicester, and it was great. Mrs. S got some beautiful shoes from Karen Millen. I uhmmed and ahhed about dresses and different things, but in the end came away with a new weekend bag from one of my favourite places, Cath Kidston. The bargains were so good at Cath Kidston actually that I regret not buying more things, but I was really pleased with my new weekend bag, which I was going to use to get my belongings home.
After the shopping village, we set off to see if we could find the Kildare town where my grandparents originated from, but after a while spent searching and with hungry bellies we abandoned the mission. We did get to see Naas and the Curragh though, I was struck with how flat Kildare was... but that's good for horse racing I guess. After Kildare we set off to Meath to visit hubby's other cousin, stopping on route at a pub for a beautiful, huge meal followed by a beautiful baby Guiness. It was lovely driving out in the country, and seeing the Ireland I imagined, green and rural and spotted with beautiful little cottages, as well as some pretty imposing large houses too. It was a lovely visit though as once again we were warmly welcomed by hubby's family.
In the early evening we set off back to Dublin where it was time to pack (my new Cath Kidston bag) ready for the flight home the next morning, and then settle down in front of a DVD with some munchies and drinks.
Monday morning we woke up to a sizzling full Irish breakfast complete with white pudding, and then said our goodbyes to everyone. It was so nice to meet and spend time with some more of hubby's family, and we'd both had such a tremendous time with them all. I can't wait for our return visit to see them all again.
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