tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10663663195285071222024-03-13T18:29:27.894-07:00Under the Willow Treesunderthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-64149671740998789912013-11-17T03:20:00.001-08:002013-11-17T03:20:32.515-08:00A Little Bit of SkirtWhen I'm not in a black dress and oversized cardi, I love wearing little patterned skirts. They add a touch of colour and interest to my otherwise witchy black wardrobe. I thought I'd photograph a few from my collection to make me remember what I do have and encourage me to switch it up a little more often.<br />
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<b>Zara sale £10</b><br />
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I absolutely love this little wraparound skirt. In fact, I really like the wraparound style in general. If you know of any interesting skirts in this style, please let me know! I love the aztecy patterns and the particular shades of blue on this skirt. Always feel a little bit more confident in it.<br />
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<b>Primark. Probably £10</b><br />
Sorry, I'm so rubbish with remembering prices! Maybe I should leave them out, but I've started now. Anyway, this inexpensive skirt is another fave. I like the way that it sits above my hips and of course is in the usual flowy style. Tartan print= thumbs up from me (and on trend etc etc).<br />
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<b>Urban Outfitters, £38.</b></div>
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<b> </b> Even though this is slightly expensive for what it is (UO in a nutshell) I was still drawn to this pretty floral skirt. This one is good for layering. I've got a story to tell about Urban Outfitters...I've gone off of the shop recently because of this, and I will share it with you because I trust you, yes. So, I was in the changing room trying on a skirt very similar to this, but with a tartan print. I had a size S and found that it didn't fit right. I asked the sales assistant for an XS and she radioed someone asking for that size. I waited for a bit and then poked my head out of the changing room to see what was going on. Sales lady came up to me and said 'sorry you've been waiting. <b><u>What size was it you wanted again, a large?</u>'</b> Instead of correcting her, I had to hold back tears and ended up squeaking 'don't worry' and ran out of the shop. Ha. Upset me though. </div>
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<b>Zara sale. </b></div>
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Really can't remember the price of this one. I love the swishiness of this skirt. It's quite a thick material but not too stiff and feels really good quality. Love wearing this with a bright red lip. </div>
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<b> </b>underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-27796455500722157082013-11-09T06:30:00.001-08:002013-11-09T06:30:05.251-08:00(Oversized) Cardigan Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cardigan Queen...that's me. I consider an outfit incomplete without a good cardi. Now, this may have something to do with my dislike of my arms and the cold weather in England, but let's ignore that for a moment. Cardigans are super. They are warm and cosy, there are so many different styles and patterns and they definitely jazz up a little black dress.<br />
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My favourite cardigans of all are those that are oversized and pretty much double as a blanket. Perfect, portable hideaway space. Here's just a few of mine (the b/f got tired of taking photos):<br />
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The first is this chunky ivory cable knit from Topshop. I purchased this from the Petite section of Topshop a fair few years ago and it's still going strong. Sometimes I find the chunkiness a bit overbearing when I'm moving around, like I just want to whip it off, but it's perfect for the chilly weather. And, I have to say, I quite like the way it looks.<br />
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Next is this Grey/White cardi from River Island, I think. I'm not usually keen on the stuff from River Island...it tends to be a bit bling for my (granny-like) taste, but sometimes it comes up with a few gems. This is substantial without being too chunky. Still nice and cosy. Being monochrome, it goes with my mostly black wardrobe but still, shockhorror, adds a bit of brightness.<br />
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These photos aren't too clear (didn't want to pester S too much!) but this one is a fairly thin green cable knit from Primark. I bought it last year, I think, so not sure if they have something similar this year. I love the dark Autumnal colouring of this one, and should wear it more often than I should.<br />
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Last but not least, what I call my grandad jumper, because it looks like something my gdad would have worn in the 90s. Purple, with black diamonds zigzagging all over it, It's a whopper of a cardi and verges on looking like I raided my dad's wardrobe, rather than simply oversized, but I do love it. I got it from Urban Outfitters a few years ago. The material is actually quite scratchy, but I still loves it. <br />
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Are you a cardigan fan? Any to recommend? underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-15414692255105734542013-11-05T22:08:00.002-08:002013-11-05T22:08:58.200-08:00The Winter CoatAlmost every winter I have a debate with myself over the (very serious) matter of winter coats. Do I continue wearing my beloved but worn number, or do I begin the long task of finding the 'perfect' winter coat? (or at least one that doesn't make me resemble the michelin man...)<br />
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This is last year's winter coat:<br />
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I got it from the petite section in Topshop for the reasonable sum of £70. It definitely served me well and I still wear it when I want to feel snug and cosy. </div>
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This year, I wanted to go for something slightly more sophisticated. Actually, it was inspired by a woman I saw in Starbucks. She was wearing a sheer shirt, so sheer that you could see her bra! I mean, seriously! Aside from that, she was wearing a sophisticated black coat which looked rather lovely. Don't know what taking fashion inspiration from a lady that feels the need to flash says about me, but whatever. It was a nice coat!</div>
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Probably because I had a coat style in mind, I found my perfect winter coat in a flash (ha!) I went into Zara and found this straight away. </div>
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This was £109. Slightly more expensive than my last, but there we go. It's not the thickest of coats, which personally I like. However, you can crank up the warmth factor with a big old snuggly scarf, like so: </div>
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Have you managed to find your 'perfect' winter coat yet? </div>
<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-85901414449035794302013-11-04T11:37:00.003-08:002013-11-04T11:37:31.466-08:00Our Little HouseWe've recently (as in, a year ago) moved into our own little place. It was a blank canvas, so how to decorate it was entirely up to us. Now, I'm pretty awful when it comes to buying furniture...I flip between wanting something modern and antique and become fairly attached to objects pretty quickly. So when we went settee shopping, I wanted the first one I sat on and enjoyed because I got used to it and felt...that it belonged with us. Like I didn't want to leave it behind. Haha, you can see how easy it would be for a salesperson to get me to buy something.<br />
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Anyway, we ended up buying an apple green settee and cuddler (big, squishy chair that spins around, very cool) which is very comfortable, but I'm not sure I like the colour now. It somehow feels a bit too...happy for winter. As you walk in it seems to scream 'helllllllo, I know you've just had a wonderful day, why don't you share your joyous news with me as you rest in my HAPPY green arms!' Not really, but it's clear I let my furniture affect my mood far too much!<br />
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We didn't have a bed for about 3 weeks, so we slept on the floor until we finally decided on one. I very nearly purchased a big old (expensive) bed from Dreams because I felt sorry for the salesperson (duh) but luckily S made the final decision there and we bought a much cheaper and still comfortable one from Ikea. Oh, we've had many a trip to Ikea...<br />
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So yes. I'm not sure whether I like everything (will I ever?) but it's our little space and I do love it. I'll stop waffling now and show you some pictures. <br />
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We try to collect paintings/posters (usually the latter, for we are not rich) from our travels to make the house a little more comforting. I think my favourite room is actually the spare room, which is where the rail and desk photographed above are kept. I retreat there to work, test out outfits and run on my treadmill (not often enough). </div>
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So there it is. Our little space. </div>
<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-53241290447162948172013-11-03T02:45:00.003-08:002013-11-03T02:45:33.587-08:00A Walk in the WoodsI do love going for a walk on a Saturday, especially when it's Autumn and the wind is slightly blowing (not too much though, those scarves are a bugger to keep in place) and the streets are a carpet of yellowy brown leaves. Today we went to one of our usual spots, Hampstead Heath. I was clearly dressed for the occasion:<br />
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Autumnul hues are my favourite. And oh, here I am wearing one of the scarves from yesterday's post. That's our plant, Esther, in the photo. First plant that we have kept alive for more than, oh say, 3 days. Pretty good for us. <br />
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Can't go to a forest without posing by a great old tree. </div>
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As well as enjoying a therapeutic pound in the woods, I love looking at the twee houses on the way. I am pretty happy with my little lot, but it would be wonderful to be able to afford one of those frankly stunning houses. I always have a nose through the windows and see the ornate frontings, floor to ceiling bookshelves, huge paintings and quirky ornaments and imagine that I live there.Sigh. Here is a photo showing me looking and probably sighing, ha. </div>
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However, I didn't covet this....thing. You are a house, not a ship! </div>
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So yes, that was our day. Oooh, we also purchased some MULLED WINE to have this evening. Oh yes. I love the sweetest, usually cheapest mulled wine in our normagiant wine glasses (seriously, those things can carry half a bottle of wine...for those 'but I only had 2 glasses' excuses). </div>
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Happy weekend. What did you get up to? </div>
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-6653487149390129762013-11-02T03:22:00.001-07:002013-11-02T03:22:34.042-07:00Scarves, scarves, scarves. I do love a scarf or two. Or threefourfive. Especially now that it's the time of year where you can mention Chrismas and all of the cosiness that it implies...eee. The snuggly socks, the hot chocolate (Earl Grey Tea) by the open fire (central heating). Ok, so it's the <i>idea</i> of winter cosiness that I like. And scarves definitely play a part in that snug as a bug feeling. Shame I'm too scared of my beloved scarves getting wet most of the time to actually wear them, as I almost always forget to bring an umbrella. But that can change...<br />
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On to the scarves, of which I own rather a few I realise. Apologies for the rubbishy lighting/set up. I left my camera at work and getting an ipad to stand up by itself is a task and a half!<br />
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<b>Scarf #1: Tartan. Zara. </b><br />
Huge scarf that can double as a picnic blanket. This thing is so soft and warm and snuggly and, if you care about those things, right on trend what with the tartan and all that.<br />
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<b>Scarf #2 Mustard. Zara. </b><br />
I'm loving this colour at the moment, which may have something to do with all the pretty leaves on the ground. Another cosy scarf that goes well with my mostly monochrome wardrobe. Slightly thinner than the tartan blanket of a scarf.<br />
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<b>Scarf #3 Pink Splashes. Topshop. </b><br />
Sorry for this terrible pic, which isn't showing the scarf too well. This is much thinner than the other two, and is something I would wear with an LBD for a more sophisticated feel. I love the look of this and how swishy I feel when I'm wearing it, but I struggle to keep these things on all day. How do you do it?! Safety pin? Brooch?<br />
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<b>Scarf #4 Sea. Primark. </b><br />
Playing around with the filter on this one. This scarf is pretty thin, another one that I'd wear to jazz up a little black dress. I should wear this one more often actually, it stays at the bottom of my scarf basket most of the time. Will add a splash of brightness in the winter months (well, with my closet it's always the winter months...)<br />
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<b>Scarf #5. Pink Ruffles. M&S. </b><br />
This was a gift from my fiance's sister (still feels weird typing fiance!) last Christmas. At first I wasn't too sure about it, what to style it with, yada yada, but actually, it's quite pretty. Will experiment with this more soon...<br />
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<b>Scarf #6 Colourful Blotches. Primark.</b><br />
Another 'spruce up your LBD' scarf.<br />
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<b>Scarf #7 Gold Patterned. Monsoon. </b><br />
So when I purchased this I had an image in my head. Long black Laura Ashley Dress. Oversized sunnies. Black court shoes. And this golden scarf for a touch of class. Worked in my head but I never got round to creating that look in reality. YET!<br />
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My cute little teddy bear hat for good measure. I see children in this. Not the look I'm going for, but comfy all the same.<br />
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Do you have baskets full of scarves? If you do, show me! I love a good nose.<br />
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-18593491061351004262013-10-31T09:24:00.001-07:002013-10-31T09:24:26.482-07:00New month, new goals...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello there. <br />
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Last month feels like such a blur. I've been so busy, which I secretly love (spare time scares me) but I have realised just how much better I feel when I take a rest and exercise and eat well. Surprise that, eh? Hmm. Towards the end of last term I felt so run down and ill, never rested, that it became the norm. There are certain things I can't change...working full time, doing a masters, tutoring and commuting for over an hour to work and an hour and a bit back each day can't be changed. But my eating and sleeping habits and general attitude can! Oh yeah, so enthusiastic there. <br />
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So this is what I aim *vow* to achieve this month:<br />
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<b>*Exercise</b><br />
Yesterday I went for my first non-forced run (ie, I didn't feel like I was about to fall asleep on the treadmill) and it felt SO good. I stepped off feeling nice and energised, like I could take on anything, which is how it should be. That was also due to listening to Hairspray songs and belting out 'Good Morning Baltimore' a hundred times. So yes. Exercise being helpful= acknowledged.<br />
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Next month's <b>exercise: </b><br />
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*I know I'm late to the bandwagon, but I want to try Jillian Michael's <b>30 day shred. </b><br />
So that, every day. <b> </b> <br />
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*Using the treadmill for at least 30 mins 3X a week.<br />
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*Swimming once every 2 weeks.<br />
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<b>*Food</b><br />
Now I'm going to be a bit wishy-washy on this one. Basically, I want to eat a diet that looks something like this:<br />
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<b>B/f: </b>Big bowl of bran cereal to fuel me for the day.<br />
<b>L: </b>on the go...so a marmite sandwich and apple (was having protein bars)<br />
<b>D: </b>I always struggle to think of ideas...but variation of tuna/broccoli or sweet potato and cottage cheese.<br />
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Possibly a few snacks too. We'll see how this goes, but I want to eat more healthily than I did this month!<br />
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<b>*Read</b><br />
I have a long commute so I get to read a fair bit. I want to start enjoying reading on the train again. At the moment I have been resorting to my course textbooks and Jacqueline Wilson books for comfort! I have a whole stack of books waiting for me, I just need to dare to delve into them.<br />
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<b>*Clothes</b><br />
I want to experiment with my outfits. I have a whole lot of clothes and usually stick to the same old outfits. Blogging here will help me to document/get inspirations, and my 'clothes for the week rail' that I purchased last week should help too (see below)<br />
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<b>Do you have any aims for next month? </b> <br />
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<b> </b> underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-26360120029774993422013-10-30T01:17:00.002-07:002013-10-30T01:17:13.496-07:00Update/PhotosAnd so I flip flop back here. Looking at my previous post...why did I think that focusing on a food blog would be my kind of thing?!! I never cook and eat on the go most of the time. So fickle.<br />
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Anyway, I've missed this little space, and now I've got a bit of time/am ill (holiday flu, yum) I'd thought I'd update/catch up with you lovely lot.<br />
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Apart from working like a mad thing, here's what I've been up to in my absence:<br />
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I'm a very lucky lady. In the Easter hols my partner (should I say boyfriend? sounds too young!) whisked me away to New York, which was amazing, to sum it up. Whilst we were there we got engaged. This is how it happened: we had been looking around museums all day and decided to walk through Central Park before going out for supper. Suddenly, something bashed me in the leg. I looked down, and saw a dog on a skateboard. No word of a lie, a DOG on a SKATEBOARD. At first I couldn't see its owner, so this dog cruising past with its tongue hanging out was the most hilarious thing I'd ever seen. I watched the dog skate around for a bit (no, he didn't have the ring in his mouth, ha). I'd insert a pic (he's actually quite famous, I looked him up on youtube after!) but my computer is being as slow as death, so I'll let you use your imaginations.<br />
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Anyway, after dog viewing, S suggested that we go to sit on a rock overlooking the park. I saw the rock, thought it was far too small to fit both of our bottoms on and suggested a much larger rock further down the hill. S agreed...little did I know he wanted the smaller one as a) it had a better view and b) it would be easier to get down on one knee! Oops. We went to the big rock, where I proceeded to take off my smelly shoes and rub my sore feet (ever the romantic) and then he got down on one knee (with difficulty) and asked me to be his wife. Anyone who still wants me sans shoes is a keeper! I don't like getting soppy, but let's just say it is one of my best moments ever. Well done bf/partner! I can say fiance now ;)<br />
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We also went to Pisa/Florence/Venice. What can I say, we (usually) make the most out of our holidays. I love Italy in general, but I was a bit overwhelmed by Florence (art, beauty...who said I wasn't a romantic?) and didn't feel settled inside until I got to Venice. There is something about being beside water that I find so calming. I could say so much more...maybe I'll do separate posts later, but I'm trying to keep this 'hey I'm back' one short (ish).<br />
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I'll leave you with a few recent photos. The 2 below are from a Beyonce party I went to.I was supposed to be Bey, but I was told that this was more of a Lady Gaga look...which I can see is definitely the case. Well, it's pretty hard to dress as someone who only wears bikinis and tiny shorts when you live in a cold and rainy Blighty. That's my excuse anyway. Still, I quite liked this outfit. <br />
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And last but not least, I treated myself to some furry, wine coloured shoes. Lovely. <br />
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-83159329855236285512013-01-02T13:46:00.000-08:002013-01-02T13:46:28.491-08:00New Year, New Blog...Happy New Year everyone!<br />
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So, I'm not leaving....but I have started a new blog. I've enjoyed getting to know people here (please stay in touch!) but I feel that my focus has moved from beauty to lifestyle/healthy living related matters.<br />
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With that in mind, I will primarily post here from now on:<br />
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www.didieatthat25.blogspot.co.uk<br />
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I will still read your blogs of course, but for me, moving on to something else just feels right.<br />
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Hopefully 'see' you around :) Xxx<br />
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Little gloat: I've given this stuff up (after I consumed this lot!) Day 2, haha.<br />
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-2585356347446980032012-12-08T12:26:00.001-08:002012-12-08T12:26:36.718-08:00The WeekenderSo, I'm currently sitting in my pjs having had a long old bath and soup for dinner, and am awaiting some mulled wine. Feeling wintery much? I'm also about to have a frozen muller light yoghurt (so good, try it) just to, you know, balance things out a bit. <br />
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I know I haven't been around here much...I have literally been just working and sleeping. I fell asleep at 8.30pm last night (FRIDAY night may I add). Brings a whole new meaning to 'gotta get down on Fridayyyy'. I also had a little nap today. My life is just too exciting, are you jealous?<br />
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However, I DID go on one of my pick-me-up weekend walks today. We are not too far from little spots of 'countryside' just outside London, so we usually walk to places like Hampy Heath, Totteridge, Mill Hill etc, but today the bf decided to take us on a new route which resulted in us ending up walking along a motorway like thing for 1/2 hour! Luckily I have a sense of humour and enjoyed the sights ;) We did end up having a lovely walk which made my wellies nice and muddy.<br />
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Here's a few ootds from this week:<br />
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Gotta love a good Christmassy Primark cardi.<br />
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Keeping it simple in my Asos wrap dress and boots.<br />
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I bought a blender today and made my very first smoothie! I was a bit low on ingredients though, so my first wasn't all that exciting, consisting of a banana, the remains of my soya milk and a dash of honey. Bit thick, but twas ok I guess. I want to get experimenting soon though. <br />
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Anyway, enough ramblings for tonight. I have a few posts planned as I have done rather a lot of shopping lately....<br />
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And CHRISTMAS SOON. Eek. I love this time of year, the build up more than anything. And being allowed to drink mulled wine and hot chocolate pretty much every day :) <br />
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-36698883880045531282012-12-02T07:58:00.001-08:002012-12-02T07:58:46.363-08:00Back Again? Update and Awkward Times...Howdy :) I've been wanting to blog for a while, and after a pretty immense period of procrastinating about it (but once I start, I'll 'need' to do it everyday, and I won't have the time, yada yada. Bit OCD about consistency and things...) and then when I went to blog, it wouldn't let me upload photos without posting. And posts without photos are like crackers without cheese...well, unless you can write well. So maybe more the icing on the cake. I just like photos, ok, and it makes the writing process a bit easier. So let's see if they work this time!<br />
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Last weekend, this happened:<br />
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I went ice-skating at Somerset House (London). SUCH a stunning setting, and the big old tree made me feel all gooey inside. I do love Christmas. It was a tad wet, but S and I were prepared, being the hillwalkers that we are (were...we met in a hillwalking club at uni, but I don't think I could cope with hills nowadays), and wore many layers of clothing, including a waterproof coat and waterproof trousers. Kept us nice and toasty.<br />
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We also saw this lovely on our travels. Oh London, I do love you.<br />
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Today we went for a bracing walk on Hampstead Heath. Let me tell you, it was pretty darn cold, but as usual, the moment I stepped foot on the Heath I felt calm and peaceful, as twee as that sounds. And the dog watching was pretty entertaining too. Today, a particularly enthusiastic mut ran up to a tree, lauched itself into the air and latched onto a branch with its jaws. It wasn't heavy enough to pull the branch down, so it swung on it for a bit, before trying the whole thing over again. Independent dog, trying to find its own stick to play with, I like.<br />
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Oh, and look who I casually bumped into last week ;)<br />
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It's only Mel.C from the Spice Girls! (erm, she prefers her grown up name Melanie now, but I can't help it...forever a Spice Girls fan!) She was actually really nervous and pretty shy. My cousin interviewed her (she's a journalist) and I sat there in silence, until my silly mouth had to pipe up. She was asked which actress she would like to play her in a SG film, and she couldn't think of someone, so I cleverly piped up 'Victoria Pendleton' because she is sporty and...you know, and Mel said 'Well, she's not an actress, but never mind' and I waved my hand in a camp manner and said 'of course, doesn't matter'. Was embarrassing. I should be banned from social situations. Doesn't sound that bad? When she asked if I would like a photo taken with her I said 'might as well', even though I was secretly thrilled. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! </div>
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O.k, so there's a brief update, hopefully I will be back on a more regular basis now :) I've missed this scene! </div>
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Time to get to work, which I've been avoiding all weekend. Then some bloggie and crappy channel 4 documentary time...lovely Sunday. </div>
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Hope some of you are still around...</div>
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-79354904029421156372012-06-05T02:08:00.000-07:002012-06-05T02:08:01.247-07:00OOTD-Sort of celebrating the Jubilee?So in an unconscious show of patriotism, I pulled out my little solider tee to show my support for the Queen. Or something like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoGCuKs6VnpAI5WQHE5ib59SO4VittbXCF6BpbO2QipcuDPVHN72A08ss8AqcwuYWs4IwZYW3Skjvgg6CxD1oj2gvRwwLjyirgvMPsQ7u3R0YKDqTFa8DNebISdCAQ7VdGjfnjrouuAg/s1600/Ikea+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoGCuKs6VnpAI5WQHE5ib59SO4VittbXCF6BpbO2QipcuDPVHN72A08ss8AqcwuYWs4IwZYW3Skjvgg6CxD1oj2gvRwwLjyirgvMPsQ7u3R0YKDqTFa8DNebISdCAQ7VdGjfnjrouuAg/s640/Ikea+011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
My favuorite spring/English summer coat. You know, for when it's too hot to wear a normagiant coat, but too cold to wear just a cardi. I got this coat a few years ago from H&M kids. A bargain it was.<br />
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I also think I overblushed here! I put on a bit toooo much of <b>Illamasqua's Cream Pigment in Androgen</b>, which is a gorgeous coral/peachy colour. Do you know what, I think I quite liked the overblushed look in the end!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfCZN2Noi-F_iqIFaED4EHnpYcI4Ovhyphenhyphen-Y1fWqJ0-5wXPSaWbFiISgtrJzTmLJhQNvkx7NCldan_ndDoU1o78vQOTWQIT2gMDB3kkvlo3XXCA4TW_L46G2GlrxE4nA-oKz_ysZ3FLiYU/s1600/Nars+and+Illimasqua+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfCZN2Noi-F_iqIFaED4EHnpYcI4Ovhyphenhyphen-Y1fWqJ0-5wXPSaWbFiISgtrJzTmLJhQNvkx7NCldan_ndDoU1o78vQOTWQIT2gMDB3kkvlo3XXCA4TW_L46G2GlrxE4nA-oKz_ysZ3FLiYU/s640/Nars+and+Illimasqua+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here's the very pigment I'm speaking of. One of my fave summer blushes.underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-76552588589153113932012-06-04T01:00:00.001-07:002012-06-04T01:00:57.625-07:00Leighton Denny Nail Polish-'Supermodel'I am in love with my new Leighton Denny nail polish that I got <b>free with this month's Harper's Bazaar.</b> I would go as far as saying that it is my new faviourite shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X6QTk8qQoJjCmEqkx3RJ1FIN2fDciUTlMKnEq_NjCKqgPeX_-vJ2YUbOlZuvExIxVRocCIJDiK2hhj340L4dGKMbbGebKPVNPMWTPoPCeMjQ5X56yr7z9myzJrlRVEVzb98xdxq33H0/s1600/Ikea+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X6QTk8qQoJjCmEqkx3RJ1FIN2fDciUTlMKnEq_NjCKqgPeX_-vJ2YUbOlZuvExIxVRocCIJDiK2hhj340L4dGKMbbGebKPVNPMWTPoPCeMjQ5X56yr7z9myzJrlRVEVzb98xdxq33H0/s640/Ikea+025.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Packaging</b></span></div>
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I love the simple, sophisticated packaging of this polish. It's practical, allowing you to see the colour of the product perfectly (which is pretty much identical to how it appears on the nails) whilst being stylish. There is also something pretty funky about the transparent lid covering the silver tip. I haven't fiddled around with it enough to work out if this serves a function or is simply for aesthetic purposes. If you have, let me know! </div>
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It's also a pretty sizable product, containing 12 ml of polish...hang on, is that the normal amount? Am I being tricked by the extra bit of glass at the bottom...let me check! </div>
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Ok, so Topshop polishes are 8ml, Barry M 10ml and OPI 15ml. So on the larger side! Not at all bad for a freebie! </div>
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<b>Shade </b></div>
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As <b> </b>I said at the top of this post, I am in LOVE with this shade. It is a beige/brown shade, which to me works well in summer, spring, winter..basically all year long. It's an everyday shade, and would go with most clothing. For me, nail polishes evoke situations and outfits. For me, this shade is <b>a girl frolicking in the countryside, maybe playing on a tyre swing, wearing a long, flowing white dress and brown sandals. </b></div>
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Something like this image I found on the interwebz perhaps...</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiehUPMnDuhH1PSlxAvh845DPXMD39r4ItTqcituFwPxxFRRt9yRvKimmmE1iVUQJyOkItgE6U9b6dIqD_uW1CPrSXdull4zDjSksvo-84DrcPqtSgk6oDX2rvRyyhFQ93vEco7Kgr_bI/s1600/wheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiehUPMnDuhH1PSlxAvh845DPXMD39r4ItTqcituFwPxxFRRt9yRvKimmmE1iVUQJyOkItgE6U9b6dIqD_uW1CPrSXdull4zDjSksvo-84DrcPqtSgk6oDX2rvRyyhFQ93vEco7Kgr_bI/s640/wheat.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b> </b> </div>
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Do you make associations like this, or is it just me? </div>
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Anyway, it's a lovely, solid nail polish that I am happy to now own. Thanks Harpers Bazaar! </div>
<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-52459008417629274052012-06-03T03:44:00.001-07:002012-06-03T03:44:15.677-07:00New Ikea Make Up Storage!The bf and I went on a little trip to Ikea yesterday a) for a day out (of all the things in London, I know...) and b) to get some new storage for my make up/general beauty stuff which was slowly colonising our little apartment.<br />
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I had a BRILLIANT day. It's pretty sad how happy Ikea makes me, but I walked around with a permanent smile on my face. I also wanted to buy everything in sight, especially the 'ready made apartments'. Too cool.<br />
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We made a day of it and stopped off for some (bottomless!) Cola Light and cake. The Union Jack tray was something that I purchased. I swear, by the end of the Jubilee weekend my house is going to be full of Queenie memorabilia. I am seriously tempted to buy a teatowel with the Queen's face on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMtqubNwYcp6OWbrD-Y7e1DXNClFZpN9u-ycGXLDUWQnokcLpx15Xaau7sLDCNHs0GqjWyM6WWslJtJ46xS-Aw0kf1alUlZDgQ5DIbUyD2BmQZpc4n0Ddx2_LD2FX6M2pJ4mvEPMrCmU/s1600/Ikea+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMtqubNwYcp6OWbrD-Y7e1DXNClFZpN9u-ycGXLDUWQnokcLpx15Xaau7sLDCNHs0GqjWyM6WWslJtJ46xS-Aw0kf1alUlZDgQ5DIbUyD2BmQZpc4n0Ddx2_LD2FX6M2pJ4mvEPMrCmU/s400/Ikea+017.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
One of the down sides to not owning a car. Mini pack horse.<br />
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When we finaaalllllly got home, the bf started putting together the furniture for me (I'd be useless at that sort of thing) and then I spent the evening sorting. I forgot just how much I love sorting things, especially the end process where everything is neatly in its place (though my desk wouldn't know it.)<br />
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Anyway, here are the products!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpU5Ai1tRx__8dsjsChHwyvFev0i9COqklHZpbMOFUr_1uIVD4YofGLpoztKAwy90jOkYUKRKbjaQC05YBhNmnxk8MBkPXKc2YtzkDu_HMCtjCMW7Ho7hU5JhqMzi9T-nhMIFd3zLxd8/s1600/Ikea+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpU5Ai1tRx__8dsjsChHwyvFev0i9COqklHZpbMOFUr_1uIVD4YofGLpoztKAwy90jOkYUKRKbjaQC05YBhNmnxk8MBkPXKc2YtzkDu_HMCtjCMW7Ho7hU5JhqMzi9T-nhMIFd3zLxd8/s400/Ikea+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuBx_EcmfKH1DrXk19hdjGt-lrl1jW-sMggff75w8p-n7tq8gOxC5uvNPv4KEXJXCfi2xywF1qYxHD0N7n9rp5BUGWUCUxE9rtMgcyXIu2elTqrNJ0UEgVdJWnm0S_R24kahPbhYv5Pg/s1600/Ikea+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuBx_EcmfKH1DrXk19hdjGt-lrl1jW-sMggff75w8p-n7tq8gOxC5uvNPv4KEXJXCfi2xywF1qYxHD0N7n9rp5BUGWUCUxE9rtMgcyXIu2elTqrNJ0UEgVdJWnm0S_R24kahPbhYv5Pg/s400/Ikea+008.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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1. Little cupboard thing with new mirror and candle (and my teddy bear, Ted. Don't judge me, I've had him since forever!) </div>
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2. wooden boxes hidden inside cupboard (let's face it, they're not that pretty!) </div>
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3. The lips and eyeshadow boxes. </div>
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4. Making use of the old Glossybox boxes</div>
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The Union Jack tray that is stored on the little cupboard thing (should stop calling it that) is for my everyday makeup that I will be switching up each week to try and make use of everything I have (shopping the stash as it's called). </div>
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So yes. Now I am pretty happy with my little storage situation, and it makes getting ready in the morning a bit more exciting. An organised room makes for an organised mind...now need to organise the rest of the apartment before I go back to work. </div>
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Oh, we also bought some cushions, which are very London Transport circa 1995. </div>
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What do you think? </div>
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I love seeing other people's make up storage (cos I'm nosy like that) so if you have posted on this before, you can pop the link below if you like :) Enjoy the rest of the rather soggy Jubilee weekend xx</div>underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-45075938453845618512012-06-02T07:02:00.002-07:002012-06-02T07:02:32.749-07:00My eyes like the sunlight...My eyes seem to change colour all the time. They reflect my mood (so thinks I) and the weather. When it's sunny, my eyes are big and bright, when I'm feeling low, my eyes go a pale shade of grey/dark stone...it can happen, right?! My bf (ever the scientist) says that my pupils change size depending on how bright the room is (very light= smaller pupils) which is true, but I think I prefer my theory...<br />
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Eyes on a happy/bright day</div>
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Then...eyes on a dull/sad day. </div>
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See into the darkness of my soooul?<br />
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After that somewhat random post, I wanted to let you know that I'll be around more often now that I have a bit of time off work. I've been super zonked everyday, and fell asleep on the settee at 8pm last night. Definitely time for some time off and blogging fun.<br />
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I'm off to Ikea now (funtimes!) but when I get back I'll catch up on all your lovely blogs xxunderthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-89869351612857763762012-05-27T05:03:00.001-07:002012-05-27T05:03:07.831-07:00Weekend sun and a few little purchases...I'll start with something typically British by saying 'HOW GLORIOUS IS THE WEATHER AT THE MOMENT?!' Ok, I didn't need to use shouty caps, but it's just so lovely.<br />
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Taking advantage of this weathery turn, the bf and I went on one of our weekend walks yesterday, and so here are a few more photos of London (as if there weren't enough already!) and some outfittery snaps.<br />
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In front of some Jubilee bunting at the tip of Regent's Street. And a bin, just to add a bit of glamour.<br />
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I wore my beloved Anne Greenable floral dress from Topshop. I got this one in the sale, but I loved it so much that I purchased it in blue too, but with a crossover strap instead of strapless, for the full price, which I think was £48. Expensive, I know, but I'll wear it a lot. In fact, I am wearing it as I type, with a blue matching cardi, because I am the queen of cardigans (read: I hate my arms!)<br />
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Some more flags and an old police telephone (you open and dial to call the police) which I thought was pretty cool. I opened it and there wasn't a phone, sadly, just an McDonald's packet. Nice.<br />
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Of course the hot day led to getting a frappuccino fix. I got my usual coffee frappuccino light, which was yumalicious, even more yum because it was half price (3-5pm, half price frapps at Starbucks..at least in the uk, and at least for a few more days!)<br />
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I also popped into Debenhams and Selfridges and purchased a few goodies.<br />
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Firstly, I bought a little wash bag, which I am going to use as a travel make up bag when I go to Naples in the summer (squeee!) This was around £5 from Debenhams, cheaper than their usual price because of the 25% off sale.<br />
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Secondly, I went to Selfridges and headed straight to the Bobbi Brown counter. I was intending to buy the corrector and potentially concealor. I told this to the MUA who hastily swooped on me as soon as I approached the counter (I HATE that. I'd rather look around, thanks). Anyway, she led me off and proceeded to try the whole shebang on me, eye cream, eye makeup remover, correcter, concealor, some other stuff I don't remember. The finished result I was quite please with, but when she told me the combined price of the corrector and concealor, I winced. £40.50. Er, no thanks. I was considering just buying the corrector, but maybe I will do that another time, without an angry MUA telling me what to buy. Sorry about that rant, I just find the process a bit stressful!<br />
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Anyway, the point is that in the end I headed over to Mac and purchased this (comparatively) cheap and cheerful concealor (£13.50) in NC15. So far I am happy with it too! Joy :)<br />
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I'm off to a First Holy Communion now (family stuff) but will comment when I get back. Hope you're all enjoying ze sun xxx<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-28356555004749761262012-05-24T22:53:00.000-07:002012-05-24T22:53:07.559-07:00Candles- Wax Lyrical 'Bath Time'I do love a good candle. They create a nice, calming atmosphere, giving what I have come to call 'instagram light' (ruined the romance there, eh?!) 'Instagram light' makes everyone's (my) pale body look that bit better, which can be good for, you know, a few things.<br />
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Also, think how much more romantic and less clinical they are than modern lighting. Snuggling on the settee, watching a movie, having a bubble bath, pampering yourself. All are better by candlelight. <br />
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Candles, in my opinion, are EVEN better when they are scented. <br />
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Last weekend, I spent a fair few hours (well, 20 minutes) sniffing candles and getting a bit high in John Lewis. I finally settled on this one called <b>'Bath Time' </b>by <b>Wax Lyrical. </b>Quite a cute little name if you ask me. I think it cost around the £7 mark, which isn't too bad.<br />
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It smells of cotton/general freshness, but the scent isn't as overpowering as I'd like it to be when you light it. Pleasant enough though. It also <b>burns reallllllly quickly. </b>I don't know what the average burning time for candles is, but I've only had this for a few weeks, and left it burning for a total of apx. 6 hours and I've pretty much used half of it already!<br />
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Next I would like to try a Yankee candle. I've been wanting to try one of these for a while now, but I don't have a Clintons near me. Where else can you buy them people? Which scents would you recommend?underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-6237464731044860712012-05-23T23:07:00.000-07:002012-05-23T23:07:43.400-07:00Face Mask TimeYesterday, 3 annoying pimples nastily announced themselves on my chin. Not good. So with this in mind, and feeling like a bit of pampering after a long day, I decided to use my apparently purpose built face mask <b>Anatomicals Farewell the Scarlet Pimpernell, </b>which was a measly £1 from Topshop for a sachet.<br />
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I love masks that come in single sachets. They remind me of the girly sleepovers of my teenage years, where we would pamper ourselves with face masks, cucumber for the eyes and lots of gossip. I still have 'sleepovers' with my girl friends now and again, even though I left my teenage years behind a fair while ago. You can't beat them if you ask me.<br />
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Anyway, back to the mask:<br />
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You wanted to see a photo of the scummy packaging didn't you?<br />
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Without the scum, it's pretty simple packaging appeals to me. Clear, to the point and pink to boot.<br />
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As I'm fond of oversharing, here is a smexy photo of me in modelling the face mask look:<br />
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The mask is a 'deep cleansing mud mask' that is supposed to help absorb excess oil and help 'control spots and blackheads as it tightens the skin'. Ooh, so probably not best for dry skin like mine in theory, but y'know. I thought I'd give it a try. The result, I have to say, isn't too bad either. <br />
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I love the thick, creamy texture of the mask, which you get plenty of in the sachet, which allowed me to slather it on luxuriously (£1 luxury, even better). I left it to dry for 15 minutes and voila! My skin was softer, and not even TOO dry. As I suffer from dry skin, I always end up with dry patches no matter what I use anyway, and my skin was fine after using moisturiser, and as I said, softer.<br />
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As I only tried it tonight, the spots are still there, but they are less 'angry' than they were before, thank goodness.<br />
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For £1, I'm pretty happy with my little muddy package.<br />
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Whilst I'm here, I thought I'd show you my cool art tee. I wear this to relax in/for bed by the way. It shows faces in the style of different artists. My fave is the happy, floaty Dali head!<br />
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Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine :)underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-30074820529548829082012-05-22T22:54:00.000-07:002012-05-22T22:54:03.430-07:00Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick-Vintage PinkA few weeks ago I went crazy in Superdrug. They had a 3 for 2 offer on all products, and I, er, took advantage of it (no mention of being sucked in to spending more money...no. It's all good).<br />
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That's how I ended up with this rather pretty lipstick:<br />
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Rimmel moisture renew lipstick in <b>108 Vintage Pink</b><br />
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<b>Shade</b><br />
In the bullet, this looks like the most gorgeous, dusty pink.mauve shade. I love the way it looks on my hand too. Just noooot entirely sure that it suits me.<br />
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What do you (honestly) think?<br />
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Maybe I'm a tad too pale for this shade? I always get attracted to shades that I find pretty, certain they'll suit me...and then they don't. Duh.<br />
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<b>Texture/Finish</b><br />
As the name suggests, this is a very moisturising lipstick. Perfect for me-me and my dry lips just do not really get on with matte finishes. I have to prep and scrub and moisturise my lips beforehand which, honestly, is a bit of an annoyance when you can simply just whip on a moisturising lippie and let that do the job. I would describe the finish as being similar to the Topshop lipsticks- moisturising, but not shiny or glossy.<br />
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I have to say I'm quite a fan of Rimmel lipsticks. They have a huge variety of colours, have a good texture and finish and aren't too expensive either.<br />
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I believe that Superdrug are doing another 3 for 2 offer...I'm not going to finish that sentence!<br />
<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-58042207108263503722012-05-20T03:25:00.000-07:002012-05-20T03:25:25.012-07:00Lovely LondonOh London, you are lovely sometimes, especially when the sun decides to make an appearance.<br />
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Now that the rain has stopped (hopefully for a while!) and the bf has finished his PhD, we went on another of our weekend walks. You may be fed up of seeing pictures of London, and if you are, sorry. But if you share the love for my home town then enjoy! Here are a few sneaky peaks of my walk to Regent's Park today.<br />
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Sadly, I didn't dress up for the occasion, so no interesting OOTD. In fact, I was ready to go straight to my pilates class, so that's my excuse for looking a tad scruffy.<br />
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1. Pretty gates</div>
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2. Willow trees! and a few ducks. As you can probably see.</div>
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3. People doing a Chinese fan class. At first I thought that this was some sort of yoga class (in the park, very romantic) until they pulled out their fans, peacock like. Looked very cool! </div>
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4. A lovely little deck chair area. Facing a car park, haha. Note the juxtaposition- deck chairs and hooded winter coats; it can work! </div>
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5 &6 Pretty gardens and nut eating squirrel! </div>
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We finished off the walk in typical Georgia style...</div>
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with a trip to Starbucks. I got my usual Coffee Frappuccino light (though I usually feel so cold after that I need a hot coffee. Duh) but my bf purchased the new delicious sounding Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino. So indulgent, so good (I had a few sneaky sips). Try it, but it is probably the equivalent of a fat wedge of cake calorie wise. He never gains weight though, lucky thing. </div>
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I'm going to spend the rest of the weekend reading, swimming, going to pilates class and drinking a glass of wine or two in front of trashy tv. Yumzers. </div>
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How's your weekend faring? Do tell me, I like to know...I'm nosy like that! </div>
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<br /></div>underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-87959626735586581092012-05-19T01:53:00.002-07:002012-05-19T01:53:57.834-07:00OOTD-CatsSo I had a not very nice experience with a cat the other day. Granted, it was enjoying a peaceful slumber in the sun. Granted, I woke it from this slumber. But I only wanted to stroke it and show it some love. And when I went to stroke it, it hissed at me and scratched me. Twice.<br />
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After this, my love for catkind diminished just a bit. But on the way home I saw a quite nice cat (there aren't any REALLY friendly cats on my street, sadly) and my faith was restored a bit.<br />
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Anyway, the point to that preamble was that my love for cats still extends enough to me wearing my little cat print dress that I purchased from Camden a while back.<br />
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I wore it with yellow tights, my trusty mustard primark cardigan (I have these in about 4 different colours) and my new Topshop brogues. A colourful outfit for me!<br />
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Hope you are enjoying the weekend xxunderthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-25002928663089073072012-05-16T22:47:00.000-07:002012-05-16T22:47:55.222-07:00My 'miracle' moisturiserIn case you don't know, I suffer from dry skin. It gets flaky and when I get out of the bath/swimming pool, it feels like I am wearing a tight mask (nice).<br />
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I've tried a fair few moisturisers to combat this, and Liz Earle's moisturising cream for dry skin does a pretty good job. But it is also expensive. I have found an alternative, that is as cheaps as chips and as moisturising as a...er, good moisturiser.<br />
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Aqueous cream!<br />
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This is like applying water in a cream form. It's mostly made of purified water with a bit of emulsifying wax and white soft paraffin (ew, I hate reading ingredient names, it always puts me off, even if it's not bad). However, this is counteracted by the description of it as an 'emollient moisturiser'. The word emollient is underused in my opinion, which is such a shame. It means soothing and softening, and who doesn't want their skin to feel smooth and soft, eh?<br />
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I use it before I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning. The only thing I don't like about this is that when you happen to, say, go for an impromptu run, it appears to make your face sweat more. It's like the seeped in cream creeps out to say hello again. Weird. <br />
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<b>Apart from it's moisturising effects, the best thing about this tub is how cheap it is. £2.40 for 500ml. It does the job and it does it well. Think I'm going to be sticking with this forever! </b>It's available in your local pharmacy.underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-85071791524925480052012-05-14T22:45:00.001-07:002012-05-14T22:45:25.145-07:00Sleek Pout PaintSo, I've recently invested in a fair few Sleek products. I've heard a lot of good things about this brand, and all of the products are reasonably priced, so when I felt low and needed cheering up the other week, it was the perfect excuse to stock up and try a few things (I know shopping merely serves to masks moods, but what the hey, it helped. And I have some pretty Sleek make up too).<br />
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The first things that I am going to review, as the title suggests, are the Pout Paints.<br />
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<b>Texture/Finish</b> <br />
These are a weird consistency, a bit like paint one might say. Oh, surprising that. In the shop I did try this on my hand using my finger and it stained like crazy. It's rather difficult to use with your fingers, like I would do with a typical lip balm, so I suggest using a lip brush and painting it on your lips, in very much the same way as you would paint a picture.<br />
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Once you do that, it gives a lovely, glossy and very pigmented finish. It does have an ever so slightly sticky finish though, which I'm not a massive fan of.<br />
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<b>Colour</b><br />
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They had quite an array of colours at my local (mini) superdrug. I went for a bold and a neutral, <b>159 Port and 161 Minx </b>respectively.<br />
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<b>Minx </b>is a really easy shade to wear, being a light pink with a hint of peach. I can tell I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this, especially over the summer. I have lots of little floral dresses that this shade would complete nicely. </div>
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And now in the context of ma face. Nice. </div>
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<b>Port </b>is a dark red colour with a hint of purple, though in the tube it looks a lot more purple than it actually is. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB99wl_NQ14/T6-6nYnptHI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/rXtqetm56kE/s1600/Oxford+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB99wl_NQ14/T6-6nYnptHI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/rXtqetm56kE/s320/Oxford+025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Annnnnnd another unflattering picture of me looking like I've seen a ghost in my red lippie. </div>
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Have you tried the pout paints? What do you think of them? </div>
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<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-39659225155868786312012-05-13T05:34:00.000-07:002012-05-13T05:34:38.917-07:00A bit of a waffly one...So, it's a sunny sunday for once :) This post is just going to be a stream of consciousness-what-I've-been-up-to type of post. Sorry if you don't like that!<br />
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On Friday evening I went to Oxford to meet one of my friends. We went to a formal at her college (I miss uni!) <br />
It was 5 courses! 5 courses people! The food was pretty good, but I focused mainly on the wine as usual. Oops.<br />
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On the train, primarily checking that I applied my lipstick correctly (w/o a mirror!) but turning into a bit of a pose with my book. Yup. The lipstick is <b>Nars 'Shanghai Express'</b>- a colour I love, but don't feel that I have occasion enough to wear it- and the book is Marya Hornbacher's 'Madness'. I am a massive fan of marya, and have the same curious fascination with the (mal)functioning of the brain as she does. Plus, she writes beautifully.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIPD-Gm_gVLZdOxXIyCTSbRLUcz5LkuRpNuAH1tm_PFfuJ04J2qCQurf8cREeHF_SXkAQnDJYCpB7KgXG5XAfDh_cBQdUzCZYEVw__2GyGTeypM2VT18PKrOBLTNM41cq11rWa4f6drY/s1600/Oxford+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIPD-Gm_gVLZdOxXIyCTSbRLUcz5LkuRpNuAH1tm_PFfuJ04J2qCQurf8cREeHF_SXkAQnDJYCpB7KgXG5XAfDh_cBQdUzCZYEVw__2GyGTeypM2VT18PKrOBLTNM41cq11rWa4f6drY/s400/Oxford+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Did I mention that Oxford is beautiful? Especially when the sky is blue. Looks great against the perfectly manicured lawns.<br />
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Not a particularly flattering picture of me, but oh well, it's one of the only ones of me by myself!<br />
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So yah, that was my weekend. I went swimming today (60 lengths, my number) and am going to go to pilates at 3pm- one of the only classes that was available. I do like a bit of pilates, but every single other class I tried to book at my gym was full! Every one of them! And there are lots going on people. I wish people would fall off the post christmas/pre summer dieting bandwagon already, cos I certainly need to get on it!<br />
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Books wise, I am about to start reading 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and will be continuing with 'The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest'. (It's too easy to buy books on the kindle!)<br />
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So...sorry for this waffly post. It echoes the mish mash state of my mind at the moment, and I wanted to post if just to say hi, y'know. Hope you are all having good weekends, I'm off to catch up on some bloggies now xx<br />
<br />underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066366319528507122.post-71700828021272568272012-05-09T23:29:00.002-07:002012-05-09T23:29:54.774-07:00Colourful EyelinersI've been moving a teensy bit towards vibrant colours as we approach summer (my mind tells me that the wearing of colourful attire/makeup with aid in this process ;)<br />
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I've always loved bright eye makeup when I see it on other people or in fashion magazines, but sadly I am not bold enough to wear teal on fuschia on my eyelids yet. Instead, I have opted for bright eyeliners. In bright blue and forest green to be precise (ok, so the latter isn't so bright, but it's a move away from browns and blacks so still counts).<br />
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As this is an experiment, I decided to make my purchased from MUA, which I am becoming more fond of as time goes on. I can't get over the £1 price tag still!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscUJHbB_6D2ggFsD4XFlprLZIuRqrEnmc38yIXfeTfcMYZ4_4fmSmp-91mEq3tInYndW9meAroqLACRgLJGVlrVD3QNG48WRCf91ptEtit0NbLnTGCXximCn3BMgQialXrWKCpjBi8kc/s1600/Primer+and+Eyeliner+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscUJHbB_6D2ggFsD4XFlprLZIuRqrEnmc38yIXfeTfcMYZ4_4fmSmp-91mEq3tInYndW9meAroqLACRgLJGVlrVD3QNG48WRCf91ptEtit0NbLnTGCXximCn3BMgQialXrWKCpjBi8kc/s320/Primer+and+Eyeliner+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_2BeMH4as5_Bqhbak5hTn6WraBGaHQwfwvUEwIgpLWCSKYgLBLdusMn5Lkf4-hBSdd883Dh5nVKY2VceCm5U21IleHBJgX-jGty3NcVtLlNUeObr6zSoqAwsWAJ-MdFcwe-2pgVv5zk/s1600/Primer+and+Eyeliner+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_2BeMH4as5_Bqhbak5hTn6WraBGaHQwfwvUEwIgpLWCSKYgLBLdusMn5Lkf4-hBSdd883Dh5nVKY2VceCm5U21IleHBJgX-jGty3NcVtLlNUeObr6zSoqAwsWAJ-MdFcwe-2pgVv5zk/s320/Primer+and+Eyeliner+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I like the fact that they come with their own little sharpener- handy when you're on the go (or when you can't find one at home). I think I prefer the blue, but which one did I try? The forest green. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QBDshM_IfAUe6ZtN-VepOJFCd_mA1tJ45X3yQgGdphpWc7NdRm_aupI6y31iQvcIe4Ys35k3isu_SkRZslFDDZXcR7zJElmzMNr7xE7pBFdpo0vsrqiUeszWS64qwA9gMsKL8ZmWihY/s1600/Primer+and+Eyeliner+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QBDshM_IfAUe6ZtN-VepOJFCd_mA1tJ45X3yQgGdphpWc7NdRm_aupI6y31iQvcIe4Ys35k3isu_SkRZslFDDZXcR7zJElmzMNr7xE7pBFdpo0vsrqiUeszWS64qwA9gMsKL8ZmWihY/s320/Primer+and+Eyeliner+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I tried the forest green on my waterline, I had to use it a few times to get the 'darker' effect that I like. It was visible after about 2 layers, but I used about 4 to get the effect that I liked. Don't know if you can really see it in this photo! I'm hoping the brighter blue won't require so many layers!<br />
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Have you tried these before? If so, what do you think of them?<br />
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In other news, life is busssssy, but when is it not? I am heading off to Oxford this Friday, to visit a friend a go to a formal. I miss my uni days...so carefree...underthewillowtreeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978822316796326064noreply@blogger.com20