Prom 2015

Prepare yourselves, this is a long 'un...

As part of our end of year celebrations, we had a Year 11 leavers prom last week and it was an incredible night, so much fun and spent with my favourite people.
After planning to spend a good few hours get ready, we ended up being slightly flustered after a few minor crisis' so planned to take more 'getting ready' photos but we didn't have time, plus it was rather rainy outside which upset me because a) the lighting was horrendous and b) I really wanted to take some picturesque photos in the garden, but oh well.
We did go to my friends before hand however to take group photos and also to all meet before the taxi picked us up.

The night was filled with an extreme amount of dancing in rather uncomfortable shoes, a lot of singing, hugging and photo taking but it was all so much fun. It was both so odd and lovely to see everyone dressed up and it just felt so warm and loving that everyone was complimenting each other and hugging and taking photos and it felt like such a special way to end the year and say farewell to some incredible friends.

Dress: Miss Guided
Shoes: Next
Clutch: Accessorize
Earrings: Accessorize
Ring: Accessorize

Makeup inc.: Bourjois healthy Mix, Rimmel Wakeup concealer, Benefit highbeam highlighter, Urban Decay primer potion, Urban decay Naked 1, Urban Decay Naked Basics, Rimmel Brown eyeliner, Maybelline lash sensational mascara, Mac Peach Blossom

I decided to do my hair myself (partly due to my lack of organisation) but I did get it cut on the day and then just plaited it myself-I actually recieved a lot of compliments on it which I was very happy about. It was the same with my make up (I did it myself) as I don't really like others doing my makeup and I can get the desired look. While initially having reservations about my Miss Guided dress, I was so pleased with it. I was worried it would look plain/cheap but I thought it looked neither and, after getting it altered, it fitted perfectly. I did have to go bra-less as my dress is completely backless (with just two simple ties-a little risque) which felt a little weird at first but was fine when I got used to it.

For my recollection; Favourite parts:
♥ seeing everyone dressed up for the first time
♥ taking photos before hand with my absolute closest friends
♥ receiving and giving compliments
♥ talking to the teachers
♥ hugging old friends
♥ dancing with my friends, especially Stella (if you're reading this-I had so much bladdy fun)
♥ when we requested our group song for one of our friends and all sang together
♥ watching a dance off between teachers
♥ taking photos in the photobooth

I wish I could go back and do it again but at least I have some lovely photos to look through.
If you have a prom coming up, enjoy it and remember to take lots of photos!

Sorry this post is very picture and text heavy.
Katie x

Currents: Listening: James Bay-Let it go & if you ever want to be in love//Reading:Brave New World-Adolous Huxley//Loving: Freedom//Lusting: a halter neck (before they go out of fashion)

Summer//Bucket List

AHH SUMMER YOU WONDERFUL THING, full of long evenings, parties, friends, food, tan and happiness. I have 12 weeks off and I want to make the absolute most of them.

1. Go to London (1 maybe 2 trips are already planned and I can't wait-it is one of my favourite places)
2. Beach morning and evening
3. Camping (also already planned)
4. Get henna
5. Take photos
6. Make a summer scrapbook
7. Buy a disposable camera and get it developed
8. Make cocktails
9. Garden fires/BBQ
10. Countryside picnic
11. Get the bus out to the countryside
12. Make a notebook/scrapbook (make the actual book)
13. Buy metallic tattoos
14. Write (a lot)
15. Stargaze
16. Capture sunrises
17. Teach myself to draw something
18. Make a pair of trousers
19. Reorgansie/decorate room
20. Explore my city
21. Movie night
22. Learn more about how to use my camera
23. Put more effort into my blog
24. Park BBQ
25. Make ice-lollies
26. Colour
27. Work out
28. Begin yoga
29. Make friendship bracelets
30. Visit new cafes
31. Read (a lot)
32. Pick Your Own (strawberries, raspberries etc)
33. Make jam (with the collected fruit)
34. Have a garden party
35. Get lost
36. Stay up until the late hours of the morning talking
37. Make a clay jewellry bowl (see here)


Summer arrives and I become a completely different person, I will be using these first few weeks to simply recuperate from the constant stress and anxiety that has engulfed me for the past several months.
Have a fabulous summer, what plans do you have? Do you have any more suggestions of things I can do?
Katie x
Currents: Reading: One day-David Nicholls//Loving: Granola//Lusting: some warmer weather and a new skirt

Summer Newbies

Can we call it summer yet-I suppose officially it is but if we went off the weather, we would still be trapped in the dark realms of March.
In order to brighten up the days I have ended up parting with a fair about of money over the past few months-I called it 'revision treats', when we all know it was simply an excuse to buy some items I had been lusting over! I thought I would show a few of my new favourites from the beauty sector or some products that I am simply dying to have a good play around with, like a capsule of the unnecessary things I have been splashing my money on.

 Urban Decay Naked Palette

If I had to say one cult beauty product that almost everyone (who cares for expensive eyeshadow palettes) owns or uses or even knows of, it would be this. It does seem a little extortionate and greedy when you hand over your £40 (£38) however it does work out at around £3.16 for each shadow, a bloody good price if you saw them singularly (from a different brand) in say Boots?
Of course each shadow is beautifully creamy and pigmented with a mix of pinks, golden browns and more cooler grey shades that I probably will not get as much use out of but it is always nice to have the option.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 1
It ended up as a slight coincidence that I ended up with two Naked palettes in such a short space of time however I won this one in a giveaway hosted by AsiaJade. While potentially not a product I would buy myself (as I am simply not as attracted to matte shadows) I have got a surprisingly large amount of use out of it, especially the darker crease shades and also using 'faint' to fill in my brows. The shadows, as you would expect from Urban Decay, are buttery and super blendable, a dream to work with.

Real Techniques Setting Brush
I also received this as part of the giveaway and have thoroughly enjoyed using it as a highlight brush. It is very gentle on the skin, not loading too much product but of course making a noticeable difference. I am a real fan of RT brushes however I must admit I prefer the style of the Zoeva ones.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
With my prom coming up in a few days and several summer parties, I wanted a base to apply to feel more 'complete' but it could not be heavy. I went for this as, while not being the cheapest of the drugstore lighter foundations, I had heard really great things and I must say I do really like it. The shade is a little too dark for me and isnt quite as glowy as I expected but it applies really nicely and smells heavenly.

What have you been picking up recently?
Katie x
Currents: Eating: Chocolate chip cookies//Reading: One Day-David Nicholls//Loving: sentiment//Lusting: a little more zen

And its over...

As of 11:15 today summer officially began and I am free for 12 weeks.
The grueling process of exams ended on a some what sour note with further maths (which I don't even know why I was entered in for as it is basically a A-level course). After paper 1, we all came out laughing at how impossible it was and I had a slight twinge of fear that, despite it not even being a GCSE, I will have bad grade on my results but honestly, I COULDNT CARE LESS BECAUSE I AM ON HOLIDAY.
GCSEs were horrible but not as bad as I thought they were-there were no exams that I completely messed up (except futher maths but hey that doesnt really count) or didnt know anything for and felt all round relatively prepared. For me, it was the on going trudge of 5 weeks filled with 22 exams that made me cry more nights than I care to admit to and almost fall asleep on the floor in the science central area.
I am pleased and relieved but also a little lost that they are over, okay they aren't the biggest deal but after working for them for 2 years and to now forget everything I previously needed to know (I'm looking at you random history dates that end up popping into my head) it all just feels a bit empty with a lack of purpose.
No doubt when I really get into the swing of the holidays, I shall not miss school/exams at all but I do aim this summer to loosen up, allow myself to have fun and to learn to just 'be'. The chances of that happening are rather slim but I have already pushed myself to be more outgoing and not care so much about pointless things so its a head in the right direction.
I will soon have to mull over my final A-level choices but, until then I want to simply enjoy the lack of responsibility.
I AM FINALLY ON HOLIDAY
I shall be back probably tomorrow maybe sunday for a proper post (maybe featuring some new makeup?)
Katie x
Twitter - Bloglovin - Instagram
currents: Listening: Jeremy Loops-Skinny Blues--The Frattelis-Henrietta//Reading: One Day- David Nicholls//Loving: FREEDOM (and playsuits)//Lusting: some nice weather

Pinterest Round-Up

Instead of reading in the evenings, I have been on Pinterest because I find it requires less mental energy and, at the end of the day when I am exhausted after school and revision, Pinterest is just calling me.
From a selection of prom outfit ideas to summer plans to food I will most likely forget to ever make, these are the things I have been pinning recently.

 

I practised with HTML (lol big mistake) and attempted to link the photos to their subsequent Pinterest pictures (woah steady on) but being a technology noob, some of it doesnt quite link up but forgive me, it was my first go. You can find everything here on my Pinterest page, which please do follow if you love Pinterest as much as I do so I don't feel quite so sad and we can appreciate its beauty together. Also, fyi, my likes are so much more interesting than my pins.

Katie x
My Pinterest can be found here (just because I hadn't plugged it enough)

Newbies

I apologise in advance for the horrendous writing in this post, I am exhausted.
Over the past few weeks I have accumulated a couple of things that I would not normally buy as I have been treating myself for all the revision I have been doing (or at least that's what I have been saying!) so, as I hadn't posted in ages and I have a bit of spare time on my hands due to it being half term,  I thought I would show you. Plus I was dying to get my camera out as it feels soo long since I've done anything creative or fun.

Secret Garden Colouring Book
My mum bought this for me just before exams started because I was desperate for something to do where I didn't have to think, where I could just sit and escape for hours without having to think about exams. I had been admiring this book for ages, its so beautiful and, even if you aren't a fan of colouring (it isnt childish I promise) its still a gorgeous book to have. I have already bought this for two of my friends as I knew how much they would love it and we are all hooked!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Since I last blogged, I lost and found all my makeup. It was a pretty nightmarish time, not because I rely on my makeup but because I had all my nicest bits in there as I was using it to get ready for a party. I then found half of it but none of my mascaras (I did eventually find it) but it was  a great excuse to go out a try a new one as I had been stuck in a rut for ages. I really like this, its very thickening, almost clumpy and creates a very full look.

Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush

This was the order I was most excited for. I had been debating with myself for ages as to whether I should buy this and which one I should buy but I decided upon the silk finish brush because I needed a brush like this for prom (and other events) and was going to buy the Real Techniques Core Collection but then I only really wanted the Buffing Brush so I thought this was a much better alternative.

It is amazing. Honestly, its so soft and perfect for blending in literally anything, I use it for my concealer. I will definitely be buying more of these very soon (I have my eye on the Luxe contour brush). Also, sorry you can't see the actual brush, it was really dirty but I was desperate the take the photos but here's a link if you want to check it out)

Photos
I had a sudden realisation in one of my sentimental moments (I just can't seem to get over the fact that I have a week left of school-its gone so god damn fast ahh) that if I lost all my digital photos, I would have no way of remembering any recent memories because I haven't printed any photos out in ages. So I made a SnapFish order. I'm not sure if snapfish does the best quality pictures but they give me 50 free prints a month so its worth it. I ordered around 100 and wrote the dates of every memory on the back so in a couple of years when we have all left school and drifted away, I can remember all the fab times I had and adventures we embarked on. Pretty emosh really.

Topshop Floral Tile Print Shorts

I desperately need some new clothes, I am sick of either black jeans and grey tops or a hoodie. I need some variety but I just can't seem to find anything at the moment. I did pick these up however a while ago with my sister and, while only wearing them twice, love them. They are very loose fitting and flowy but have a lovely pattern and hang really nicely. I also love the trim along the edge-I am hoping to get a lot of wear out of these if it ever gets warm.

New Balance 620 Trainers
These are my happiest purchase. I have been lusting over a pair of New Balance for ages but just never really got round to getting any because I live in my beloved Converse. But my mum said she fancied some too and seeing as neither of us knew how much we would wear them and as we have the same size feet, we decided we would get a pair to share. We got the navy with pink, grey and gold (I think they are exclusive to Office) and ahh they are all kinds of awesome. They are so comfy and nice to wear and I think I am going to have to treat myself to a black pair too so I can alternate (as I don't wear any other colours than black, blue and grey).

So there we have it, a couple of things that I have treated myself to over the past few weeks. I have also been buying some things for prom but I reckon I'll put that all in one big post nearer the time.

As if this post wasn't long enough, I thought I would ramble on a little more. I have now become notorious for the amount I write. There was a rumour going round that I wrote 13 pages in my English Literature exam but I can't help it, I just have a lot to say. Even my teacher has started saying I am 'wasting trees'...Speaking of exams, I am 14 down and 8 to go. I had 4 on one day which was horrendous but I am slowly getting through them without too many panics. I don't feel like I've completely messed any up but it all seems a bit of an obliviom anyway. I plan to do little more this week than shop, Pinterest and revise with only English language, Maths, Further maths (ahhh), history and geography to go.
I hope you all have a nice week,
Katie x
p.s that post was ridiculously long I know-ahh feels good to be back.

Currents: Listening: Stornoway-Bonxie--I went to see them at the beginning of May and ooh mmyy godd it was amazing!//Reading: I re-read fangirl a few weeks ago-I forgot how much I loved Levi it//Loving: almonds//Lusting: some new jeans (oops)

Recent Reads

I'll Give You The Sun-Jandy Nelson ****
(find a synopsis here)
I love and kinda don't love this book. I haven't read piece of proper YA romance fiction in a long while so I guess it took some time to get into the right mind set but first things first, the writing style of this book is beautiful. Seriously, so metaphorical and descriptive-that, I loved. I also loved the first 2/3rds of it-the story covers some seriously deep and complex issues and you build a real relationships with both Jude and Noah, written in such an artistic way. I also love the way you are presented two juxtaposed characters at different stages in their lives and as the story is revealed you learn how it all changed.
But, and its a big but, I found it all a bit naive and cliched and just predictable. Not Noah's story, his tale was naive but in a relate able, cosy way-you wanted to protect him but I jut found the latter half of Jude's to be too unrealistic-like a lot of YA romance is-all a bit too sweet. I feel guilty saying this because the other issues she faces are really well presented its just her love life-it just feels like it wouldn't happen and it left me feeling a bit meh and thinking "if all relationships went as bloody smoothly as this the world would be a better place". Finally, I didn't like the way everything connected-once again-predictable. I would still give it 4 stars for the gorgeous writing and characters though.

The Lovely Bones-Alice Sebold ** (maybe 3)
I don't want to make this a negative review so I shall keep this one pretty short nd snappy but:
This book could have been done after the first 30 pages, that's where 90% of the action (except the bizarre bit at the end that left me like "what?") and it dragged and dragged, like she was trying to milk a good idea she once had-it wasnt awful-I mean I did finish it.  Make of it what you will but I just couldn't get my head around it.

All the Bright Places-Jennifer Niven ***** (actually 4.5 but I can't do a half star)
find synopsis here
Firstly, it was completely coincidental that all these books ended up being about dead relatives and the effects on the family, after completing them all I am craving something a little less morbid.
Nonetheless this was fab. "John Green meets Rainbow Rowell"-okay it is basically The Fault in Our Stars combined with Looking For Alaska and the synopsis/writing style could be perceived as copying BUT I think if thats the style she writes with, it can't be copying
ANYWAY
the characters are so beautifully developed and complex, the dual narration works a dream, I love the literary quotes and references and all the metaphors-its beautiful. Some say it glorifies depression and attempted suicide and I see where they are coming from but I also think it presents Finches emotions so clearly, you really begin to understand his mania. They're relationship is a bit forced at the start but becomes so precious as the story develops. I think it glorifies some topics quite heavily and there is more I would like to say on the subject but a) this is ridiculously long and b)it will totally ruin it but I urge you, if you like John Green-esque books read this.

So there you go, the past 3 books I have read. Next I think it will be Brave New World, something totally different from the YA romance.
What have you read recently?

Katie x
Currents: Listening: Stornoway-Bonxie//Reading: --//Loving: my shorter hair//Lusting: for these exams to be over and done with

Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette

I have an ongoing love affair with nude eyeshadows; more specifically, shimmery nudes. I am to metallic nude eyeshadows what a magpie is to silver: instantly attracted. I walk into mac, perusing all the gorgeous mattes and dark dark browns but no, my hand reaches for the shimmery nude that I have at least one other of the same shade. Well, what can I say-I just like to stick to what I know.

This palette has quite possibly made my holiday. I was just walking around Boots with my sister when we laid eyes on these. At £3.99 for a selection of 6 awesomely creamy, awesomely pigmented shadows we snapped up 2 (the more matte one and this one).  I am often a little iffy about bargainous eyeshadow palettes, I used to love the MUA heaven and earth palette but have now sorta come round to realise that the shadows are utterly chalky and overall a bit pants. This is however nothing of the sort; the most gorgeous wearable shades in tiny slim packaging (that, fair enough may break within 2 weeks of using it but hey) that could travel anywhere.
It pairs so nicely with other eyeshadows too as the colours are so versatile, I wore Mac Amber Lights (shown above) with  Golden Brown and it looked lovely.
I would urge y'all to pop out and snap this up because, if you are a nude addict (lol) like I am, this will push all  your buttons. If that hasnt convinced you, I don't know what will. Buy it.

L-R Golden brown, Ochre, Mink, Ivory
Also included in the palette: Ember and Nutty

 What are you favourite eyeshadows? Do you have any mac shadow recommendations?
Katie x

Currents: Listening: Stornoway-Bonxie//Reading: Just finished All the Bright Places//Loving: eating// Lusting: Jamie jeans