Bag Books: Happyslapped by a Jellyfish

Happyslapped by a Jellyfish by Karl Pilkington
And if the title of this blog wasn't enough to draw you in.....

I promise, this is the last time you'll see a Karl Pilkington related book on here, for a while at least, because I think I've read them all now, I mean, there can't be anymore can there? Comment below if there are.

For those who don't know, 'Happy Slapping' was a phenomenon a few years ago, about the time mobile phones started having video recorders built in, where you would attack a stranger all in good fun, at least one man died from it.

Right, to the reviewing!

This book is another insight to the mind of Karl Pilkington, though this is purely Karl, his thoughts, his diary, his illustrations and photographs.

I found myself laughing at the foreword and continued laughing all the way through reading this book.

This book is perfect for this time of year, as the days grow darker and shorter bringing on the Winter blues. It'll certainly make you chuckle, plus it's a great conversation piece:

"I just read that the first time he went to Ibiza, his mother packed a garden gnome in his case and he got stopped in the airport."

How can this not have your companion chuckling and continuing the conversation? If they aren't chuckling then they'll probably be astounded by the naivity of the man.

If you liked the other Karl themed books I've reviewed, then I certainly think I've left the best 'til now (I'm assuming there'll be another travel diaries for Idiot Abroad: The Bucket List). It'd make a great present for any Pilkington fans, or anyone who likes funny material.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: The Body Shop Natural Lip Roll On

What They Say:

Made from 100% natural ingredients, this roll-on liquid lip balm leaves lips feeling soft and totally kissable. It has a rose flavour.

• Made with 100% natural ingredients
• Moisturising
• Leaves lips feeling soft and smooth
• Non-tacky, non-waxy feel
• Rose flavour

What I say:

I got to try this a couple of months ago, and I really love it. I bought the Rose taste/scent one yet there's a whole range to pick from.

I picked it up whilst they were doing what I guess was a trial run. I really like this product, it does everything they say it does. It also looks nice when you have minimal make up of, as a nice glossy lip always looks fresh.

It's definately worth the cost, which isn't alot. It'll fit in any make up bag/bag/purse/pocket that you really can't go wrong.

Like I said it comes in a variety of different flavours (Berry, Coconut, Orange, Rose & Mint) so it'll suit everybody's taste.

And now we're heading towards Christmas, they'll make great stocking fillers.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #14

This time we're looking at this iconic look from the second movie, the beautiful Halston dress with those golden 'Dorothy'-esque shoes is so simple yet so amazing.


Dress: Asos £19
Shoes: New Look £24.99
Necklace: Asos £68
Bag: New Look £15.99
Sunglasses: Asos £12
Earrings: Accessorize £10 (for a set of 3)

Carrie's bag is Chanel, but this clutch from New Look is a great alternative
I love the simplicity of this outfit yet there's so much hidden depth, like all colours in the necklace and the gold glitter heels.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: MUA 3 in 1 Contour Pen

The M.U.A. 3 in 1 Contour Pen.


What They Say:

Create the look with this fantastic 3 in1 Contour Eye Pen. The angles of the nib allows you to create different looks whatever your occasion. Add drama by creating big and bold eyes, go glamorous for a soft and sulty effect, or define eyes for an ultra chic finish.

What I Say:

I happened across these by chance when I was looking for nail varnish, but I soon snapped up the black and brown versions of this brilliant eyeliner.

I couldn't get over how easy to use they are, it helps that they give you mini tutorials on the box, but you soon figure it out. It's the nib's shape, it's angled and thin, which means adapting it to your look is so easy.

They glide on beautifully, without dragging, and they last all day. They also was off with minimum fuss. These factors make them beneficial to the delicate skin of your eye area.

The 3 in 1 Contour Pen is currently 2 for £2.99 in Superdrug, another incentive to buy them before they inevitably sell out.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

OotD #1 Zebra Stripes

Let's try this Outfit of the Day thing. I'm going to schedule a couple other posts of clothes I wear.

Top: Dorothy Perkins
Bag: Primark
Scarf: Primark
Earrings: Peacocks
Jeans: Peacocks
Boots: Forever21

I got the top in the sales at the start of the year, I really love it's colour, I think it featured in a favourites video I did a few months ago, it looks good with my colouring, plus stripes are always fun.
This scarf is my favourite, I love scarves as they completley transform an outfit. The green goes well with the honey colour of my long sleeve and the zebra print adds some quirkiness.
I know you can't see them but the jeans are dark skinnys and the boots are brown cowboy boots (which I've practically worn everyday for 5 months).
This is my main handbag now, it holds everything! It's a lovely faux leather duffel with a flap with paisley fabric on it. Seriously holds everything....I was tagged in a "What's in your Handbag tag" video, so I guess I should do it soon. It's like a TARDIS.
The earrings were part of a vintage look set, I really loved the blue tones.

Ok, that's it for now.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Unbreakable Ties

Unbreakable Ties by Xowie Brandt

A great story from an author who should be better known, and perhaps write a follow up.

I was completely engrossed when I read this book. It's very descriptively written, painting a clear picture of the story and all it's characters. There's always another plot twist heading your way making you never want to put it down.

The short chapters make this a great book for traveling, as you always have a milestone.

The religious aspect of this novel isn't as obvious as most, Dan Brown, where the author has practically made it jump out at you like a flasher, wearing nothing but a tea cosy on their head. Like I said, the Pagan religion is subtly written in, yet it gives a real weight to the whole story.

At first, from looking at the front cover and reading the blurb, I didn't see how the two were connected, though this became clear a few chapters in. [The author even lent herself to the cover's artwork.]

The only thing I found I disliked about the book itself, was the couple of times the wrong words were used, that a spellchecker wouldn't catch, such as 'the' instead of 'they'. Though this did only bother me for a fraction of a second before I was sucked back into the plot. I guess this is a risk you run when you read an 'indie' author.

Overall, this is definately a great read, and it's available on Amazon, so go, purchase, and have a happy time reading!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Captain Jack Harkness Look for Guys & Girls!

I thought I'd do a look for the guys as well as the girls, ands considering Military is in this winter I thought Jack would be perfect.



As Torchwood: Miracle Day finished last week, it left a void in my schedule and me needing more. Lets just say that Captain Jack Harkness has been a fave of mine since he first appeared in season 1 of Doctor Who in 2005.

Who doesn't love his coat?

Womens




Coat: New Look £49.99
Shirt: New look £22.99
Vest: New Look £2.49
Trousers: Asos £28
Belt: New Look £5.99
Shoes: Asos £35

A feminine take on Jack's look, I do love the shirt and boots.

Mens



Coat: Asos £75
Shirt: River Island £30
Vest: Asos £6
Trousers: New Look £19.99
Shoes: New Look £44.99
Braces: New Look £12.99
Belt: Asos £15

Although there is this trench coat, but I chose the shorter length coat because I think it's more versatile and easier to wear, plus it's blue. You could always get lucky in a vintage shop though.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #13

Ah, this is such a perfect look for this time of year, due to the dull, wet weather.


Coat: Asos £100
Umbrella: Ebay £24.50
Top: New Look £19.99
Skirt: New Look £12.99
Boots: Asos £184
Bag: New Look £14.99
Belt: New Look £4.99

This is a rather smart look, I guess it could be worn in an office, perhaps changing the top, but Carrie makes it so chic! I love this coat from Asos, the double collar just makes it so special!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: Garnier B.B. Cream

What IS B.B.Cream? *This excerpt is taken from Garnier's website*

B.B. Creams (short for 'Blemish Balm') are hybrid products which combine the benefites of skincare and make-up in one.
Initially developed by a German dermatologist in the 1950's, to soothe skin and provide coverage, B.B. Creams were made famous in South Korea by an actress famed for her beautiful skin.
Over the following years, they became a cult must-have product in Asia due to their sheer, flawless finish, and their 'all-in-one' qualities.


What they say:

Garnier BB Cream

2 letters for perfect-looking skin...instantly! Garnier’s B.B. cream, Miracle Skin Perfector, with mineral pigments and vitamin C. It unifies, illuminates, hydrates and helps protect with SPF 15. Available in two shades.

What I say:

I've been waiting a while for this cream to hit the U.K! I love it, it allows me to skip foundation on a daily basis. It really does even your skin tone. It goes on so easy, spreads and doesn't look patchy. In the space of a week it's become a must have item for me.

Often, my skin reacts in protest when I change a product, yet it hasn't with this, if anything it has improved since using it, and I'm saying that in truth as it's the only thing different in routine.

I knew Garnier would get it right, just from how much I use my tinted caffine roll on. I don't think I could live without either of those products.

I definately think that key products can make you feel great about yourself. This is one of these products.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: An Idiot Abroad The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington

An Idiot Abroad: The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington

If you liked the series then this is a brilliant addition, extra moments you didn't get to see. It's also just as funny, reliving moments completely through Karl's eyes, such as visiting the babas in India or actually wearing a nappy whilst there.

There's transcripts of the voice mail left on Karl's phone by Ricky and Steve, there's also scans on pamphlets, such as the one from the nudist beach in Brazil.

There's this naive honesty to Pilkington that I find so endearing and funny. I really would like to tave a holiday in his head.

This is a great little book for dreary days when you need a little giggle.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: MUA Eye Palette

After hearing so much hype about the MUA Eye Palettes, particularly that their natural toned palette was a competetor to the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I knew I had to try it.

Let me tell you, it wasn't easy tracking this palette down as it's sold out on Superdrug's website and in a couple of the stores in the area. I finally got my hands on the Heaven & Earth palette and couldn't wait to try it.

I love how all the eyeshadows work together or seperate, the shades will suit any skin tone, are pigmented amazingly and last pretty much all day.

The packaging isn't bad but looks stylish, it also comes with a long double ended eyeshadow applicator for easy application.

I love this palette and is so worth the money, at only £4! It's quality you just don't expect for the price.

I really recommend this palette and I'm tempted to hunt down the Pretty Pastels palette as well.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #12

This is a great look from the 2nd movie, a great simple outfit that stands out as most of them are OTT this time around!
Man's shirt: Asos £16.50
Jeans: New Look £25.99
Shoes: Topshop £60
Bag: New Look £14.99
Sweat band: Ebay £1.50

Out of all, I think the sweat band is most out of place in this outfit, though SJP chose to wear the SATC2 movie band inside out.
I chose a men's shirt as I think they tie better.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: elf Matte Lip Color

Note: I'm English, so I'm slightly agitated by the way colour is spelt 'color', though on today of all days I'll let it slide.


What They Say:

"This convenient jumbo sized lip pencil creates exact colour application with twist up ease so you never have to sharpen. The pigment rich colour glides on effortlessly and easily to provide long lasting matte colour. The enriched Vitamin A, C & E formula moisturizes and hydrates lips for beautiful healthy looking lips."

What I say:

I bought the shade: Coral.

This is a pinkier shade of coral than what I'm used to seeing, which I'm glad of because those shades are always too orangey for me.

The shape of the pen makes application easy and precise.

It applies well and goes on smooth, it also has a sweet taste but not overpowering. It left my lips feeling smooth and hydrated.

The colour lasts for a fairly long time, once again proving that elf are brilliant for the money they charge, £3.50 will not break the bank at all.

As soon as I got it I had to put it on, this is definitely a make up bag, or perhaps even a handbag essential.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Character Looks: Paddington Bear

I've had a little brainwave, if I can recreate Carrie Bradshaw's look so easily why not challenge myself and recreate looks for other characters? So I've created a few childhood favourites looks.

Paddington Bear

"The very first Paddington book was "A Bear Called Paddington" which was published in the UK by William Collins (now Harper Collins) in 1958."

We all know and love Paddington, I remember watching the cartoons on a morning when I was a little girl. I love these pieces, they can be worn together as part of the colour block trend or as seperates, either way these are key pieces for the A/W period.

Coat £44.99
Hat £19.50
Boots £85


Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Man Products: Lynx Music Star Shower Gel

What they say:

"Live like a rockstar with the wild freshness of LYNX Musicstar

Your VIP pass to a night of adventure...

Doesn't dry out your skin."

What he says:

"A very sweet smell. It doesn't lather but you still smell refreshed. There's the fun factor of it having the consistancy of rasberry jam. It does feel moisturising."

What I say:

I really do like how this smells on him, and it makes his skin feel soft. I do borrow this on occasion as it doesn't dry out my skin, it's not an overpowering scent either.

Lynx Music Star is exclusive to Tesco, so pop it in your shopping trolley!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: The Sins of the Fathers

The Sins of the Fathers by Lawrence Block

You know, I'm not entirely sure where I got this book, it just sort of appeared on my bookshelf. Quite glad it did though. After reading Afterwards, last weeks installment of Bag Books, I needed a shorter book, like a sorbet after steak. So I picked up The Sins if the Fathers.

I like the fact that it clearly tells you the book's genre on the cover 'Mystery'. It certainly is a book for someone who enjoys detective mysteries, or C.S.I, like me, and it is always fun to try and work out the killer as your thrown curve-balls (I think this is an American phrase, but then again I've never had interest in sports so it could be a cricket term).

I may have to look out for some more of these Matt Scudder Mysteries, but I hope I haven't read the 3rd installment first, as that would really piss me off.

The chapters are short and the characters are easy enough to imagine, even if they aren't given much description. Overall a decent little read.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #11

Seeing as the (absent) Summer is turning to Autumn with all this rain, I thought this look would be a great for the seasonal transition.



Jacket: New Look £99.99
Cardigan: Warehouse £45
Top: Asos £8
Scarf: Asos £15
Jeans: Dorothy Perkins £32
Shoes: Asos £36
Bag: New Look £12.99

I think I've got this pretty spot on, I've looked so close to the image, and other images, of this look, even conferring with the movie.

The scarf is the biggest deviant, but there is a replica knitting pattern on Ravelry.com, just search patterns for 'Carrie' and you'll find it.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Afterwards

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

I've written this as soon as I've finished the book, I started it this morning and couldn't put it down and read all 450 pages in practically one sitting.

This is a very clever story, seen through the eyes of Grace, a 39 year old mother, who has an out of body experience as she tries to piece together what happened to her and her teenage daughter during a fire, and she sees what happens to the rest of her family during her comatose time in hospital.

Like I mentioned, you find out what happens but you're fed plenty of red herrings along the way, adding intruige, keeping you hooked. There's also a theme of love, which sounds cliche but it's so beautiful. There's also a part between father and son that would make a stone heart weep. Though it's the undercurrent theme of water that amazes me, yet it's so fitting.

One thing I liked about the book itself is the fact there are discussion points for a bookclub after the story. This made me smile as I don't know of many book clubs near me, but the idea of a group of people, sat with coffee/tea and cake whilst talking through the water theme and giving their ideas just gave me a happy feeling.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Happy Birthday to Me!

As my birthday is this month, my wants list for September features things I am likely to buy!




It's rare for me to want perfume, but I love the smell and the bottle of this one!

Ok, so I'm not likely to buy this bag, but it doesn't mean that I don't really, really want it! I freaking love the colour, not to mention it's covered in SQUIRRELS! I love squirrels, there's one who comes into my garden and I'll watch him for ages, I call him Fatty, Fatty the Squirrel, because he eats the food my mom puts out for the birds, so he's bigger than most squirrels you see. Right now I'm wondering how many times I've said squirrel in this paragraph. Only 5 times, pfft.

I think this tunic would see me well into the new year, throw it on with tights or leggings and Bob's your Uncle etc, plus yellow is my favourite colour.

I haven't heard any rave reviews of this book, it just caught my interest when I was doing the weekly shop, and I've always been interested in the meanings of things, and the story itself makes this seem like a nice little read.

I have adored these shoes since they appeared on Asos. I literally bookmarked the page! I adore them, they look like shoes that would be worn in the Tudor period. I think they'd look so cute with a dress or skirt or just my jeans.

I've never owned a pair of jeggings before, mostly because they look quite disgusting, but I like this pair, mostly because they look like jeans, even have the back pockets!

It's is getting colder now, so it's time to pull out the long sleeves, and buy some more too. I like the range of colours you can get this top in, but I think the blue is my favourite. Look out for this top in a future Carrie Files installment.

I'd really like a watch like this, mostly because I never pick up my phone when I go out, so it'd be nice to know the time.

So that's it for my September/Birthday Wants!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: The Body Shop Hairbrush With Bamboo Pins

For this installment of Test Subject I'm reviewing this hairbrush from The Body Shop.

What they say:

Follow the contours of your head and gently groom your mane. The round-tipped pins massage and stimulate the scalp while regular brushing distributes the hair’s natural oils from root to tip. For all hair types.

What I say:

A while ago, I'd heard that bamboo/natural brushes are better for your hair than plastic ones. I have to agree, after using this brush my hair looks better, has more shine and feels softer.

I feels great to brush my hair with this, it really does massage your scalp, I can sit for ages just brushing my hair.

The brush itself is lightweight.

The £8 isn't what I'd usually pay for a hair brush, but I think it's worth trading in your cheap plastic brush for one of these, and it's definately an investment piece for your hair.

Overall I love this brush, I take it with me when I travel. After using it I have no desire to ever revert back to my plastic ones.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo