Bag Books: Santa's Twin

Santa's Twin by Dean Koontz

I told you I had a fun Christmassy book this week for you! I was torn between this and some others I own, but this is a so brilliant I could not help but share!

This is what happens when Santa has a brother (not named Fred) a twin actually, and this is a bad twin, he likes nothing good. He takes over Santa's role on Christmas eve and brings naught but misery wrapped in bright paper to all the little children. And when I say misery I mean cat poop.

I was young when I first read this, and I could really appreciate the story but also the hidden snowman on every page. As I've grown up I still can't find all of the bloody things! But I also appreciate the story alot more, and the wonderful rhymes.

Yes, this is a very long poem, but that's most of the joy of reading this.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Merry Christmas!

I'm sorry I didn't do a Carrie Files last week, but as it's the festive period and I was ill last week, I haven't gotten around to blogging.

I'm also in work a few more times this week so I'm not sure if I'll get around to doing any posts.

Though I have list of things that will become posts.

If I don't then I'd like to wish you all;

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lots of Love

Lozzy

xo

Patterns in the owl are from this blog.

Bag Books: Summer & the City

Summer & the City by Candace Bushnell

So ends our Trilogy! Unless, of course, Bushnell writes another prequel, then we shall have a glorious Quadrilogy!

This novel is set after The Carrie Diaries during Carrie's first summer in New York, with a firm favourite Samantha Jones.

It's worth noting that the Carrie in the prequels is more like the Carrie in the series than the Carrie in the original novel. I wonder how many times I can say 'Carrie' in this review? So far: 6.

As you live through Carrie's first New York summer, you also explore Samantha's past which was only mentioned in the series. Remember her fiance? Well that's the relationship she's in for the duration of this book.

We also spend alot of time with a very femininist Miranda Hobbs, who was as argumentative and clever as she was in the series. Good ol' Miranda!

The story line has Carrie come to realise her love for the city, has conflicts with her old and new friends, and has Carrie start to experiment with clothing. Scrubs, really Carrie?

There's also Carrie's first love, which is nice to read about. Then there's the school part and the relationships she develops there.

Towards the end of the book you have another loved character introduced, as Carrie meets them on a train heading to New York.

If you love the show and have liked the other books then this is certainly for you!

Final Carrie Count: 12

I shall have a nice Christmassy book up next week for you to enjoy!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: The Carrie Diaries

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

As I reviewed Sex and the City last week, I thought I'd move onto the prequels.

I guess it's not difficult to see where I got the inspiration for the title: 'The Carrie Files' now is it?

Of course I had this on the day it came out! I walked all around Wolverhampton in my boots (sadly not Manolos) until I found it. Then I started reading it on the bus home.

It was really interesting to read about Carrie's family, as you never see them in the TV show, and they're not really mentioned as I recall. So getting to know a loved character a bit better is always a big plus.

I found her escapades in school to be interesting, and funnily enough I could relate to her in some parts.

Without spoiling it, people who are lovers of the series will love the very ending of the book, as a very familiar (and loved) character answers the phone.

I read this in about a day because I loved it, and it isn't a difficult read either, so it's nice to pick up at each chapter.

So, I guess it's only fitting that I review Summer & the City next week.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #24

Le gasp! The 'Fashion Roadkill' outfit, "how on earth do you wear that?" I hear you cry. Well, New Years eve and taking one or two pieces from it is the key!



Coat: Asos £95
Top: Asos £6
Shorts: Asos £35
Shoes: New Look £19.99
Earrings: Ted Baker £25

Personally I wouldn't wear that top, but a camisole or sheer shirt would be more flattering to a general population. I adore the shorts though, I'd wear those with my black tights to really make them pop.
The colour of the coat is beautiful.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Just a quick note.

Christmas is fast approaching and I may be a little lax with my blogging.
I do have some Bag Books scheduled, and I'm working on some more Carrie Files. Though I'm not sure how many Test Subjects I'll have until after Christmas, ditto for Man Products (which seems extinct).

But seeing as it is Christmas soon, which generally means various gift sets (for me at least) at least I'll have new products to try out.

Also I'm grabbing images from Sex and the City right now, so I'll work on the looks over this week.

So, for now;

Peace, love and all that jaxx. xo

Bag Books: Sex and the City

Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell

With 20+ weeks of re-creating Carrie's looks, I think it's about time I wrote about the book!

First off, I'm going to say that my copy of the book is not that sexy, I have the TV show cover with the four girls on where they're all wearing Little Black Dresses.

This is the book which spawned the series which spawned the movies, it's a great character driven piece, but I certainly enjoyed the Carrie you see on screen to the one you read about in this novel, which was first published in 1996.

It certainly explores the the bedrooms of the New York elite, and you see several of it's themes throughout the series.

Series one of SatC certainly has a more book based Carrie, but I'm glad she got developed into the fashionista that she became.

This was a really good first novel for Bushnell.

What can I say? If you love Sex and the City, it's definately worth a read.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: Eyebrow Threading

Yes, finally I have another Test Subect for you! As this is a procedure and not a product, I have simply taken information on it from wikipedia. I also didn't have a photo, so I grabbed this one.

What they Say:

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal originating in the Eastern world. In more recent times it has gained popularity in Western countries.

Practitioners use a pure, thin, twisted cotton thread which is rolled over usually untidy hairlines, moustaches and other areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level. Unlike tweezing, where single hairs are pulled out one at a time, threading can remove an entire row of hair, resulting in a straighter line. As a larger area of hair is removed at once, however, it can be relatively painful.

Threading has long been popular in many Arab countries, and was well known from Indian and Persian culture, where it is known as Bande Abru ("Abru" means eyebrow, and "Band" is the thread). Threading the entire face is widely practised amongst Iranians, but it was originally only done when a woman was getting married or for special occasions. In ancient Persia, threading was a sign that a girl had reached adulthood and become a woman.

What I say:

That photo makes it look all relaxing and nice, but no it bloody is not! It's very effective, inexpensive and quick, but it hurts alot. It's the single most painful thing I've put myself through in the name of beauty, and that's including all 5 tattoos & 12 piercings (inc. healing time).

I honestly wanted her to stop after the first eyebrow was finished. Like I said, it's very painful, though I'm not sure what was worse, the hairs being yanked out or the ripping you could hear as multiple hairs left your face.

8 hours later and it's still sore.

At least they won't need to be done for the next 5 weeks, though I'll stick to my tweezers in future.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #23

Now we're on the cusp of December I thought I'd do Carrie's New Years Eve look, it's actually one of my favourite scenes of the movie, where she runs across the city to go to Miranda's so she doesn't have to be alone. Even though Carrie is in her jammies it's actually a nice look with the camisoles, throw some jeans on and you've got a good outfit.



Coat: Asos £85
Long sleeve: New Look £5.99
Camisole: New Look £7.99
Necklace: Anna Lou £19.99
Hat: ebay £4.99
Trousers: New Look £11.99
Boots: New Look £34.99
Bag: New Look £24.99
Gloves: Asos £20

I've always love that coat of Carrie's, it looks wonderful, it's appeared in the seasons of SatC too, so it's her recurring piece.
I chose the necklace given that it mentions the theme of the movie, finding love, finding it in your family, your friends, your boyfriend, your dog, anywhere.
The boots were hard to find though, being white, but these lace ones are lovely! They come in black too, if you aren't brave enough for white.
Though I was thinking "put some bloody socks on!".

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Top 10: Christmas Movies

As it's the start of December and I've seen the Coca Cola Lorries I can say it's Christmas time! I do love Christmas, so here's my Top 10.

#10 Home Alone



This film really makes me laugh and it never fails, the kid is just hilariously smart. I love the being-family-with-family-at-Christmas undercurrent to the movie. I'm also stunned to realise that I'm the same age as this movie (1990).

#9 The Polar Express



I've only just seen this for the first time and I really enjoyed it. I remember feeling how that boy felt, not believing in Santa/(the magic of) Christmas, but this was just lovely, and I'm full of festive cheer these days. The animation was really good for the time too.(2004)

#8 A Muppets Christmas Carol



I've seen this so many times now I sing along when I watch it. It's a adaptation of Dickens that I've watched practically every year since I was very small. I remember on Christmas Eve, in my Nan's flat, I was young, and so hyperactive with excitement, but I remember sitting still long enough to watch it.

#7 Miracle on 34th Street



I know this is a remake but I've never seen the original, and I've always wanted to give the mother a punch on the jaw for telling her daughter that Santa doesn't exist. It's a movie about believing, and that is Christmas.

#6 The Grinch



I've loved this since I first saw it. It's another movie that I can sing/talk along to. I think my heart broke a little when I saw how Cindy Lou had grown up, but Jim Carrey is brilliant. I love the world, I love the whole concept of it. It also gave me a saying that I use at Christmas when people are being so negative about it; "Even the Grinch wore a Santa hat." It generally ends the argument.

#5 It's a Wonderful Life



If there was ever a movie to watch with your Mom it's this one. I bought it recently and had a movie afternoon with my Mom, I got the 65th anniversary edition so it was in colour too, and the film looked really nice in colour. I know it's been parodied so many times, even by the likes of One Tree Hill and The Nostalgia Critic, but you really can't beat the original. I doubt this film could ever be remade either, if it was made today it wouldn't have it's innocence.

#4 Scrooged



Another adaptation! I know, but this one is brilliant, it puts a brilliant comedic twist on the tale, Americanises and modernises it, I say modern though this is an oldie (1988) by today's standards. Bill Murry is perfect in his role as Frank Cross, and I'm glad they didn't call him Ebeneezer Scrooge as it wouldn't hold for the character. Even though it's a comedy it still moves you.


#3 A Christmas Carol



Well, I bought about those adaptations, you didn't think I'd forget about the original, did you? This is my favourite true version of A Christmas Carol, I think it's wonderful.

#2 Hogfather



I really love this, I think that Death's portrayed wonderfully, and has a huge heart for, well, Death. I think my favourite part is when he saves the Little Match Girl, as that's a story I read when I was little and it made me so sad. Death is bloody wonderful, it has to be the magic.

#1 The Nightmare Before Christmas



One of my favourite films ever made. When I was little I'd rent this every week without fail, and it's still a firm favourite now. I'm never sure if it's a Halloween movie or a Christmas one. Though given that they're trying Christmas out for the first time and trying to capture the spirit of the season then it is most definately a Christmas movie.


A special mention is going to:

Arthur Christmas



I'm looking forward to seeing it this weekend, so I may just pop a review up once I've seen it.

So snuggle up with a hot chocolate, a mince pie (or two) and a blanket and enjoy these fantastic festive films.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Last Breath

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

For anyone who doesn't know, I really enjoy reading Caine's work, though my favourite series is the Weather Warden collection, however I get immense satisfaction from reading the Morganville Vampire novels.

Last Breath is Morganville Book #11 and continues following the life of little human Claire and her friends. What I like is that in the foreword you are given a welcome to the book and in the introduction you pretty much given the feel of the town in a couple of pages, but also a brief summary of the previous novels.

Anyone who hasn't read the Morganville novels, don't worry and you should, this is a fresh story with only mentions of the previous bad guy. I enjoy the way Caine will write little introductory sentances to characters which give depth for new readers, but also a refresher for seasoned Morganville readers.

Caine tried something new with this and told the story from several view points, which made a nice change to be able to know what Amelie's thought process was.

The story was great, Myrnin came into his own as usual and is easily my favourite character, fanged bunny slippers and all. My only complaint is that the character's (not naming them because I don't want to spoil the story) death wasn't fleshed out enough, I would have liked them to be dead a little while longer and explore their surroundings and the new character they meet a bit more.

I love the track lists that Caine puts into the backs of her books, it's a great accompaniment to a scene but it also helps find new music to listen to.

Another thing, I adore having the UK exclusive short stories, not sure what we did to deserve them, but they're great for character development.

I love this book. If anyone wants to get into this series, they're in this order:

Glass Houses
The Dead Girls Dance
Midnight Alley
Feast of Fools
Lord of Misrule
Carpe Corpus
Fade Out
Kiss of Death
Ghost Town
Bite Club
Last Breath

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #22

This week I thought I'd do something a little different and show you one piece of clothing and offer similar pieces at different prices. As it's knitwear I am in conjunction with Knitzors.



This is such a fab jumper. I can't remember which episode it's from though, but I shall be re-watching the seasons soon! I need not tell you that I love knitwear, isn't it fab? The jumper Carrie is wearing appears to be a garter/reverse stocking stitch knit with a fab k2, p2 rib.



1. New Look £24.99

2. Matalan £18

3. Asos £30

4. Next £35

5. Topshop £42

1. I like the colours, the neck and the variated stripes but you'd really need a long sleeved top on underneath.

2. Nice natural tones stripes, in a nice chunky yarn by looks of it, what more could you ask for.

3. The effect of the yarn is wonderful, I love colour change yarns for this reason. It's ribbed throughout and really focuses on the one stripe on Carrie's jumper, hence it being included.

4. Be still my beating heart! How wonderful is this jumper? I think the blue really complements the rust tones and there isn't too much meaning it doesn't take over. The self striping yarn really works for this.

5. Trust Topshop to have a really similar jumper in colour, but it's not over the top colour and it works, I believe that these tones would suit anyone.

Jumpers and skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots is one great way to wear these jumpers, and given that knee high riding style boots are everywhere right now you really cant go wrong with this look.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Julie & Julia (Part 2)

Julie & Julia by Julie Powell

I finished it! I still stand by what I said in Part One of this book review, but http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifit's alot more enjoyable after the first 100 pages.

Once you hit that mark it becomes alot more about the cooking aspect, I also found that I could relate to Powell in her cooking endevours because of my own.

Julie Powell has inspired me and I'm sure it was around the time of seeing the movie that I thought I should get serious with my cooking, or perhaps try something more difficult/different.

I really felt involved and amazed at the attention she recieved, I'm sure once I get my hands on that cookbook I'll be able to fully realise what she went through. As far as biographies go, this is one of the interesting ones, and I'm most likely not the only one to get why it became, a very enjoyable, movie.

I found myself laughing at her remarks, even rolling my eyes with good humour at times.

So, ladies and gentlemen, snap up this book and read it good, as it's a much more enjoyable book than I thought it was going to be at the start.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

For anyone interested; an extended 'full' version of this review will soon be available on Lozzy's Tasty Buds.

The Harry Potter 30 Day Challenge

I know I'm going to forget to do this, so I thought if I answered them all in one go it'd be better.

Day 1: Your fave book.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - it's just where the characters start to be more developed, and it's not Voldemort. Mostly because it's the deep breath before the plunge.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - because it's the end of The War, and it's nice to know they go to 'normal' lives afterwards.

Day 2: Your fave movie.

The same as the books and for the same reasons, but I think Alfonzo Cuaron did an amazing job on PoA, I wish he'd done the rest of them.

Day 3: Is there any of the films adaptations that have made you angry because they’ve ignored important parts of the book.

I left the cinema feeling furious after Half-Blood Prince, it took at least an hour long bus ride to calm me down, and I can't get 5mins into the DVD before I turn it off. Wrong from the bloody start, even Daniel Radcliff didn't like that movie!

Day 4: Least fave female character and why.

Dolores Umbridge, do I really need to explain, she's fluffy and pink and the more power/evil she becomes she gets fluffier and pinker.

Day 5: Fave male character and why.

Ronald Billius Weasley. Why? I'll tell you why! He's the hero of the series. I really don't need to explain his awesome, it's as loud as his ginger hair.

Day 6: What house would you want to be in.

Gryffindor, which is exactly where Pottermore put me.

Day 7: Fave female character and why.

Molly Weasley. I really have a thing for the Weasley's, Molly is so brave, likes to knit and of course the legendary line of:

NOT MY DAUGHTER YOU BITCH

Day 8: What do you think would be your fave lesson.

Charms or herbology though there's a chance of ancient runes.

Day 9: Least fave male character.

Ludo Bagman, I want to punch him in his bloated gut.

Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows.

Hallows, every time.

Day 11: What character would you say you are most like.

A mix of Hermione and Luna. I have similar views as Luna but alot of likeness to Hermione growing up.

Day 12: Fave ship. (I.E fan-made relationship, Severus&Sirius or Luna&Neville. Don't have one? Pick an existing couple within the books! It's totally fine.)

I'll love Tonks/Lupin til the day I die, I'll also have my heart broken everytime they die.
I think most 'ships' are rather creepy.

Day 13: Least fave movie.

Half-Blood Prince.

Day 14: Team Voldermort or Team Harry.

Team Harry.

Day 15: Who would be your best friends at hogwarts. (three only)

Luna, Neville aaaaaand Susan Bones.

Day 16: Fave professor

McGonagall

Day 17: Are you excited about The Deathly Hallows movie or scared it won’t do the book justice.

I was terrified, but considering the mess of HBP I think they've done the book justice and had continuity to the movies too.

Day 18: Least fave book.

Chamber of Secrets - Since first reading the series it's been my least fave.

Day 19: Do you prefer the books or films.

Books, hands down.

Day 20: If you had to meet one member of the cast, who would it be.

You make this question seem like I'm unwilling. I want to meet all of them.

Day 21: Out of all the characters that died, if you could bring one back, who would it be.

Fred!

Day 22: Harry Potter or Twilight

Are you insane? I was at some point because I thought Twilight was amazing.

HARRY POTTER!

Day 23: Any part of the books/movies that makes you cry.

There are points in all of them where I've cried, my level of crying usually depends on the height of my hormones.

Day 24: Any particular scene you wished would have been put in the movie but it wasn’t.

Duh.
THE WHOLE FUCKING PLOT OF HALF-BLOOD-PRINCE!
Sheesh.

Thought there is the Tonks/Lupin scene in DHpt2, but it's in the dvd extras, so I forgive them.
And the ending of DHpt2, I wished it was in Dumbledore's office instead of outside, I really don't get why they changed that.

Day 25: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how it turned out, or do you wish something was different, ie Neville married Luna.

Nah, I like the ending, it makes perfect sense who Luna is married to, and Neville's a Professor, can't beat that!

Day 26: If you could be able to work one spell without a wand what would it be.

Silencio

Day 27: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand.

Right now, the Stone, because it's almost Christmas and I really would like to see my dog again, even if was just to get to say goodbye to her.
But it's usually the Wand.

Day 28: Do you listen to Wrock, what do you think about it. (http://wizardrock.org/)

I've listened to it a few times, I can't say I'm a fan but I really enjoy the effort, it shows how much they love the books.

Day 29: Did you enjoy A Very Potter Musical. (http://io9.com/5316232/inside-secrets-of-the-harry-potter-musical)

Never seen it, and honestly I don't feel like watching it, it may well be amazing, but I'll save it for another day.

Day 30: What affect has Harry Potter made on your life and how much does it mean to you?

It means alot to me, or I wouldn't have the Hallows symbol inked onto my arm for all eternity. It means alot that my fiance understands how much it means to me, and continues to buy me props.

The Carrie Files #21

Well folks, I said that the last post was a land mark, well here I have another one, this post marks half a year of me doing The Carrie Files, and I have plenty more looks to come. As you've seen, I've started introducing different characters into The Carrie Files, this will continue as not everyone is a Carrie, other people are Mirandas or Charlottes, some are even Samanthas. As I'm feeling sentimental with this post, I felt that I'd do a look from the intro sequence of SATC2. Enjoy!



I know, the flashback where Carrie first arrived in New York. Not Carrie's finest moment, but fun non the less.



Sweatshirt: New look £9.99
Vest: New Look £3.99
Trousers: Asos £18
Shoes: Schuh £40

This outfit works despite not being highly fashionable. Obviously my favourite part is the shoes, I miss wearing cons, so comfy!
I didn't do the luggage or her (hideous) bag because luggage is obvious really.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Julie & Julia (Part 1)

Julie & Julia by Julie Powell

I started to read this after I'd seen the movie, this is one of 2 instances where I've enjoyed the movie more than the book, (the other being Wanted).

I guess it's because the movie was mostly food centered, where there's alot of American Politic in the book. It was very distracting, having to stop reading to research a party that I don't fully understand, maybe it's because the majority of my government are Eton toffs. I also believe that this is the most political I will talk, as politics are up there with religion as a conversation topic, meaning one I prefer to avoid.

As you may have picked up in the opening sentance,or blog title for that matter, I actually haven't finished this book.

I enjoy it when she's talking about cooking, or even the little tales of moving furniture, they are so enjoyable, and what make the movie great, but when every other paragraph is some political dig, then I just cannot get engrossed.

I'll conclude this review, aka Part 2, once I've finished reading the book, though I am being greatly distracted by comic books and graphic novels at this moment in time, so it could be a couple of weeks yet.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: UltraClear Acne Cream

Ultraclear Acne Cream

A while ago, pretty much back when i started this blog, I mentioned this cream, though I said I wouldn't review it until I'd given it a proper test run.

What They Say:

Some [customers] will notice a visible improvement after just one application. Seven days is the normal time it takes to notice a big improvement in the condition of your skin. Your skin will look clearer, will make you feel better, will feel great and look healthy.

What I Say:

I've been using this product for the best part of a year now and I think the cream alone isn't a wonder cure, you need a good skincare routine, but it does work.

I prefer to use it as a 'base moisturiser' once I've cleansed my skin, I use UltraClear then apply eyecream and then my day cream. It really goes on like a dream, spreads so easily and you don't have to use too much at one time.

I have noticed a difference over the course of me using this cream, my skin is alot clearer than it used to be, brighter too, somehow.

Even using it daily it lasts months, so it is worth the money.

The only problem I have with it is them smell, which is quite unpleasant, until you get used to it, then you don't notice it at all.

So with that;

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #20

Well folks, we've made it to the 20th week, and to celebrate I'm presenting you with a look I've wanted to do for a long time, so here it is:



I've loved this coat since I first saw season 6, so beautiful, so I'm super excited to share this look with you.



Coat: Asos £90
Jumper: New Look £7.99
Hat: Asos £30
Mittens: Asos £10
Bag: New Look £19.99

The collar may be different, but the pockets are exactly the same. That shade of blue will lift any spirit, and those mittens are divine.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #19

I thought I'd do a double look, a his 'n' her so to speak. For those who don't know, that is Alexander Petrovsky, Carrie's lover in season 6, whom she goes to Paris with.

Carrie



Coat: Asos £85
Cuffs: Asos £12
Jumper: Dorothy Perkins £32
Jeans: New Look £19.99
Boots: Aldo £60
Bag: Asos £35
Mittens: Dorothy Perkins £7
Snood: New Look £7.99

I couldn't find a bag similar to Carrie's so I went for this fabulous art deco style clutch instead.
I really like the coat, looks so warm.


Alexander



Jacket: Matalan £25
Trousers: Matalan £10
Jumper: New Look £26.24
Gloves: Matalan £9
Shoes: New Look £14.99

I do like this look, it's smart but also on the casual side. I like the cuff on the gloves, just makes them seem more impressive.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Storm Born

Storm Born by Richele Mead

Admittedly I was searching for the graphic novel version when I found this, though I'm glad that I got this instead.

Anyone who follows me on Twitter will know that I was reading this and really enjoying it, and I quote (myself):

I have to say, that book was smutty...smutty in a good way!

It's one of the sexy fantasy novels, in the same style as Charlainne Harris and Rachel Caine. Though the sex scenes are more detailed than Caine's but almost equal to Harris's.

So if you like a little smut, go for this book.

The story is great, not revealing everything up front but allowing you to discover things as events unfold for the main character.

As you know I never write spoilers, just what you find on the blurb, one reason I wanted to read this story was this:

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants. . .

That sentence had me giggling for a long time, the way it's written, almost like "Typical, you wait for ages then 3 buses come along at once."

It gets better from there but I'll let you find that out yourself.

I really recommend this book as it is a good read, you might even find you enjoy it so much that you purchase the graphic novel.

So that's it for this hyperactive review.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Test Subject: Rimmel Fruities Lasting Finish Nail Varnish

Here's a novelty nail varnish I couldn't wait to try. Of the fruities I liked the colour of this one the most, which is why I bought it.

What they say:

"Amazing on trend shades with fruity scents when dry

Take brilliantly colourful nails to the next level with our fragranced new nail polish! Inspired by the freshness of summer fruits, I Love Lasting Finish Fruities Nail Polish is available in four vibrant on-trend shades, each with their own matching fruity fragrance when dry. Delicious!"


What I say:

The colour is nice and bright, but you need two coats so it isn't patchy. As I've said Ireally like the colour, so here is my reaction video to the 'fruity scent' claim.



Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #18

A quick Carrie look this time, the image only shows the top part, but I've researched the bottom part for you! Also what bag she has, but they cut out the shoes, so I'll be inventive.


Blazer: Asos £60
T-shirt: New Look £12.99
Jeggings: Warehouse @ Asos £45
Shoes: New Look £24.99
Bag: Asos £25


This is a quirky cool look that could be worn with jeans and still look good.
I chose the shoes to complement Mickey's shorts and there wasn't enough colour in this look for my liking.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Falling Leaves, Falling Leaves on the Ground

I adore this cuff from New Look, it's beautiful yet reminds me of gauntlets on medieval armour.

I think this blouse is so pretty. I love the colour and the lace collar is so delicate yet so on trend.

I love these handwarmers, they're so cute and even a touch quirky. They certainly beat boring old plain black ones.

Isn't this bag lovely? Pretty and practical, just how a satchel should be.

I freaking adore these earrings, look how beautiful they are. Just like little parasols, amazing.

This hat looks amazing, with my blonde hair it'd really stand out and I appreciate the work that must've gone into it, colour work isn't easy.

Just because Nivea is best for my skin, and if anyone wants to get it me for Christmas, I'll be happy.

So, these are my wants for October.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Pedigree Adoption Drive

Want to be a Superhero to dogs? Well you can save multiple lives by taking a dog on a virtual walk a few times.

Here you take Ripley the dog across 4 websites, each website donates 25p to the cause, complete the walk and raise £1. You can do this as many times as you like. Just think how many little lives will have been spared, just by taking a couple of minutes out of your time.

Doing this doesn't cost you anything, though you can also donate.

Please save a dog's life tonight.

My dog Suzi was a rescue dog, she gave me 15/16 years of love and joy, by saving these dogs think how you'll benefit the lives of other people too.



Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Game Den: The Sims 3 Pets

This will be a rarer blog feature.



As a Sims 3 player anyway, it's no surprise that I bought Pets, but I've been so excited for this game.
I'm only missing one stuff pack, which I should be getting soon, but this game is the best expansion yet!

I love animals, and my Sims being able to have a furry companion is bliss, it makes their lives a lot more interesting.

So I thought I'd show you some of my gameplay.

The female Sim is me, the male is Craig and the chihuahua is called Taco.





I do adore this game, it's re-newed my love of the franchise and I've only played it for a couple of hours. I loved the icecream van, I felt like a child when I heard it's tune. Also, the fact that there's plastic surgery in game now really made me laugh.

Fantastic game, seriously long awaited.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Black Summer #0

Black Summer issue #0 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp

Oh I know, another comic book, I will resume the books at some point but I'm so enthralled by this comic.

Issue #0 sets up the premise for the run. When you allow superheroes to punish your criminals for you, and judge who is a criminal, what happens when they realise that it's the leaders of the country who is the biggest criminal of all.

"When the political situation in the USA becomes more than Horus can stand, he moves to take matters into his own hands. But since not all his other team-mates aren't so eager to throw the world into chaos, an epic conflict starts to form. And no one will be safe as the bodies start to fall. "

The art in this comic is wonderful, it abides by the general laws of drawing humans so they're all in proportion.

I have noticed, though, that these comic I've recommended to you, both contain drawings of a naked male arse, nice.

The story itself is amazing and I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of issue #1 through my letter box. (I know I'm way behind on reading this comic, but I'm excited non the less).

This is AWESOME! *cough* sorry, the 90's kid in me escaped, it is unavoidable at times though, especially when confronted with a brilliant piece of work such as this.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #17

A good look for this season, given the current Fetish trend. The darkest outfit Carrie wears in the movie, I happen to think she looks great in it.




Coat: Yumi Direct £44.99
Top: New Look £5.99
Jeans: Asos £30
Belt: Forever21 £4.90
Hat: New Look £9.99
Boots: New Look £49.99
Gloves: Tesco £12.50
Bag: Oasis @ Asos £16

I adore that coat, I think the whole ensemble is beautifully dark, it illustrates perfectly Carrie's emotion at this point of the film.

OotD #2 NES it Up!

Whew boyo it's been too long since I've worn that belt. I'll give a little backstory:
Yes, it's an old NES controller. I bought it on ebay way back in 2008, when I was blue/black haired and wore Nintendo tshirts.
Overplucked eyebrows and in serious case of sleep, perhaps more so than now. That was back when my life was about games... or gore, I really liked the controversial gore back then, weird.

Once I got into fashion and my attention turned elsewhere I stopped wearing it. Though I just decided to wear it, I'd forgotten how well it kept my jeans up, and how many comments I used to get for it. I teamed it with my check shirt & vest combo, with jeans and sturdy boots.

As you can see I'm wearing my glasses, I've not been wearing them which is rather naughty, but now I can see in HD again! I haven't been doing much with my hair lately, I have only used heat on it once in a month. It's a lot less fuss for me just to tie it up and let my waves frame my face, I mean your natural hair will always suit you. Being blonde takes a lot out of it too, so I'm just being kind to it.

I've been letting my eyebrows grow back, only plucking strays and filling in gaps with an eyebrow pencil. I don't want nasty overplucked brows anymore. Natural makes me look younger, and I look a lot better now than I did when I was 18!

For an outfit of the day I haven't really talked about the clothes much, but these are my comfies and you'll see them recurringly.

Note: I am currently reading a great book, it's a bit smutty, but great non the less, so that'll be a Bag Book soon.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Watchmen

Watchmen written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons

A little change from the norm as I'm reviewing a graphic novel. Why? You ask, well, I barely picked up the book I'm currently reading as I'm busy, but this is a great story, so I thought I'd share it with you. I also apologize if it's a bit of a thin review, as it's been a while since I've read it.

Surely you've seen/heard of the 2009 movie adaptation of the same name? My opinion, good effort but not brilliant. They tried to keep it true to the novel, they just failed with the ending.

Well the Watchmen graphic novel beautifully shows you character histories, their struggle to live without their masks in such a time.

There's always a sense of foreboding, and it's truly wonderful.

Even though I'm not much of a comic book reader, I really appreciate this work, for it's art and story telling, even if it is set in a time period and location that I don't have much grasp on, as I was born in England in 1990.

I whole heartily back this book, and think that even non-comic readers can appreciate it.
If you read it for the reason of "I like to read it before I see the movie" then maybe you'll appreciate how the movie tried to be true, and realise why the ending is different.

Read it, and appreciate it's magnificence.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo



*Note* I've very recently got my hands on this, and I'm super excited to have my own copy, now I can read it again.

Test Subject: L'Occitane Desert Rose Hand Cream

Welcome to another installment of Test Subject, here I put myself on the line to give you my honest opinions on day to day product.

This week: L'Occitane Desert Rose Hand Cream Limited Edition

What They Say:

"This convenient small size Desert Rose Hand Cream, enriched with 20% of shea butter and honey and almond extracts, nourishes, protects and repairs hands leaving them delicately perfumed with with a fruity and tangy interpretation of Moroccan rose. Hands recover comfort and softness immediately."


What I say:

Well reader, I'm going to start with the packaging. As you can see this cream is in a foil tube, which makes it easier to apply the right amount. Though it also makes a lovely partner to the Hemp Hand Protector for anyone thinking of "His 'n' Her" Christmas gifts in this run up to Christmas.
I was really attracted to the packaging of this one, it's eye catching and also http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giffits in with the Aztec trend that's around right now.

Now on to the product itself.

It smells divine! Really does smell like roses, or Turkish delight, same thing really. After using it my hands felt better, they've been on the dry side lately, softer and even my nails felt stronger.

I like this hand cream, if I've persuaded you to buy it you can get it here or on this months Marie Claire as the freebie.

If I were to receive this as a Christmas present I certainly would not be disappointed. It's wonderful and I seriously love it.

At £7.50RRP it wont break the bank, though it probably isn't what I'd usually spend, I can say I would buy it.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo