23 September, 2011

Accessorize your Nails!

As somebody who loves trying different nail polishes and painting my nails on a regular basis, i was drawn to the Accessorize nail colours when in duty free the once. 


There were a multitude of colours and I was immediately intrigued. Priced at £4 (£3.33 in duty free), I think that this is a reasonable price considering the range of colours, the quality and most importantly how long they last, especially in comparison to some brands that are more expensive yet chip within hours!

The first colour I bought was the Khaki (not sure of the exact name or if there is a code as they aren't with me at the moment!). This was perfect for holiday and looked great with a tan. 



The second, which I have failed to photograph, as it has gone walkies, was a bronze/orange/golden glitter polish. At first I was a bit hesitant purchasing it, as it't not something that i'd usually wear, but as I was again in duty free, I couldn't resist it! Its a beautiful polish, and whether it is one layer or three, it looks gorgeous. With this polish i have experimented with it more than I would with a solid colour. I have done the tips of the nails with it, dots, engagement/wedding ring nail only, over a clashing colour.... Its such a great polish, its a shame I have no photos :(


The final two I purchased together. The first is this beautiful Grey/Lilac/Navy metallic polish. I have worn this often, due to its velvety finish and versatile colour, I know that this will be one of my autumn/winter favourites!

Finally, this colour is absolutely gorgeous. I don't know the correct term when it comes to describing a colour that changes/looks different in certain lights, but this colour is beautiful, no matter which pigment it is. It goes from a purple/crimson to a yellow/gold. Its funny to see it change from one colour to the next and thats what I love about it. 
I tend to apply two coats of this varnish for an intense finish.

The above photos of each of the polishes really don't justify how great the colours are (that and the quality of the photos due to been on my phone camera as have lost my battery charger for camera!). They are the most splendid nail polishes I have seen, and especially with the colours available and price; I would happily buy them over and over again. 

Hope you all have a fab weekend!




Safari time!

I have previously mentioned that in the last year, I have been lucky enough to go on 5 holidays! From September 2010 to June this year, I flew over 27,000 miles!!!


I thought I would share with you some of the amazing places that I went to and my experiences! (I won't necessarily blog about them in order.) 


Kenya - December 2010


This holiday came about quite unexpectedly, a friend of mine was looking to go away, but needed someone to go with. I had just come back of holiday, and I was going on another in the next month that she didn't think i would be up for going on another, but as soon as she mentioned holiday, I had my bags packed!


We had a look at all different options, from a couple of days away in Italy to All inclusive in the Canary islands, we soon realised, that for a little bit more money, we could go long haul baby!


As our flight was from Manchester, I decided I'd drive, so we arrived bright and early, only to be told we were delayed, 7 HOURS! We were gutted, but there was nothing we could do about it. So we went for some food, mooch around the duty free umpteen times and perch up in the bar (we were also able to persuade the barman to turn the TV from Sky Sports to the Live Coronation St.) After our long wait, we were on the plane and away we were! We managed to get 2 x 2 window seats, and able to curl up and catch some sleep, I managed to sleep most of the flight! 


We landed safe and sound, and couldn't wait to get to the hotel. Driving through Mombasa was certainly an eye opener, and it was just the beginning of the cultural sights we would see along the way. To get to our hotel, we had to drive onto a passenger ferry to cross a river; eyes glared into the mini-bus as i typed away on my BlackBerry. We passed through villages and towns, and made me appreciate what I do have.


Settling into the hotel, we went to our room and got familiar with the surroundings. It was lovely... the weather gorgeous and there were monkeys roaming the grounds. We didn't unpack, because we knew of the manager through a friend and was told we would be upgraded but unfortunately it wasn't possible that day. From travelling, we just relaxed in the afternoon and went for an early dinner and bed... It amazes me how TV channels abroad always have such good films on all the time. 


The next morning we went and arranged our safari and was told that we could go the next day. We were fine with that, and spoke to the hotel so our room upgrade was available for when we got back!


That afternoon we went to one of the pools and chilled out, soaking up the sun and gazing out across the Indian Ocean from the infinity pool. It was lush, again we headed for an early evening tea and then chilled out in the room, as we had to get up bright and early for our adventure (the equivalent of getting up at 1am UK time). 


We both managed to get up on time, getting a bit of breakkie and then the minibus came and picked us up. We had to pick a couple up, and Its also an opportunity to take a peek at other hotels, compared to the one we picked up from, I think we made the right choice! (By the way our hotel was Baobab Beach Resort, Diani Beach.)


It was a 3 hour drive to Tsavo East national park, and a pitstop half way was an experience, it was a shop with toilets at the back... as you can imagine, you had to walk through the shop to get to the loos. I had to keep repeating "nooo, i dont want to statue of an elephant" just to get to the loo! 
We've arrived!
When we got to the park, the roof was lifted and we headed on safari. As soon as we got in, there were these Zebra like animals (they had mickey mouse ears as opposed to pointy ears, hence the zebra-like description).  Out came the camera and I quickly became "snappy happy". It was amazing, my friend said to me that she hopes she get to see elephants, by gosh, there plenty of them! 


He's Coming to get us!
We were amazed by the amount of animals we saw, we were turning to take photos all the time. After a morning of animal watching, we headed to the hotel... and oh my... we went from 5* to 2*. It was a hotel that was a throwback to the 1960's... but the view from the hotel was amazing, as you can see below!
Wow!
We had the afternoon to ourselves and were able to grab some lunch. But we couldn't wait to get back out on safari. In the afternoon, we were lucky enough to get up close and personal with a a group of lionesses, see buffalos roam, ostriches run riot, Zebras, Cheetah, Dik Dik's, Hippo, Giraffes... And more i cant remember. The whole experience was surreal and amazing, something I will never forget. There was one point where the driver had stopped to point out a bird called Bastard... Yes, Bastard, i even made him spell it out! But We just sat there, and it was so peaceful. I had a moment, I must admit, because it was just unbelievable! I've put some more photos below!



We got back to the safari hotel, afternoon safari done and grub eaten... it was time for bed... which with bugs roaming the room, equalled a night with very little sleep, but waking up to the view was worthwhile. 

The next morning, we were off and out for a last morning of safari and then back to the hotel, and again it was pure delight. We were able to watch lionesses wake up and been lazy, which was very human like! 

Overall the safari was out of this world, and would love to do it again. We survived the 3 hour trip back to the hotel and again had early dinner and straight to 'bedfordshire' as we were knackered. The last few days were spent by the pool, usual holiday musings. We got our upgrade which was lush as it was in the quieter part of the hotel and the room was huge. We had a cheeky little monkey that would sit by our patio window and stare in. Bless! 

The holiday overall was fab and loved every minute of it, it was an experience of a lifetime... only downside was getting gastro-enteritis and arriving home to the cold.

(I've ended this short and sweet due to battery going on comp)

Apologies for essay like blog!

K.








28 August, 2011

Summer Sunday

Thought that i would write a quick piece about my week... as its been mixed and a little roller-coaster in between! 


My sister went away last Monday to sunny Turkey (jammy bugger), considering I had 5 holidays in 10 months, Im feeling a bit down that I don't know when my next jolly-day will be! So I have actually missed not seeing her, i wont tell her that, but i did.  


Have spent some lovely jubbly time with my mom and her parter which has been really good and long overdue, and although it was just outings here and there, it was nice just spending quality time with them. They helped me with a very important decision this week and have been life savers, but I will update about this at a later date when everything is finalised!!!


I was able to spend some time with the boy, which can be difficult at times, and I suppose I could have seen him sooner, but I quite enjoyed been at home, and it meant the time I did see him was even better! I wont be seeing him for a week or so as he is away with work, but its been like that from the moment I met him, so I am used to it. It is definitely true when they say 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'...

Wish the weather would perk up a bit, but there is nothing better than spending a sunday in 'slobbies' as I call them... Today I am sporting denim shorts, burgundy/raspberry Uggs and an oversized shirt! There is no better feeling than been able to put on whatever you fancy and not have to worry about if it looks right or its the right choice for outside! 


Oh well... realised that this blog isn't that informative, but hey-ho! Happy Sunday people


K. 



22 August, 2011

I had a V good weekend...

This weekend, I was a lucky lady and went to V Festival!


Me and Lucy enjoying the Strongbow Tent, hence the headbands! (Im on the right)
For many years I have wanted to go, as Weston Park is only 30 mins away! So this year, a few friends had decided to go, but due to someone not been able to go, I got lucky and was able to get a ticket! Woo Hoo!


So it may not seem my thing to some, as a friend pointed out that there would be mud and crowds, to which I reassured her that after spending many hours mucking out horse fields and having a season ticket at my local football club for 8 years, that I would be ok! 


Hunters at the ready
Off we went bright and early on saturday morning... catching the local bus (yes, I ventured on public transport which I hate, but Survived!), we were in the festival spirit already! 


When we arrived we dawdled up to the arena, and headed in. A short mooch around and bar tokens purchased we headed to our first act, D12! Not my kinda thing, but with such a buzz around, it was hard not to get into the spirit of things! 


This was then followed by Ellie Goulding... more 'Paper Pints'... The Wanted... Another pint... N-Dubz... another pint and some food... A visit to the Strongbow Tent/pub... Good Charlotte... Strongbow tent for a mini rave... Another Pint... then RIHANNA! Who was amaze-balls! Then Eminem (great Set).


Everybody's starry eyed!
Na Na Naaaaaaaiii

So all-in-all it was a pretty amazing day and would definitely like to to go again next year... Bring it on Baby! 

16 August, 2011

Moooo.... My Graze box!

Whilst mooching around Twitter, I had seen Graze been bounced around. 
So been the nosey person I am, I decided to check it out... Intrigued by the choices available and the simplicity of the product, I left it for a while.

So last week, i was feeling peckish and whilst tucking into my pack of raisins, i hoped for something a little more exciting!

So back i went to Graze and placed my first order... I went through the site 'rating what i liked and disliked and low and behold, I received my first Graze box yesterday! 

Stop! Oh yes, Wait a minute Mr. Postman!
Opening up...
My lucky mix!
For ME!!!
As you can see, the packaging is delightful and is made from recycled materials. The first box was free, then my next one will be half price, and then weekly they will cost me £3.49, which I think is extremely reasonable for what you get and the snacks are yummy! 

You can choose to have them as many times a week and delivered to where ever you want. I look forward to my next one already! 


Im off to choose my next box! 


K.





11 August, 2011

A Few of my Favourite Things...

I have a few favourite items I would like to share, these are just a few for August and for the moment. I will most likely forget about most of them within the next few months, but for now... I love 'em!!


Froggy



Now this may look a bit bizarre, but this makes me smile. 

It wiggles from side to side, when its soaked up enough sun! My mom got it for me from a little shop in Ludlow. I also have a mini-monkey, but the frog is cutest. 
It always manages to make me smile, even on a glum and cloudy day!


LadyBug


Again, something childish, but I snuggle this and cant stop messing around with it, because its squidgy! 
My sister bought it me the other day and it has now become my nap companion.

My H&M Scarf


I picked this up from my local H&M for £6.99.
It was all on its own and as soon as i saw it, it was mine!
I had seen a blog talking about the Mulberry scarves, and this reminded me of one. 
So I paired it with a white t-shirt and jeans, and looked summer perfect! 
What i like about scarves, is that they are so versatile and can be worm a million ways throughout the whole year. Keep your eyes out for more new scarves! 

Keeping note of Everything!


I got this a couple of months ago, and keep it in my handbag, so that whenever i need to write something down or make a note, i do so! 
I use it to make lists, write contact details, log job applications... just about everything. 
I got this from Paperchase in Shrewsbury, and what i like about it is that it has different paper types, so some lined, checked or plain, and it also has pockets so i can put things like business cards, receipts or general pieces of paper.
Its also the perfect size for being in my handbag!

Last, but by no means least...

My Mulberry Roxanne


My sister asked if I wanted to go to Cheshire Oaks the other week, and as soon as she said it, my mind was on Mulberry!
So i had some money to spend, and wanted to treat myself for finishing uni... so off we trot and my first point of call was Mulberry shop. So as I ambled round the store, admired what was before me, from messenger bags to purses, I was away with the fairies!
As i walked round, eyeing up what I liked, i was getting to the last shelf... and there before me... Roxanne. 
My first Mulberry purchase was a Mabel in Edinburgh, March 2009. Black, soft leather, perfect size, the younger sister of Roxanne was mine!
Whilst in Edinburgh I had noticed Roxanne, but was out of my price range, so for many years after, my heart still desired a Roxanne. 
As this was the first shop I visited, I wanted to go round the other shops and make sure this was the right thing to do. I had noticed a smaller/cheaper bag I also liked, so I knew i had two options. Looking around, it came down to, I either get Roxanne, or i get the smaller bag and a Michael Kors watch I had also seen. 

But my mind was made up, Roxanne it was. Who said there was no such thing as Love at first sight! 




10 August, 2011

Welcome to Me!

For so long I have wanted to create my own blog, so that i can share my life with lovely people like you.
I have a thing for shopping, travelling and all round gossiping, so nothing out the ordinary, and on here i will share details about recent purchases, things that are on my mind, any updates on my job hunt and general chit chat. 

You may like it, you may not, but have a read and enjoy...

.... Nosey-buggers!

.K.